Two Different Approaches to Cloud Cost Optimization
Whether you are searching for Kubecost vs SpendZero or SpendZero vs Kubecost, the two tools solve different parts of the cloud cost problem. SpendZero and Kubecost each have genuine strengths — understanding where each kubernetes cost tool excels will help you make the right choice, or decide to use both together.
Kubecost is the industry standard for Kubernetes cost allocation. It provides deep pod-level cost visibility, namespace-level budgets, and cluster efficiency metrics. Its open-source core (OpenCost) gives teams a free, community-backed foundation for K8s cost monitoring. If your infrastructure is entirely Kubernetes, Kubecost is an excellent tool. Common Kubecost limitations include no visibility into non-Kubernetes resources, no detection of idle RDS databases or unattached EBS volumes, and no coverage of Lambda, NAT Gateway, or CloudFront waste.
SpendZero takes a broader approach. It covers 25+ cloud services across AWS and GCP with 37+ automated waste detection checks across compute, storage, database, and network resources. It finds idle EC2 instances, oversized RDS databases, unattached EBS volumes, orphaned snapshots, and waste across services that Kubecost does not see. Most organizations run a mix of K8s and non-K8s resources, and that non-K8s waste often represents a significant portion of total cloud spending.
Two Tools, Two Strengths
A quick look at what each tool focuses on and the type of team it serves best.
SpendZero
Engineering-led multi-cloud cost optimization across the full cloud stack. 37+ automated waste detection checks across 25+ services on AWS and GCP, one-click remediation actions, and a free scan in 5 minutes. Built for DevOps and platform teams that want to stop wasting money across all their cloud resources — not just Kubernetes. Learn more about SpendZero.
Kubecost
The standard for Kubernetes cost monitoring and allocation. Provides pod-level cost visibility, namespace budgets, cluster efficiency metrics, and allocation reports. Open-source core with an enterprise version for multi-cluster support, SSO, and advanced features. Excellent for K8s-native teams, but does not cover non-Kubernetes AWS resources. Visit Kubecost.
Head-to-Head Comparison
A side-by-side look at SpendZero and Kubecost across the capabilities that matter most for cloud cost optimization.
| Feature | SpendZero | Kubecost |
|---|---|---|
| Infrastructure Coverage | 25+ cloud services (AWS & GCP) | Kubernetes only |
| Waste Detection | 37+ automated checks | Pod rightsizing & allocation |
| Kubernetes Support | Yes | Core Focus |
| Non-K8s Resources | EC2, RDS, EBS, Lambda, etc. | No |
| Cost Allocation | Service-level | Namespace & pod-level |
| One-Click Actions | Yes, all services | Limited (Enterprise) |
| Budget Alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-Cluster | Via cloud accounts | Yes (Enterprise) |
| Open Source | No | Yes (OpenCost core) |
| Self-Serve | Yes (Free scan) | Yes (OSS + paid) |
| Pricing | Free scan + affordable | Free OSS + enterprise paid |
| Managed Service | Yes (SquareOps) | No |
When Kubecost Is the Better Choice
Kubecost is an excellent tool, and there are clear scenarios where it is the right pick. Being honest about this matters more than overpromising.
100% Kubernetes Infrastructure
If every workload runs on Kubernetes and you have no standalone EC2 instances, RDS databases, or other non-K8s AWS resources, Kubecost gives you everything you need for cost visibility.
Pod-Level Cost Allocation & Showback
Kubecost provides granular cost allocation at the pod, namespace, and label level — critical for teams that need to charge back costs to internal teams or track per-service spending in K8s. SpendZero's cost allocation is currently at the service level, not the pod level.
Open-Source Foundation (OpenCost)
Kubecost's core is open source (OpenCost), backed by the CNCF. If your organization prefers open-source tools with community transparency and the ability to self-host without vendor lock-in, this is a genuine advantage.
Namespace Budgets & Multi-Cluster Visibility
Kubecost offers detailed budget controls at the namespace and cluster level, plus unified cost visibility across multiple Kubernetes clusters in the enterprise tier — making it straightforward to compare cluster efficiency and allocate costs across a fleet.
When SpendZero Is the Better Choice
SpendZero shines when your cloud infrastructure extends beyond Kubernetes. Here is where it pulls ahead.
Mix of K8s and Non-K8s AWS Resources
Most organizations run Kubernetes alongside standalone EC2 instances, RDS databases, Lambda functions, and other AWS services. Kubecost only sees the K8s portion. SpendZero covers the full picture, ensuring no waste goes undetected.
37+ Automated Checks Across All Services
SpendZero runs 37+ automated checks across EC2, RDS, EBS, ElastiCache, Redshift, Lambda, NAT Gateway, CloudFront, and more on AWS and GCP. This catches idle databases, unattached volumes, orphaned snapshots, and oversized instances that Kubecost simply cannot see.
One-Click Actions Across All Services
SpendZero lets you act on every recommendation directly — terminate idle instances, delete unattached volumes, rightsize databases, clean up snapshots. Kubecost's enterprise tier offers limited actions for pod resizing, but cannot touch non-K8s resources.
Managed FinOps Service
SpendZero is backed by SquareOps managed services. If you want experts to implement optimizations for you rather than just seeing reports, this is a unique advantage. Plus, SpendZero provides a unified view across all cloud cost optimization needs on AWS and GCP.
Key Differences at a Glance
Here is a summary of the most important distinctions between SpendZero and Kubecost to help you decide.
Coverage Scope
SpendZero covers 25+ cloud services across AWS and GCP spanning compute, storage, database, and network. Kubecost covers Kubernetes clusters only.
SpendZero AdvantageDetection & Actions
SpendZero runs 37+ automated waste checks for idle, oversized, and unattached resources with one-click remediation across all services. Kubecost focuses on pod right-sizing with limited actions in the enterprise tier.
SpendZero AdvantageNon-K8s Visibility
SpendZero detects waste in RDS, EBS, ElastiCache, Redshift, NAT Gateway, CloudFront, Lambda, and more. Kubecost has no visibility outside Kubernetes.
SpendZero AdvantageK8s Allocation
Kubecost provides pod-level and namespace-level cost allocation — the best in the industry for K8s. SpendZero offers Kubernetes cost optimization with rightsizing, but Kubecost has deeper pod-level granularity.
Kubecost StrengthOpen Source
Kubecost's core is open source (OpenCost) — a community-backed foundation for K8s cost monitoring. SpendZero is a proprietary SaaS platform with a free scan tier.
Kubecost StrengthManaged Service
SpendZero is backed by SquareOps managed FinOps services for hands-on optimization. Kubecost is a self-service tool only — you implement everything yourself.
SpendZero AdvantageSee What SpendZero Finds Beyond Kubernetes
Run a free scan on your AWS account and discover the waste Kubecost cannot see. No sales call required — results in 5 minutes.
Start Free ScanThe Bottom Line: Kubecost Alternative or Complementary Tool?
As of 2026, Kubecost and SpendZero are both valuable cloud cost tools that serve different needs. Kubecost is a specialist — it does Kubernetes cost allocation and pod-level showback exceptionally well, with an open-source foundation (OpenCost) and strong namespace-level governance.
SpendZero is a generalist — it covers the full cloud stack across AWS and GCP that Kubernetes-focused tools miss. If your cloud waste extends beyond K8s into standalone EC2, RDS, EBS, ElastiCache, Lambda, and NAT Gateway resources (and for most organizations it does), SpendZero provides the broader visibility and automated checks needed to capture the full savings opportunity.
Many teams find that using both tools together delivers the best results: Kubecost for pod-level allocation and namespace budgets, SpendZero for waste detection and one-click remediation across everything else. SpendZero connects via read-only API access and does not conflict with Kubecost.
Either way, you can start a free SpendZero scan in 5 minutes and see exactly what waste lives outside Kubernetes — no commitment required.
