Canopy vs OrbStack
Canopy
canopydev.app
OrbStack
orbstack.devSide by side
| Figure | Canopy | OrbStack |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | $8/mo |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 0 | 3 |
| Spec score · Container Development Environments | 7.8 (#20) | 8.6 (#6) |
| CLI | Canopy says its CLI exposes every UI feature, including project creation, linking, editing, and restarting environments. | The orb and orbctl command-line tools can create, manage and access machines, copy files, change settings and operate OrbStack without the GUI. |
| Product | Canopy is a native macOS app for running local development environments in Docker. | OrbStack is an app for running Docker containers and Linux machines, positioned as an alternative to Docker Desktop. |
| Security | Canopy says the app is notarized by Apple and runs local Docker containers without modifying core system files beyond standard proxy, SSL routing, and hosts file changes. | For its paid subscription service, Orbital Labs describes access controls, multi-factor authentication, firewalls, monitoring, and encryption safeguards. |
| Support | Canopy lists [email protected] for beta questions and access requests. | Official support is offered through email, discussions, an issue tracker and a Discord community. |
Plans
In their own words
OrbStack
OrbStack is a macOS app for running Docker containers and Linux machines. It can also run a lightweight, single-node Kubernetes cluster for local development, with a GUI and network integration. The maker says it starts in two seconds and uses optimized networking, file systems, and x86 emulation. Docker CLI, Compose, Earthly, and VS Code Dev Containers work with OrbStack. Linux machines integrate with macOS networking and file sharing, and support SSH agent forwarding and remote VS Code. OrbStack requires macOS 14.0 or later. Personal, non-commercial use is free; freelance, business, and commercial users need a license for each user, with up to five devices covered per user. Pro costs $8/user/mo, billed as $96 annually, and adds Debug Shell and priority support. Enterprise lists SAML SSO and invoice and PO payments, with no price listed. A trial is available without a card, and the FAQ gives users a 30-day grace period to purchase a license. Linux graphical apps and GPU are listed as unsupported.