Freedom251 › Container Engines
Mirantis Container Runtime
What Mirantis Container Runtime is
Mirantis Container Runtime (MCR) is an enterprise container engine for running business-critical applications with a supported runtime. It works with Docker-based workflows, including familiar CLI commands, Dockerfiles, and APIs, and supports Kubernetes or Docker Swarm orchestration. With Mirantis Secure Registry, MCR can validate and sign images so only approved images run. It provides FIPS 140-2 validated cryptography and post-quantum hybrid key exchange for TLS 1.3 connections, including Swarm control-plane and registry operations. Supported hosts include listed versions of Oracle Linux, RHEL, Rocky Linux, SLE, Ubuntu, and Windows Server; Windows Server supports native Docker containers. The runtime interface is containerd, with Kubernetes CRI, rootless mode, image building, and optional crun or gVisor runtimes. Subscriptions are priced per node. One-year 8×5 support starts at $1,125 a year, while 24×7 support starts at $2,250 a year. Linux support excludes Unbreakable Enterprise Kernel.
Who it suits
MCR suits organizations running production containers that need supported Kubernetes or Swarm operations. It is relevant to teams requiring validated cryptography, image controls, or Windows and Linux hosts.
What it does well
- Supports Kubernetes and Docker Swarm
- Compatible with Docker workflows and APIs
- Offers image validation with Secure Registry
- Provides FIPS 140-2 cryptography
- Supports rootless mode and image building
What to know first
- No free plan
- Subscriptions are priced per node
- Linux excludes Unbreakable Enterprise Kernel
- 24×7 support costs more than 8×5
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Mirantis Container Runtime for Windows Server with 8X5 Support · 1 year | Starting at $1,125.00 / 1 year per node · Windows Server · 8×5 basic support · per node · minimum 1 year | $1,125 a year |
| Mirantis Container Runtime for Linux with 8X5 Support · 1 year | Starting at $1,125.00 / 1 year per node · Linux · 8×5 basic support · per node · minimum 1 year | $1,125 a year |
| Mirantis Container Runtime for Linux with 24X7 Support · 1 year | Starting at $2,250.00 / 1 year per node · Linux · 24×7 enterprise support · per node · minimum 1 year | $2,250 a year |
| Mirantis Container Runtime for Windows Server with 24X7 Support · 1 year | Starting at $2,250.00 / 1 year per node · Windows Server · 24×7 enterprise support · per node · minimum 1 year | $2,250 a year |
| Mirantis Container Runtime for Linux with 8X5 Support · 3 years | Starting at $3,037.50 / 3 years per node · Linux · 8×5 basic support · per node | $3,037.50 a year |
| Mirantis Container Runtime for Windows Server with 8X5 Support · 3 years | Starting at $3,037.50 / 3 years per node · Windows Server · 8×5 basic support · per node | $3,037.50 a year |
| Mirantis Container Runtime for Linux with 24X7 Support · 3 years | Starting at $6,075.00 / 3 years per node · Linux · 24×7 enterprise support · per node | $6,075 a year |
| Mirantis Container Runtime for Windows Server with 24X7 Support · 3 years | Starting at $6,075.00 / 3 years per node · Windows Server · 24×7 enterprise support · per node | $6,075 a year |
As docs.mirantis.com lists them, read 7 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
MCR combines Docker compatibility with Kubernetes and Swarm choices, security controls, and supported enterprise subscriptions. Buyers should verify host-kernel compatibility and select support coverage by node.
Facts from Mirantis Container Runtime's own pages
- Cryptography
- MCR provides FIPS 140-2 validated cryptography for regulated encryption requirements. · docs.mirantis.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Docker compatibility
- MCR is compatible with Docker-based workflows, including familiar CLI, Dockerfiles, and APIs. · store.mirantis.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Headquarters
- Campbell, California, United States · docs.mirantis.com, 28 Sept 2026
- Image validation
- Combined with Mirantis Secure Registry, MCR can validate and sign container images so only approved images can run. · docs.mirantis.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Linux platforms
- The compatibility matrix lists Oracle Linux, RHEL, Rocky Linux, SLE, and Ubuntu versions for supported MCR releases. · docs.mirantis.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Notable compatibility limit
- The MCR compatibility matrix says MCR supports only Red Hat Compatible Kernel, not Unbreakable Enterprise Kernel. · docs.mirantis.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Optional runtimes
- MCR documentation describes optional alternative OCI runtimes, including crun and gVisor. · docs.mirantis.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Orchestration
- MCR supports Kubernetes and Docker Swarm, allowing users to select an orchestration solution. · docs.mirantis.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Post-quantum security
- MCR supports post-quantum hybrid key exchange for TLS 1.3 connections, including Swarm control plane and registry operations. · docs.mirantis.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- MCR is an enterprise container engine for running business-critical applications with a supported runtime. · docs.mirantis.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Support
- MCR subscriptions provide prioritized support, with service levels depending on subscription and the cloud or cluster designated in a support case. · docs.mirantis.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Support response
- The Linux 24×7 OpsCare listing specifies a 30-minute initial response for Severity 1 incidents and a minimum one-year subscription. · store.mirantis.com, 7 Oct 2026
- Windows platform
- MCR enables native Docker containers on supported Windows Server versions. · docs.mirantis.com, 7 Oct 2026
Where Mirantis Container Runtime stands on Freedom251
- Container Engines#29 of 31
- Container Runtime Software#28 of 28