Docker Desktop vs Portainer
Docker Desktop
docker.com
Portainer
portainer.ioSide by side
| Figure | Docker Desktop | Portainer |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $9/mo | $12.92/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | Yes |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 8 | 7 |
| Spec score · Container Management Software | 8.5 (#5) | 8.8 (#4) |
| Headquarters | Palo Alto, California, United States | Auckland, New Zealand |
| Purpose | Docker Desktop is a containerization platform for developers and teams that streamlines container development and deployment. | Portainer is a centralized multi-cluster management platform for managing Kubernetes clusters and container environments. |
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
Portainer
- Business Edition free tierFree
- Home & Student$155 a year
- Starter$1,045 a year
- Starter$1,045 a year
- Scale$2,095 a year
- Scale$2,095 a year
- EnterprisePriced on request
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.