Moby

Free plan APILinuxMacSelf-hostedWindows

What Moby is

Moby is a free framework from Docker for assembling container based systems from reusable components. It brings together containerized pieces for operating systems, runtimes, orchestration, infrastructure, networking, storage, security, builds, and image distribution. Its tools produce runnable artifacts for bare metal x86 and Arm, executables for Linux, Mac, and Windows, and VM images for cloud and virtualization providers.

Teams can start with reference assemblies, use them as they are, or adapt them and their components. The components are OCI compatible containers. Moby is modular: its parts expose functions and APIs that work together and can usually be replaced by other implementations. Containerd is the default runtime. The project also connects with Kubernetes through ecosystem projects including containerd, LinuxKit, InfraKit, libnetwork, Notary, and libentitlement.

Moby is aimed at engineers, integrators, and enthusiasts who want to experiment with or build container systems. It is licensed under Apache License 2.0 and supports Linux, macOS, and Windows hosts, as well as API and self hosted use. Releases receive best effort support from maintainers, community members, and users; Moby is not intended as a commercially supported platform.

Who it suits

Moby suits engineers, integrators, and enthusiasts who want to assemble, modify, or experiment with container based systems. Application developers looking for a straightforward way to run containers are directed to Docker CE, while enterprise teams seeking a ready to use commercially supported platform are directed to Mirantis Container Runtime.

What it does well

Free framework licensed under Apache License 2.0.
Produces artifacts for bare metal x86 and Arm.
Reference assemblies can be used or modified.
Modular components can usually be swapped for alternatives.
Uses containerd as its default runtime.
Supports Linux, macOS, and Windows hosts.

What to know first

Release support is best effort rather than commercial.
The project is not intended as a ready to use application container platform.
Use and transfer may be subject to government restrictions.

Limits

Moby is free, with no free trial. Support for releases is best effort from maintainers, the community, and users, rather than commercial support.

Getting started

Visit the Moby project website.
Choose Linux, macOS, Windows, API, or self hosted use.
Select a reference assembly to use, modify, or use as inspiration.
Assemble a system from the available components.

Verdict

Choose Moby if you want to build or modify a container based system from modular components and reference assemblies. Its free Apache licensed framework supports several host systems and output types. Look elsewhere if you need commercial support or an easy application running experience.

Questions

How much does Moby cost?

Moby is free, and its pricing note identifies a free plan.

Is Moby open source?

Moby is licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0.

Which platforms does Moby support?

Listed platforms are API, Linux, macOS, self hosted, and Windows. Supported host operating systems are Linux, macOS, and Windows.

What runtime does Moby use?

Containerd is Moby’s default container runtime.

Who maintains or supports Moby?

Moby was created by Docker. Releases receive best effort support from maintainers, the community, and users; the project is not intended to provide commercial support.

Does Moby work with Kubernetes?

The ecosystem integrates with Kubernetes through projects including containerd, LinuxKit, InfraKit, libnetwork, Notary, and libentitlement.

Facts from Moby's own pages

Assemblies: Reference assemblies can be used as-is, modified or used as inspiration, and components are OCI-compatible containers. · mobyproject.org, 2 Oct 2026
Audience: The project is intended for engineers, integrators, and enthusiasts who want to modify, experiment with, or build container-based systems. · github.com, 2 Oct 2026
Build outputs: Its tools create runnable artifacts for bare-metal x86 and Arm, Linux, Mac and Windows executables, and VM images for cloud and virtualization providers. · mobyproject.org, 2 Oct 2026
Commercial support: Moby releases are supported by maintainers, the community and users on a best-efforts basis only. · github.com, 2 Oct 2026
Components: It provides containerized components for operating systems, runtimes, orchestration, infrastructure, networking, storage, security, builds and image distribution. · mobyproject.org, 2 Oct 2026
Default runtime: Moby uses containerd as its default container runtime. · mobyproject.org, 2 Oct 2026
Kubernetes integration: The Moby ecosystem integrates with Kubernetes through projects including containerd, LinuxKit, InfraKit, libnetwork, Notary and libentitlement. · mobyproject.org, 2 Oct 2026
Legal restriction: Use and transfer of Moby may be subject to restrictions imposed by the United States and other governments. · github.com, 2 Oct 2026
License: Moby is licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0. · github.com, 2 Oct 2026
Modularity: The project is modular, with components exposing functions and APIs that work together and can usually be swapped for other implementations. · github.com, 2 Oct 2026
Not for application developers: The project recommends Docker CE for application developers seeking an easy way to run applications in containers. · mobyproject.org, 2 Oct 2026
Not for enterprise teams: The project recommends Mirantis Container Runtime for enterprise IT and development teams seeking a ready-to-use, commercially supported container platform. · mobyproject.org, 2 Oct 2026
Purpose: Moby is an open framework created by Docker for assembling specialized container systems from standard components. · mobyproject.org, 2 Oct 2026
Runtime: Moby uses containerd as its default container runtime. · mobyproject.org, 2 Oct 2026
Security: The project says it provides secure defaults without compromising usability. · github.com, 2 Oct 2026
Security approach: Moby says it provides secure defaults without compromising usability. · github.com, 2 Oct 2026
Security reporting: Security vulnerabilities should be reported privately to [email protected], and reporters can expect an acknowledgement within 72 hours. · github.com, 2 Oct 2026
Support: Releases receive best-effort support from maintainers, the community, and users; Moby is not intended to provide commercial support. · github.com, 2 Oct 2026
Target users: Moby is intended for engineers, integrators and enthusiasts who want to modify, experiment with and build container-based systems. · github.com, 2 Oct 2026
What it does: Moby is an open framework created by Docker for assembling specialized container systems. · mobyproject.org, 2 Oct 2026

Where Moby stands on Freedom251

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