Docker Swarm vs. Kubernetes in 2026

3 hours ago

Docker Swarm has been successfully used in production for 10 years with zero crashes, running 24 containers across two continents at a cost of $166/year.
Kubernetes (K8s) is overkill for 99% of teams, introducing unnecessary complexity and high costs, with 87% of provisioned CPU sitting idle.
The only feature Kubernetes genuinely offers over Swarm is autoscaling, yet half of K8s users don't even utilize it.
A custom autoscaler script for Swarm is provided, which is more adaptive than K8s HPA, checking metrics more frequently as danger approaches.
Swarm's simplicity and efficiency are highlighted with side-by-side YAML comparisons showing Swarm requires significantly less configuration than K8s.
The article debunks common myths about K8s advantages, showing most can be replicated or are unnecessary in Swarm.
Architecture and code efficiency are emphasized as the real solutions to scaling, not complex orchestration tools.
Cost comparison shows Swarm running a live SaaS platform for $166/year vs. typical K8s setups costing thousands annually with high waste.
Swarm is gaining traction among developers who prioritize efficiency and simplicity over unnecessary complexity.
The adoption cycle of K8s is driven by economic incentives rather than pure technical merit, with vendors profiting from its complexity.

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