Apptainer
6.7#4 in container enginesFree planFree planAPILinuxmacOSSelf-hosted
VisitApptainer vs LXC
What both publish
| Fact | Apptainer | LXC |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Apptainer creates and runs containers that package software for portability and reproducibility. | LXC is a userspace interface to Linux kernel containment features for creating and managing system or application containers. |
| Security model | By default, users retain the same identity inside the container and cannot gain additional host privileges. | The project describes unprivileged containers as safe by design because container root maps to an unprivileged user outside the container. |
| Security reporting | The Technical Steering Committee manages project security, and the policy directs vulnerability reports through private contact with the project. | Security issues can be reported by email to the project security address or through a private GitHub security advisory. |
Apptainer plans
- ApptainerFree
LXC plans
- LXCFree
Pick Apptainer if…
It suits users running complex applications on shared HPC clusters, including researchers and teams in academia or industry. It also fits people who need portable containers and host resource access without default privilege escalation.
Pick LXC if…
LXC suits Linux users who need to create and manage system or application containers without a separate kernel. It may fit people who can configure cgroup limits and understand the different risks of privileged containers.