About OrbStack
OrbStack is a Mac app for running Docker containers and Linux machines. It runs both in one lightweight app, and it is built to start quickly and use little memory and disk space.
What it does
OrbStack lets you build and run Docker containers, and start full Linux machines with the distribution you choose. You can manage everything from the menu bar or from the command line, copy files between your Mac and Linux, and open remote projects in your code editor over SSH. Intel containers can run on Apple silicon through Rosetta, so older images still work on newer Macs.
Key features
- Docker containers with bind mounts and port forwards
- Full Linux machines with your choice of distribution
- Run x86 containers on Apple silicon with Rosetta
- Command line tools for files, notifications and links
- Remote SSH editing with Linux machines
Who it's for
Mac developers who work with Docker, Linux or both. It suits people who want quick startup times and modest resource use on a laptop.
Pricing and good to know
OrbStack is a commercial Mac app, and its pricing details are on the vendor's pricing page. It runs only on macOS, so teams on Linux or Windows will need a different tool for the same job.
Highlights
- Run Docker containers and Linux machines in one app
- Start Linux machines with your choice of distribution
- Run Intel containers on Apple silicon with Rosetta
- Copy files between Mac and Linux from the terminal
- Edit remote Linux projects over SSH
