Best Self Hosted Alternatives to Docker

Portainer is a lightweight container management platform that provides a web UI and API for operating containerized environments. It centralizes day-to-day administration for Docker, Docker Swarm and Kubernetes, aiming to make common tasks accessible without deep orchestrator expertise.

Key Features

• Manage containers, images, volumes, networks and other orchestrator resources from a single interface
• Support for multiple environments, including remote/edge deployments via agent-based connectivity
• Role-based access control options and policy-oriented governance capabilities (feature set varies by edition)
• Built-in GitOps-style deployment automation and reconciliation
• Troubleshooting and operational visibility across fleets of nodes and clusters
• Extensive API for integrating container operations into external tooling

Use Cases

• Homelab or small-team administration of Docker/Swarm hosts with a simple GUI
• Central operations for multiple Kubernetes clusters and mixed container environments
• Managing remote or constrained edge/IoT installations with centralized control

Limitations and Considerations

• Official support targets a limited window of Docker versions (commonly “current minus 2”)
• Some advanced enterprise capabilities (for example, expanded governance and support features) are edition-dependent

Portainer is a pragmatic choice for teams that want a straightforward UI and API for container operations across diverse infrastructure. It is especially useful when consolidating management of multiple environments and simplifying routine Kubernetes and Docker workflows.

Arcane is a modern Docker management application with a web UI designed to make running containers and Docker Compose stacks easier to understand and operate. It targets homelabs and teams that want a simpler alternative to CLI-only workflows while still supporting common container operations.

Key Features

• Web-based UI for managing Docker resources (containers, images, networks, and volumes)
• Docker Compose stack deployment and management
• Remote management via an agent/headless component for connecting to Docker hosts
• Designed for usability with a modern frontend and straightforward navigation
• Transparency-oriented project practices such as publishing an SBOM

Use Cases

• Managing containers and Compose stacks on a homelab server without living in the CLI
• Operating multiple Docker hosts with a consistent interface via an agent
• Day-to-day container administration for small teams needing a lightweight UI

Limitations and Considerations

• Primarily focused on Docker/Compose workflows; it is not a Kubernetes orchestration platform

Arcane is a solid choice if you want a clean, modern UI for Docker operations and Compose-based deployments. It combines an accessible interface with practical features for managing real-world container setups.

Ansible-NAS is a curated set of Ansible playbooks and roles designed to turn a stock Ubuntu server into a full-featured home server or NAS-style setup. It automates the deployment and basic configuration of a large catalog of popular self-hosted applications, primarily as Docker containers.

Key Features

• One-command provisioning of a home server stack using Ansible roles
• Large app catalog covering media servers, downloaders, monitoring, dashboards, and utilities
• Docker-based deployments with consistent, repeatable configuration
• Optional reverse proxy and TLS automation for exposing services securely
• Support for Dynamic DNS updates to keep external access working on changing IPs
• Preconfigured “application stacks” to deploy multiple related services together

Use Cases

• Build a homelab “NAS replacement” on Ubuntu without manual container setup
• Rapidly deploy and maintain a media and downloads ecosystem (e.g., Jellyfin, Sonarr/Radarr)
• Standardize repeatable server builds for personal or family self-hosting

Limitations and Considerations

• Focused on Ubuntu/Ubuntu Server; other distributions may require additional adjustments
• Application behavior and updates depend on upstream container images and role maintenance

It’s a practical option for homelab users who want reproducible infrastructure and a broad selection of services without assembling each Docker deployment by hand. Ansible-NAS is best suited to users comfortable with Ansible variables and iterative configuration as their app set grows.

Docker Socket Proxy is a security-enhanced proxy for the Docker socket.

• It sits between clients and the Docker daemon and blocks access to sensitive API endpoints based on per-endpoint allow/deny rules driven by environment variables.
• The proxy runs as an Alpine-based HAProxy container and uses a small configuration to enforce the ACLs, returning HTTP 403 Forbidden for disallowed requests.

Key Features

• ACL-driven access control via environment variables that map to Docker API prefixes (eg. /auth, /containers, /images, /volumes, etc.).
• Default allowances for safe endpoints (eg. EVENTS, PING, VERSION) with fine-grained revocation for security-critical areas.
• Simple deployment model: run a privileged container that mounts the host Docker socket and exposes a proxy port.
• Socket-location flexibility via SOCKET_PATH to support non-standard Docker socket paths.
• Configurable logging through a LOG_LEVEL setting.
• Clear security guidance: avoid exposing the proxy publicly and rely on Docker network isolation.
• Image tagging supports versioned releases, latest, and edge builds for development.

Use Cases

• Expose Docker API to a single service or CI tool with restricted permissions, reducing blast radius if the service is compromised.
• Place the proxy behind a network firewall or within a private network segment to limit access to the Docker daemon.
• Point clients to the proxy (via DOCKER_HOST=tcp://host:2375) instead of the raw Docker socket to enforce ACLs without changing client code.

Limitations and Considerations

• TLS support is not included; the proxy provides a plain HTTP front for the host Docker socket. Plan to terminate TLS at a separate layer or keep the proxy on a secured network.
• The container must run privileged because it connects to the Docker socket, which carries security implications.
• Some workflows may require enabling additional API sections; review and adjust environment variables to match your needs.

Conclusion

Docker Socket Proxy offers a straightforward ACL-based barrier between clients and the Docker daemon, enabling safer integrations where Docker access is necessary but tightly controlled. It is quick to deploy in a containerized environment, but requires careful network and permission configurations to maintain security.

Dockcheck is a Bash-based CLI utility for checking whether your running Docker containers have newer images available, and optionally updating them. It supports both interactive selection and unattended automation, with a focus on efficient registry checks without pre-pulling images.

Key Features

• Interactive or unattended update runs, including selective include/exclude of containers
• Checks for available image updates without pre-pulling images (helps minimize unnecessary pulls)
• Optional image backup before updating for easier rollback, with retention by days
• Notification system with multiple pluggable channels (for update availability and runs)
• Label-based targeting to only act on explicitly marked containers
• Optional auto-prune of dangling images after updates
• Prometheus textfile export for node_exporter (metrics output)
• Supports timeouts and concurrent/asynchronous checks for faster runs

Use Cases

• Automate routine Docker image update checks on a homelab server and get notified only when changes occur
• Selectively update only a subset of containers while excluding critical workloads
• Create simple rollback safety by backing up images before pulling new versions

Limitations and Considerations

• Designed for Docker workflows; while it can check updates for some docker run containers, it won’t automatically update those containers
• Some functionality relies on external tools such as jq and regctl, and regctl availability may be limited on certain CPU architectures

Dockcheck is a practical fit for operators who want a lightweight, scriptable approach to container update checks, with optional automation and notifications. It is especially useful where you want control over what gets updated and when, without adopting a heavier management platform.

Dockpeek is a lightweight, self-hosted web dashboard for managing Docker containers with fast access to each container’s web interface. It focuses on presenting ports, URLs, logs, and update status in a clean UI, including support for managing multiple Docker hosts.

Key Features

• One-click access to container web interfaces and published ports
• Live container log streaming
• Traefik label detection to extract service URLs automatically
• Multi-host management by connecting to multiple Docker daemons (local socket or TCP)
• Image update checks and the ability to update outdated containers
• Container labels for customization (tags, links, extra ports, HTTPS hints, port range grouping)

Use Cases

• Homelab dashboard to quickly open and organize containerized services
• Centralized overview for multiple Docker hosts (home server, VPS, remote nodes)
• Quick auditing of running containers, exposed ports, and available image updates

Dockpeek is best suited for users who want a simple Docker-focused UI that prioritizes quick navigation to web apps, visibility into logs and ports, and straightforward update awareness across one or more hosts.

Oxker is a terminal user interface (TUI) for viewing, monitoring, and controlling Docker containers from a single interactive screen. It connects to the Docker API (typically via the Docker socket) and focuses on fast navigation, log visibility, and container actions without leaving the terminal.

Key Features

• List and inspect Docker containers with sortable columns
• View container logs with options for raw output, ANSI coloring, and timestamp handling
• Filter containers and search within logs interactively
• Execute common container actions (for example start/stop and related commands)
• Exec into a selected container (platform-dependent)
• Export and save logs to a chosen directory
• Configurable keybindings, color theme, and persistent settings via config files
• Multiple distribution options including Cargo, prebuilt binaries, and container images

Use Cases

• Day-to-day container monitoring and log triage directly from a shell
• Lightweight Docker management on servers and homelabs without a full web UI
• Quick container log searching and exporting during incident investigation

Limitations and Considerations

• Requires access to the Docker daemon (for example via the Docker socket), which is a high-privilege capability
• Some functionality (such as exec) may not be available on all platforms

Oxker is a focused, fast TUI alternative to heavier Docker dashboards, aimed at operators and developers who want container visibility and control in a keyboard-driven terminal workflow.

DweebUI is a lightweight web interface for managing container workloads on a host via the Docker (or Podman) socket. It focuses on simple deployment, a live-updating dashboard, and basic day-to-day container operations with multi-user access control.

Key Features

• Dynamically updating dashboard showing server metrics and container metrics
• Multi-user support with a permission system
• Container controls and common actions (start, stop, pause, restart)
• View container details and logs
• Manage Docker resources including networks, images, and volumes
• Docker Compose support for deploying and managing compose stacks
• App templates for easier installation of common services (compatible with Portainer-style templates)
• Responsive UI with light/dark mode

Use Cases

• Manage containers on a single server or homelab host without a full orchestration stack
• Give multiple users access to container operations with scoped permissions
• Monitor basic host and container metrics while performing routine container administration

Limitations and Considerations

• The project is labeled beta/experimental, and some capabilities (such as container updating) are noted as planned
• Uses access to the container runtime socket; deployment should be treated as a privileged interface and secured accordingly

DweebUI is a practical option for users who want a simple, fast container management UI with permissions and Compose support. It is designed to stay lightweight and optional alongside other container-management tools, while providing the essential controls needed for everyday administration.

Compose Craft is an open-source web application for managing Docker Compose configurations through an intuitive graphical interface. It helps teams and individuals quickly understand and build multi-service stacks by turning compose files into interactive diagrams.

Key Features

• Visual editor for creating and editing Docker Compose services and settings
• Automatic diagram visualization of services and their relationships
• Import existing docker-compose.yml files and export generated configurations
• Management of environment variables, volumes, networks, ports, and other compose options
• One-click link sharing for compose diagrams (optional SaaS-oriented feature)
• Optional GitHub integration for working with repositories
• Built-in code editing experience for compose/YAML

Use Cases

• Designing and documenting multi-container application stacks before deployment
• Reviewing and understanding unfamiliar Docker Compose projects faster
• Collaborating on compose changes by sharing diagrams and exported files

Limitations and Considerations

• Some sharing and integration features may depend on configuration choices and can be disabled for a simpler “core-only” deployment
• Requires a MongoDB database for persistence in typical deployments

Compose Craft is well-suited for developers who prefer a visual workflow for Docker Compose while still retaining the ability to import and export standard compose files. It bridges GUI-based modeling and practical configuration management for real-world container stacks.

Dokemon is a web-based GUI for managing Docker environments, designed to simplify day-to-day container operations. It can connect to multiple Docker servers from a single instance, providing a centralized view for deployments and runtime management.

Key Features

• Manage multiple Docker hosts (“nodes”) from one UI
• Deploy and manage Docker Compose projects
• Container lifecycle operations (start/stop/restart, inspect, logs)
• Manage Docker images, volumes, and networks
• Environment variables management for different environments
• Persistent local data directory for application state

Use Cases

• Homelab or small team Docker administration from a single dashboard
• Deploying and updating Compose-based services without using the CLI
• Centralized operational visibility across multiple Docker servers

Limitations and Considerations

• Commonly deployed via direct Docker socket access; secure placement and access controls are important when exposing the UI

Dokemon is a lightweight alternative to CLI-driven workflows for users who prefer a simple, centralized interface for Docker operations. It fits well for managing a few Docker hosts and Compose deployments with minimal overhead.

Dockman is a self-hosted Docker management tool aimed at homelabs and small servers, focused on managing Docker Compose stacks without abstracting away your configuration files. It prioritizes direct, “unfiltered” access to your Compose YAML while providing a web UI to operate your stacks.

Key Features

• Manage Docker Compose stacks using a configurable root directory for compose files
• Web UI for operating stacks while keeping Compose files as the source of truth
• Runs as a container and connects to the Docker engine via the Docker socket
• Persistent configuration support via a mounted config directory

Use Cases

• Managing multiple homelab Compose stacks from a single lightweight web interface
• Operating and organizing Compose-based services while continuing to edit YAML directly
• Providing a simple Compose-focused alternative to heavier container management platforms

Dockman is a practical option if you primarily use Docker Compose and want a UI that complements, rather than replaces, manual file-based workflows. It fits well in homelab environments where transparency and direct control over Compose files are important.

Docking Station is a web application for discovering, monitoring and updating Docker containers and Docker Compose stacks. It provides a browser UI to view managed stacks, check image versions, and perform updates using the underlying docker compose files. (github.com)

Key Features

• Automatic discovery of stacks by inspecting service labels and compose config_files to locate docker-compose files.
• Update orchestration using docker compose up --pull always for discovered stack files (attempts to discover accompanying .env files).
• Caching of Docker Hub API queries to mitigate rate limits and a manual refresh option to force cache reloads.
• Built as a two-part app: frontend written with Next.js and a backend API using FastAPI; exposes Swagger UI at /docs for the API.
• Optional auto-updater (disabled by default) with configurable interval and concurrency limits.

Use Cases

• Centralized web UI to monitor multiple local Docker Compose stacks and see which images have updates available.
• Orchestrating controlled updates of stacks by pulling new images and re-deploying via docker compose for home lab or small infra.
• Embedding basic runtime stats (via /api/stats) into personal dashboards or startpages to show number of stacks/services/updates.

Limitations and Considerations

• The auto-updater feature is marked as not tested; users should enable it cautiously and understand the risks of automated container updates.
• Update logic relies on discovering compose files and labels; environments with non-standard labeling or distributed hosts may require manual configuration.
• Docker Hub API rate limits can affect image metadata queries; the project uses caching to reduce queries but may still be impacted on heavy use.
• Requires access to the Docker socket and mounted compose file directories, which has security and deployment implications.

Docking Station is suited for users who want a straightforward web interface to track and update Docker Compose stacks with configurable discovery and caching behavior. It focuses on local or single-host Compose workflows and exposes developer-friendly API docs for integration or automation. (github.com)

PruneMate is a lightweight web interface that automates Docker resource cleanups on a configurable schedule. It provides prune previews, reporting, and optional authentication to help manage unused containers, images, networks, volumes and build cache across one or more Docker hosts. (github.com)

Key Features

• Flexible scheduling: Daily, weekly or monthly automated prune runs, plus an option for manual-only mode. (github.com)
• Prune preview: Shows which containers, images, networks, volumes and build cache will be removed before executing a prune. (github.com)
• Multi-host support: Manage multiple Docker hosts from one UI (remote hosts require a socket proxy). (github.com)
• Selective cleanup: Enable or disable specific resource types (containers, images, networks, volumes, build cache) per run. (github.com)
• Reporting & statistics: All-time cumulative statistics for space reclaimed and resources deleted, with detailed run logs. (github.com)
• Notifications: Integrations for Gotify, ntfy.sh, Discord and Telegram to receive prune results. (github.com)
• Multi-architecture Docker images and simple Docker Compose or Docker Run deployment. (hub.docker.com)

Use Cases

• Keep developer or CI/CD Docker hosts from filling up by scheduling regular automated prune jobs and tracking reclaimed space. (github.com)
• Provide a safe manual review workflow for operators to preview and approve prunes on production-adjacent hosts. (github.com)
• Centralize cleanup across multiple runner or edge hosts, with notifications for each run to maintain visibility. (github.com)

Limitations and Considerations

• PruneMate executes Docker's native prune operations; volumes and other resources Docker considers "unused" may be removed, which can cause data loss if volumes contain important data — review previews carefully before running. (github.com)
• Requires access to the Docker socket (/var/run/docker.sock) for host control; exposing the socket introduces a broad privilege/security risk and should be protected with appropriate network and host controls. (github.com)
• Designed as a lightweight scheduler/UI; it does not provide advanced cluster orchestration or deep container lifecycle management features beyond prune operations and reporting. (github.com)

PruneMate is a practical tool for teams and hobbyists who want a minimal web UI to schedule, preview and track Docker cleanup jobs. It is distributed as a Docker image and configured primarily via environment variables and a small configuration directory for logs and persisted state. (github.com)

Cupdate is a lightweight, zero-configuration service that discovers container images running on Kubernetes, Docker or Podman hosts, identifies newer available image versions, and surfaces version and vulnerability metadata through a UI, API and RSS feed.

Key Features

• Auto-detects container images in use across Kubernetes clusters or Docker/Podman hosts (single or multiple, local or remote)
• Identifies latest available image versions and correlates them with deployed versions
• Vulnerability data aggregation using registry or third-party sources (e.g., Docker Scout, Clair, GitHub Advisories, OSV) when available
• Visual UI for browsing images, versions, dependants and release notes
• Machine-friendly APIs and RSS feeds for integrations and automation
• Lightweight design with low CPU and memory footprint suitable for running alongside existing infrastructure
• Supports multiple OCI registries and common hosts (examples: docker.io, ghcr.io, quay.io, registry.k8s.io and other OCI-compliant registries)

Use Cases

• DevOps teams auditing deployed container images to prioritize manual upgrades
• Security teams reviewing aggregated vulnerability metadata for images in production
• Platform or SRE engineers building dashboards or automation that integrate image/version data via the API or RSS

Limitations and Considerations

• Cupdate does not perform deployments or modify manifests; it is intended as a discovery and reporting/dashboard tool, not an automated updater
• Podman support is labelled beta and requires Docker socket compatibility mode; behavior and compatibility may change
• Vulnerability coverage depends on participating registries and available SBOMs/advisories; not all images or registries will provide full scan data

Cupdate is intended as a discovery and observability tool to help teams see what container images are in use and what updates exist. It is suited to complement CI/CD or automated manifest-updater services rather than replace them.

WAGMIOS is a self-hosted container management platform that combines a web-based marketplace and admin UI with an AI-driven assistant called W.I.L.L.O.W to simplify container deployment and operations. It integrates with Docker, exposes a management API/UI, and uses workflow automation to streamline common tasks.

Key Features

• Web-based admin UI and customizable homepage for bookmarks and quick access
• Docker marketplace to browse, install, and manage containerized applications
• AI-powered assistant (W.I.L.L.O.W) for guided setup, automated workflows, and operational suggestions
• Integration with workflow automation tooling for stateful memories and automations (example deployment uses a workflow engine and PostgreSQL)
• Direct Docker socket access for container control and management via backend services
• Tested on common Linux systems including Ubuntu, Debian (including Raspberry Pi) and LXC environments

Use Cases

• Quickly deploy and manage containerized apps on a home server or lab environment
• Use the AI assistant to automate repetitive container management tasks and guided integrations
• Provide a single-pane admin UI and local marketplace for non-expert users to install common services

Limitations and Considerations

• Project is actively developed; some features are incomplete or experimental
• Not hardened for public exposure by default; caution advised when deploying to a VPS or public IP
• macOS and WSL installations may report inaccurate disk metrics; some LXC setups require root privileges for specific networking components

WAGMIOS is suited for hobbyists and home labs seeking an integrated container UI with AI-driven automation. It emphasizes ease of use and rapid setup while still being under active development and refinement.

Yacht is a container management UI designed to simplify self-hosting by providing templating and one-click deployments. It focuses on deploying and managing Docker containers through reusable templates and a user-friendly web interface.

Key Features

• Basic container management with a template-driven approach
• Template framework with Portainer-compatible templating support
• Authentication and role-based access control
• API with documentation for programmatic control
• Easy template updating and centralized configuration
• Frontend UI built with Vue and a backend API for robust operations

Use Cases

• Quickly deploy multi-container stacks on a single host or across servers using reusable templates
• Onboard new apps and services with minimal configuration via templated deployments
• Manage and monitor containers through a unified web UI with an exposed API

Limitations and Considerations

• In an alpha/experimental phase; stability and feature completeness may vary
• Documentation and ecosystem tooling are evolving; some workflows may require manual setup
• ARM/macOS compatibility notes and performance considerations exist in community guides
• Some features (eg. multi-server support) are planned for future releases

Conclusion: Yacht provides a templated, self-hosted container management experience with a focus on ease of deployment and template-driven workflows. It is best suited for users who want to standardize container deployments in a DIY environment.