[eatmyshorts]

K3D also mimics a multi-node cluster. K0s, K3s, Rancher Desktop, Minikube, and Docker all run (by default) a single-node cluster. This can be useful when learning about Kubernetes and how it would function in a "real" cluster.

K3s and K0s both operate with control plane components not running in containers. Again, when learning how Kubernetes functions, hiding these control plane components can be counterproductive. However, this also means K0s and K3s require fewer resources than the others, giving you more room to run workloads. Additionally, K3s now supports multi-node clusters and multiple options for etcd, including several options that allow for an HA control plane.

Personally, I am a big fan of Rancher Desktop (K3s under the covers), and on my M1 Mac I find Docker to be the most complete and easiest to use. Docker Desktop is for-pay except for small companies and for open-source projects.