alternatives to
macOS app for running Docker containers, Kubernetes and Linux machines. A closed product from Orbital Labs.
| Tool | Fit | Stars | Licence | Terms | Self-hosted | Language | Latest | Last push |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| container | Partial | 51k | Apache-2.0 | Open source | No | Swift | 1.5.0 | 2026-10-05 |
| Colima | Partial | 31k | MIT | Open source | No | Go | v0.10.3 | 2026-10-02 |
| Lima | Partial | 22k | Apache-2.0 | Open source | No | Go | v2.2.1 | 2026-10-06 |
| Podman Desktop | Partial | 8.1k | Apache-2.0 | Open source | No | TypeScript | v1.29.3 | 2026-10-06 |
| Rancher Desktop | Partial | 7.4k | Apache-2.0 | Open source | No | TypeScript | v1.24.0 | 2026-10-06 |
5 alternatives
A tool for creating and running Linux containers using lightweight virtual machines on a Mac. It is written in Swift, and optimized for Apple silicon.
Containers only, from the command line, without Linux machines or Kubernetes.
Container runtimes on macOS (and Linux) with minimal setup
Runs Docker and Kubernetes in a Lima VM on macOS, from the command line.
Linux virtual machines, with a focus on running containers
Linux VMs for containers on macOS, from the command line.
Podman Desktop is the best free and open source tool to work with Containers and Kubernetes for developers. Get an intuitive and user-friendly interface to effortlessly build, manage, and deploy containers and Kubernetes — all from your desktop.
Manages containers, pods and a local Kubernetes from a GUI, without Linux machines.
Container Management and Kubernetes on the Desktop
Containers and a local Kubernetes on macOS, Windows and Linux.