Bottlerocket
Minimal OS for containers
An open-source Linux operating system built by AWS solely to run containers: minimal, with a read-only root filesystem, and atomic image-based updates that can be rolled back.
- Cost$ Low
- Difficulty●●●●●
- Costs money when idle?No
- Self-managed
Think of it asLike a truck with only a cargo box and all the extra seats removed: lighter and less likely to break down.
When to use it
✓ Use it when
Container nodes for EKS/ECS that need strong security and easy updates.
✗ Avoid it when
You need to install arbitrary software or agents on the host, or run non-container applications → Amazon Linux on EC2.
Common uses
- High-security EKS node groups
- Container instances for ECS
- Reducing the host's attack surface
What does it cost?
- Pricing model: Free; you pay only for the EC2 instance running it.
