Dory vs OrbStack
Dory
usedory.dev
OrbStack
orbstack.devSide by side
| Figure | Dory | OrbStack |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | $8/mo |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 0 | 3 |
| Spec score · Container Development Environments | 7.1 (#35) | 8.6 (#6) |
| Kubernetes | Dory offers a local k3s workflow; its selected k3s image downloads when a cluster is created. | It includes a lightweight Kubernetes cluster with integrated networking and graphical management for local development. |
| Privacy | The site says Dory requires no account, has no telemetry, and needs no cloud control plane. | The privacy policy says the app may send usage and device data, and optional anonymous crash reports and diagnostics when submitted. |
| Security | The maker says Dory requires no account, telemetry, or cloud control plane; the Docker socket is owner-only and published ports bind to localhost by default. | For its paid subscription service, Orbital Labs describes access controls, multi-factor authentication, firewalls, monitoring, and encryption safeguards. |
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.