Tech riderRev. 30 Sept 2026
- 1Runs onMac
- 2CostsFree plan · free trial · paid from $8/mo
- 3Desktop platformsmacOS 14.0 or newer
- 4Local KubernetesYes
- 5Compose workflowsYes
- 6Cluster modesingle-node
- 7IDE integrationYes
- 8Resource controlsYes
8 lines stated Written from the maker's own pages: orbstack.dev
Overview
OrbStack is ranked #3 of 39 in container development environments on Specifiction. It runs on macOS. There is a free plan. A free trial is offered. Paid plans start at $8/mo.
OrbStack plans and pricing
All plansFree Free Personal, non-commercial use · containers · Linux machines · community support orbstack.dev · 30 Sept 2026
Pro $8/mo $96 billed annually Business and commercial use · Debug Shell · priority support · batch organization purchases orbstack.dev · 30 Sept 2026
Enterprise Not published SAML SSO · invoice and PO payments · contact sales orbstack.dev · 30 Sept 2026
Compared on container development environments
- Free plan
- Yesorbstack.dev
- Paid from
- $8/user/moorbstack.dev
- Desktop platforms
- macOS 14.0 or newerorbstack.dev
- Local Kubernetes
- Yesorbstack.dev
- Compose workflows
- Yesorbstack.dev
- Cluster mode
- single-nodeorbstack.dev
- IDE integration
- Yesorbstack.dev
- Resource controls
- Yesorbstack.dev
Facts
- Product
- OrbStack is an app for running Docker containers and Linux machines, positioned as an alternative to Docker Desktop.docs.orbstack.dev · 30 Sept 2026
- Kubernetes
- OrbStack can run a lightweight Kubernetes cluster for local development with GUI and network integration.docs.orbstack.dev · 30 Sept 2026
- Performance
- OrbStack says it starts in two seconds and uses optimized networking, file systems, and x86 emulation.docs.orbstack.dev · 30 Sept 2026
- Developer integrations
- The maker says Docker CLI, Compose, Earthly, and VS Code Dev Containers work with OrbStack.docs.orbstack.dev · 30 Sept 2026
- Linux integration
- Linux machines integrate with macOS networking and file sharing, and support SSH agent forwarding and remote VS Code.orbstack.dev · 30 Sept 2026
- Licensing
- Personal use is free, while freelance, business, and commercial users must purchase a license for each user.docs.orbstack.dev · 30 Sept 2026
- Device limit
- A per-user license covers up to five devices owned or primarily operated by that same user.docs.orbstack.dev · 30 Sept 2026
- Trial and grace period
- The pricing page says OrbStack is free to try with no card required, and the FAQ gives users a 30-day grace period to purchase a license.orbstack.dev · 30 Sept 2026
- Enterprise features
- The Enterprise plan lists SAML SSO and invoice and PO payments.orbstack.dev · 30 Sept 2026
- Security
- For its paid subscription service, Orbital Labs describes access controls, multi-factor authentication, firewalls, monitoring, and encryption safeguards.docs.orbstack.dev · 30 Sept 2026
- Privacy
- The privacy policy says the app may send usage and device data, and optional anonymous crash reports and diagnostics when submitted.docs.orbstack.dev · 30 Sept 2026
- Support
- The pricing page lists community support for Free and priority support for Pro; the docs also offer email and community discussion support.orbstack.dev · 30 Sept 2026
- Notable limitations
- OrbStack requires macOS 14.0 or later, and its FAQ lists Linux graphical apps and GPU as unsupported items.orbstack.dev · 30 Sept 2026
- Company
- The website identifies Orbital Labs, LLC as the company behind OrbStack.orbstack.dev · 30 Sept 2026
Best OrbStack alternatives
See all 12 All accessCh 01 Docker Desktop Free planLinuxMac from $9/mo7.5 All accessCh 02 Garden Free planLinuxMac Free to start7.5 All accessCh 04 Tilt Free planLinuxMac Free to start7.3 All accessCh 05 DevPod Free planLinuxMac Free to start7.2 All accessCh 06 DevSpace Free planLinuxMac Free to start7.2 All accessCh 07 Rancher Desktop Free planAPILinux Free to start7.2
Where it ranks on Specifiction
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Sources
- docs.orbstack.dev· checked 30 Sept 2026
- docs.orbstack.dev/faq· checked 30 Sept 2026
- docs.orbstack.dev/features· checked 30 Sept 2026
- orbstack.dev· checked 30 Sept 2026
- docs.orbstack.dev/licensing· checked 30 Sept 2026
- orbstack.dev/pricing· checked 30 Sept 2026
- docs.orbstack.dev/legal/security· checked 30 Sept 2026
- docs.orbstack.dev/legal/privacy· checked 30 Sept 2026
- orbstack.dev/download· checked 30 Sept 2026