10 Best Docker Alternatives 2023

Docker is a popular open source platform for developing, testing, deploying, and managing applications. Notably, Docker has a virtual production environment called a container that can be easily shared with others.

However, some developers have complained about the challenges associated with using Docker containers during application development.

Popular Docker alternatives have taken advantage of some of these challenges to create virtualization platforms that add many features that Docker lacks.

In this article, TipsMake will show you the 10 best Docker alternatives that are ideal for creating isolated virtual environments for application development and provide users with unique benefits.

1. Podman

10 Best Docker Alternatives 2023 Picture 1

The first Docker alternative on this list is Podman. Podman is an open source alternative virtualization platform from RedHat. Like Docker, you can use the Podman container tool to develop, manage, and run OCI containers on Linux. However, Podman Container Engine runs on a daemonless architecture. does not require root privileges.

With Podman, containers are run in the background without needing root permissions because it integrates directly with systemD (system daemon), allowing it to run in the background. Therefore, the system takes over the Docker daemon functionality in Podman.

2. OpenVZ

10 Best Docker Alternatives 2023 Picture 2

Another Docker alternative on today's list is OpenVZ.

OpenVZ from Virtuozzo is a Linux-based containerization technology, similar to Docker in features and functionality, but with the ability to do more than just deploy applications.

OpenVZ allows users to create several isolated Linux containers on a single Linux server. Therefore, these Linux-based containers are used to create isolated environments to host virtual servers (for example, most virtual private servers deployed in VPN technology will host in OpenVZ containers).

3. VirtualBox

10 Best Docker Alternatives 2023 Picture 3

VirtualBox, first released in 2007, has similar functionality to Docker because they are both virtual platforms that developers can use to create and run applications. However, unlike Docker, developers can use VirtualBox to create several virtual machines running on different operating systems.

This facilitates applications that require other operating systems to run. Additionally, because VirtualBox runs on X86 and AMD64/Intel64 operating systems, it allows easy storage and backup of files to cloud-based storage facilities and can also switch between operating systems without No need to store data in containers on Docker.

4. Kubernetes (K8)

10 Best Docker Alternatives 2023 Picture 4

Unlike other Docker alternatives on this list, Kubernetes is a popular choice.

Kubernetes (also known as K8) is an open source container automation system developed by Google to manage container applications in physical, virtual, or cloud environments. Kubernetes acts as an orchestrator controlling thousands of containers and workloads.

If you are running multiple containerized applications regardless of their hosting platform, you will need Kubernetes, which serves as an API to orchestrate, control, schedule, and automate multiple containers.

5. LXC (Linux Containers)

10 Best Docker Alternatives 2023 Picture 5

LXC is a Linux-based containerization tool that allows users to create multiple separate Linux environments on a single Linux machine. Unlike Docker, LXC acts as a hypervisor to create multiple Linux machines with separate system files, network features, and applications.

Although Linux's LXC is an old containerization technology abandoned by Docker, it has made a strong comeback by building on Docker's shortcomings including reduced disk performance, poor volume management, and sharing. Server resources such as IP address, file system, hostname, etc.

6. Microsoft Azure Container Registry

10 Best Docker Alternatives 2023 Picture 6

Microsoft Azure Container Registry is a native Docker registry for storing and managing container images using DCLI (Docker Command Line Interface) tools. It provides users with more robust security options, including container vulnerability scanning, runtime protection, and Twist Lock compatibility.

Microsoft Azure allows developers to migrate easily from Monolithic architecture to containerized environments. It also makes container management easy without requiring expertise. This makes Microsoft Azure a more powerful option for managing container clusters, allowing developers to run and scale applications easily using Kubernetes, Docker Swarm, and orchestrators other containers.

7. Containerd

10 Best Docker Alternatives 2023 Picture 7

Containerd is another contender in the list of best Docker alternatives. Containerd is a standalone container runtime that combines simplicity, robustness, and portability at the core of its operations. Containerd was previously a tool that ran as part of Docker container services until Docker decided to turn its components into independent components.

In short, Containerd acts as a client layer on which platforms like Kubernetes, Docker, etc., can be built without worrying about the Host Kernel.

With Containerd, you enjoy push and pull functionality, manage container creation and execution using image management APIs, Snapshot management, and more without worrying about the host operating system.

8. Rancher

10 Best Docker Alternatives 2023 Picture 8

Rancher is a high-level orchestration software for managing container clusters. Typically, when administrators manage multiple clusters, management becomes difficult, each cluster has a unique configuration and access control settings.

Rancher makes managing a complex environment much easier using automation. For example, in a large organization, each department may have a cluster. Manually managing an entire cluster as a pod becomes difficult, especially if administrators have to revoke user permissions across multiple pods within an organization.

With Rancher, admins can remove users from all groups at once, making the process faster and error-free.

9. Vagrant

10 Best Docker Alternatives 2023 Picture 9

HashiCorp Vagrant is a tool for replicating multiple conditional virtual environments across multiple virtual machines and operating systems.

Vagrant is used to set up a virtual environment that can be replicated multiple times across different networks, virtual machines, and operating systems, as Vagrant can create identical virtual environments for creation, production, and application deployment.

With Vagrant, you can create images of virtual machines and share them with your teammates across platforms to create virtual environments with the same compiler and libraries. Unlike Docker with its user-level isolation, Vagrant provides users with separate features and functionality that can be used together.

In general, Vagrant is used to create single workflow environments on virtual machines, to give users the advantages of automation, reduced setup time and increased productivity.

10. ZeroVM

10 Best Docker Alternatives 2023 Picture 10

Last but not least in the list of best Docker alternatives is ZeroVM.

ZeroVM is an open source, lightweight virtualization technology based on Google's Chromium Native Client (NaCl) project. With ZeroVM, users can create a secure and isolated environment to embed applications.

Unlike other platforms that virtualize the entire system, ZeroVM virtualizes at the application level by embedding an application in an isolated environment, making deployment faster.

Jessica Tanner

Update 19 October 2023