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Colima vs nerdctl: catalog facts
Colima	nerdctl
Free The open-source application is available without a license fee.	Free Free and open source under the Apache 2.0 license.
macOS, Linux	Linux, Command line
Multiple instances with automatic port forwarding	Same commands as docker, so existing habits carry over Runs Docker Compose files
The Docker runtime requires a Docker client.	Requires containerd rather than working with an existing Docker daemon Many advanced features are optional extras that need separate setup
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Open source
License: MIT	License: Apache-2.0
Not stated if an account is needed	No account needed
Not stated if it works offline	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 22, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.