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nerdctl vs Docker Engine: catalog facts
nerdctl	Docker Engine
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	Standard runtime for container images Controlled from the command line and scriptable
Requires containerd rather than working with an existing Docker daemon Many advanced features are optional extras that need separate setup	No graphical interface of its own Requires some command-line familiarity
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.