Comparison

Docker vs Helm

On the evidence we track, Helm leads this comparison with a composite score of 77/100. Scores are only directly comparable because these tools share a category; the full breakdown and every source is below.

Machine formatsJSONMarkdownGraphQLor send Accept: application/json
Attribute comparison across 2 tools
Attribute68Docker77HelmLeader
Vioscale score68 / 100low · 38%77 / 100low · 10%
Commits last 30d100100
Github stars71,94230,069
Options{"cloud":true,"hybrid":true,"self_hosted":true}{"cloud":true,"self_hosted":true}
LongDocker is a containerization platform providing tools for building, deploying, and managing containerized applications, with offerings for individual developers and enterprises.Helm is the best way to find, share, and use software built for Kubernetes. Helm helps you manage Kubernetes applications through Charts that define, install, and upgrade even complex applications.
Capabilities{"hosting":"both","gui_dashboard":true,"orchestration":"kubernetes"}{"cncf_maturity":"graduated"}
PrimaryGoGo
SpdxApache-2.0Apache-2.0
Availability{"primaryMarkets":["US"],"availabilityScope":"global","availableCountries":[],"notAvailableCountries":[]}{"primaryMarkets":[],"availabilityScope":"global","availableCountries":[],"notAvailableCountries":[]}
Support{"cli":true,"web":true}{"cli":true}
Pricing{"type":"hybrid","plans":[{"free":true,"name":"Docker Personal","summary":"Free","features":["Docker Desktop","Docker Engine + Kubernetes","Docker Hub","Docker Scout","Docker Debug"],"minSeats":1,"components":[{"kind":"fixed","amount":0,"period":"month","currency":"USD"}],"description":"For individual developers who need the essential tools to build and deploy containers.","contactSales":false,"includedLimits":{"scout_repos":"1","private_hub_repos":"1","hub_pulls_per_hour":"100"}},{"free":false,"name":"Docker Pro","summary":"$9/seat/month (monthly billing) or $11/seat/month (annual billing)","features":["Docker Build Cloud","Testcontainers Cloud","Synchronized File Shares","Docker Scout health scores visibility","5 business day support"],"minSeats":1,"commitment":"monthly","components":[{"kind":"per_unit","unit":"seat","amount":9,"period":"month","currency":"USD"}],"description":"For individual professionals who require more advanced features and additional resources.","contactSales":false,"includedLimits":{"scout_repos":"2","build_cloud_minutes":"200","testcontainers_cloud_minutes":"100"}},{"free":false,"name":"Docker Team","summary":"$15/seat/month (monthly billing) or $16/seat/month (annual billing)","features":["Add users in bulk","Audit logs","Docker Hub role-based access control","2 business day support"],"commitment":"monthly","components":[{"kind":"per_unit","unit":"seat","amount":15,"period":"month","currency":"USD"}],"description":"For small teams that need collaborative tools to make working together more efficient.","contactSales":false,"includedLimits":{"users":"Up to 100","org_tokens":"10","scout_repos":"Unlimited","hub_organizations":"1","private_hub_repos":"Unlimited","build_cloud_minutes":"500","testcontainers_cloud_minutes":"500"}},{"free":false,"name":"Docker Business","summary":"$24/seat/month","features":["Hardened Docker Desktop","Single Sign-On (SSO)","SCIM user provisioning","Image and Registry Access Management","Desktop Insights Dashboard","Enhanced Container Isolation (ECI)","Purchase via invoice","1 business day support response"],"commitment":"annual","components":[{"kind":"per_unit","unit":"seat","amount":24,"period":"month","currency":"USD"}],"description":"For enterprises desiring robust security, control, and compliance features.","contactSales":true,"includedLimits":{"users":"No cap","org_tokens":"100","scout_repos":"Unlimited","hub_organizations":"Unlimited","private_hub_repos":"Unlimited","build_cloud_minutes":"1500","testcontainers_cloud_minutes":"1500"}}],"addOns":[{"name":"Docker Hardened Images (DHI) - Community","components":[{"kind":"fixed","amount":0,"currency":"USD"}]},{"name":"Docker Hardened Images (DHI) - Select","components":[{"kind":"one_time","amount":5000,"currency":"USD"}]},{"name":"Docker Hardened Images (DHI) - Enterprise"}],"summary":"From free (Personal tier) to $24/seat/month (Business). Docker Hardened Images starting at $5k/repo (Select tier).","currency":"USD","freeTier":true,"sourceUrl":"https://www.docker.com","retrievedAt":"2026-08-05T14:07:34.514Z","startingPrice":{"amount":9,"period":"month","currency":"USD"},"billingPeriods":["month","year"]}{"type":"open_source","summary":"Free and open source","freeTier":true,"sourceUrl":"https://helm.sh","retrievedAt":"2026-08-05T14:09:36.746Z"}
Free tierYesYes
Modelcommercialopen_source
Price levellowfree
Starting gbp9-
TransparentYesYes
Cadence days22
Status pageYes-
Disclosure policyYesYes
GdprYes-
Iso27001Yes-
Soc2Yes-

Capabilities

Feature-by-feature on the axes that matter for container orchestration tools. “-” means undocumented, not absent.

Capability comparison for Container Orchestration Tools
CapabilityDockerHelm
Core
Orchestration scopeKubernetes-
Deployment
HostingCloud + self-hosted-
Standards
OCI / CRI compliant--
CNCF Certified Kubernetes conformant--
Security
Rootless operation--
Architecture
Daemonless architecture--
Platform
Windows containers--
ARM architecture support--
Workloads
GPU scheduling--
Stateful workloads--
Networking
Built-in networking / CNI--
Ops
Vendor-managed control plane--
Ecosystem
CNCF maturity-Graduated
UX
GUI dashboard-

Comparison generated from independently-sourced facts. Every value links to its source and retrieval date. See the method.