Docker Desktop
7.2#1 in container runtime softwareFrom $9 a monthFree planWebLinuxmacOSWindows
VisitDocker Desktop vs OrbStack
What both publish
| Fact | Docker Desktop | OrbStack |
|---|---|---|
| Company | The maker identifies itself as Docker and says it is trusted by more than 20 million developers. | The website identifies Orbital Labs, LLC as the company behind OrbStack. |
| Kubernetes | Its built-in Kubernetes support allows users to deploy, scale, test, and manage containerized applications locally without an external cluster. | It includes a lightweight Kubernetes cluster with integrated networking and graphical management for local development. |
Docker Desktop plans
- PersonalFree
- Pro$9 a month
- Team$15 a month
- Business$24 a month
- Docker PersonalFree
- Docker Pro$9 a month
OrbStack plans
- FreeFree
- Pro$8 a month
- EnterprisePriced on request
Pick Docker Desktop if…
Docker Desktop suits developers and teams who want container development tools and local Kubernetes support on Linux, macOS, or Windows. Companies meeting either stated size threshold for commercial use need a paid subscription.
Pick OrbStack if…
OrbStack suits macOS users who want local containers, Linux machines, or a lightweight Kubernetes cluster for development. Personal users can use the free plan, while commercial users need a per-user license.