Docker Desktop

Docker Desktop is a containerization platform for developers and teams working on container development and deployment. It brings together Docker Engine, Docker CLI, Docker Compose, Docker Build, and Docker Kubernetes. Built-in Kubernetes support lets users deploy, scale, test, and manage containerized applications locally without an external cluster. Docker Debug provides command-line tools for diagnosing containers and images, including slim containers; Docker Extensions add third-party tools for tasks such as debugging, testing, security, and networking. Downloads are available for Mac with Apple Silicon or Intel, Windows with AMD64 or ARM64, and Linux. Docker Personal is free. Paid plans start with Docker Pro at $9 per user per month on an annual plan or $11 per user per month on a monthly plan; Team is $15 per user per month annually, and Business is $24 per user per month. Business includes security controls such as Single Sign-On, SCIM provisioning, and Enhanced Container Isolation, plus VDI support for Citrix, VMware Horizon, and AVD. Commercial use at a company with more than 250 employees or more than $10 million in annual revenue requires a paid subscription.

Who it is for

Docker Desktop suits developers and teams building or deploying containers on Mac, Windows, or Linux. Its built-in Kubernetes and debugging tools support local container workflows.

What is good

Bundles Engine, CLI, Compose, Build, and Kubernetes.
Manage containerized apps locally with built-in Kubernetes.
Debug tools include support for slim containers.
Extensions add third-party development tools.
Docker Personal is free.

What to know first

Some commercial use requires a paid subscription.
Docker Pro is $9 per user per month annually.
Business security controls are part of the Business plan.

Verdict

Docker Desktop combines core container tools, local Kubernetes, and debugging in a desktop product. Companies exceeding the listed size or revenue thresholds need a paid subscription for commercial use.

Docker Desktop plans and pricing

All plans

Docker Personal Free 1 user · 1 Docker Scout-enabled repo · 100 Docker Hub pulls/hr · 1 private Docker Hub repo docker.com · 28 Sept 2026

Docker Pro $9/mo $9 per user/month on annual plan; $11 per user/month on monthly plan 1 user · 2 Docker Scout-enabled repos · unlimited Docker Hub pull rate · 200 Docker Build Cloud build minutes/month · 100 Testcontainers Cloud runtime minutes/month docker.com · 28 Sept 2026

Docker Team $15/mo $15 per user/month on annual plan; $16 per user/month on monthly plan Up to 100 users · unlimited Docker Scout-enabled repos · unlimited private Docker Hub repos · 500 Docker Build Cloud build minutes/month · 500 Testcontainers Cloud runtime minutes/month docker.com · 28 Sept 2026

Docker Business $24/mo $24 per user/month No user cap · unlimited Docker Scout-enabled repos · unlimited private Docker Hub repos · 1,500 Docker Build Cloud build minutes/month · 1,500 Testcontainers Cloud runtime minutes/month docker.com · 28 Sept 2026

Compared on software composition analysis software

Free plan: Yes
Paid from: $9/user/mo
Desktop platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Local Kubernetes: Yes
Compose workflows: Yes
Cluster mode: both
IDE integration: Yes
Resource controls: Yes

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