If you’re looking for the best Docker alternatives used in modern container management, then this brief article is for you. Here are the top Docker Engine alternatives for container runtimes and management, especially after Docker Engine was replaced in Kubernetes with containerd or CRI-O:

1. containerd

• What it is: A core container runtime originally part of Docker, now maintained by the CNCF.
• Use case: Kubernetes-compatible, production-grade container runtime.
• Pros:
  • Lightweight and fast.
  • Native support in Kubernetes.
  • Official successor for Docker Engine in many setups.
• Used by: Docker, Kubernetes (as default runtime in many distros).

2. CRI-O

• What it is: A lightweight container runtime specifically built for Kubernetes.
• Use case: Designed to be Kubernetes-native.
• Pros:
  • Secure by design.
  • Minimal footprint.
  • Directly implements the Kubernetes Container Runtime Interface (CRI).
• Used by: OpenShift and some hardened Kubernetes distributions.

3. Podman

• What it is: A daemonless container engine from Red Hat.
• Use case: Suitable for rootless container workflows and systemd integration.
• Pros:
  • Docker-compatible CLI (alias docker=podman).
  • Runs as non-root user (more secure).
  • Supports pods natively.
• Used by: Developers looking for a Docker alternative with better security.

4. nerdctl

• What it is: A Docker-compatible CLI for containerd.
• Use case: When you want Docker-like commands but under the hood use containerd.
• Pros:
  • Works with containerd images and volumes.
  • Supports Compose via nerdctl compose.
  • Lightweight and Kubernetes-friendly.

5. LXC/LXD

• What it is: System container technology that uses OS-level virtualization (closer to lightweight VMs).
• Use case: Ideal for running full Linux systems inside containers.
• Pros:
  • More control over the containerized OS.
  • Better suited for VM-like workloads.
• Used by: Advanced users and dev environments needing full OS containers.

6. rkt (Rocket) (deprecated)

• Note: Previously a CoreOS project, now deprecated and archived. Not recommended for new projects.

Comparison Snapshot