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SPECIFICTION
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Docker Compose vs OrbStack

Docker Compose

docker.com

OrbStack

orbstack.dev

Side by side

FigureDocker ComposeOrbStack
Price from$9/mo$8/mo
Free planYesYes
Free trial—Yes
Open source——
WindowsYes—
macOSYesYes
LinuxYes—
API—Yes
Plans published43
Spec score · Container Development Environments7.4 (#33)8.6 (#6)

Plans

Docker Compose

  • PersonalFree
  • Pro$9 a month
  • Team$15 a month
  • Business$24 a month

Docker Compose pricing →

OrbStack

  • FreeFree
  • Pro$8 a month
  • EnterprisePriced on request

OrbStack pricing →

In their own words

Docker Compose

Docker Compose has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.

Visit docker.com

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.

Visit orbstack.dev