1 Open Source Alternatives to Docker

A list of 1 carefully selected open-source alternatives to Docker.

Adrian
Created by
Adrian
Mar 9, 2025Updated3 min read

The open-source alternatives are ranked based on our custom ranking system and score. This system takes into account various factors to determine the best alternatives.

If you’re looking for alternative features or workflows, here is a prepared detailed list of Docker open-source alternatives — each with its own distinctive strengths and key features.

#1
Podman logo

Podman

25,623
2,539

Podman is a daemonless container and pod management tool that leverages the fastest technologies for a responsive and lightweight experience. It offers a secure and open environment for container orchestration, enabling developers to manage OCI containers with ease.

Podman screenshot

Key Features

  • Daemonless and lightweight architecture
  • Secure rootless container management
  • Compatibility with Docker and OCI-compliant images
  • Kubernetes integration and YAML support
  • User-friendly Podman Desktop for multi-engine management
  • Community-driven with extensive documentation and support
  • Customizable via Ansible Playbooks

Podman provides a comprehensive suite to pull, build, run, and manage containers and pods, both through command-line interface and its Podman Desktop GUI. It supports Docker-compatible formats, Kubernetes YAML generation, and offers integration with popular tools like Visual Studio Code and GitHub Actions. Designed to be secure with rootless containers, it ensures minimal resource usage while delivering high performance.

About Docker

Docker is a leading platform designed to support developers in building, sharing, and running container applications. With Docker, developers can focus on their code while the platform handles the tedious setup. Whether you're an individual developer or part of a Fortune 100 company, Docker offers a comprehensive suite of tools, services, trusted content, and automation to accelerate the delivery of secure applications. With over 20 million monthly developers and 7 million applications, Docker is the trusted choice in the developer community. The platform allows you to quickly spin up new environments, create unique applications with Docker images, and easily integrate with your existing development tools like VS Code, CircleCI, and GitHub. Additionally, Docker ensures consistent application delivery across any environment, from on-premises Kubernetes to cloud platforms like AWS ECS, Azure ACI, and Google GKE. You can securely collaborate and share your work with team members using Docker Hub, which provides access to verified, trusted content from publishers and Docker Official Images. Docker also prioritizes workspace security with image and registry access management, as well as private repositories. Whether you're new to containers or an experienced developer, Docker provides the versatility and simplicity you need. Connect with the Docker community through meetups, Slack, and Discourse to gain insights and peer support. You can also participate in Docker's open-source program to contribute to non-commercial projects. Docker's reputable partnerships ensure that you can seamlessly integrate with your preferred development pipeline, whether it's local or in the cloud. Their connections with Amazon EKS, Microsoft Azure, JFrog Artifactory, and many other tools simplify the development process for multi-container applications. To get started, download Docker for Mac, Windows, or Linux and explore the array of developer tools available. Containerize your first app with the step-by-step guide and then share it on Docker Hub. Choose the Docker subscription that suits your collaboration, security, and support needs. Join millions of developers worldwide who trust and rely on Docker to accelerate their application development journey. Improve productivity, streamline workflows, and ensure consistent delivery with Docker's reliable platform.
This comparison data was compiled with AI assistance.
Docker logo

Docker

Docker helps developers bring their ideas to life by conquering the complexity of app development. Actively used by millions of developers around the world, Docker Desktop and Docker Hub provide unmatched simplicity, agility and choice.

Founded

2013

Employees

501

Location

San Francisco, United States

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