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Google Kubernetes Engine Reviews

Vendor: Google
4.0 out of 5
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What is Google Kubernetes Engine?

Kubernetes Engine is a managed, production-ready environment for deploying containerized applications. It brings our latest innovations in developer productivity, resource efficiency, automated operations, and open source flexibility to accelerate your time to market.

Get the Google Kubernetes Engine Buyer's Guide and find out what your peers are saying about Google Kubernetes Engine, VMware Tanzu Platform, Red Hat OpenShift Container Platform and more!
Google Kubernetes Engine is the #10 ranked solution in Container Management software. PeerSpot users give Google Kubernetes Engine an average rating of 8.0 out of 10. Google Kubernetes Engine is most commonly compared to VMware Tanzu Platform: Google Kubernetes Engine vs VMware Tanzu Platform. Google Kubernetes Engine is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 70% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a financial services firm, accounting for 24% of all views.
Buyer's Guide
Google Kubernetes Engine
May 2025
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Google Kubernetes Engine mindshare

As of May 2025, the mindshare of Google Kubernetes Engine in the Container Management category stands at 2.1%, down from 3.0% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Container Management

PeerResearch reports based on Google Kubernetes Engine reviews

TypeTitleDate
CategoryContainer ManagementMay 20, 2025Download
ProductReviews, tips, and advice from real usersMay 20, 2025Download
ComparisonGoogle Kubernetes Engine vs Red Hat OpenShift Container PlatformMay 20, 2025Download
ComparisonGoogle Kubernetes Engine vs Amazon EKSMay 20, 2025Download
ComparisonGoogle Kubernetes Engine vs VMware Tanzu PlatformMay 20, 2025Download
Suggested products
TitleRatingMindshareRecommending
VMware Tanzu Platform4.013.8%100%22 interviewsAdd to research
Red Hat OpenShift Container Platform4.222.1%96%50 interviewsAdd to research
 
 
Key learnings from peers

Valuable Features

Google Kubernetes Engine offers valuable features such as horizontal scaling of applications, easy deployment and management, multi-cloud support, and automatic scaling for load management. Users benefit from managed services, integrated tools, and enhanced security. The platform's user-friendly interface provides superior ease of use compared to AWS. It simplifies infrastructure management and supports effective configuration, container deployment, and monitoring, ultimately improving scalability, maintaining performance, and enabling faster machine learning processes.
  • "I rate Google Kubernetes Engine a ten out of ten."
  • "I highly recommend it to others due to its comprehensive features and cost-effectiveness for various company sizes."
  • "The most valuable aspect of Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) is its managed nature, which significantly reduces the burden on our platform team."

Room for Improvement

Google Kubernetes Engine requires enhancements in security, user interface simplicity, and documentation clarity. Users seek better cluster tool integration and a more intuitive dashboard. The management of IAM roles and third-party integrations needs review. Improved support and cost-effectiveness are desired. Enhancing backup systems, visualization, and monitoring features is important. Sequential cluster upgrades and auto-scaling should be simplified. Users expect more robust application-level security measures baked into the platform to ensure enterprise-grade functionality.
  • "I have created a couple of issues with Google tech support, and I am not satisfied with the assistance I received."
  • "The management UI could be improved. When looking at the web interface, it feels kind of slow due to the many features involved."
  • "The management UI could be improved."

ROI

Google Kubernetes Engine is seen as valuable, particularly for startups, though its expenses can accumulate. Users have experienced financial benefits, citing cost-effectiveness and enhanced productivity. Integration with various cloud platforms is noted for flexibility. While some report positive returns and operational efficiency, others mention the need for better return on investment among competitors. Savings in time and resources are evident, yet for some, measuring precise financial outcomes is challenging.

Pricing

Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) pricing is primarily based on compute resources, including CPU, RAM, and optional GPUs, with pay-as-you-go and subscription plans. While GKE offers flexibility and competitive pricing compared to AWS, costs can be high for small deployments and regional clusters due to redundancy needs. Without licensing fees, GKE remains a favorable choice for enterprises, though expenses rise with features and regional availability, challenging budget-conscious users seeking optimal control and scalability.
  • "The tool's licensing costs are yearly."
  • "Initially, Google Kubernetes Engine was a little bit cheaper, but now its prices have been increased compared to the pricing model and the features that are made available by its competitors."
  • "I rate the product's price a six on a scale of one to ten, where one is low price and ten is high price. The product is competitively priced."

Popular Use Cases

Google Kubernetes Engine is utilized for deploying and hosting applications, managing microservices, and orchestrating Docker containers. They leverage it for CICD pipelines, migrating to cloud environments, and handling data workloads. Many focus on AI model deployment, SaaS applications, and scaling. Users utilize Google Kubernetes Engine for security and observability, integrating it with tools like Terraform. It efficiently manages clusters and supports varied industries, including healthcare, education, and business applications, facilitating smooth transformations from monolithic to microservice architectures.

Service and Support

Customer interactions with Google Kubernetes Engine support vary. Some users find it satisfactory, while others highlight delays in response time. Technical teams often resolve issues independently without needing support. Certain users utilize forums or Google's resources to address concerns. While some find customer service effective, others believe there's room for improvement compared to competitors. AI support has been beneficial for configuration validation and cost estimation. Overall feedback suggests mixed experiences in terms of efficiency and accessibility.

Deployment

Users found Google Kubernetes Engine's initial setup generally easy, with some complexities, particularly in network configurations and integrations. Many appreciated automation tools like Terraform, noting a quick deployment but acknowledged the need for knowledge of Kubernetes and network engineering. Some faced issues during complex setups, especially regarding security configurations. Users utilized DevOps expertise to streamline processes and enhance understanding, citing a learning curve for effectively managing the infrastructure. Despite ease, challenges persist in ensuring secure deployment.

Scalability

Google Kubernetes Engine excels in scalability, supporting extensive horizontal and vertical scaling. It is often highlighted for its ease of use and ability to automatically adjust resources, which enhances its application across various use cases like machine learning. Users frequently rate its scaling capabilities highly, acknowledging its flexible adaptation to growing demands. The platform's seamless performance in managing scaling tasks automates much of the workload, proving efficient for both small and large enterprises.

Stability

Users collectively report that Google Kubernetes Engine is notably stable, often rating its stability between eight and ten out of ten. Some describe it as extremely stable with few issues, while others mention occasional difficulties in complex deployments. Google Kubernetes Engine is praised for its updates and scalability, contributing to a consistent and reliable experience across multiple clouds, though some edge cases may present challenges.
These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.
Download our Google Kubernetes Engine Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers
By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews
Financial Services Firm
24%
Computer Software Company
13%
Retailer
8%
Manufacturing Company
6%
Media Company
6%
Healthcare Company
5%
University
4%
Comms Service Provider
4%
Government
3%
Educational Organization
3%
Real Estate/Law Firm
3%
Insurance Company
3%
Construction Company
2%
Recreational Facilities/Services Company
2%
Energy/Utilities Company
2%
Individual & Family Service
2%
Logistics Company
1%
Hospitality Company
1%
Performing Arts
1%
Transportation Company
1%
Wellness & Fitness Company
1%
Non Profit
1%
Pharma/Biotech Company
1%

Compare Google Kubernetes Engine with alternative products

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Learn more about Google Kubernetes Engine

Google Kubernetes Engine was previously known as GKE.

Google Kubernetes Engine customers

Philips Lighting, Alpha Vertex, GroupBy, BQ

Related questions

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Google Kubernetes Engine reviews

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RT
Director at Taotesting
Verified user of Google Kubernetes Engine
Mar 13, 2025
Focus exclusively on product development with helpful plugins and strong security posture

Pros

"I rate Google Kubernetes Engine a ten out of ten."

Cons

"I have created a couple of issues with Google tech support, and I am not satisfied with the assistance I received."

What is our primary use case?

We deploy using a microservice architecture based on assessment technology. We have a web server application running, and we deploy all our infrastructure using Config Connector to standardize how we create Google Cloud Platform resources.

What is most valuable?

What I find most valuable is the ability to focus solely on my product without worrying about the Kubernetes infrastructure itself. The plugins incorporated into Google Kubernetes Engine over the years, such as Prometheus-managed metrics, are extremely useful. Other valuable features include node auto-provisioning, a strong security posture, and integration with various Google Cloud Platform services, such as the metrics exporter for prices.
*Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Read full review (521 words)
Immánuel Fodor - PeerSpot user
Product Manager at a tech vendor with 11-50 employees
Verified user of Google Kubernetes Engine
Dec 4, 2024
The auto-scaling feature ensures that we only use resources when needed

Pros

"The most valuable aspect of Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) is its managed nature, which significantly reduces the burden on our platform team. "

Cons

"The management UI could be improved. "

What is our primary use case?

We use Google Cloud's storage because our solution needs persistent storage. The application itself runs in Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) where we run containers that require some form of storage to store their data, such as databases and uploaded files.

How has it helped my organization?

It allows for cost optimization. Our product must handle varying loads effectively, and the auto-scaling feature ensures that we only use resources when needed, aiding both in performance and cost savings.

*Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Read full review (402 words)
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Abhilash Gopidas - PeerSpot user
Deployment Manager at HealthEdge Software, Inc.
Verified user of Google Kubernetes Engine
Mar 21, 2024
The auto-scaling feature helps during peak hours, but the support is not great

Pros

"The product has no downtime."

Cons

"The notifications are not informative."

What is our primary use case?

We use the solution for running microservices for different healthcare workflows like authorization claims and adjudication with no downtime and to do continuous deployments.

How has it helped my organization?

Earlier, we used an on-premise solution, so we faced downtimes. It was a monolithic architecture. Google Kubernetes Engine provides no downtime deployments. Everything is scaled well.

*Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Reseller
Read full review (412 words)
Dinesh-Patil - PeerSpot user
Consultant at a manufacturing company with 10,001+ employees
Verified user of Google Kubernetes Engine
Jul 24, 2023
Good control plane management and seamless integration capabilities

Pros

"Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) takes care of managing Kubernetes, including the main control plane. It also offers solutions for monitoring resources and handling external traffic, which is essential for us. Being a cloud-native solution, it relieves us from worrying about these operational aspects."

Cons

"There is room for improvement in the cluster updates process. Specifically, when managing both non-production and production clusters, we need a sequential functionality. "

What is our primary use case?

We primarily use Google Kubernetes Engine for hosting applications. We use it for hosting our microservices-based applications.

How has it helped my organization?

Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) takes care of managing Kubernetes, including the main control plane. It also offers solutions for monitoring resources and handling external traffic, which is essential for us. Being a cloud-native solution, it relieves us from worrying about these operational aspects. Specifically, I can use infrastructure-as-code with tools like Terraform to provision clusters efficiently. Additionally, GKE enables us to use GitOps for application deployment.

*Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Read full review (708 words)
Rakesh-Tomar - PeerSpot user
Consultant at HSBC
Verified user of Google Kubernetes Engine
Nov 13, 2024
Easy to understand with functional cluster management and improved log accessibility

Pros

"Its functionalities, such as computing the namespaces, clusters, pods, and restart logs, are easy to use."

Cons

"Log observability could be made easier so someone from high school can use it without having technological expertise."

What is our primary use case?

I use it for my company, Enterprise Solutions, to host our applications and gateway.

How has it helped my organization?

GCP is easy to use, which benefits newcomers, even those without a technological background.

*Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Read full review (175 words)
Yossi Shmulevitch - PeerSpot user
Owner at SoftContact
Verified user of Google Kubernetes Engine
Jun 21, 2023
A highly scalable and stable solution to handle workloads of big data

Pros

"We used automation for the initial setup. It was okay. So it wasn't too complex."

Cons

"One of the things I missed a bit is the visibility and availability of solutions. If I compare it to a different solution, it is a bit behind."

What is our primary use case?

We use this solution to handle big data workloads in that specific NGK.

What is most valuable?

The solution is the latest and greatest. It has everything in it. You can have service and everything that you need.

*Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Read full review (629 words)
Javad_Talebi - PeerSpot user
Cloud architect at Vodafone
Verified user of Google Kubernetes Engine
Apr 3, 2024
Offers auto-scaling feature, good AI support assistance and ensures zero downtime

Pros

"Stability is perfect for me. "

Cons

"The pricing could be more competitive. It should be cheaper. "

What is our primary use case?

It is good for testing and training purposes. 

In terms of integration with other Google Cloud services, I use specific patterns like event-driven architectures or middleware solutions such as Kafka for system integration.

How has it helped my organization?

In my experience, GKE is a good platform for managing microservices on the cloud. It allows you to easily deploy and manage containers with databases.

*Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Read full review (645 words)
Tichaona Gandhle - PeerSpot user
Chief Technology Director at Mayhem Shield
Verified user of Google Kubernetes Engine
Sep 22, 2023
A highly scalable and simple-to-use solution that can be used for containerizing

Pros

"The most valuable feature of Google Kubernetes Engine is how you can automatically scale and load balance."

Cons

"Google Kubernetes Engine's cost should be improved because it is high."

What is our primary use case?

We use Google Kubernetes Engine, usually for containerizing.

How has it helped my organization?

Google Kubernetes Engine has helped our organization to deploy classes faster.

*Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Read full review (360 words)