OrbStack

Fast, light, simple Docker & Linux on macOS

★★★★★ 5.0/5 from 6 reviews

What is OrbStack?

OrbStack is a fast, light, and simple way to run containers and Linux machines on macOS. It's a supercharged alternative to Docker Desktop and WSL, all in one easy-to-use app.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Docker alternative
  • Fast performance
  • Lightweight
  • MacOS compatibility
  • Performance improvement over Docker Desktop
  • VM support
  • Compatibility with existing workflows
  • Container management
  • IPv6 support
  • Network exposure
  • Simple interface
  • Stability

Cons

  • Compatibility testing required
  • New platform

Tool Details

Categories Virtual office platforms, Command line tools, Cloud Computing Platforms
Website orbstack.dev
Became Popular September 22, 2023
Platforms Web
Social

Recent Reviews (6)

J
Javier Mar 17, 2025
★★★★★

Tinybird Local needs a Docker runtime. We use Orbstack, and it's great.

Docker alternative
C
Can Nov 27, 2023
★★★★★

It just makes working with containers like a breeze. This shows the value of ye old UNIX philosophy: do one thing good. And plus, OrbStack just keeps getting better!

Container management
I
Ivan Jan 13, 2025
★★★★★

OrbStack is a promising alternative, especially for macOS users who need lightweight container and VM management. However, its adoption depends on your specific needs, compatibility with existing workflows, and willingness to explore a newer platform. It’s worth experimenting with if you’re dissatisfied with existing tools like Docker Desktop, but thorough testing in your environment is recommended before making a switch for production workloads.

Lightweight MacOS compatibility Docker alternative New platform Compatibility testing required
P
Phil Sep 22, 2023
★★★★★

Simply amazing - if you have ever tried docker for Mac then you know the issues - this drop in replacement will blow you away and then some! Performance. Stability. Compatibility. Even does IPv6 out the box unlike official docker for Mac!

Fast performance Stability Docker alternative Compatibility with existing workflows IPv6 support
J
John Sep 22, 2023
★★★★★

OrbStack is a game changer. Its more performance than docker desktop, exposes the network to the host, and supports containers and VMs. Been amazing to use.

Fast performance Docker alternative VM support Network exposure
M
Matan Feb 17, 2025
★★★★★

Using orbstack I could run our local Kubernetes cluster easily. beforehand, using docker, my mac was not breathing.

Docker alternative Performance improvement over Docker Desktop

Frequently Asked Questions about OrbStack

When did OrbStack become popular?

OrbStack became popular around September 22, 2023.

What are the main advantages of using OrbStack?

The top advantages of OrbStack include: docker alternative, fast performance, lightweight, macOS compatibility, performance improvement over Docker Desktop.

What are the disadvantages of OrbStack?

Some reported disadvantages of OrbStack include: compatibility testing required, new platform.

What is OrbStack's overall user rating?

OrbStack has an overall rating of 5.0/5 based on 6 user reviews.

What type of tool is OrbStack?

OrbStack belongs to the following categories: Virtual office platforms, Command line tools, Cloud Computing Platforms.

Related Virtual office platforms Tools

Related Command line tools Tools

Related Cloud Computing Platforms Tools

Compare OrbStack :

Don't Get Fooled by Fake Social Media Videos

The world's first fact checker for social media. Paste any link and get an instant credibility score with sources.

Try FactCheckTool Free