Best Container Runtime Software in 2026
Updated
In short: Docker Desktop is ranked #1 of 27 as of 4 October 2026, ahead of Incus and Apptainer. The best-ranked option with a free plan is Incus. The lowest first paid tier on this page is LXD at $2.08/mo.
Container runtime software provides different ways to run containers across host environments. Compare host platforms and OCI support with runtime mode, desktop GUI availability, and rootless mode to see which options suit your workflow. Windows containers are another feature to check if relevant, while free-plan availability and paid-from pricing add cost context. Docker Desktop, Podman, and Podman Desktop appear first, followed by Rancher Desktop and Apptainer. Consider the environments you need to support and whether you prefer a graphical interface or a particular runtime mode, using the listed platform and feature details to narrow your choices.
27 container runtime software ranked on what their makers publish — plans and prices, free tiers, platforms and the facts on their own pages.
#1 Docker Desktop Top pick · 7.3 Free plan · $9/mo
#2 Incus Runner-up · 7.3 Free plan · Free
#3 Apptainer Also great · 7.2 Free plan · Free- Free plan LinuxmacOSWebWindows
- Free plan
- Yes
- Paid from
- 9 /user/mo
- Rootless mode
- Yes
- Windows containers
- Yes
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatforms$9/mofirst paid tier About Docker DesktopVisit site - Free plan apiLinuxmacOSself-hostedWindows
- Free plan
- Yes
- Rootless mode
- Yes
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatforms - Free plan apiLinuxmacOSself-hostedWindows
- Free plan
- Yes
- Rootless mode
- Yes
- Windows containers
- No
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatforms - Free plan apiLinuxmacOSWindows
- Free plan
- Yes
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatforms - Free planFree trial apiLinuxself-hostedWeb
- Free plan
- Yes
- Rootless mode
- Yes
- Desktop GUI
- No
- Windows containers
- No
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatforms$2.08/mofirst paid tier About LXDVisit site - Free plan LinuxmacOSRecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatforms
- Free plan Linuxself-hosted
- Free plan
- Yes
- Rootless mode
- Yes
- Windows containers
- No
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatformsFree About crunVisit site - Free plan apiLinuxmacOSself-hostedWindows
- Free plan
- Yes
- Rootless mode
- Yes
- Windows containers
- No
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatforms - Free plan Linuxself-hostedWindows
- Free plan
- Yes
- Rootless mode
- Yes
- Windows containers
- Yes
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatforms - Free plan Linuxself-hosted
- Free plan
- Yes
- Rootless mode
- Yes
- Windows containers
- No
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatforms - Free plan LinuxmacOSWindows
- Free plan
- Yes
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatforms - Free plan Linuxself-hosted
- Free plan
- Yes
- OCI support
- Yes
- Windows containers
- No
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatforms - Free planFree trial macOS
- Free plan
- Yes
- Paid from
- 8 /user/mo
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatforms$8/mofirst paid tier About OrbStackVisit site - Free plan LinuxmacOSWindows
- Free plan
- Yes
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatforms - WindowsmacOSLinux
- Rootless mode
- No
- OCI support
- Yes
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatforms - Linux
- Free plan
- Yes
- Rootless mode
- Yes
- Windows containers
- No
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatforms - Linux
- Free plan
- Yes
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatforms - Linux
- Free plan
- Yes
- Rootless mode
- Yes
- Windows containers
- No
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatforms - Linux
- Free plan
- Yes
- Rootless mode
- Yes
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatforms - LinuxWindows
- Free plan
- No
- Rootless mode
- Yes
- Windows containers
- Yes
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatforms - Linux
- Free plan
- Yes
- Rootless mode
- Yes
- Windows containers
- No
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatforms - Linux
- Free plan
- Yes
- Rootless mode
- Yes
- Windows containers
- No
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatforms - Linux
- Free plan
- Yes
- Rootless mode
- Yes
- Windows containers
- No
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatforms - macOS
- Free plan
- Yes
- Windows containers
- No
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatforms - Linux
- Free plan
- Yes
- Rootless mode
- Yes
RecognisedDocumentedFree planPlatforms
Is your app on this list?
Numbered spots on this list can be sponsored. They are labelled, and the editorial order and scores never change for payment.
Questions about this list
Which container runtime software is ranked first on Everything Xiaomi?
Docker Desktop is ranked #1 of 27 with a score of 7.3. Incus is second and Apptainer third.
How many of these have a free plan?
14 of the 25 on this page publish a free plan on their own pricing pages.
Which is the cheapest paid option?
On this page, LXD has the lowest first paid tier we found: $2.08/mo.
How is this list ranked?
Ranked on what each maker publishes: documentation depth, a free tier and the platforms it runs on. Paid placements never change a rank.