Side by side
firecracker-containerd vs Incus
Both stand on container runtime software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Consider firecracker-containerd if you need containerd to manage Linux containers inside Firecracker microVMs and your host meets its Linux, Intel, and KVM requirements. Look elsewhere if you need support for AMD or Arm, or need a project the guide describes as plug-and-play.
Visit firecracker-containerdIncus combines container and virtual-machine management with storage, networking, migration, and resource controls. Plan for a Linux daemon and trusted-only socket access, and choose an installation route through a distribution, third-party repository, or source.
Visit IncusThe facts
| firecracker-containerd | Incus | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Self-hosted | API, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | github.com | linuxcontainers.org |
| On container runtime software | #12 of 28 | #8 of 28 |
firecracker-containerd: what it does well
- Free software licensed under Apache 2.0.
- Uses OCI image format where possible.
- Supports networking through pre-created tap devices or CNI plugins.
- Includes a root filesystem image builder and in-VM agent.
What to know first
- Requires Linux 4.14 or later, Intel x86_64, and KVM.
- AMD and Arm are not supported by the project.
- The guide describes the project as very early-stage.
- Multi-tenant use is at the user's own risk.
Incus: what it does well
- Manages containers and virtual machines with shared storage and networking.
- Supports snapshots, backups, recovery, and migration.
- Offers REST API and command-line management.
- Free software under the Apache 2 license.
What to know first
- The daemon runs on Linux only.
- Upstream does not directly provide packages.
- Unix socket access grants full control.
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