JFrog Container Registry
jfrog.com
What it is
JFrog Container Registry (JCR) is a free, self-managed edition of JFrog Artifactory for container and Helm workflows. It provides local, remote and virtual repositories for Docker, OCI, Helm, Helm OCI and Generic packages. Remote repositories can proxy and cache external registries such as Docker Hub; virtual repositories make several local and remote repositories available through one URL. JCR includes role-based access control, fine-grained permissions for private registries, metadata search, searchable properties and Artifactory Query Language. It supports Helm repositories for Kubernetes deployments and the Docker, Helm and OCI clients used with Artifactory. Self-managed installation options include Linux and Windows archives, RPM, Debian, Docker, Docker Compose and Helm. The free edition does not include JFrog Xray, high availability, build promotion, user plugins, replication or federated repositories. The Pro plan is $50 a month plus tax, with actual monthly price scaling with consumption; it is available only through June 4th 2027. Enterprise X starts at $950 a month, while Enterprise + has custom pricing.
Spec sheet
- What it does
- JFrog Container Registry is an Artifactory-based registry for storing and managing Docker, OCI and Helm artifacts in cloud or self-hosted deployments.Read 14 Oct 2026 · jfrog.com
- Purpose
- JFrog Container Registry is a free, self-managed edition of JFrog Artifactory for container and Helm workflows.Read 1 Oct 2026 · docs.jfrog.com
- Integrations
- JFrog advertises more than 100 integrations, including GitHub, Docker, npm, PyPI, ServiceNow, Wiz and Google Artifact Registry.Read 14 Oct 2026 · jfrog.com
- Support
- Community support is available for free solutions and Pro subscriptions through documentation, the knowledge base, and Stack Overflow.Read 1 Oct 2026 · jfrog.com
- Founded
- 2008Read 28 Sep 2026 · jfrog.com
- Access control
- The registry includes role-based access control for repositories and artifacts.Read 14 Oct 2026 · jfrog.com
- Authentication
- JFrog supports SSO, LDAP, Active Directory, and multi-factor authentication, with MFA supported on the SaaS solution.Read 1 Oct 2026 · jfrog.com
- CI/CD integration
- Official integrations include Jenkins, GitHub Actions, GitLab, Azure DevOps, TeamCity, Bitbucket, Maven and Gradle.Read 14 Oct 2026 · docs.jfrog.com
- Client compatibility
- JCR supports the same Docker, Helm, and OCI clients used with Artifactory.Read 1 Oct 2026 · docs.jfrog.com
- Cloud deployment
- The complete JFrog Platform supports on-premises, hybrid, and multi-cloud environments on AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud.Read 1 Oct 2026 · jfrog.com
- Cloud hosting
- JFrog says its SaaS service is hosted on Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud.Read 14 Oct 2026 · jfrog.com
- Company founders and funding
- Crunchbase identifies Fred Simon, Shlomi Ben Haim, Stephen Chin and Yoav Landman as founders; Crunchbase News reported at least $226.5 million raised by 2020.Read 14 Oct 2026 · crunchbase.com
- Company founding
- JFrog says its software company journey began in 2008.Read 14 Oct 2026 · jfrog.com
- Company headquarters
- JFrog lists its Sunnyvale, California office at 270 E Caribbean Drive.Read 14 Oct 2026 · jfrog.com
- Company size
- LinkedIn lists JFrog as a public software company with 1,001–5,000 employees and Sunnyvale headquarters.Read 14 Oct 2026 · linkedin.com
- Docker Hub proxying
- Remote repositories can proxy and cache external registries such as Docker Hub.Read 1 Oct 2026 · docs.jfrog.com
- Documentation and support
- Free solutions and Pro subscriptions receive community support through public documentation, a knowledge base and Stack Overflow engagement; enterprise tiers add 24/7 SLA or high-touch support.Read 14 Oct 2026 · jfrog.com
- Edition limits
- JCR does not include JFrog Xray, high availability, build promotion, user plugins, replication, or federated repositories.Read 1 Oct 2026 · docs.jfrog.com
- Free-edition limits
- JCR does not include JFrog Xray, high availability, build promotion, user plugins or package types outside its supported list.Read 14 Oct 2026 · docs.jfrog.com
- Installation methods
- Self-managed installation is documented for Linux archives, RPM, Debian, Docker, Docker Compose, Windows archives and Helm.Read 14 Oct 2026 · docs.jfrog.com
- Installation options
- Supported self-managed installation methods include Linux archive, RPM, Debian, Docker, Docker Compose, Windows archive, and Helm.Read 1 Oct 2026 · docs.jfrog.com
- Kubernetes
- JFrog Container Registry supports Helm repositories for Kubernetes deployments.Read 1 Oct 2026 · jfrog.com
- Licence
- JCR is distributed as a free non-commercial self-managed installer rather than an open-source project; JFrog separately offers Artifactory OSS under AGPLv3.Read 14 Oct 2026 · d18rn0p25nwr6d6.cloudfront.net
- Limit: pricing
- G2 reviewers repeatedly call JFrog expensive for small and midsize teams and say advanced security and high availability require premium tiers.Read 14 Oct 2026 · g2.com
- Limit: search
- Gartner reviewers report that software search is not intuitive, filters are finicky and sorting can fail.Read 14 Oct 2026 · gartner.com
- Limit: support and operations
- TrustRadius reviewers report slow support responses, difficult protected-repository setup, weak backup or restore capabilities and missing functionality in the free or OSS editions.Read 14 Oct 2026 · trustradius.com
- Limit: user interface and learning curve
- G2 reviewers describe the interface, repository configuration and permissions as complex for beginners and large environments.Read 14 Oct 2026 · g2.com
- Metadata and search
- JCR includes metadata search, searchable properties, and Artifactory Query Language.Read 1 Oct 2026 · docs.jfrog.com
- Metadata search
- JCR supports searchable artifact properties and metadata queries by name, archive, checksum or property.Read 14 Oct 2026 · jfrog.com
- Praise: centralization and CI/CD
- Independent reviewers commonly value a central artifact source, broad repository support, traceability and smooth CI/CD integration.Read 14 Oct 2026 · trustradius.com
- Praise: reliability and security
- G2 reviewers repeatedly praise reliable artifact storage, strong security and easy Docker or machine-learning artifact setup.Read 14 Oct 2026 · g2.com
- Pull-through caching
- JFrog can cache public registries such as Docker Hub locally to reduce throttling and external-registry dependency.Read 14 Oct 2026 · jfrog.com
- Rating on Apple App Store
- 5.0 out of 5 from 1 reviewRead 14 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
- Rating on Capterra
- 4.6 out of 5 from 19 reviewsRead 14 Oct 2026 · capterra.com
- Rating on G2
- 4.3 out of 5 from 176 reviewsRead 14 Oct 2026 · g2.com
- Rating on Gartner Peer Insights
- 4.0 out of 5 from 11 reviewsRead 14 Oct 2026 · gartner.com
- Rating on GetApp
- 4.6 out of 5 from 19 reviewsRead 14 Oct 2026 · getapp.com
- Rating on Software Advice
- 4.6 out of 5 from 19 reviewsRead 14 Oct 2026 · softwareadvice.com
- Rating on TrustRadius
- 8.2 out of 10 from 38 reviewsRead 14 Oct 2026 · trustradius.com
- Release update
- JFrog documentation lists self-managed Artifactory 7.161.32 dated October 6, 2026, with self-managed release notes requiring authenticated access.Read 14 Oct 2026 · docs.jfrog.com
- Repository model
- JCR provides local repositories for produced artifacts, remote repositories that proxy and cache external registries, and virtual repositories that combine them behind one URL.Read 14 Oct 2026 · docs.jfrog.com
- Repository types
- It provides local, remote, and virtual repositories for Docker, OCI, Helm, Helm OCI, and Generic packages.Read 1 Oct 2026 · docs.jfrog.com
- REST API and query language
- Artifactory exposes REST APIs under /artifactory/api and provides AQL for searching artifacts, builds and properties.Read 14 Oct 2026 · docs.jfrog.com
- SDKs
- JFrog documents an Artifactory Java client and a JFrog Go client for programmatic access.Read 14 Oct 2026 · docs.jfrog.com
- Security certifications
- JFrog states that its services comply with SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001 and lists additional ISO, CSA STAR, TISAX and related programs.Read 14 Oct 2026 · jfrog.com
- Security operations
- JFrog describes ongoing penetration testing, anti-DDoS protection, a web application firewall, rate limiting, bot protection and a vulnerability-reporting program.Read 14 Oct 2026 · jfrog.com
- Supported package types
- The free JCR installer exposes Docker, OCI, Helm, Helm OCI and Generic repository types.Read 14 Oct 2026 · docs.jfrog.com
- System requirements
- Production Artifactory deployments require at least 8 GB RAM; supported operating systems include RHEL 8/9, Ubuntu 20.04/22.04/24.04, Debian 11/12 and Windows Server 2022.Read 14 Oct 2026 · docs.jfrog.com
- Unsupported package types
- Maven, npm, PyPI and other non-container Artifactory package formats are unavailable in JCR.Read 14 Oct 2026 · docs.jfrog.com
- Virtual repositories
- Virtual repositories present several local and remote repositories behind one URL.Read 1 Oct 2026 · docs.jfrog.com
Plans and prices
JFrog Container Registry Free Free self-managed edition Self-managed only · Docker, OCI, Helm, Helm OCI, Generic · no Xray or high availability Read 1 Oct 2026 · docs.jfrog.com
JFrog Container Registry (JCR) Free Free self-managed edition Self-managed only · Docker, OCI, Helm, Helm OCI and Generic repositories · No Xray, high availability, build promotion or user plugins Read 14 Oct 2026 · docs.jfrog.com
Pro $50 a month $50 /month + tax; actual monthly price scales with consumption 25 GB base consumption · additional usage $1.25/$1.00/$0.75 per GB by tier · available only through June 4th 2027 Read 1 Oct 2026 · jfrog.com
Pro SaaS $150 a month $150 / Month; limited-time $50 / Month 25 GB base consumption · Additional storage and transfer billed by tier · Unlimited unauthenticated Docker Hub pulls Read 14 Oct 2026 · jfrog.com
Enterprise X $950 a month Starting at $950 / Month 125 GB base consumption · 30 projects · 24/7 SLA support Read 1 Oct 2026 · jfrog.com
Enterprise X SaaS $950 a month Starting at $950 / Month 125 GB base consumption · 99.9% uptime · 24/7 SLA support · SSO and federation features Read 14 Oct 2026 · jfrog.com
Pro X Self-Managed $27,000 a year Starting at $27,000 / Year 1 server · 24/7 SLA support · Universal artifact and container registry Read 14 Oct 2026 · jfrog.com
Enterprise X Self-Managed $51,000 a year Starting at $51,000 / Year 3 servers · 24/7 SLA support · High availability · Repository federation Read 14 Oct 2026 · jfrog.com
Enterprise + Priced on request Custom Pricing Custom consumption · starts at 300 projects · high-touch support Read 1 Oct 2026 · jfrog.com
Enterprise+ Priced on request Custom Pricing: Let's Talk 6 servers · Multisite federation and distribution · 99.99% in-region availability option Read 14 Oct 2026 · jfrog.com
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Free self-managed edition
- Supports Docker, OCI, Helm and Generic packages
- Remote repositories can proxy and cache external registries
- Role-based access control and fine-grained permissions
Limits
- Free edition is self-managed only
- No Xray or high availability in the free edition
- Free edition excludes replication and federated repositories
Who it suits
JCR suits teams managing container or Helm packages that want a self-managed registry. It is also relevant to Kubernetes users and teams that need local, remote and virtual repositories.
JFrog Container Registry in depth
Read the full write-up
JFrog Container Registry is a self-managed registry for teams storing private container images, Helm charts and related packages while caching upstream sources. It is strongest for organizations already using Docker, OCI or Helm tooling and willing to manage the service themselves. The free edition is a practical starting point, but larger or more availability-sensitive deployments quickly run into edition boundaries.
Overview
JCR is the free, self-managed edition of JFrog Artifactory, focused on container and Helm workflows. It handles private artifact hosting and can stand between your developers or clusters and external registries. That makes it a sensible fit for teams that want control over deployment and storage rather than a purely hosted registry, provided they can operate the infrastructure.
The product sits within JFrog's broader platform, which supports on-premises, hybrid and multi-cloud deployments on AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud. JFrog identifies SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001 certification, alongside programs including ISO 27701, ISO 27017, IRAP and TISAX.
Key features
Local, remote and virtual repositories cover Docker, OCI, Helm, Helm OCI and Generic packages. A remote repository can proxy and cache sources such as Docker Hub, reducing repeated upstream downloads. A virtual repository combines local and remote repositories behind one URL, which can keep client configuration stable as the underlying sources change.
Role-based access control and fine-grained permissions give administrators control over private registries. Metadata search, searchable properties and Artifactory Query Language make artifact discovery more capable than name-only browsing. Helm repositories fit Kubernetes release workflows, and existing Docker, Helm and OCI clients used with Artifactory are supported.
JCR includes image scanning and retention policies. However, the free edition excludes JFrog Xray, so organizations requiring that security analysis must look beyond the free package. It also excludes high availability, build promotion, user plugins, replication and federated repositories. Those omissions matter for production estates that need resilience across sites, governed promotion pipelines or broader automation.
Installation can use a Linux archive, RPM, Debian package, Docker, Docker Compose, Windows archive or Helm. Authentication supports SSO, LDAP, Active Directory and multi-factor authentication; MFA is supported on the SaaS solution.
Pricing
PlanPriceWhat it meansJFrog Container RegistryfreeFree self-managed edition with Docker, OCI, Helm, Helm OCI and Generic support; no Xray or high availability.Pro$50 a month$50/month plus tax, with monthly price scaling by consumption, 25 GB base consumption and additional usage at $1.25, $1.00 or $0.75 per GB by tier. Available only through June 4th 2027.Enterprise X$950 a monthStarts at $950/month, includes 125 GB base consumption, 30 projects and 24/7 SLA support.Enterprise +Custom pricingCustom consumption, starting at 300 projects with high-touch support.The free plan suits individuals and smaller teams that can accept self-management and the missing enterprise controls. Pro is the step up for consumption-based use while the stated offer lasts, but its variable overage rates make growth less predictable. Enterprise X is aimed at organizations that need a defined project allowance and round-the-clock SLA support. Enterprise + is for large, custom deployments rather than buyers seeking a published budget.
Free solutions and Pro subscriptions receive community support through documentation, the knowledge base and Stack Overflow. A free trial is available.
Platforms
JCR supports API, Linux, self-hosted, web and Windows environments. Its self-managed installation choices cover both Linux and Windows, as well as containerized and Helm-based deployment.
Who it's for
Choose JCR when your team needs private Docker or Helm storage, upstream proxy caching and a single repository endpoint, especially if Artifactory-compatible clients and authentication systems are already part of your environment. Kubernetes teams benefit from Helm and Helm OCI support.
It is a weaker fit when high availability, replication, Xray, federated repositories or build promotion are baseline requirements. Those teams should budget for a higher edition or choose a registry whose required controls are included at the outset.
Pros and cons
Pros
Free self-managed edition covers Docker, OCI, Helm, Helm OCI and Generic packages.
Remote proxying and virtual repositories can reduce upstream pulls and simplify client URLs.
Fine-grained permissions, metadata search and query language support controlled artifact management.
Broad installation options and compatibility with Artifactory's Docker, Helm and OCI clients.
Cons
The free edition omits Xray and high availability, limiting security analysis and resilience.
Replication, build promotion, plugins and federated repositories are also excluded from JCR.
Pro pricing varies with consumption and is offered only through June 4th 2027.
Self-managed deployment leaves infrastructure operation with the customer.
Alternatives
See the Container Registries list for a wider comparison.
Inedo ProGet is a better match if unlimited feeds for private packages and Docker matter more than JCR's Artifactory-compatible workflow; its free edition has limited security and compliance features.
Docker Desktop fits developers who want Docker Engine, Kubernetes, Docker Hub, Scout and Debug bundled in a free personal plan, rather than a dedicated self-managed registry.
8gears Container Registry suits individuals wanting unlimited private repositories with 1 GB of storage and a free-forever plan.
Chainguard Registry is an alternative for organizations whose requirement is a free allowance of up to five images per organization.
Volcengine Container Registry offers a quota-limited free shared-instance trial in a broader platform mix.
KakaoCloud Container Registry is relevant when a 30 GiB outbound-traffic allowance and usage-based regional pricing are the priority.
Zot Registry is the straightforward choice for a free Apache 2.0 open-source registry with full or minimal builds.
lazer.sh is better for a hosted-style plan with stated storage, project and member allowances.
Verdict
JFrog Container Registry is a strong starting point for teams that want a self-managed, Artifactory-compatible home for Docker, OCI and Helm artifacts, especially with proxy and virtual repository workflows. Look elsewhere—or budget for an upgrade—if high availability, Xray, replication or enterprise promotion controls are non-negotiable.
Verdict
JCR covers core container and Helm repository workflows, including proxying, virtual repositories and access controls. Its free edition omits several capabilities, including Xray, high availability and replication.
Where Specifiction places it
- Container Registries#1 of 609.1
Alternatives to JFrog Container RegistryAll alternatives →
Inedo ProGet From $199.58/mo · Free plan 8.9 Visit 
Depot From $20/mo 8.4 Visit 
8gears Container Registry Free plan 8.3 Visit 
Chainguard Registry Free plan 8.3 Visit 
Cosmoner Container Registry From $0.15/mo · Free plan 8.3 Visit