If you’ve tried running MongoDB on Kubernetes, you’ve likely run into some unique challenges. Stateful workloads like replica sets and sharded clusters can be messy in containers, and things that should be easy, like backups, scaling, failovers, and upgrades, suddenly take more time and attention than they should. That’s exactly what good MongoDB Operators are supposed to handle.
The problem? Most of them either skimp on features or hide the good stuff behind expensive enterprise licenses.
In this blog, we’ll show you what a MongoDB Operator should deliver, what’s missing from the options you’re likely considering, and introduce a fully open source solution that provides the automation, security, and flexibility you need without the fine print.
What is a MongoDB operator? Automating database management in Kubernetes
A MongoDB Operator is smart automation software designed specifically for running MongoDB databases within Kubernetes. It acts like a custom controller that understands MongoDB’s specific needs, automating the tricky, time-consuming tasks involved in managing its lifecycle.
Why does this matter? A capable MongoDB Operator simplifies operations by automating core responsibilities like:
- Deploying and configuring complex MongoDB setups (replica sets, sharding).
- Managing automated backups, including essential production features like hot backups and PITR.
- Handling security configurations like TLS encryption.
- Automating scaling operations (adding/removing capacity).
- Orchestrating database upgrades safely.
- Ensuring high availability through automatic failover management.
- Integrating with monitoring systems for better visibility.
However, not all operators are built the same
Now, here’s the catch: just because something calls itself a MongoDB Operator doesn’t mean it can handle production workloads. Some fall short in key areas that only become obvious when something goes wrong.
Here are the most common issues teams run into when relying on less capable Operators:
Paywalled functionality: Some operators lock essential features behind a commercial license. You may need a paid subscription just to access hot backup options, advanced security controls, or centralized management tooling.
Incomplete or basic features: Many community-maintained operators cover the basics, such as initial deployments and simple scaling, but fall short on reliability and automation. Backups may exist, but not with the reliability or flexibility of point-in-time recovery. Scaling might be manual or disruptive. These gaps matter when you’re running production workloads.
Security and compliance gaps: Operators that lack built-in support for TLS, LDAP, or Kerberos can leave security and compliance teams scrambling. Managing certs manually, bolting on external auth systems, or missing audit logging altogether adds risk and operational overhead.
Monitoring blind spots: Operational visibility is non-negotiable in production environments. Without built-in integration to a monitoring stack, like Percona Monitoring and Management (PMM), you’re left assembling your own tooling or flying blind when something goes wrong.
Limited high availability logic: Basic failover support might be in place, but production-grade high availability takes more than restarting a pod. Look for operators that can handle replica set topology changes, recover gracefully, and ensure availability across failure domains.
Comparing MongoDB operator options: What you need to know
When you need to automate MongoDB on Kubernetes, you’ll encounter a few main operator choices. Here’s a quick rundown:
Official MongoDB Operators: Enterprise, Atlas, and Community compared
MongoDB Inc. does offer official Kubernetes Operators, but their most valuable features are often reserved for enterprise users or cloud service subscribers.
MongoDB Atlas Kubernetes Operator: Managing the paid cloud service
- This operator doesn’t manage databases inside your cluster; instead, it lets you provision and manage MongoDB Atlas cloud database instances from your Kubernetes environment using Kubernetes APIs.
- While the operator code is licensed under Apache 2.0, it fundamentally controls Atlas services. Using Atlas beyond its limited free tier requires payment based on usage (compute, storage, data transfer, etc.).
- Leveraging this operator for production workloads inherently involves paying for the underlying Atlas cloud database service.
MongoDB Enterprise Operator: The licensed path
- This operator is designed to manage MongoDB Enterprise Advanced database instances running within your Kubernetes cluster.
- While the operator code itself is generally Apache 2.0 licensed, unlocking its advanced features (like managing specific EA functionalities or integrating deeply with Cloud/Ops Manager) requires a paid MongoDB Enterprise Advanced commercial license.
- Access to these crucial enterprise capabilities is tied directly to that subscription cost. It’s not a practical option if you want advanced automation for Community Edition or wish to avoid the Enterprise Advanced license fees.
MongoDB Community Operator: Limited and less defined
- While the operator software can technically deploy the SSPL-licensed MongoDB Community Edition server, MongoDB Inc. does not position or support this as a distinct ‘Community Operator’ product with feature parity. Key automation, backup capabilities (like reliable PITR), advanced security integrations, and official support often rely on features inherent to the MongoDB Enterprise Advanced server or integration with Ops/Cloud Manager, which requires a commercial subscription.
Looking for a better operator option?
If you’re running into limitations with MongoDB’s official operators, you’re not alone. Many teams end up searching for an operator that actually meets production needs without adding cost or complexity. That’s where Percona comes in.
Percona Operator for MongoDB: Enterprise power, open source freedom
What sets the Percona Operator for MongoDB apart is simple: it delivers the enterprise features your team needs without tying them to a commercial license. Built for production, tested at scale, and fully open source, it gives you automation, security, and control without compromise.
The Operator integrates seamlessly with the Percona ecosystem:
- Deploys and manages Percona Server for MongoDB (an enhanced, fully compatible open source alternative based on MongoDB Community Edition) with enterprise-grade features like LDAP/Kerberos authentication, audit logging, and advanced data-at-rest encryption.
- Handles backups through Percona Backup for MongoDB, enabling automated hot backups and point-in-time recovery
- Connects natively with Percona Monitoring and Management (PMM) for real-time performance insights
Built-in enterprise features include:
- TLS management and secure deployment defaults
- Kerberos and LDAP integration
- Automated backup scheduling
- Smart upgrade handling
- Seamless scaling
- Support for modern deployment practices (Helm, GitOps)
With Percona, you get complete database operations designed for serious workloads, with no vendor lock-in or license key required.
Real-world benefits of the Percona approach
Run anywhere: Deploy on any Kubernetes distribution, including OpenShift, EKS, GKE, AKS, Rancher, or your own self-hosted environment. No special conditions, no lock-in.
Total flexibility: Use your cloud of choice, on-prem infrastructure, or a hybrid setup. The Operator doesn’t impose artificial limitations on how or where you deploy.
No license hurdles: Get access to features like hot backups, point-in-time recovery, TLS, and LDAP without needing a commercial MongoDB license.
Avoid vendor lock-in: Stay in control of your environment. The Percona Operator isn’t tied to any proprietary platform or paid MongoDB product.
Optional expert support: Get 24/7 help from Percona’s MongoDB experts if and when you need it. Support and services available—but never required—to use the software in production.
This is what open source should look like: feature-complete, production-ready, and free from constraints.
Take control of your MongoDB on Kubernetes
If you’re running into roadblocks with scaling, reliability, increasing costs, or licensing restrictions, it’s time for a better option. The Percona Operator for MongoDB gives you the automation you need with the control and cost-predictability your team deserves. Want to learn more? Check out the key reasons to switch below:
7 Reasons to Switch from MongoDB to Percona for MongoDB
