Best Open Source Alternatives to Docker Desktop

Compare the best free and open-source alternatives to Docker Desktop — self-hosted and desktop replacements you fully control, ranked by GitHub stars, license and platform support.

Curated by open-source.store · Updated August 2026 · 3 alternatives

Docker Desktop

Proprietary SaaS

PricingPaid

Platformsmacos, windows, linux

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Docker Desktop alternatives compared

Open-source alternatives to Docker Desktop, compared by stars, license and platform
Tool		License	Platforms	Self-hosted
Podman	32,427	Apache-2.0	LinuxmacOSWindows	No	Aug 2026	Visit
Minikube	31,998	Apache-2.0	macOSWindowsLinux	No	Aug 2026	Visit
Rancher Desktop	7,263	Apache-2.0	macOSWindowsLinux	No	Aug 2026	Visit