OrbStack
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About
OrbStack is ranked #4 of 38 in container Development Environments on Inferse. It runs on macOS. There is a free plan. A free trial is offered. Paid plans start at $8/mo.
Compared on container Development Environments
- Free plan
- Yesorbstack.dev
- Paid from
- $8/user/moorbstack.dev
- Desktop platforms
- macOS 14.0 or newerorbstack.dev
- Local Kubernetes
- Yesorbstack.dev
- Compose workflows
- Yesorbstack.dev
- Cluster mode
- single-nodeorbstack.dev
- IDE integration
- Yesorbstack.dev
- Resource controls
- Yesorbstack.dev
Facts
- Product
- OrbStack is an app for running Docker containers and Linux machines, positioned as an alternative to Docker Desktop.docs.orbstack.dev · 30 Sept 2026
- Kubernetes
- OrbStack can run a lightweight Kubernetes cluster for local development with GUI and network integration.docs.orbstack.dev · 30 Sept 2026
- Performance
- OrbStack says it starts in two seconds and uses optimized networking, file systems, and x86 emulation.docs.orbstack.dev · 30 Sept 2026
- Developer integrations
- The maker says Docker CLI, Compose, Earthly, and VS Code Dev Containers work with OrbStack.docs.orbstack.dev · 30 Sept 2026
- Linux integration
- Linux machines integrate with macOS networking and file sharing, and support SSH agent forwarding and remote VS Code.orbstack.dev · 30 Sept 2026
- Licensing
- Personal use is free, while freelance, business, and commercial users must purchase a license for each user.docs.orbstack.dev · 30 Sept 2026
- Device limit
- A per-user license covers up to five devices owned or primarily operated by that same user.docs.orbstack.dev · 30 Sept 2026
- Trial and grace period
- The pricing page says OrbStack is free to try with no card required, and the FAQ gives users a 30-day grace period to purchase a license.orbstack.dev · 30 Sept 2026
- Enterprise features
- The Enterprise plan lists SAML SSO and invoice and PO payments.orbstack.dev · 30 Sept 2026
- Security
- For its paid subscription service, Orbital Labs describes access controls, multi-factor authentication, firewalls, monitoring, and encryption safeguards.docs.orbstack.dev · 30 Sept 2026
- Privacy
- The privacy policy says the app may send usage and device data, and optional anonymous crash reports and diagnostics when submitted.docs.orbstack.dev · 30 Sept 2026
- Support
- The pricing page lists community support for Free and priority support for Pro; the docs also offer email and community discussion support.orbstack.dev · 30 Sept 2026
- Notable limitations
- OrbStack requires macOS 14.0 or later, and its FAQ lists Linux graphical apps and GPU as unsupported items.orbstack.dev · 30 Sept 2026
- Company
- The website identifies Orbital Labs, LLC as the company behind OrbStack.orbstack.dev · 30 Sept 2026
Best OrbStack alternatives
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Sources
- docs.orbstack.dev· checked 30 Sept 2026
- docs.orbstack.dev/faq· checked 30 Sept 2026
- docs.orbstack.dev/features· checked 30 Sept 2026
- orbstack.dev· checked 30 Sept 2026
- docs.orbstack.dev/licensing· checked 30 Sept 2026
- orbstack.dev/pricing· checked 30 Sept 2026
- docs.orbstack.dev/legal/security· checked 30 Sept 2026
- docs.orbstack.dev/legal/privacy· checked 30 Sept 2026
- orbstack.dev/download· checked 30 Sept 2026




