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OrbStack
What it is
OrbStack is a macOS app for running Docker containers and Linux machines, with a lightweight, single-node Kubernetes cluster option for local development. The Kubernetes cluster includes a graphical interface and network integration. OrbStack says it starts in two seconds and uses optimized networking, file systems, and x86 emulation. The maker lists Docker CLI, Compose, Earthly, and VS Code Dev Containers as compatible tools. Linux machines integrate with macOS networking and file sharing and support SSH agent forwarding and remote VS Code. Personal, non-commercial use is free; freelance, business, and commercial users need a license for each user. A per-user license covers up to five devices owned or primarily operated by that user. The Pro plan is $8/user/mo, billed $96 billed annually, and includes Debug Shell and priority support. Enterprise lists SAML SSO and invoice and PO payments, with pricing available by contacting sales. OrbStack requires macOS 14.0 or later; Linux graphical apps and GPU are listed as unsupported. The app is free to try without a card, with a 30-day grace period to purchase a license.
For and against
For
- Free for personal, non-commercial use.
- Runs containers, Linux machines, and local Kubernetes.
- Works with Docker CLI and Compose.
- A license covers up to five user-operated devices.
- Free to try without a card.
Against
- Requires macOS 14.0 or later.
- Linux graphical apps are unsupported.
- GPU is listed as unsupported.
- Commercial use requires a paid license.
The verdict
OrbStack combines containers, Linux machines, and a local Kubernetes option in a macOS app. Check the macOS requirement and unsupported items, and note that Pro costs $8/user/mo, billed $96 billed annually.
Who it suits
OrbStack suits macOS developers running containers, Linux machines, or a local Kubernetes cluster. Personal users can use it free for non-commercial work; commercial users need a license.
Plans and prices
Free
Run containers · Run Linux machines · Community support
Read 15 Oct 2026 · orbstack.dev
Pro
Business and commercial use · Debug Shell · Priority support · Batch organization purchases
Read 15 Oct 2026 · orbstack.dev
Enterprise
SAML SSO · Invoice and PO payments
Read 15 Oct 2026 · orbstack.dev
On the record
- API and extensibility
- The product exposes Docker-compatible engine access plus orb/orbctl CLIs, Docker contexts and configuration commands; the documentation does not describe a separate public SDK.docs.orbstack.dev · read 15 Oct 2026
- Automatic domains
- Containers receive names such as container-name.orb.local, while Kubernetes and Linux machines also receive integrated local domains.docs.orbstack.dev · read 15 Oct 2026
- CLI
- The orb and orbctl command-line tools can create, manage and access machines, copy files, change settings and operate OrbStack without the GUI.docs.orbstack.dev · read 15 Oct 2026
- Company
- The website identifies Orbital Labs, LLC as the company behind OrbStack.orbstack.dev · read 30 Sep 2026
- Debug Shell
- Debug Shell supplies a shell, editors, diagnostic utilities and access to more than 80,000 packages for minimal, distroless or read-only containers.docs.orbstack.dev · read 15 Oct 2026
- Developer integrations
- The maker says Docker CLI, Compose, Earthly, and VS Code Dev Containers work with OrbStack.docs.orbstack.dev · read 30 Sep 2026
- Device limit
- A per-user license covers up to five devices owned or primarily operated by that same user.docs.orbstack.dev · read 30 Sep 2026
- Docker compatibility
- OrbStack provides a Docker engine, Docker Compose and buildx, and is designed to work with existing Compose files and third-party tools such as Dev Containers.docs.orbstack.dev · read 15 Oct 2026
- Enterprise features
- The Enterprise plan lists SAML SSO and invoice and PO payments.orbstack.dev · read 30 Sep 2026
- File access
- The application exposes container, image, volume and Linux-machine files through a macOS Finder-accessible OrbStack mount.docs.orbstack.dev · read 15 Oct 2026
- Founder
- Danny Lin identifies himself as OrbStack's founder.kdrag0n.dev · read 15 Oct 2026
- Headless use
- OrbStack documents command-line and CI use without the graphical app, with Homebrew installation and manual Homebrew upgrades when the GUI is absent.docs.orbstack.dev · read 15 Oct 2026
- HTTPS security
- Locally generated HTTPS private keys are encrypted in the macOS keychain, temporarily decrypted only when needed and erased from memory shortly afterward.docs.orbstack.dev · read 15 Oct 2026
- Installation
- The documented installation path is downloading and opening the app or installing it with brew install --cask orbstack.docs.orbstack.dev · read 15 Oct 2026
- Kubernetes
- It includes a lightweight Kubernetes cluster with integrated networking and graphical management for local development.docs.orbstack.dev · read 15 Oct 2026
- Latest release
- Release v2.2.4 dated October 12, 2026 added per-domain container ports, Kubernetes context switching, USB device support, lower memory use and multiple security and reliability fixes.docs.orbstack.dev · read 15 Oct 2026
- Licence
- OrbStack is closed source, although some components are open source.docs.orbstack.dev · read 15 Oct 2026
- Licensing
- Personal use is free, while freelance, business, and commercial users must purchase a license for each user.docs.orbstack.dev · read 30 Sep 2026
