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nerdctl vs Docker Compose: catalog facts
nerdctl	Docker Compose
Free Free and open source under the Apache 2.0 license.	Free Free to use.
Linux, Command line	Command line
Same commands as docker, so existing habits carry over Runs Docker Compose files	Whole stack described in one readable file Starts and stops multiple containers together
Requires containerd rather than working with an existing Docker daemon Many advanced features are optional extras that need separate setup	Needs Docker installed to run Aimed at single hosts rather than clusters
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Open source
License: Apache-2.0	License not stated
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 23, 2026

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