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G2 recognized Kubernetes Engine
Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE)

By Google

4.5 out of 5 stars

How would you rate your experience with Kubernetes Engine?

Share your insights with Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE)

Thousands of people like you come to G2 to find out whether solutions like Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) are the right fit for them. Share your real experiences with Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) and the G2 community and help someone make the right decision about their software.

Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) Pros and Cons: Top Advantages and Disadvantages

Quick AI Summary Based on G2 Reviews

Generated from real user reviews

Users find GKE to be easy to use, with a smooth setup and seamless integration with Google Cloud services. (25 mentions)
Users love the seamless integration with Google Cloud services and appreciate the excellent support provided by the Google community. (23 mentions)
Users benefit from the auto-scaling feature of GKE, enhancing performance and reducing manual intervention. (20 mentions)
Users value the ease of integration with other GCP services, enhancing application deployment and management. (19 mentions)
Users value the seamless scalability of GKE, enabling smooth operations during peak traffic without manual input. (19 mentions)
Users appreciate the easy deployment of Google Kubernetes Engine, facilitating quick implementation of containerized applications. (17 mentions)
Users find GKE expensive, especially regarding GPU node pricing and complex cost management challenges. (14 mentions)
Users find GKE's complexity challenging due to its complicated UI and limited control options. (8 mentions)
Users express frustration with the poor customer support from GKE, which hinders timely issue resolution. (8 mentions)
Users find the difficult learning curve of Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) challenging, especially for novices in container orchestration. (6 mentions)
Users find the learning curve steep, making it challenging for newcomers to navigate Google Kubernetes Engine effectively. (6 mentions)
Users desire more control over deployment processes with GKE due to reliance on Google's platform and limited visibility. (5 mentions)

Top Pros or Advantages of Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE)

1. Ease of Use
Users find GKE to be easy to use, with a smooth setup and seamless integration with Google Cloud services.
See 25 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Rohit Singh M.
RM

Rohit Singh M.

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"Reliable, Scalable, and Easy-to-Manage Kubernetes Platform"

What do you like about Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE)?

I’ve been using Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) regularly, and it’s been a really smooth experience. Setting up clusters and deploying containerized ap

Rachmat H.
RH

Rachmat H.

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

5.0/5

"GKE based on its key features and benefits"

What do you like about Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE)?

1. Managed Kubernetes: GKE abstracts the underlying infrastructure, making it easier to deploy and manage Kubernetes clusters. Google takes care of cl

2. Features
Users love the seamless integration with Google Cloud services and appreciate the excellent support provided by the Google community.
See 23 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Verified User
A

Verified User

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

4.5/5

"Good experience using GKE"

What do you like about Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE)?

GKE manages kubernetes control plane. It makes easier for team to work on deployinh applications and manage application only. GKE kube support is good

GJ

Gurunath J.

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"Google Kubernetes Engine Review"

What do you like about Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE)?

It is one of the best tools on Google cloud. It is simple to implement and easy to use. It has some great features like in built security, container o

3. Auto-scaling
Users benefit from the auto-scaling feature of GKE, enhancing performance and reducing manual intervention.
See 20 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Noman S.
NS

Noman S.

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

4.0/5

"My company deployed more than 300 services on the kubernetes"

What do you like about Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE)?

Auto scalability , you don't need manual input

Anup Y.
AY

Anup Y.

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

4.0/5

"GKE Review"

What do you like about Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE)?

- Auto-upgrade of GKE version (if enabled) - GKE add-ons like dnscache, istio etc - Easy to provision GKE cluster - Easy to implement via terraform

4. Integrations
Users value the ease of integration with other GCP services, enhancing application deployment and management.
See 19 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Rohit Singh M.
RM

Rohit Singh M.

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"Reliable, Scalable, and Easy-to-Manage Kubernetes Platform"

What do you like about Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE)?

I’ve been using Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) regularly, and it’s been a really smooth experience. Setting up clusters and deploying containerized ap

Verified User
A

Verified User

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

4.5/5

"Good experience using GKE"

What do you like about Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE)?

GKE manages kubernetes control plane. It makes easier for team to work on deployinh applications and manage application only. GKE kube support is good

5. Scalability
Users value the seamless scalability of GKE, enabling smooth operations during peak traffic without manual input.
See 19 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Rohit Singh M.
RM

Rohit Singh M.

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"Reliable, Scalable, and Easy-to-Manage Kubernetes Platform"

What do you like about Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE)?

I’ve been using Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) regularly, and it’s been a really smooth experience. Setting up clusters and deploying containerized ap

SAURABH A.
SA

SAURABH A.

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

5.0/5

"GKE in e-commerce platform"

What do you like about Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE)?

GKE simplifies the deployment of containerized services such as user authentication, inventory tracking, and order processing. It allows seamless scal

6. Easy Deployment
Users appreciate the easy deployment of Google Kubernetes Engine, facilitating quick implementation of containerized applications.
See 17 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Verified User
A

Verified User

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

4.5/5

"Good experience using GKE"

What do you like about Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE)?

GKE manages kubernetes control plane. It makes easier for team to work on deployinh applications and manage application only. GKE kube support is good

Anup Y.
AY

Anup Y.

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

4.0/5

"GKE Review"

What do you like about Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE)?

- Auto-upgrade of GKE version (if enabled) - GKE add-ons like dnscache, istio etc - Easy to provision GKE cluster - Easy to implement via terraform

Top Cons or Disadvantages of Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE)

1. Expensive
Users find GKE expensive, especially regarding GPU node pricing and complex cost management challenges.
See 14 mentions

See Related User Reviews

THANUSH T.
TT

THANUSH T.

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

4.0/5

"Detailed Review On "Google Cloud""

What do you dislike about Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE)?

The things I dont like about google cloud and feel it as a downside is, Trying to integrate any third part application or software to is very difficul

Osanda G.
OG

Osanda G.

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

4.0/5

"Best Kubernetes Solution in Market"

What do you dislike about Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE)?

GPU Node availability and pricing. This is expensive that EKS.

2. Complexity
Users find GKE's complexity challenging due to its complicated UI and limited control options.
See 8 mentions

See Related User Reviews

SAURABH A.
SA

SAURABH A.

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

5.0/5

"GKE in e-commerce platform"

What do you dislike about Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE)?

I have faced issue with the complexity, limited control and Occasional service disruptions.

Yuvaraj P.
YP

Yuvaraj P.

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

4.0/5

"GKE VS EKS"

What do you dislike about Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE)?

It's more complex and secondly the pricing, it is slightly expensive than EKS or it's other counterparts. Also if you ever decide to switch to anothe

3. Poor Customer Support
Users express frustration with the poor customer support from GKE, which hinders timely issue resolution.
See 8 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Rohit Singh M.
RM

Rohit Singh M.

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"Reliable, Scalable, and Easy-to-Manage Kubernetes Platform"

What do you dislike about Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE)?

Customer support is generally helpful, though complex networking or ingress issues can sometimes take a bit longer to resolve. Implementation isn’t e

Ben K.
BK

Ben K.

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

5.0/5

"GKE is so much better than the competition"

What do you dislike about Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE)?

Support sucks for all the cloud vendors, including Google.

4. Difficult Learning
Users find the difficult learning curve of Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) challenging, especially for novices in container orchestration.
See 6 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Verified User
U

Verified User

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"Effortless Container Orchestration with Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE)"

What do you dislike about Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE)?

The learning curve for beginners can be steep, and navigating the intricacies of Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) settings may pose a challenge for thos

Kelly B.
KB

Kelly B.

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

4.0/5

"My experience with container orchestration has been simplified"

What do you dislike about Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE)?

There are some areas that could benefit from improvement. The learning curve can be steep for those new to Kubernetes, and although Google provides ex

5. Learning Curve
Users find the learning curve steep, making it challenging for newcomers to navigate Google Kubernetes Engine effectively.
See 6 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Verified User
U

Verified User

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

5.0/5

"Effortless Container Orchestration with Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE)"

What do you dislike about Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE)?

The learning curve for beginners can be steep, and navigating the intricacies of Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) settings may pose a challenge for thos

Verified User
U

Verified User

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

4.5/5

"Effortless Deployment and Management with GKE"

What do you dislike about Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE)?

GKE handles scaling and reliability easily but it's not very simple for the new users.

6. Lack of Control
Users desire more control over deployment processes with GKE due to reliance on Google's platform and limited visibility.
See 5 mentions

See Related User Reviews

Anup Y.
AY

Anup Y.

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

4.0/5

"GKE Review"

What do you dislike about Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE)?

- We can't add custom VM in existing GKE cluster - We can have only one instance type in a node pool, it would be good if we can specify different in

SAURABH A.
SA

SAURABH A.

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

5.0/5

"GKE in e-commerce platform"

What do you dislike about Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE)?

I have faced issue with the complexity, limited control and Occasional service disruptions.

Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) Reviews (257)

Reviews

Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) Reviews (257)

4.5
257 reviews
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G2 reviews are authentic and verified.
Vishal J.
VJ
Software Developer
Information Technology and Services
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
"The Gold Standard for Managed Kubernetes: Reliability, Scale, and Autopilot Power"
What do you like best about Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE)?

What I like best is the operational simplicity achieved through its managed service. GKE practically invented Kubernetes, and that expertise shows - the platform automates the maintenance, scaling, and patching of the control plane and underlying worker nodes. We leverage Autopilot mode heavily, which frees our developers from almost all infrastructure concerns, allowing them to focus purely on application code and deployment configuration. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE)?

The main detractor is the perceived complexity and cost, particularly for smaller workloads. While GKE simplifies the infrastructure, the underlying Kubernetes concepts are still necessary, creating a steep learning curve for junior team members. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Rohit Singh M.
RM
Cloud Engineer
Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)
"Reliable, Scalable, and Easy-to-Manage Kubernetes Platform"
What do you like best about Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE)?

I’ve been using Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) regularly, and it’s been a really smooth experience. Setting up clusters and deploying containerized applications is straightforward, and the integration with other GCP services like Cloud Build, Artifact Registry, and Cloud Operations makes everything work seamlessly.

GKE takes care of scaling, upgrades, and node management, which saves a lot of operational effort. Features like Workload Identity and Autopilot mode make cluster management more secure and easier to handle. Performance has been solid, even for fairly large workloads.

Overall, GKE is flexible, reliable, and well-suited for both dev and production environments. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE)?

Customer support is generally helpful, though complex networking or ingress issues can sometimes take a bit longer to resolve.

Implementation isn’t entirely straightforward, as you need to carefully plan networking and IP CIDRs for pods and services before finalizing the setup. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

GJ
Search Engine Marketing Specialist
Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)
"Google Kubernetes Engine Review"
What do you like best about Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE)?

It is one of the best tools on Google cloud. It is simple to implement and easy to use. It has some great features like in built security, container orchestration and complete management of Kubernetes. Google provides the best customer support. I have been using it frequently for the past 1 year. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE)?

It has been a great tool for me and right now I do not have any dislikes. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

DP
ETL Developer
Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)
"Review on google kubernetes engine"
What do you like best about Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE)?

Once basic knowledge you get the installation is easy. Connecting other services like cloud sql,big query etc ... are easy. I use regularly as my apps are deployed in it. Easy in oragnizing multiple apps which helps me control and track at single go. Customer support is already available in form of documents regarding error and community supports generally resolve the issue. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE)?

Needs training as its not biggner friendly completely. Sometimes cost can riseup and during upgrades i face little issues. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Verified User in Computer Software
UC
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
"Effortless Deployment and Management with GKE"
What do you like best about Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE)?

I like GKE because it is very easy to deploy and manage the containerzied services. It spin up pods for the workloads whenever we update the code on github. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE)?

GKE handles scaling and reliability easily but it's not very simple for the new users. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

THANUSH T.
TT
Artificial intelligence Engineer | AI & ML
Computer Software
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
"Detailed Review On "Google Cloud""
What do you like best about Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE)?

There are many things that i like about Google cloud. It provides powerful AI tools and applications like vertex AI which is bit popular, and it provides a large network of data centers also. I find google cloud a bit cost effective compared to AWS and Azure.It is also good in security and privacy as in provides encryption.The user friendly interface makes the google cloud easy to use.Implementing is also not so difficult.I use this cloud platform regulary to track the usage and analyse it. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE)?

The things I dont like about google cloud and feel it as a downside is, Trying to integrate any third part application or software to is very difficult and sometimes not possible and even though it is cost effective the pricing model is very complex ,so that it will be very difficult to estimate the price.I also feel it has less resources and not so good customer support compared to other cloud providers like AWS and Azure. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Asim S.
AS
Software Engineer I
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
"A reliable cloud platform"
What do you like best about Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE)?

I have used multiple Google Cloud services, be it there Compute Engine, Firestore and the Kubernetes Engine. I really like how easy it is to spin up a machine and deploy your application and User Interface is quite simple and straightforward. I had also used other Cloud Platforms but what impressed me was the BigQuery and how it makes data analysis on massive data so fast and simple. I have used Firestore services like Storage and Realtime database for my app developments, and like how smoothly they integrate and interact. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE)?

I strongly believe that they should increase the time for the free tier, so that users get more time to look and try services and then lock them out. Some services also lack the level of regional availability compared to competitors like AWS. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

ZN
Project Engineer
Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)
"Google Cloud Insights: Strengths and Shortcomings"
What do you like best about Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE)?

I have been working with Google Cloud for the past two years and have used this platform to setup the infrastructure as per the business needs. Managing VMs, Databases, Kubernetes Clusters, Containerization etc played a significant role in considering it.The pay as you go cloud concept in Google Cloud is way better than its competitors although at some point you might find it getting out of the way if you are managing a giant infra. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE)?

I have been using google cloud from the past two years and have encountered some issue while working with it. The deployment of VMs are handy but glitchy at the same time. I have faced latency and lags in various different scenarios while working with this platform. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Pradumna S.
PS
Open Source Developer
Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
"All in one user-friendly cloud platform"
What do you like best about Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE)?

I like the simplicity and ease of use from a UI standpoint. From the main dashboard, we can easily trigger a VM to become a full-fledged Kubernetes cluster on GKE, which isn’t the case with other providers. Another feature I appreciate is the “Solutions” sidebar, which provides a great overview of available services for different purposes—even for users who might not be familiar with them.

From a CLI perspective, I like the RBAC functionality. Another strong point is its support for a variety of integrations. Additionally, customer support is excellent, especially when dealing with technical or billing-related issues. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE)?

Nothing. One thing I would love to see is an option to automatically provision an external load balancer when configuring an ingress controller like NGINX in Kubernetes. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Verified User in Telecommunications
UT
Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)
"GKE Review"
What do you like best about Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE)?

GKE makes life easier by handling a ton of the heavy lifting (like auto-scaling and rolling updates) so I can focus more on building cool stuff instead of babysitting infrastructure. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE)?

GKE can get pricey fast, especially when you start layering on features like Autopilot or using lots of regional clusters. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

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