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Docker Desktop vs Colima: catalog facts
Docker DesktopColima
Freemium

Free for personal use, education, open source projects and small businesses. Larger…

Free

The open-source application is available without a license fee.

Windows, macOS, Linux macOS, Linux
  • Everything in one installer: engine, Compose, Kubernetes and a dashboard
  • The reference implementation, so every tutorial assumes it
  • Multiple instances with automatic port forwarding
  • Paid subscription required above a company size threshold
  • Closed source, unlike the Docker engine itself
  • The Docker runtime requires a Docker client.
Downloadable app Downloadable app
Closed source Open source
License not stated License: MIT
No account needed Not stated if an account is needed
Works offline Not stated if it works offline

Checked September 21, 2026

Checked September 22, 2026

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