List of the Top 18 Container Engines for Linux in 2025

Kubernetes lays a strong groundwork for innovative concepts, allowing developers to accelerate their project delivery through a top-tier hybrid cloud and enterprise container platform. Red Hat OpenShift enhances this experience by automating installations, updates, and providing extensive lifecycle management for the entire container environment, which includes the operating system, Kubernetes, cluster services, and applications across various cloud platforms. As a result, teams can work with increased speed, adaptability, reliability, and a multitude of options available to them. By enabling coding in production mode at the developer's preferred location, it encourages a return to impactful work. With a focus on security integrated throughout the container framework and application lifecycle, Red Hat OpenShift delivers strong, long-term enterprise support from a key player in the Kubernetes and open-source arena. It is equipped to manage even the most intensive workloads, such as AI/ML, Java, data analytics, and databases, among others. Additionally, it facilitates deployment and lifecycle management through a diverse range of technology partners, ensuring that operational requirements are effortlessly met. This blend of capabilities cultivates a setting where innovation can flourish without any constraints, empowering teams to push the boundaries of what is possible. In such an environment, the potential for groundbreaking advancements becomes limitless.

Ambassador Edge Stack serves as a Kubernetes-native API Gateway that delivers ease of use, robust security, and the capability to scale for extensive Kubernetes environments globally. It simplifies the process of securing microservices by offering a comprehensive suite of security features, which encompass automatic TLS, authentication, and rate limiting, along with optional WAF integration. Additionally, it facilitates fine-grained access control, allowing for precise management of user permissions. This API Gateway functions as an ingress controller based on Kubernetes, and it accommodates an extensive array of protocols, such as gRPC, gRPC Web, and TLS termination, while also providing traffic management controls that help maintain resource availability and optimize performance. Overall, Ambassador Edge Stack is designed to meet the complex needs of modern cloud-native applications.

Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) presents a variety of computing solutions that are not only rapid and versatile but also budget-friendly, effectively addressing diverse workload needs, from robust bare metal servers to virtual machines and streamlined containers. The OCI Compute service is distinguished by its highly configurable VM and bare metal instances, which guarantee excellent price-performance ratios. Customers can customize the number of CPU cores and memory to fit the specific requirements of their applications, resulting in optimal performance for enterprise-scale operations. Moreover, the platform enhances the application development experience through serverless computing, enabling users to take advantage of technologies like Kubernetes and containerization. For those working in fields such as machine learning or scientific visualization, OCI provides powerful NVIDIA GPUs tailored for high-performance tasks. Additionally, it features sophisticated functionalities like RDMA, high-performance storage solutions, and network traffic isolation, which collectively boost overall operational efficiency. OCI's virtual machine configurations consistently demonstrate superior price-performance when compared to other cloud platforms, offering customizable options for cores and memory. This adaptability enables clients to fine-tune their costs by choosing the exact number of cores required for their workloads, ensuring they only incur charges for what they actually utilize. In conclusion, OCI not only facilitates organizational growth and innovation but also guarantees that performance and budgetary constraints are seamlessly balanced, allowing businesses to thrive in a competitive landscape.

Cloud Foundry streamlines and speeds up the tasks involved in creating, testing, launching, and scaling applications, while providing a range of cloud alternatives, developer frameworks, and application services. As a community-driven project, it is available through various private cloud distributions and public cloud platforms. With its container-centric design, Cloud Foundry accommodates applications developed in numerous programming languages. Users can launch applications on Cloud Foundry using their existing tools without the need for code modifications. Moreover, CF BOSH facilitates the creation, deployment, and management of high-availability Kubernetes clusters across diverse cloud environments. By decoupling applications from their foundational infrastructure, users gain the freedom to select the most suitable hosting options for their workloads—whether on-premises, in public clouds, or through managed services—and can transfer these workloads quickly, often within minutes, without changing the applications themselves. This remarkable flexibility empowers organizations to swiftly respond to evolving requirements and optimize their resource allocation efficiently, ultimately driving greater innovation and productivity.

Mirantis Kubernetes Engine, previously known as Docker Enterprise, empowers you to create, operate, and expand cloud-native applications in a manner that suits your needs. By enhancing developer productivity and increasing the frequency of releases while keeping costs low, it enables efficient deployment of Kubernetes and Swarm clusters right out of the box, which can be managed through an API, CLI, or web interface. Teams can select between Kubernetes, Swarm, or both orchestrators based on the unique requirements of their applications. With a focus on simplifying cluster management, you can quickly set up your environment and seamlessly apply updates with no downtime through an intuitive web UI, CLI, or API. Integrated role-based access control (RBAC) ensures that security measures are finely tuned across your platform, promoting a robust security framework based on the principle of least privilege. Additionally, you can easily connect to your existing identity management systems and enable two-factor authentication, ensuring that only authorized individuals have access to your platform. Furthermore, Mirantis Kubernetes Engine collaborates with Mirantis Container Runtime and Mirantis Secure Registry to ensure compliance with security standards, providing an extra layer of reassurance for your operations. This comprehensive approach guarantees that your cloud-native applications are not only efficient but also secure and manageable.

Rkt serves as a sophisticated application container engine designed for modern cloud-native settings, particularly in production. Its architecture embraces a pod-native approach, offering a flexible execution environment alongside a well-defined interface that enhances its compatibility with various systems. The primary execution element in rkt is termed a pod, which comprises one or more applications operating together within a shared environment, mirroring the pod structure utilized in Kubernetes orchestration. Users have the ability to modify several configurations, including isolation settings, both at the pod level and in a more granular manner for each application. In the rkt framework, every pod functions directly under the conventional Unix process model, eliminating the need for a central daemon and fostering a self-contained and isolated operational context. Additionally, rkt employs a modern and open standard container format known as the App Container (appc) specification, while still being capable of executing other container images, such as those created by Docker. This versatility and commitment to industry standards significantly enhance rkt's appeal among developers who are looking for reliable and powerful container solutions. Furthermore, rkt’s innovative features and user-centric design make it an attractive option for teams aiming to streamline their application deployment processes.

Mesos operates on principles akin to those of the Linux kernel; however, it does so at a higher abstraction level. Its kernel spans across all machines, enabling applications like Hadoop, Spark, Kafka, and Elasticsearch by providing APIs that oversee resource management and scheduling for entire data centers and cloud systems. Moreover, Mesos possesses native functionalities for launching containers with Docker and AppC images. This capability allows both cloud-native and legacy applications to coexist within a single cluster, while also supporting customizable scheduling policies tailored to specific needs. Users gain access to HTTP APIs that facilitate the development of new distributed applications, alongside tools dedicated to cluster management and monitoring. Additionally, the platform features a built-in Web UI, which empowers users to monitor the status of the cluster and browse through container sandboxes, improving overall operability and visibility. This comprehensive framework not only enhances user experience but also positions Mesos as a highly adaptable choice for efficiently managing intricate application deployments in diverse environments. Its design fosters scalability and flexibility, making it suitable for organizations of varying sizes and requirements.

MicroK8s delivers a streamlined, low-maintenance Kubernetes platform specifically designed for developers engaging with cloud infrastructures, clusters, workstations, Edge, and IoT devices. It smartly identifies the best nodes for the Kubernetes datastore and effortlessly promotes another node if a database node fails, thus eliminating the need for manual oversight in maintaining strong edge deployments. With its compact structure and intuitive defaults, MicroK8s is crafted to function effectively immediately after installation, making tasks such as upgrades and security management both straightforward and efficient. Perfect for micro clouds and edge computing scenarios, it offers comprehensive enterprise support at no extra cost, along with options for 24/7 support and ten years of security updates. Whether used near cell towers, on racing vehicles, in satellites, or in common household gadgets, MicroK8s ensures a complete Kubernetes experience for IoT and micro cloud applications. Its fully containerized approach guarantees dependable operations, further enhanced by streamlined over-the-air updates. By default, MicroK8s applies security updates automatically, although users have the flexibility to postpone them if they choose, and upgrading to the newest Kubernetes version requires just a single command, simplifying the entire process. This blend of user-friendliness and powerful features positions MicroK8s as an essential asset for contemporary developers seeking efficiency and reliability in their deployments. Moreover, the capacity for integration into diverse environments showcases its versatility in meeting various developmental needs.

Podman functions as a container engine that runs without a daemon, specifically designed for the creation, management, and execution of OCI Containers on Linux platforms. It allows users to operate containers in both root and rootless configurations, effectively serving as a substitute for Docker by utilizing the command alias docker=podman. With Podman, users have the capability to manage pods, containers, and container images, while also providing support for Docker Swarm. We recommend adopting Kubernetes as the main standard for generating Pods and orchestrating containers, thereby making Kubernetes YAML the favored format. As a result, Podman enables the creation and management of Pods directly from a Kubernetes YAML file through commands like podman-play-kube. Furthermore, it can produce Kubernetes YAML configurations from existing containers or Pods using podman-generate-kube, which enhances the process from local development to deployment in a production Kubernetes setting. This flexibility and functionality make Podman an invaluable resource for both developers and system administrators, significantly improving the containerization workflow. Its ability to seamlessly integrate with Kubernetes further emphasizes its role as a modern solution in container management.

BalenaEngine is a tailored container engine crafted for embedded systems and Internet of Things (IoT) applications, leveraging technology from Docker's Moby Project. Remarkably, it is 3.5 times smaller than Docker CE and is provided as a single binary file. This engine supports a wide array of chipset architectures, accommodating devices ranging from compact IoT solutions to larger industrial gateways. It facilitates bandwidth-efficient updates through binary diffs, which can be dramatically smaller—10 to 70 times—than the conventional method of downloading layers in various scenarios. To prevent excessive disk writes and reduce the risk of storage corruption, it extracts layers upon reception. Furthermore, its atomic and durable image pulls protect against incomplete container downloads during unexpected power loss. The design also alleviates page cache thrashing during image pulls, ensuring that applications can operate seamlessly even in environments with limited memory. In conclusion, balenaEngine stands out as a cutting-edge solution that not only supports Docker containers but also significantly improves bandwidth efficiency for container updates, making it an excellent option for developers focused on achieving reliability and efficiency in their IoT and embedded system projects. Its robust features and thoughtful design are tailored to meet the demanding requirements of modern applications.

KubeSphere functions as a distributed operating system specifically crafted for overseeing cloud-native applications, relying on Kubernetes as its foundational technology. Its design is modular, facilitating seamless incorporation of third-party applications within its ecosystem. As a distinguished multi-tenant, enterprise-grade, open-source platform for Kubernetes, KubeSphere boasts extensive automated IT operations alongside streamlined DevOps practices. The platform is equipped with an intuitive, wizard-driven web interface that enables organizations to enrich their Kubernetes setups with vital tools and capabilities essential for successful enterprise strategies. Being recognized as a CNCF-certified Kubernetes platform, it remains entirely open-source and benefits from community contributions for continuous improvement. KubeSphere is versatile, allowing deployment on existing Kubernetes clusters or Linux servers, and providing options for both online and air-gapped installations. This all-encompassing platform effectively offers a variety of features, such as DevOps support, service mesh integration, observability, application management, multi-tenancy, along with storage and network management solutions, making it an ideal choice for organizations aiming to enhance their cloud-native operations. Moreover, KubeSphere's adaptability empowers teams to customize their workflows according to specific requirements, encouraging both innovation and collaboration throughout the development lifecycle. Ultimately, this capability positions KubeSphere as a robust solution for organizations seeking to maximize their efficiency in managing cloud-native environments.

Effortlessly migrate your existing virtual machine workloads with just a single click, facilitating smooth application movement between on-premises and cloud environments. Why restrict yourself to a one-way cloud migration when you can benefit from continuous mobility? Easily transition your workloads from on-premises to the cloud, switch between various cloud providers, or migrate back with convenience. Tailor your cloud strategy to align with your specific requirements. For maintaining effective business continuity, embracing a multi-cloud approach and application mobility is crucial. Bid farewell to lengthy and expensive VM migration endeavors; Instashift delivers a solution that automates this process with a mere click of a button. There’s no need for complex methodologies—migrate your VMs alongside their applications, databases, and states with ease. Your applications will benefit from ongoing mobility, allowing for swift relocations to the cloud or back to on-premises with just a click. If you are managing thousands of VMs that need transferring, Instashift offers a seamless automated solution designed specifically for your needs. This cutting-edge platform not only supports sovereign and emerging cloud providers but also equips them with the same level of capabilities and flexibility that users expect from top-tier public cloud services, ensuring you remain competitive in the rapidly changing digital environment. With Instashift, you can confidently embrace the future of cloud migration and application management.

The Open Container Initiative (OCI) functions as a collaborative governance structure designed to create universal standards for container formats and runtimes within the industry. Established on June 22, 2015, by Docker along with other key players in the container domain, the OCI features two primary specifications: the runtime specification (runtime-spec) and the image specification (image-spec). The runtime specification outlines the methodology for executing a "filesystem bundle" that has been extracted onto a storage medium. In practical application, an OCI-compliant implementation would retrieve an OCI Image and then extract it into a matching OCI Runtime filesystem bundle. Once this step is complete, the OCI Runtime takes charge of running the OCI Runtime Bundle. Moreover, the OCI functions as a streamlined governance initiative under the auspices of the Linux Foundation, fostering an environment of transparency and collaboration within the container ecosystem. Its formation represented a crucial advancement toward harmonizing various container technologies while ensuring seamless interoperability across different platforms, ultimately benefiting developers and users alike.

Runc is a command-line utility specifically designed for creating and managing containers based on the OCI specification, although it is exclusively compatible with Linux systems. It requires Go version 1.17 or later for compilation, and to enable seccomp features, the libseccomp library must be installed. The tool includes optional build tags that facilitate the addition of various features, many of which are enabled by default. Presently, runc allows users to run its test suite via Docker, and by simply entering `make test`, this testing process can be initiated. While there are other make targets available for testing outside a container, this is generally discouraged due to the tests' assumption of unrestricted file read and write permissions. Users can also designate specific test cases using the TESTFLAGS variable or concentrate on a particular integration test by utilizing the TESTPATH variable; for rootless integration tests, the ROOTLESS_TESTPATH variable should be employed. It's crucial to note that runc functions as a foundational element rather than a tool meant for end-user interactions, making it ideally suited for developers who require in-depth container management capabilities. Recognizing its intended purpose and application scenarios is vital for leveraging its full potential effectively. This understanding empowers developers to optimize their usage of runc while ensuring that they adhere to best practices.

Cloudfleet delivers a seamless Kubernetes experience that bridges datacenters, cloud environments, and edge computing, guaranteeing it fulfills its designed purpose. Featuring just-in-time infrastructure, automated updates, and advanced permissions management, users can easily manage their clusters through a single, cohesive interface. As a robust multi-cloud and hybrid Kubernetes solution, Cloudfleet simplifies infrastructure deployment by facilitating automatic server provisioning across various on-premises locations and numerous cloud service providers, thereby boosting operational efficiency and adaptability. This methodology reduces the intricacies involved in overseeing multiple environments while allowing users to concentrate more on achieving their primary goals. Additionally, the integration of these features cultivates a more streamlined workflow, enhancing overall productivity.

Open-source container-based virtualization for Linux enables the efficient deployment of multiple secure and isolated Linux containers, known as VEs or VPSs, on a single physical server, thereby maximizing resource utilization and minimizing application conflicts. Each container operates independently, capable of being rebooted individually and equipped with its own root access, user accounts, IP addresses, memory allocation, processes, files, applications, system libraries, and configuration settings. This innovative technology not only boosts overall efficiency but also grants enhanced flexibility in resource management across diverse applications, making it an essential tool for modern server environments. Furthermore, it simplifies the deployment process and allows for scalable solutions tailored to specific organizational needs.

LXD is an advanced system container manager that delivers an experience similar to that of virtual machines while utilizing Linux containers. With its image-centric design, it offers a wide selection of pre-configured images for various Linux distributions and is built around a robust yet user-friendly REST API. To gain deeper insights into LXD and its features, you can visit its online resources, and if you're keen on setting it up locally, don't miss the getting started guide. Managed by Canonical Ltd and supported by contributions from multiple organizations and independent developers, the LXD project thrives on community collaboration. At its foundation, LXD operates through a privileged daemon that presents a REST API via a local UNIX socket, with the option for network access if desired. All clients, including the command line tool bundled with LXD, engage with this REST API exclusively, providing a uniform experience whether you're managing your local machine or a remote server. This architecture enhances the ease of container management and deployment, establishing LXD as a vital asset in the realm of contemporary software development and deployment. Moreover, its versatility and efficiency continue to attract a growing number of users seeking streamlined solutions for their containerization needs.

LXC functions as a user-space interface that utilizes the containment features of the Linux kernel. It offers a comprehensive API along with easy-to-use tools, allowing Linux users to create and manage both system and application containers with great ease. Often seen as a blend of a chroot environment and a full-fledged virtual machine, LXC strives to provide an experience that closely mirrors a standard Linux installation without the need for a separate kernel. This characteristic makes it particularly attractive to developers who require efficient and lightweight isolation solutions. As an open-source initiative, most of LXC's code is released under the GNU LGPLv2.1+ license, while some components for compatibility with Android are offered under a conventional 2-clause BSD license, and certain binaries and templates are governed by the GNU GPLv2 license. The reliability of LXC's versions hinges on the various Linux distributions and their commitment to promptly addressing fixes and security updates. Therefore, users can depend on the ongoing enhancement and protection of their container environments, supported by a vibrant community that actively contributes to its development. This collaborative effort ensures that LXC remains a viable choice for containerization in a variety of use cases.