FerrumContainers vs Docker Desktop
They aren't alternatives in the usual sense. Docker Desktop ships a container engine with a dashboard; FerrumContainers ships no engine and talks to the one you run, Docker Desktop's included.
Side by side
| Topic | FerrumContainers | Docker Desktop |
|---|---|---|
| Container engine | None included. Connects to Docker Desktop, OrbStack, Colima, or any engine in DOCKER_HOST such as Podman | Included, running in a virtual machine on macOS |
| Containers | Grouped by Compose project, with live CPU and memory; start, stop, restart, pause, remove | Listed in the dashboard with start, stop and remove |
| Logs and shell | Live logs with search and timestamps; a shell in a FerrumTerm tab (or Terminal) | Logs and an exec terminal in the dashboard |
| Images, volumes, networks | Pull with progress, remove and prune, with the space you get back | Managed in the dashboard |
| Building images | Not built yet | Yes, with the bundled Docker CLI |
| Kubernetes | Not built yet | Optional local cluster |
| Private registries | Not built yet (no registry sign-in) | Yes, with docker login |
| App | Native Rust app drawn with GPUI, installed by Ferrum Launcher | Desktop app with an Electron-based dashboard |
| Price | Free download | Free for personal use, education and small businesses; larger companies need a paid subscription (see Docker's terms) |
The FerrumContainers column follows its current alpha. The Docker Desktop column describes the product in general terms, and its features, plans and prices can change; check its own documentation for details.
Which one fits
FerrumContainers
- You already run an engine (Docker Desktop, OrbStack, Colima, Podman) and want a fast window on it.
- You switch between engines, or want containers grouped by Compose project next to your other Ferrum tools.
Docker Desktop
- You need a container engine on your Mac and want it set up for you.
- You build images, run a local Kubernetes cluster or pull from private registries.
Install Ferrum Launcher
One free download for Apple Silicon Macs. The launcher installs and updates every app.