OrbStack: Fast, Lightweight Docker & Linux for Mac

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OrbStack: Docker Desktop Without the Bloat

OrbStack https://orbstack.dev/ is a fast, light, and easy way to run Docker containers and Linux on macOS. It’s a drop-in replacement for Docker Desktop that starts in seconds, uses minimal resources, and doesn’t drain your battery.

Used by developers at PlanetScale, Hotjar, Replicate, UiPath, and Linktree.

Key Features

  • Lightning Fast - Starts in seconds with turbocharged networking and optimized file sharing
  • Light as a Feather - Less than 0.1% CPU usage in background, under 10 MB disk space
  • Docker Desktop Replacement - Drop-in replacement, works with existing tools
  • Linux Machines - Run full Linux distros with SSH and VS Code integration
  • Rosetta x86 Emulation - Run Intel containers on Apple Silicon
  • Kubernetes Support - Full K8s capability
  • Native Swift App - Menu bar app with quick actions

What It Does

  • Run Docker containers with fast networking and file sharing
  • Run Linux virtual machines (15 distros supported)
  • SSH into Linux machines with agent forwarding
  • Remote development with VS Code
  • Kubernetes clusters
  • Compose projects with domain names

Platforms

  • 🍎 macOS (Apple Silicon & Intel)

Get Started

  1. Download from orbstack.dev
  2. Install and open; starts in seconds
  3. Use docker commands as normal

🔗 Website: orbstack.dev

🔗 GitHub: github.com/orbstack

Why This Tool Rocks

  • 10x Faster - Provision dev environments in 17 seconds vs 45 minutes for Docker Desktop
  • Drop-in Replacement - Works with existing Docker CLI and docker-compose
  • Battery Friendly - Less than 0.1% background CPU usage
  • Minimal Resource - Under 10 MB disk space
  • Rosetta Support - Run x86 containers on Apple Silicon
  • Linux Machines - Full distro support with SSH and VS Code
  • VPN Friendly - Networking Just Works with VPNs and DNS

Crepi il lupo! 🐺