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minikube vs Docker Desktop: catalog facts
minikube	Docker Desktop
Free The open-source application is available without a license fee.	Freemium Free for personal use, education, open source projects and small businesses. Larger…
Windows, macOS, Linux	Windows, macOS, Linux
Local clusters with common Kubernetes features	Everything in one installer: engine, Compose, Kubernetes and a dashboard The reference implementation, so every tutorial assumes it
Requires enough local resources and a supported runtime or driver.	Paid subscription required above a company size threshold Closed source, unlike the Docker engine itself
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Closed source
License: Apache-2.0	License not stated
Not stated if an account is needed	No account needed
Not stated if it works offline	Works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 22, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 21, 2026

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