Docker Alternatives 2026: 3 Options Compared
Find the right developer tools solution for your team
Docker pricing varies by team size and features, ranging from $0 to $0 per user/month in 2026. Your actual cost depends on the tier you choose, contract length, and negotiated discounts.
Use the interactive pricing calculator to estimate your exact cost based on team size and requirements.
- Free tier: No free tier available
- Billing: Monthly and annual (save 15-20%)
- Hidden costs: Add ~35% for implementation, support, and training
Top Docker Alternatives
GitHub (Container Registry)
Medium EffortChoose GitHub Container Registry over Docker Hub if you want tighter CI/CD integration with GitHub Actions and included container storage with GitHub plans
GitLab (Container Registry)
Medium EffortChoose GitLab over Docker if you want a single platform for source code, CI/CD, and container registry without separate Docker Hub subscription
CircleCI
Medium EffortChoose CircleCI for CI/CD workflows with Docker build support as part of your pipeline rather than paying separately for Docker Build Cloud
When to Stay with Docker
Stay with Docker if your team relies on Docker Hub as your primary container registry, uses Docker Desktop's integrated Kubernetes and Compose features, or needs Docker Scout for vulnerability scanning across your image supply chain
- You've invested heavily in customizations and integrations
- Your team is highly trained and productive on Docker
- You need features that alternatives don't offer
- Migration costs would exceed multi-year savings
Price Comparison
| Product | Price Range | Migration |
|---|---|---|
| Current Docker | $0-$0/user/month | - |
| GitHub (Container Registry) | $0-21/user/month | Medium |
| GitLab (Container Registry) | $0-99/user/month | Medium |
| CircleCI | $0-custom | Medium |
Detailed Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
01 What are the best Docker alternatives?
The top Docker alternatives include GitHub (Container Registry), GitLab (Container Registry), CircleCI. Each offers different strengths: GitHub (Container Registry) is teams already on github wanting integrated container registry with github actions ci/cd, while GitLab (Container Registry) is teams wanting an all-in-one devops platform with built-in container registry.
02 Is it hard to switch from Docker to an alternative?
Migration difficulty varies by alternative. Among Docker alternatives, some options offer easy migration paths with import tools. More complex migrations may require data cleanup and workflow reconfiguration.
03 How much can I save by switching from Docker?
Depending on the alternative you choose, you could save anywhere from 20% to 70% on per-user costs. Docker's pricing is competitive, so cost savings depend on your specific feature requirements. Factor in migration costs and productivity dip during transition.
04 Should I stay with Docker or switch?
Stay with Docker if your team relies on Docker Hub as your primary container registry, uses Docker Desktop's integrated Kubernetes and Compose features, or needs Docker Scout for vulnerability scanning across your image supply chain However, if your needs have evolved or you're not using Docker's advanced features, exploring alternatives could save you money and complexity.
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