Side by side
ctop vs Glances
Both stand on container monitoring. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1
ctop provides a focused container view with practical navigation, filtering, and inspection controls. Its built-in integrations are limited to Docker and runC, with specific privilege and connection requirements.
Visit ctop Free plan AndroidAPILinux+4
Glances combines live system monitoring with remote access, container monitoring, and a wide range of data exports. Check the Python requirement and XML-RPC host guidance when setting it up.
Visit GlancesThe facts
| ctop | Glances | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows | Android, API, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | ctop.sh | github.com |
| On container monitoring | #8 of 49 | #12 of 49 |
ctop: what it does well
- Real-time metrics for multiple containers
- Docker and runC connectors included
- Container logs and shell access
- Configurable filters, sorting, and columns
- Linux, macOS, Windows, and Docker installation
What to know first
- Other connectors were only planned
- runC requires full state-directory privileges
- MIT license provides software without warranty
- Docker defaults to a Unix socket
Glances: what it does well
- Displays CPU, memory, disk, network, and sensor data.
- Remote monitoring supports terminal, web, and APIs.
- Monitors Docker and LXC containers.
- Exports statistics to files, databases, and brokers.
- Free and open source.
What to know first
- Version 4 requires Python 3.10 or later.
- Standard pip installation omits web dependencies.
- XML-RPC accepts any HTTP Host header by default.