# Docker vs k0s

**Leader by vioscaleAI score:** Docker

| Attribute | Docker | k0s |
|---|---|---|
| **vioscaleAI score** | 70.4 (61% (medium)) | 46.8 (44% (low)) |
| activity.commits_last_30d | 100 | 100 |
| adoption.dependent_repos | 1,657 | 1 |
| adoption.github_stars | 72,148 | 6,530 |
| content.faq | `[{"answer":"Docker is a containerization platform that enables developers to package applications and their dependencies into isolated containers. It provides build tools, container engines, registries, and orchestration capabilities for managing containerized systems. It is indexed under Container Orchestration Tools.","source":"https://www.docker.com","question":"What is Docker?","confidence":0.6},{"answer":"Docker is open source, so it can be self-hosted and used at no licence cost. It is released under the Apache-2.0 licence. A commercial or hosted edition starts at $9 per user per month. Prices are published openly on the vendor's own pricing page. Pricing changes often, so verify at source before relying on it.","source":"https://www.docker.com","question":"Is Docker free to use?","confidence":0.6},{"answer":"Docker supports Windows, Linux and a command-line interface. Platforms we have not confirmed are simply not listed here rather than ruled out.","source":"https://www.docker.com","question":"What platforms does Docker support?","confidence":0.6},{"answer":"Yes. Docker can be deployed self-hosted, so it does not have to run on the vendor's infrastructure.","source":"https://www.docker.com","question":"Can Docker be self-hosted?","confidence":0.6},{"answer":"We have independently confirmed SOC 2, ISO 27001 and GDPR for Docker. Certifications we do not list are ones we have not been able to verify from public sources, which is not the same as Docker not holding them. Always confirm compliance directly before you rely on it.","source":"https://www.docker.com/trust","question":"What security certifications does Docker have?","confidence":0.7},{"answer":"Yes. Docker is published under the Apache-2.0 licence, a permissive licence that generally allows commercial use and modification. Licence terms can change between releases, so verify against the repository for the version you intend to use.","source":"https://github.com/moby/moby","question":"Is Docker open source?","confidence":0.95},{"answer":"Docker is available worldwide. Its primary market is the United States.","source":"https://www.docker.com","question":"Where is Docker available?","confidence":0.5}]` | `[{"answer":"An open-source Kubernetes distribution packaged as a single binary with minimal dependencies, designed to run on any infrastructure including bare metal, cloud platforms, and edge environments with simple configuration. It is indexed under Container Orchestration Tools.","source":"https://k0sproject.io","question":"What is k0s?","confidence":0.6},{"answer":"k0s is open source, so it can be self-hosted and used at no licence cost. Pricing changes often, so verify at source before relying on it.","source":"https://k0sproject.io","question":"Is k0s free to use?","confidence":0.6},{"answer":"k0s supports Windows, Linux and a command-line interface. Platforms we have not confirmed are simply not listed here rather than ruled out.","source":"https://k0sproject.io","question":"What platforms does k0s support?","confidence":0.6},{"answer":"Yes. k0s can be deployed cloud / SaaS, hybrid, on-premise, air-gapped and self-hosted, so it does not have to run on the vendor's infrastructure.","source":"https://k0sproject.io","question":"Can k0s be self-hosted?","confidence":0.6}]` |
| deployment.options | `{"self_hosted":true}` | `{"cloud":true,"hybrid":true,"on_prem":true,"self_hosted":true}` |
| description.long | An open-source project providing toolkit components for containerization, designed for engineers and developers to modify, experiment with, and build container-based systems. It includes container build tools, registries, orchestration, runtimes, and other components that work together but can be independently swapped. | An open-source Kubernetes implementation designed to reduce complexity and friction in deploying Kubernetes clusters. It works across diverse infrastructure environments including edge, cloud, and data centers, with full CNCF certification and upstream Kubernetes compliance. |
| features.capabilities | `{"hosting":"both","rootless":true,"gui_dashboard":true,"orchestration":"swarm","windows_containers":true,"built_in_networking_cni":true}` | `{"hosting":"both","arm_support":true,"cncf_maturity":"graduated","gui_dashboard":false,"orchestration":"kubernetes","k8s_conformant":true,"stateful_workloads":true,"managed_control_plane":false,"built_in_networking_cni":true}` |
| integrations.count | - | 2 |
| integrations.list | - | `[{"name":"Kube-Router"},{"name":"Calico"}]` |
| language.primary | Go | Go |
| license.spdx | Apache-2.0 | - |
| market.availability | `{"primaryMarkets":["US"],"availabilityScope":"global","availableCountries":[],"notAvailableCountries":[]}` | - |
| platform.support | `{"cli":true,"linux":true,"windows":true}` | `{"cli":true,"linux":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","plans":[{"free":true,"name":"k0s","description":"100% open source & free for personal or commercial use"}],"summary":"100% open source & free","freeTier":true,"sourceUrl":"https://k0sproject.io","retrievedAt":"2026-08-03T14:26:13.706Z"}` |
| pricing.free_tier | yes | yes |
| pricing.model | open_source | open_source |
| pricing.price_level | free | free |
| pricing.transparent | yes | yes |
| release.cadence_days | 2 | - |
| release.history | `[{"url":"https://github.com/moby/moby/releases/tag/client/v0.6.1","date":"2026-10-01T18:24:59Z","type":"stable","version":"client/v0.6.1"},{"url":"https://github.com/moby/moby/releases/tag/api/v1.56.1","date":"2026-10-01T17:59:25Z","type":"stable","version":"api/v1.56.1"},{"url":"https://github.com/moby/moby/releases/tag/docker-v29.9.0-rc.1","date":"2026-10-01T20:56:17Z","type":"prerelease","version":"docker-v29.9.0-rc.1"},{"url":"https://github.com/moby/moby/releases/tag/v25.0.18","date":"2026-09-30T15:54:00Z","type":"stable","version":"v25.0.18"},{"url":"https://github.com/moby/moby/releases/tag/docker-v29.8.2","date":"2026-09-30T20:28:33Z","type":"stable","version":"docker-v29.8.2"},{"url":"https://github.com/moby/moby/releases/tag/docker-v29.8.1","date":"2026-09-15T17:05:26Z","type":"stable","version":"docker-v29.8.1"},{"url":"https://github.com/moby/moby/releases/tag/docker-v29.8.0","date":"2026-09-03T22:31:49Z","type":"stable","version":"docker-v29.8.0"},{"url":"https://github.com/moby/moby/releases/tag/client/v0.6.0","date":"2026-09-03T21:03:01Z","type":"stable","version":"client/v0.6.0"},{"url":"https://github.com/moby/moby/releases/tag/api/v1.56.0","date":"2026-09-03T20:43:14Z","type":"stable","version":"api/v1.56.0"},{"url":"https://github.com/moby/moby/releases/tag/docker-v29.8.0-rc.1","date":"2026-08-28T20:48:41Z","type":"prerelease","version":"docker-v29.8.0-rc.1"},{"url":"https://github.com/moby/moby/releases/tag/docker-v29.7.2","date":"2026-08-06T10:35:19Z","type":"stable","version":"docker-v29.7.2"},{"url":"https://github.com/moby/moby/releases/tag/docker-v29.7.1","date":"2026-07-31T17:36:24Z","type":"stable","version":"docker-v29.7.1"},{"url":"https://github.com/moby/moby/releases/tag/docker-v29.7.0","date":"2026-07-30T21:38:11Z","type":"stable","version":"docker-v29.7.0"},{"url":"https://github.com/moby/moby/releases/tag/client/v0.5.1","date":"2026-07-27T19:09:03Z","type":"stable","version":"client/v0.5.1"},{"url":"https://github.com/moby/moby/releases/tag/docker-v29.7.0-rc.1","date":"2026-07-28T09:01:20Z","type":"prerelease","version":"docker-v29.7.0-rc.1"},{"url":"https://github.com/moby/moby/releases/tag/docker-v29.6.2","date":"2026-07-16T16:55:29Z","type":"stable","version":"docker-v29.6.2"},{"url":"https://github.com/moby/moby/releases/tag/v25.0.17","date":"2026-08-13T00:25:05Z","type":"stable","version":"v25.0.17"},{"url":"https://github.com/moby/moby/releases/tag/docker-v29.6.1","date":"2026-06-26T12:29:14Z","type":"stable","version":"docker-v29.6.1"},{"url":"https://github.com/moby/moby/releases/tag/docker-v29.6.0","date":"2026-06-18T20:43:10Z","type":"stable","version":"docker-v29.6.0"},{"url":"https://github.com/moby/moby/releases/tag/client/v0.5.0","date":"2026-06-18T19:36:11Z","type":"stable","version":"client/v0.5.0"}]` | `[{"url":"https://github.com/k0sproject/k0s/releases/tag/v1.36.4%2Bk0s.1","date":"2026-09-19T21:23:36Z","type":"stable","version":"v1.36.4+k0s.1"},{"url":"https://github.com/k0sproject/k0s/releases/tag/v1.35.8%2Bk0s.1","date":"2026-09-19T11:37:36Z","type":"stable","version":"v1.35.8+k0s.1"},{"url":"https://github.com/k0sproject/k0s/releases/tag/v1.34.11%2Bk0s.1","date":"2026-09-19T10:00:00Z","type":"stable","version":"v1.34.11+k0s.1"},{"url":"https://github.com/k0sproject/k0s/releases/tag/v1.36.4%2Bk0s.0","date":"2026-08-31T12:44:41Z","type":"stable","version":"v1.36.4+k0s.0"},{"url":"https://github.com/k0sproject/k0s/releases/tag/v1.35.8%2Bk0s.0","date":"2026-08-31T07:01:53Z","type":"stable","version":"v1.35.8+k0s.0"},{"url":"https://github.com/k0sproject/k0s/releases/tag/v1.34.11%2Bk0s.0","date":"2026-08-28T14:23:48Z","type":"stable","version":"v1.34.11+k0s.0"},{"url":"https://github.com/k0sproject/k0s/releases/tag/v1.36.3%2Bk0s.2","date":"2026-08-12T10:59:02Z","type":"stable","version":"v1.36.3+k0s.2"},{"url":"https://github.com/k0sproject/k0s/releases/tag/v1.36.3%2Bk0s.1","date":"2026-08-07T13:05:33Z","type":"stable","version":"v1.36.3+k0s.1"},{"url":"https://github.com/k0sproject/k0s/releases/tag/v1.36.3%2Bk0s.0","date":"2026-07-27T14:22:28Z","type":"stable","version":"v1.36.3+k0s.0"},{"url":"https://github.com/k0sproject/k0s/releases/tag/v1.35.7%2Bk0s.0","date":"2026-07-27T14:15:43Z","type":"stable","version":"v1.35.7+k0s.0"},{"url":"https://github.com/k0sproject/k0s/releases/tag/v1.34.10%2Bk0s.0","date":"2026-07-27T14:11:12Z","type":"stable","version":"v1.34.10+k0s.0"},{"url":"https://github.com/k0sproject/k0s/releases/tag/v1.33.13%2Bk0s.1","date":"2026-07-27T08:36:02Z","type":"stable","version":"v1.33.13+k0s.1"},{"url":"https://github.com/k0sproject/k0s/releases/tag/v1.37.0-alpha.1%2Bk0s.0","date":"2026-06-30T14:23:55Z","type":"prerelease","version":"v1.37.0-alpha.1+k0s.0"},{"url":"https://github.com/k0sproject/k0s/releases/tag/v1.36.2%2Bk0s.0","date":"2026-06-30T11:27:36Z","type":"stable","version":"v1.36.2+k0s.0"},{"url":"https://github.com/k0sproject/k0s/releases/tag/v1.35.6%2Bk0s.0","date":"2026-06-29T13:32:25Z","type":"stable","version":"v1.35.6+k0s.0"},{"url":"https://github.com/k0sproject/k0s/releases/tag/v1.34.9%2Bk0s.0","date":"2026-06-29T13:30:19Z","type":"stable","version":"v1.34.9+k0s.0"},{"url":"https://github.com/k0sproject/k0s/releases/tag/v1.33.13%2Bk0s.0","date":"2026-06-29T13:26:46Z","type":"stable","version":"v1.33.13+k0s.0"},{"url":"https://github.com/k0sproject/k0s/releases/tag/v1.35.5%2Bk0s.0","date":"2026-06-16T13:06:34Z","type":"stable","version":"v1.35.5+k0s.0"},{"url":"https://github.com/k0sproject/k0s/releases/tag/v1.34.8%2Bk0s.0","date":"2026-06-16T09:43:46Z","type":"stable","version":"v1.34.8+k0s.0"},{"url":"https://github.com/k0sproject/k0s/releases/tag/v1.33.12%2Bk0s.0","date":"2026-06-16T07:11:47Z","type":"stable","version":"v1.33.12+k0s.0"}]` |
| reliability.status_page | yes | - |
| security.disclosure_policy | yes | - |
| security.gdpr | yes | - |
| security.iso27001 | yes | - |
| security.scorecard | 9.1 | 7.2 |
| security.soc2 | yes | - |
| security.trust_center | https://www.docker.com/blog/eu-ai-act-compliance/ | - |
| security.vulnerabilities | `{"count":13,"source":"https://advisories.ecosyste.ms/api/v1/advisories?ecosystem=go&package_name=github.com%2Fmoby%2Fmoby&per_page=100","last_12m":4,"max_severity":"HIGH"}` | `{"count":0,"source":"https://advisories.ecosyste.ms/api/v1/advisories?ecosystem=go&package_name=github.com%2Fk0sproject%2Fk0s&per_page=100","last_12m":0,"max_severity":null}` |

## Capabilities (Container Orchestration Tools)

| Capability | Docker | k0s |
|---|:--:|:--:|
| **Core** |  |  |
| Orchestration scope | Swarm / Compose | Kubernetes |
| **Deployment** |  |  |
| Hosting | Cloud + self-hosted | Cloud + 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 | ✓ | ✗ |

*Source: vioscaleAI. Generated 2026-10-16T19:15:45.809Z. "-" = undocumented, not absent.*