Docker Desktop vs Podman Desktop
Docker Desktop
docker.com
Podman Desktop
podman-desktop.ioSide by side
| Figure | Docker Desktop | Podman Desktop |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $9/mo | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 8 | 1 |
| Spec score · Container Development Environments | 8.3 (#8) | 7.4 (#34) |
| Spec score · Container Runtime Software | 8.4 (#6) | 7.3 (#23) |
| Kubernetes | Its built-in Kubernetes support allows users to deploy, scale, test, and manage containerized applications locally without an external cluster. | It supports local Kubernetes workflows, including Kind and Minikube clusters, and management of Kubernetes deployments through its interface. |
| Purpose | Docker Desktop is a containerization platform for developers and teams that streamlines container development and deployment. | Podman Desktop is a graphical developer tool for creating, managing, and running containers, pods, and Kubernetes workloads locally. |
Plans
Docker Desktop
- PersonalFree
- Pro$9 a month
- Team$15 a month
- Business$24 a month
- Docker PersonalFree
- Docker Pro$9 a month
- Docker Team$15 a month
- Docker Business$24 a month
In their own words
Docker Desktop
Docker Desktop brings container development and deployment tools together for developers and teams. It includes Docker Engine, Docker CLI, Docker Compose, Docker Build, and Docker Kubernetes, with support for building images and Compose workflows. Its built-in Kubernetes environment lets users deploy, scale, test, and manage containerized applications locally without an external cluster. Docker Debug offers command-line diagnostics for containers and images, including slim containers, while Extensions allow third-party tools for debugging, testing, security, and networking. Downloads cover macOS with Apple Silicon or Intel, Windows with AMD64 or ARM64, and Linux; web is also listed as a platform. Docker Personal is free. Pro is $9 a month, Team is $15 a month, and Business is $24 a month. Paid-plan allowances and user limits differ. Business lists VDI support and additional security controls. Commercial use at companies with more than 250 employees or more than $10 million in annual revenue requires a paid subscription.
Podman Desktop
Podman Desktop has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.