<p>For a GKE cluster configured with Autopilot, does it make sense to also enable autoscaling?</p>
<p>In the document <a href="https://cloud.google.com/kubernetes-engine/docs/resources/autopilot-standard-feature-comparison" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Compare GKE Autopilot and Standard</a>, it says the auto scaler are optional.</p>
<p>Also <a href="https://cloud.google.com/kubernetes-engine/docs/how-to/node-auto-provisioning#overview" rel="nofollow noreferrer">node auto-provisioning</a> says:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>With Autopilot clusters, you don't need to manually provision nodes or manage node pools because node pools are automatically provisioned through node auto-provisioning. With node auto-provisioning, nodes are automatically scaled to meet the requirements of your workloads.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>EDIT: I am confused between the concepts of autoscaling and auto node provisioning.</p>

<blockquote>
<p>Is it necessary to enable Vertical or Horizontal Pod Autoscaling in
GKE Autopilot Clusters?</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Not necessary, but if using autopilot it's about leveraging the option to scale <strong>nodes</strong> without worry and just you focus on HPA &amp; VPA.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>For a GKE cluster is configured with Autopilot, does it make sense to
also enable autoscaling?</p>
</blockquote>
<p>I think would be <strong>beneficial</strong> to you to enable Autoscaling like <strong>HPA &amp; VPA</strong> with <strong>GKE autopilot</strong> mode if using. You can also go with HPA and Max POD limit to scale.</p>
<p><strong>VPA</strong> would be also good to create small-size <strong>POD</strong> when there is less traffic or resource consumption there, which will be a good factor in <strong>reducing</strong> <strong>cost</strong> also.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>In the document Compare GKE Autopilot and Standard, it says the
autoscalers are optional.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Yes, it's optional but would be good to go initially with <strong>HPA</strong> scaling so if there is any sudden traffic spike will be able to handle it.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Also node auto-provisioning says:</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Yes with Autopilot cluster you don't have to worry about the Ifra part like Node pool setup, size, Node pool's scaling etc. With <strong>autopilot</strong>, you just worry about your application and its scaling with <strong>HPA &amp; VPA</strong>.</p>
<p><strong>HPA</strong> scales the replicas of <strong>POD</strong> as per your setting while if required <strong>Node</strong> <strong>auto-scaled</strong> by Google and get attached to your GKE cluster without setting up <strong>cluster(node) autoscaler</strong> by you.</p>
<p>While with <strong>GKE standard</strong> you have to worry about the size of <strong>Node pool</strong> scaling etc.</p>
