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Docker vs nerdctl: catalog facts
Docker	nerdctl
Freemium Docker offers free Docker products and premium offerings.	Free Free and open source under the Apache 2.0 license.
Windows, macOS	Linux, Command line
Builds, ships, and runs containers Docker Desktop integrates containers into a local development workflow	Same commands as docker, so existing habits carry over Runs Docker Compose files
Docker Desktop and Docker Engine are distinct components	Requires containerd rather than working with an existing Docker daemon Many advanced features are optional extras that need separate setup
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Closed source	Open source
License not stated	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 October 8, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026

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