Kubernetes operators and Helm charts are tools used for deploying and managing applications within Kubernetes clusters. Helm simplifies the deployment and management of Kubernetes resources using templates and version-controlled packages, excelling in scenarios where repeatable deployments and easy upgrades or rollbacks are needed. Operators provide a more sophisticated and automated approach to managing applications by applying operational knowledge throughout their lifetime. Choosing between Helm charts and operators depends on the complexity of the application, its operational requirements, and the need for customization and automation.