In this article, we are going to cover Helm vs Kustomize with Real time Examples.
Kubernetes simplifies container orchestration, but managing deployments at scale requires advanced tools. Helm and Kustomize, two popular options, offer distinct approaches to application deployment. Helm is a package manager for Kubernetes, while Kustomize focuses on declarative configuration management through YAML overlays.
Table of Contents
Difference between Helm and Kustomize
Helm
Helm streamlines Kubernetes application deployment by packaging resources into reusable Helm charts. It emphasizes ease of use with templating and parameterization features.
Kustomize
Kustomize takes a configuration-first approach, emphasizing flexibility through YAML overlays without relying on templating. It’s perfect for managing environment-specific variations.
Helm vs Kustomize with Real time Examples
Helm: Deploying NGINX with Custom Replicas
Scenario: Deploy NGINX with three replicas.
Command:
helm install my-nginx stable/nginx --set replicaCount=3
Outcome:
- Helm deploys NGINX with specified replicas.
- Parameters are easily adjustable using
--set
flags.
Kustomize: Environment-Specific Configurations
Scenario: Customize a deployment for a production environment.
1. Base Configuration (base/deployment.yaml
):

- Contains the core Kubernetes resources.
2. Overlay Configuration (overlays/prod/kustomization.yaml
):

- Links patches to the base configuration.
Patch File (overlays/prod/replicas.yaml
):

- Modifies replica count for production.
Outcome:
- Deployments are tailored for production with minimal redundancy.
Key Differences between Helm vs Kustomize
Feature | Helm | Kustomize |
Philosophy | Templating and packaging | Declarative overlays |
Ease of Use | Quick start with community charts | Simple structure, no templating |
Flexibility | High for templating | High for customization |
Release Tracking | Native support | Not available |
Use Cases of Helm and Kustomize
Helm: Pre-built applications, shared environments, or standardized setups.
Kustomize: Advanced customizations, multi-environment deployments.
Advanced Features of Helm and Kustomize
Helm
- Helm Hooks: Automate lifecycle events.
- Chart Dependencies: Manage nested applications.
- Release Rollbacks: Easily revert deployments.
Kustomize
- Generators: Create ConfigMaps and Secrets automatically.
- Transformers: Modify resources dynamically.
- Environment Overlays: Simplify configurations for different environments.
Real-World Use Case Helm and Kustomize
Scenario: Multi-environment CI/CD pipeline.
Approach:
- Use Helm for base application deployment.
- Apply Kustomize for dev, staging, and production-specific customizations.
Benefits: Centralized Helm charts with environment-specific overlays enhance flexibility and maintainability.
Performance Comparison between Helm vs Kustomize
Helm excels in templating and release tracking, but debugging complex templates can be challenging. Kustomize prioritizes simplicity and customization but lacks pre-built resources and native release management.
Challenges between Helm vs Kustomize
Helm
- Templating complexity for large applications.
- Debugging nested templates can be time-consuming.
- Managing state across environments requires effort.
Kustomize
- Fewer pre-built resources than Helm.
- Manual effort for overlay creation.
- No built-in release tracking.
Hybrid Approach Benefits between Helm vs Kustomize
Combining Helm and Kustomize leverages the best of both tools:
- Helm: Access community charts.
- Kustomize: Customize configurations for specific environments.
Key Considerations between Helm vs Kustomize
- Helm: Ideal for pre-built applications and reusable packages.
- Kustomize: Best for multi-environment setups and custom configurations.
- Combination: Recommended for complex workflows.
Final Comparison Table between Helm vs Kustomize
Feature | Helm | Kustomize | Hybrid Approach |
Packaging | Strong | Limited | Combined benefits |
Customization | Moderate | Strong | Highly flexible |
Ease of Use | Beginner-friendly | Developer-oriented | Balanced |
Conclusion:
Helm simplifies application packaging and deployment, while Kustomize excels in configuration customization. Depending on your project needs, you can choose either or combine both for robust and scalable Kubernetes workflows.
Related Articles:
Kubernetes Customization with Kustomize Components
Reference: