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

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