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Software · head to head

Helm vs PartyKit

H

Helm

Software

The package manager for Kubernetes

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
PartyKit logo

PartyKit

Software

Platform for building and deploying realtime multiplayer servers on the edge

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Helm licensed under Apache License 2.0 per the project's GitHub repository (helm/helm LICENSE); as open source software it has no paid tier or vendor price to compare; PartyKit documentation and FAQ material on the marketing site is sparse compared to larger realtime platforms.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Helm and PartyKit actually diverge.

Attributes where Helm and PartyKit differ
AttributeHelmPartyKit
Pricing modelopen-sourcefreemium
PlatformsWebweb, api

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Helm

Nothing recorded that PartyKit does not also cover.

Only in PartyKit

  • Stateful edge servers
  • WebSocket-first API
  • CRDT library compatibility
  • Framework integrations
  • Global edge deployment
  • Custom domains

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Helm

No use cases recorded yet. See the Helm review.

PartyKit

  • Multiplayer collaborative appsnot Helm
  • Realtime AI agent backendsnot Helm
  • Live cursors and presencenot Helm
  • Collaborative whiteboards and documentsnot Helm

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Helm

  • Licensed under Apache License 2.0 per the project's GitHub repository (helm/helm LICENSE); as open source software it has no paid tier or vendor price to compare
  • Contributors must sign commits under the Developer Certificate of Origin to have them accepted, per helm.sh, a process requirement not all Kubernetes tools impose

PartyKit

  • Documentation and FAQ material on the marketing site is sparse compared to larger realtime platforms.
  • Commercial free tier requires deploying to the user's own Cloudflare account, adding setup complexity.
  • Storage on the free Individual plan clears every 24 hours, limiting it to prototyping rather than persistent production data.
  • Smaller ecosystem and community than more established realtime infrastructure providers.

Pricing, plan by plan

Helm

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Helm review.

PartyKit

Free
  • IndividualFree
    • Up to 10 live projects
    • Deploy to the global edge platform
    • Storage clears every 24 hours
  • CommercialFree
    • Unlimited projects
    • Custom domains
    • Runs on your own Cloudflare account; pay only Cloudflare usage

Which should you pick?

Choose Helm if

  • You want to start without paying.
Helm review

Choose PartyKit if

  • You need stateful edge servers.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on web, api.
  • You also want websocket-first api.
PartyKit review

Questions people ask

Is Helm or PartyKit better?
Neither clearly leads. Helm starts at Free and PartyKit at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Helm or PartyKit?
Helm starts at Free and PartyKit at Free.
Does Helm or PartyKit run on more platforms?
Helm runs on Web. PartyKit runs on web, api.
Can I use Helm for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What can Helm do that PartyKit cannot?
PartyKit covers Stateful edge servers, WebSocket-first API, CRDT library compatibility, Framework integrations.
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