17 Best Docker Alternatives Reviewed in 2025
Best Docker Alternatives Shortlist
Here’s my shortlist of the best Docker alternatives.
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
Finding the right tool for your team can be tricky in the world of containerization and virtualization. For instance, you might look beyond Docker due to scalability, security, or specific compliance concerns. These challenges can hinder your workflow and impact your business goals.
I've evaluated the top Docker alternatives, focusing on what sets each apart. I aim to help you find a solution for your team’s unique needs.
In this article, you'll discover my top picks, each offering distinct features that could address your gaps with Docker. I’m here to guide you through these options, ensuring you make an informed choice that aligns with your objectives.
Need expert help selecting the right tool?
With one-on-one help, we guide you to your top software options. Narrow down your software search & make a confident choice.
What Is Docker?
Docker is a containerization and virtualization platform for running applications in isolated environments. It's commonly used by developers, IT professionals, and DevOps teams to simplify application deployment and management.
Features like container portability, quick setup, and resource efficiency help with scalability, security, and compliance needs. Overall, Docker provides a flexible way to manage application environments efficiently.
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Best Docker Alternatives Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top Docker alternative selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Singularity Singularity runs containers for scientific and HPC workloads securely. | Best for high-performance computing | Not available | Free plan available | Website |
| 2 |  Kaniko Kaniko builds container images in Kubernetes without a Docker daemon. | Best for daemonless builds | Not available | Free plan available | Website |
| 3 |  CRI-O CRI-O is a lightweight runtime for running containers in Kubernetes. | Best for Kubernetes integration | Not available | Free plan available | Website |
| 4 |  Kata Containers Kata Containers merges VMs and containers for secure, efficient workloads. | Best for VM-level security | Free plan available | Free plan available | Website |
| 5 |  runc runc is a lightweight runtime for running OCI-compliant containers. | Best for OCI compliance | Not available | Free plan available | Website |
| 6 |  Rancher Rancher simplifies Kubernetes management across multiple clusters. | Best for multi-cluster management | Trial 1-liner | Free plan available | Website |
| 7 |  Firecracker Firecracker runs microVMs for secure, efficient serverless workloads. | Best for microVM efficiency | Not available | Free plan available | Website |
| 8 |  Buildah Buildah creates OCI container images without a full runtime or daemon. | Best for building images without daemons | Not available | Free plan available | Website |
| 9 |  LXC/LXD LXC/LXD runs Linux containers for efficient OS-level virtualization. | Best for Linux container management | Not available | Free plan available | Website |
| 10 |  OpenVZ OpenVZ is a Linux container virtualization tool for resource management. | Best for Linux server utilization | Not available | Free plan available | Website |
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Deel
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.8 -
New Relic
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.3 -
Checkmk
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.7
Best Docker Alternatives Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best Docker alternatives that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a detailed look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you.
Singularity is a container platform designed for scientific and high-performance computing (HPC) environments. It's primarily used by researchers and scientists who need to run complex computational workloads efficiently and securely.
Why it's a good Docker alternative: Singularity is tailored for HPC environments, offering features that Docker doesn't typically provide for scientific computing. It allows you to run containers with user-level permissions, enhancing security in shared en vironments. Singularity supports portability across different HPC systems, ensuring that your applications can run consistently anywhere. Its focus on non-root execution and easy integration into existing HPC workflows makes it a preferred choice for research teams.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include support for running containers without requiring root privileges, which enhances security. Singularity offers image portability, ensuring that containers can be moved across different systems without compatibility issues. It provides native support for MPI (Message Passing Interface), which is essential for distributed computing tasks.
Integrations include SLURM, Torque, PBS Professional, HTCondor, Kubernetes, OpenStack, Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud Platform, Microsoft Azure, and IBM Cloud.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports image portability
- Runs without root privileges
- Ideal for high-performance computing
Cons:
- Fewer resources for non-HPC environments
- Complex setup for beginners
Kaniko is a tool designed for building container images in Kubernetes environments without requiring a local Docker daemon. It's primarily used by developers and DevOps teams to automate image building in cloud-native applications.
Why it's a good Docker alternative: It allows you to build images in any environment where the user can run a container, making it versatile for cloud-native applications. It doesn't require privileged access, enhancing security for your team. Kaniko's ability to build images inside a Kubernetes cluster simplifies the CI/CD pipeline by reducing dependencies. Its approach to building images directly within the cluster environment ensures consistency across deployments.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include support for multi-stage builds, which optimize the image size and improve efficiency. Kaniko provides the ability to build images from Dockerfiles, ensuring compatibility with existing setups. It also offers caching capabilities, which speed up the build process by reusing unchanged layers.
Integrations include Google Cloud Build, Kubernetes, OpenShift, Jenkins, GitLab CI, Travis CI, CircleCI, Amazon EKS, Microsoft Azure, and IBM Cloud.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports multi-stage builds
- Simplifies CI/CD pipelines
- Enhances security with no privileges
Cons:
- Limited standalone features
- Requires Kubernetes expertise
CRI-O is a lightweight container runtime specifically designed for Kubernetes environments. It's primarily used by DevOps teams and system administrators to run containers in a Kubernetes cluster efficiently.
Why it's a good Docker alternative: CRI-O is built to integrate seamlessly with Kubernetes, providing a streamlined, Kubernetes-native experience. It supports the Kubernetes Container Runtime Interface (CRI), ensuring that your team can easily manage containers without additional overhead. This tight integration with Kubernetes reduces complexity in managing container lifecycles. By focusing solely on Kubernetes, CRI-O offers a more specialized solution for container orchestration needs.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include support for Open Container Initiative (OCI) images, which ensures compatibility with a wide range of container formats. CRI-O provides a minimalistic approach, reducing the footprint and improving performance. It also supports advanced security features, enhancing container security.
Integrations include Kubernetes, OpenShift, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Fedora, CentOS, SUSE Linux, Ubuntu, Google Kubernetes Engine, Amazon EKS, and Microsoft Azure.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports OCI images
- Minimalistic and efficient
- Native Kubernetes integration
Cons:
- Requires Kubernetes knowledge
- Limited standalone use
Kata Containers is an open-source project that combines lightweight virtual machines and containers for secure and efficient workloads. It's primarily used by developers and IT professionals who need enhanced security features in their containerized applications.
Why it's a good Docker alternative: It offers a unique approach by providing virtual machine isolation with the speed of containers, which enhances security for your workloads. It uses lightweight VMs to encapsulate containers, ensuring that each container runs in its own isolated environment. This approach reduces the risk of security breaches and provides better compliance with security standards. Kata Containers is ideal for environments where security is a top priority, offering a balance between performance and protection.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include support for hardware virtualization, which provides an extra layer of security. Kata Containers also offer compatibility with popular container orchestration platforms, making it versatile for different deployment scenarios. Its architecture supports fast boot times, ensuring minimal delay when launching new containers.
Integrations include Kubernetes, OpenStack, Docker, CRI-O, Firecracker, Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud Platform, Microsoft Azure, IBM Cloud, and Alibaba Cloud.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Ideal for security-focused environments
- Compatible with orchestration platforms
- Supports hardware virtualization
Cons:
- Steeper learning curve for beginners
- Limited standalone use
runc is a lightweight container runtime that is designed to run containers according to the Open Container Initiative (OCI) standards. It's mainly used by developers and system administrators to execute containers in a consistent and standardized manner.
Why it's a good Docker alternative: It provides a minimal and efficient way to execute containers, adhering strictly to OCI specifications. This ensures that your team can maintain compliance and compatibility across different platforms. Its lightweight nature reduces overhead, allowing for more resource-efficient operations. By focusing on standardized container execution, runc simplifies the container management process.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include support for executing containers with precise resource limitations, which helps in optimizing system performance. It provides a consistent runtime environment that ensures compatibility across various platforms. With its open-source nature, you can benefit from continuous improvements and community contributions.
Integrations include Docker, Kubernetes, OpenShift, Amazon ECS, Google Kubernetes Engine, Microsoft Azure, IBM Cloud, Alibaba Cloud, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, and Cloud Foundry.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Minimal overhead
- Strict OCI compliance
- Lightweight and efficient runtime
Cons:
- Requires technical expertise
- Limited standalone features
Rancher is a Kubernetes management platform designed to help IT teams manage and deploy containerized applications across multiple clusters. It's widely used by enterprises and DevOps teams to simplify Kubernetes operations and improve productivity.
Why it's a good Docker alternative: It provides a centralized platform for managing Kubernetes clusters, offering tools that Docker doesn't provide for multi-cluster management. It simplifies the deployment and scaling of applications by providing a unified interface for all your clusters. Rancher's user-friendly dashboard and built-in security features make it easier for your team to manage complex Kubernetes environments. Its ability to manage multiple Kubernetes distributions ensures flexibility and adaptability to various business needs.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a built-in monitoring and alerting system, which helps you keep track of your cluster health. Rancher offers automated upgrades, ensuring your clusters stay up-to-date with minimal effort. It also provides role-based access control, enhancing security by allowing you to define user permissions.
Integrations include Amazon EKS, Google Kubernetes Engine, Microsoft Azure, VMware vSphere, OpenStack, Red Hat OpenShift, IBM Cloud, Alibaba Cloud, GitLab, and Jenkins.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Built-in security features
- User-friendly dashboard
- Centralized multi-cluster management
Cons:
- Limited standalone use
- Can be complex for beginners
Firecracker is a virtualization technology designed to run microVMs, providing an efficient and secure environment for serverless workloads. It's used primarily by cloud providers and developers who need to maximize resource efficiency and security for microservices.
Why it's a good Docker alternative: It uses microVMs to offer faster startup times and reduced overhead compared to Docker containers. This efficiency makes it ideal for high-density workloads where resource usage is critical. Firecracker enhances security by providing strong isolation between microVMs, making it suitable for multi-tenant environments. Its focus on lightweight virtualization helps your team achieve better performance and cost efficiency.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a minimalistic design that reduces boot times and resource consumption. Firecracker supports fast startup and shutdown of microVMs, which is crucial for dynamic workloads. It also provides a strong isolation model, enhancing security in multi-tenant environments.
Integrations include Amazon Web Services, Kubernetes, OpenStack, Docker, Kata Containers, Google Cloud Platform, Microsoft Azure, IBM Cloud, Alibaba Cloud, and Red Hat OpenShift.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Efficient resource usage
- Strong isolation for security
- Fast startup and shutdown
Cons:
- Steep learning curve
- Not suited for all workloads
Buildah is a tool used for creating OCI container images without needing a full container runtime or a central daemon. It's aimed at developers and DevOps teams who want to efficiently build and customize container images in their workflows.
Why it's a good Docker alternative: It allows you to build container images without using Dockerfiles, offering flexibility in how images are created. Its lightweight design makes it easy to integrate into existing environments, especially Kubernetes. You can create reproducible images efficiently, which is essential for maintaining consistency across deployments. Buildah's focus on building images without a daemon reduces overhead and enhances security.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include the ability to build images without Dockerfiles, support for unprivileged environments, and integration with CI/CD pipelines. You can also manage container images directly without needing a running container, which simplifies operations. Buildah's open-source nature ensures continuous updates and community support.
Integrations include Kubernetes, OpenShift, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Fedora, CentOS, SUSE Linux, Debian, Ubuntu, and Alpine Linux.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Continuous community support
- Suitable for CI/CD pipelines
- Lightweight and flexible
Cons:
- Lacks a graphical user interface
- Requires familiarity with OCI standards
LXC/LXD is an OS-level virtualization tool designed for running Linux containers. It's mainly used by system administrators and developers who need efficient container management on Linux systems.
Why it's a good Docker alternative: It offers a more traditional approach to container management, focusing on system containers rather than application containers. This gives your team the ability to manage full Linux distributions within containers, which is ideal for complex deployments. Its emphasis on simplicity and direct integration with the host system provides better performance for Linux workloads. LXC/LXD's flexibility in handling system containers makes it a suitable choice for Linux-based environments.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include support for live migration, which allows you to move containers between hosts without downtime. It offers a REST API for managing containers programmatically, which can enhance automation. LXC/LXD also provides a user-friendly command-line interface, making container management straightforward.
Integrations include Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, CentOS, SUSE Linux, Alpine Linux, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, OpenStack, Kubernetes, and Ansible.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- User-friendly command-line interface
- Supports live migration
- Manages full Linux distributions
Cons:
- Fewer resources for non-Linux use
- Can be complex for beginners
OpenVZ is an open-source container-based virtualization solution designed for Linux. It's mainly used by system administrators and hosting providers to efficiently manage Linux server resources and isolate applications.
Why it's a good Docker alternative: It provides system-level virtualization for Linux, allowing you to run multiple isolated instances on a single physical server. It offers efficient resource management, which is crucial for optimizing server utilization. With its focus on Linux environments, OpenVZ provides a lightweight solution for server consolidation. Its ability to manage multiple instances on one server makes it ideal for hosting and development environments where resource efficiency is key.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include live migration, which allows you to move containers between servers without downtime. OpenVZ offers resource management tools that let you allocate CPU, memory, and disk space precisely. It also provides checkpointing, enabling you to save the state of a container and restore it later.
Integrations include CentOS, Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, OpenVZ Web Panel, Proxmox VE, SolusVM, Virtualizor, and WHMCS.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Lightweight for server consolidation
- Supports live migration
- Efficient resource management
Cons:
- Can be complex for beginners
- Limited to Linux operating systems
Other Docker Alternatives
Here are some additional Docker alternatives that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out.
- Podman
For local environment management
- containerd
For simplicity and portability
- Lima
For macOS container management
- VirtualBox
For cross-platform virtualization
- Portainer
For managing Docker environments
- Vagrant
For development environment setup
- Kubernetes
For container orchestration
Docker Alternatives Selection Criteria
When selecting the best Docker alternatives in this list, I considered everyday buyer needs and pain points related to containerization and virtualization products, like scalability and security. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair.
Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these everyday use cases:
- Deploy applications in isolated environments
- Manage container lifecycles
- Support various container formats
- Provide resource allocation controls
- Ensure container security
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- Rootless container execution
- Built-in monitoring and logging
- Multi-cluster management capabilities
- Advanced security protocols
- Integration with CI/CD pipelines
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Ease of setup and configuration
- Intuitive user interface
- Availability of documentation
- Customization options
- Performance and speed
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Availability of training videos
- Interactive product tours
- Access to webinars and workshops
- Comprehensive user guides
- Availability of templates and quick-start guides
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- Availability of 24/7 support
- Response time for inquiries
- Variety of support channels
- Access to a knowledge base
- Personalized support options
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Pricing transparency
- Range of pricing plans
- Features included in basic plans
- Scalability of pricing as needs grow
- Total cost of ownership
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Overall satisfaction ratings
- Frequency of updates and improvements
- Feedback on reliability
- User-reported challenges
- Testimonials on customer support experience
Why Look For A Docker Alternative?
While Docker is a good choice for containerization and virtualization, there are several reasons why some users seek out alternative solutions. You might be looking for a Docker alternative because:
- You need better Kubernetes integration
- Your team requires enhanced security features
- You're facing limitations in resource efficiency
- You need compliance with specific regulations
- Your project demands more scalability options
- You're seeking a solution with lower overhead costs
If any of these sound like you, you’ve come to the right place. My list contains several containerization and virtualization options better suited for teams facing these challenges with Docker and looking for alternative solutions.
Docker Key Features
Here are some of Docker's key features to help you compare its offerings with those of alternative solutions.
- Easy and faster configuration: Simplifies system configuration, letting you deploy code more quickly across environments.
- Increased productivity: Streamlines technical configurations and rapid application deployment, reducing resource usage for your team.
- Application isolation: Uses containers to run applications independently, ensuring isolation between your different applications.
- Swarm: Acts as a clustering and scheduling tool that manages multiple Docker hosts as a single virtual host.
- Routing mesh: Directs incoming requests to your active containers, even if no tasks are running on a node.
- Services: Manages tasks within a cluster, ensuring specified container states are maintained for your applications.
- Security management: Allows for secure storage of secrets and controlled access to your services, enhancing security.
- Docker Desktop: A complete local development environment for building, testing, and running containers.
- Ecosystem: Supports a vast ecosystem of tools and integrations, enabling flexibility and compatibility with modern development workflows.
- Docker Compose: Simplifies defining and running multi-container applications using a YAML configuration file.
- Docker Engine: The core component that runs and manages Docker containers efficiently across various environments.
- Docker Hub: A cloud-based repository that allows users to store, manage, and share container images.
- Docker Images: Prebuilt, lightweight, and portable software environments that simplify application deployment.
- Rancher Desktop: An alternative to Docker Desktop that provides Kubernetes and container management in a local development environment.
- Container Engine: Provides an efficient, lightweight runtime for managing containerized applications.
- Docker Run: A fundamental command that executes containers from images.
- Ease of use: Designed to simplify containerization, making it accessible for developers of all skill levels.
- Lightweight alternative: Provides a resource-efficient way to run applications compared to traditional virtual machines.
- Namespaces: Provides process isolation within containers, ensuring security and preventing application conflicts.
- Production environments: Optimized for scalability and reliability, making it suitable for enterprise applications.
- Root access: Controls administrative privileges within containers to enhance security.
- Vulnerabilities: Helps detect and mitigate security risks within containerized applications.
- Container registry: Enables users to store, manage, and distribute container images efficiently.
- GitHub Integration: Streamlines DevOps workflows by enabling direct interaction with repositories for building and deploying containers.
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