About Talos Linux
Talos Linux is a minimal operating system made only to run Kubernetes nodes. There is no SSH, no shell and no package manager, so each machine is managed through an API.
What it does
Talos Linux replaces a general-purpose Linux install on each node. You configure and upgrade nodes through the API, and the operating system is immutable, which keeps nodes consistent with each other. It boots quickly and has a small footprint, which leaves more room for workloads.
Key features
- Immutable, API-driven operating system
- No SSH, shell or package manager on nodes
- Small footprint of about 100 MB
- CIS-hardened, with mTLS and trusted boot
- Fleet management with Omni in the enterprise tier
Who it's for
Platform teams that run Kubernetes on bare metal, virtual machines or at the edge and want fewer moving parts. It also suits teams that must pass security audits and need a clear record of what runs on each node.
Pricing and good to know
Talos Linux is free and open source under the MPL-2.0 license, with community support. The enterprise tier uses the same code and adds FIPS 140-3 compliant builds, signed build attestations, CVE service levels, 24/7 support and commercial IP indemnity. It is priced per node per year with a ten node minimum.
Highlights
- Immutable OS managed through an API
- No SSH, shell or package manager on nodes
- Small footprint of about 100 MB and quick boot
- CIS-hardened, with mTLS and trusted boot
- Fleet management with Omni in the enterprise tier
