Side by side
Docker Engine vs Podman
Both stand on container management software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan LinuxMacWindows
Docker Engine provides the core container runtime and image-building capabilities listed here at no charge. Check the host operating-system requirements before deployment.
Visit Docker Engine
Free plan APILinuxMac+2
Podman offers a daemonless container engine with image, Kubernetes, and Desktop workflows. It is free under Apache License 2.0, though Windows containers are not supported.
Visit PodmanThe facts
| Docker Engine | Podman | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Windows | API, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Not published | Free or on request |
| Plans published | None | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | docker.com | podman.io |
| On container management software | #20 of 28 | #16 of 28 |
Docker Engine: what it does well
- Free plan is listed
- Builds container images
- Supports rootless mode
- Supports Kubernetes CRI
- Runs Windows containers
What to know first
- Supported host operating systems are Linux and Windows Server
- Platform availability and host OS lists differ
Podman: what it does well
- Free container, pod, and image management
- Most commands can run without extra privileges
- Podman Desktop supports Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Supports local Kubernetes YAML workflows
- Can build and pull container images
What to know first
- Windows containers are not supported
- Podman Desktop supports a subset of listed host platforms
- Some commands and workflows may require learning its tools
Alternatives to Docker Engine Alternatives to Podman The whole list