Best Self Hosted Alternatives to Portainer Business Edition (Portainer Cloud)

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.

CasaOS is an open-source personal cloud system that provides a web-based dashboard for running and managing self-hosted applications on a home server. It is designed to make Docker-based app deployment and basic server management accessible on common hardware like mini PCs and single-board computers.

Key Features

• Web UI tailored for home-server scenarios with a simple, “no forms” setup experience
• App store and one-click installation for curated, community-verified self-hosted apps
• Support for installing and managing many Docker applications from the wider container ecosystem
• Built-in drive and file management features for local storage organization
• Dashboard widgets for quick visibility into app status and system resource usage
• Broad hardware and Linux distribution compatibility (x86_64 and ARM variants)

Use Cases

• Run a personal home server to host common self-hosted apps (cloud storage, media, DNS, home automation)
• Provide a lightweight “personal cloud” interface for managing Docker apps on a NAS-like device
• Set up a beginner-friendly homelab dashboard on Raspberry Pi, NUCs, or repurposed PCs

Limitations and Considerations

• Functionality depends heavily on the Docker ecosystem; non-containerized apps are not the primary focus
• The project has been positioned by its maintainers as evolving toward ZimaOS, which may affect long-term direction and feature focus

CasaOS is well-suited for users who want an approachable UI to deploy and monitor Dockerized services at home. It focuses on simplifying day-to-day app management while remaining flexible enough to install a wide range of container-based software.

Dockge is a self-hosted web application for managing Docker Compose (compose.yaml) stacks through a focused, stack-oriented interface. It keeps stacks file-based on disk while providing real-time feedback for deployments and operations.

Key Features

• Create, edit, start, stop, restart, and delete Docker Compose stacks
• Interactive compose.yaml editor for managing stack definitions
• Real-time progress and logs during pull/up/down operations
• Update container images for stacks
• Interactive web terminal for stack/host interactions
• Convert typical docker run commands into compose.yaml
• Multi-agent support to manage stacks across multiple Docker hosts from one UI
• File-based structure that preserves normal Docker Compose workflows outside the UI

Use Cases

• Operate a homelab or small server by managing all services as Compose stacks
• Standardize deployments by converting ad-hoc docker run commands to Compose
• Centrally manage multiple Docker hosts running stacks via agents

Limitations and Considerations

• Focused on Docker Compose stack management and not a full Docker administration suite (for example, broader management of networks or standalone containers may be limited)

Dockge is well suited for users who want a clean, responsive interface dedicated to Compose-driven deployments. It complements CLI workflows by keeping compose files on disk while streamlining everyday stack operations in a web UI.

CapRover is a lightweight, open-source platform-as-a-service for deploying and managing web applications and databases. It provides a simple web UI and CLI that automate container lifecycle, SSL provisioning and HTTP routing so developers can deploy apps quickly.

Key Features

• Automated app deployment using Docker images and build-from-source paths (git/webhooks/CLI/uploads).
• Web-based dashboard plus CLI for management, automation and scripting.
• Built-in HTTP routing and load balancing powered by nginx with customizable templates.
• Automatic TLS certificate provisioning and renewal via Let's Encrypt.
• One-click installable database and service apps (examples: MongoDB, MySQL/Postgres templates available).
• Cluster support using Docker Swarm to attach multiple nodes and enable automatic nginx load-balancing.
• Support for persistent volumes, environment variables, port and domain mappings, and instance scaling.
• Extensible deployment workflows (webhooks, git push, CLI) and customizable build commands.
• Basic runtime monitoring integration (NetData) and logs access via the dashboard.

Use Cases

• Hosting web applications (Node, Python, PHP, Ruby, Go, etc.) with automated HTTPS and domain management.
• Rapidly provisioning development, staging and small production environments with prebuilt DB/service apps.
• Providing teams a simple internal PaaS to standardize deployments and reduce ops overhead.

Limitations and Considerations

• Uses Docker Swarm as the built-in orchestration layer rather than Kubernetes; teams requiring Kubernetes-native features or ecosystems may find functionality limited.
• Not focused on large-scale, multi-region enterprise orchestration—advanced scheduling, multi-cluster federation and some enterprise-grade RBAC features are not native.
• Observability and advanced metrics beyond bundled NetData/log access require external tooling integration and additional setup.

CapRover is best suited for teams and developers who want a straightforward, scriptable PaaS experience on their own infrastructure without learning low-level container and proxy configuration. It emphasizes rapid deployment, easy DB/service provisioning and customizable nginx routing while trading off some advanced orchestration and enterprise features.

umbrelOS is a home server operating system designed to make self-hosting straightforward through a polished web interface and an integrated app store. It targets personal/home setups, including Raspberry Pi, x86 systems, VMs, and the Umbrel Home appliance.

Key Features

• App store experience for discovering and installing self-hosted apps
• Container-based app deployment and isolation
• Web-based dashboard to manage installed apps and services
• Built-in Files experience for storing and managing documents and data
• Backup support to help protect data and simplify recovery
• Support for external storage and NAS-style storage expansion

Use Cases

• Run a personal home cloud with file sync and collaboration apps
• Host media, smart home, and network services from a single dashboard
• Operate privacy-preserving services at home, such as a Bitcoin node

Limitations and Considerations

• Licensed under PolyForm Noncommercial 1.0.0, limiting commercial redistribution and commercial appliance use
• Some features have first-class support on Umbrel Home, while other hardware is best-effort due to device differences

umbrelOS is best suited for users who want an appliance-like self-hosting experience with one-click app management. It provides a unified UI and curated app ecosystem for running common home server workloads on your own hardware.

Komodo is a build and deployment system designed to build software and deploy it across many servers from a central interface. It focuses on automating builds from Git repositories and managing Docker-based deployments with visibility into runtime status.

Key Features

• Automated builds from Git repositories, including build triggers on Git push
• Auto-versioned Docker image builds
• Deploy and manage Docker containers and Docker Compose stacks across multiple servers
• Centralized dashboard to monitor uptime and view logs across connected servers
• API-driven automation with no fixed limit on the number of connected servers
• Rust-based core API and periphery agent for server connectivity

Use Cases

• Homelab or small-team CI/CD to build images and roll out Docker deployments to multiple hosts
• Managing and updating Docker Compose application stacks across a fleet of servers
• Centralized operations view for uptime and logs for containerized services

Limitations and Considerations

• Oriented primarily around Docker and Docker Compose workflows; non-container deployment models may not fit as well
• Provided without warranty; stability depends on your deployment practices and version selection

Komodo provides a practical, self-hostable way to automate builds and manage Docker deployments across many servers with a unified UI and automation-friendly API. It is well-suited for teams that want straightforward fleet deployment and monitoring without SaaS lock-in.

Runtipi is a personal homeserver orchestrator that simplifies running multiple self-hosted services on a single machine. It provides a web interface and an app store experience to install and manage Docker-based apps with minimal manual configuration.

Key Features

• One-command installation and web-based management UI
• One-click installation of apps from official and community app stores
• Docker-based app deployment and service lifecycle management
• Centralized management of multiple services on a single server
• Extensible app definitions so you can create and maintain your own app store

Use Cases

• Running a homelab “app hub” to host common self-hosted services
• Quickly deploying and maintaining a curated set of Docker apps for family or small teams
• Building a personal server platform with reproducible app installations

Limitations and Considerations

• Ongoing active development; changes and occasional bugs may occur
• Security and support are community-driven and not guaranteed

Runtipi is well-suited for users who want a straightforward, UI-driven way to operate a multi-service homeserver. Its Docker foundation and app store model make it especially convenient for repeatable installs and day-to-day app management.

Runtipi is a personal homeserver orchestrator that simplifies running multiple self-hosted services on a single server. It provides an app-store style experience with a web interface, focusing on easy setup and day-to-day management.

Key Features

• One-command installation and web-based administration UI
• One-click app installs and updates through an app store model
• Docker-based service orchestration for running multiple apps on one host
• Community app stores support and ability to create your own app store
• Designed to reduce manual configuration and simplify networking for common setups

Use Cases

• Build a homelab “app hub” for deploying and managing common self-hosted services
• Standardize how multiple Dockerized apps are installed and maintained on a single server
• Provide a simple UI for non-expert users to operate a personal homeserver

Limitations and Considerations

• Maintained by volunteers; support and security guarantees are not provided
• Still in active development and may contain bugs

Runtipi is well-suited for users who want an approachable, UI-driven way to run and manage a collection of self-hosted applications. Its Docker-based approach and app-store ecosystem make it practical for personal servers and homelabs.

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.

GoDoxy is a high-performance reverse proxy and lightweight container orchestrator designed for self-hosters. It automatically discovers containerized services, creates routes, and exposes a Web UI for configuration, monitoring and logs.

Key Features

• Automatic route discovery from Docker/Podman containers and container labels
• Idle-sleep: stop idle containers and wake them on incoming traffic
• Connection- and request-level access control (IP/CIDR/GeoIP-based rules)
• Built-in server monitoring and system metrics (uptime, CPU, memory, disk)
• Access logging and periodic access summary notifications
• Automated TLS certificate management using DNS-01 (Let's Encrypt)
• HTTP reverse proxy and TCP/UDP port forwarding with rule-based routing
• Authentication integrations: OpenID Connect, ForwardAuth, CAPTCHA middleware
• Web UI with app dashboard, config editor, Docker logs viewer and metrics

Use Cases

• Host and route multiple self-hosted web apps on a single server with automatic Docker label-based routing
• Reduce resource use by putting little-used services to sleep and auto-waking them on demand
• Provide centralized access control, TLS automation and monitoring for home or small lab infrastructures

Limitations and Considerations

• GoDoxy is designed to run in host network mode; changing network mode is not supported and may break routing
• GeoIP-based ACL features require a MaxMind account and GeoIP database configuration to function fully
• Official builds target linux/amd64 and linux/arm64; other OS/architectures are not supported out of the box
• Some application patterns (e.g., containers exposing multiple unrelated ports) may not be handled automatically and require manual routing configuration

GoDoxy combines reverse-proxy features with lightweight container orchestration and an integrated Web UI to simplify routing, access control and monitoring for self-hosted environments. It is intended for users who want automatic container-aware routing, TLS automation and resource-saving idle-sleep capabilities.

DockSTARTer is a shell-based, menu-driven tool that helps you quickly set up Docker and deploy a curated set of self-hosted applications using Docker Compose. It targets common homelab scenarios and provides an interactive workflow for configuration and day-to-day management.

Key Features

• Installs and configures Docker on supported platforms
• Interactive terminal menus for selecting apps and setting configuration variables
• Generates and manages Docker Compose configuration for selected services
• CLI command for running common management actions and updates
• Supports multiple Linux distributions and macOS (via Homebrew)

Use Cases

• Quickly bootstrap a homelab server with Docker and a set of common self-hosted apps
• Standardize Docker Compose app deployment across multiple machines
• Learn Docker Compose setups by starting from a guided, curated baseline

Limitations and Considerations

• Focused on Docker Compose workflows and the projects included in its curated app selection
• Installation via remote bootstrap script may be undesirable for strict security policies (an alternate git-based install is provided)

DockSTARTer is a practical starting point for deploying and maintaining a Docker-based self-hosted stack. It works well both as a long-term helper tool and as a stepping stone toward more advanced custom Docker configurations.

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.

Websoft9 is a web-based Linux panel and lightweight PaaS that helps you deploy and operate many open-source, web-based applications on a single server. It focuses on simplifying application selection, one-click installation, and day-2 operations through a unified interface.

Key Features

• Application catalog with one-click deployment of 200+ prebuilt application templates
• Centralized application lifecycle operations (start/stop/restart, delete, domain publishing)
• Docker Compose-oriented deployment workflows and container isolation
• Web-based file browser for managing server files and folders
• In-browser terminal for remote server administration
• Nginx-based reverse proxy management and automated TLS certificates (Let’s Encrypt)
• Multi-user management for teams
• Operational visibility features such as logs and monitoring-oriented views

Use Cases

• Build an internal “app store” for teams to self-serve approved tools and services
• Rapidly deploy common business apps (CMS, analytics, collaboration tools) on a single host
• Standardize and simplify operations for multiple Dockerized applications with a GUI

Limitations and Considerations

• Best suited to single-server or lightweight deployments; complex high-availability setups may require additional infrastructure and practices

Websoft9 is a practical choice for organizations that want a GUI-driven platform to deploy and maintain many open-source applications with minimal manual configuration. It combines application templates with operational tooling to reduce day-2 maintenance effort.

Kite is a modern, lightweight Kubernetes dashboard for managing and monitoring one or more clusters through a web UI. It focuses on fast navigation, comprehensive resource coverage, and integrated observability features.

Key Features

• Multi-cluster management with kubeconfig discovery and fast cluster switching
• Comprehensive resource management (workloads, services, config, storage, nodes, and CRDs)
• Live YAML editing with Monaco-based editor features
• Built-in monitoring dashboards powered by Prometheus (CPU, memory, network)
• Real-time pod log streaming with filtering and search
• In-browser terminal access for pods and nodes
• Resource relationship views (for example, deployments and their pods)
• UI-based access control features including RBAC, user management, and OAuth integration
• Kube proxy functionality to access pods/services without manual port-forwarding

Use Cases

• Day-to-day cluster administration without relying solely on kubectl
• Multi-cluster operations for teams managing several Kubernetes environments
• Troubleshooting workloads using metrics, logs, and terminal access in one place

Limitations and Considerations

• The project is under rapid development; APIs and behavior may change

Kite is a strong option for teams wanting a clean Kubernetes dashboard with multi-cluster support and Prometheus-backed observability. It combines resource operations, live configuration editing, and troubleshooting tools into a single interface.

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.

Nixopus is an open-source, self-hosted deployment platform that turns any VPS into a hosting machine with a browser-based terminal and file manager. It supports one-click deployments, auto TLS, Docker builds, and GitHub-driven workflows, all while keeping data on your own infrastructure.

Key Features

• One-click deployments with automatic builds and routing to live apps
• Browser-based terminal and file manager for in-browser administration
• Built-in reverse proxy with automatic TLS certificates
• Real-time deployment logs and monitoring for quick debugging
• Docker-based deployments and container management
• GitHub integration for auto deploys on push
• Monorepo support for multi-service apps
• Extensible via plugins/extensions to add databases, caches, and more
• Self-hosted with no vendor lock-in

Use Cases

• Indie hackers launching MVPs on affordable VPS setups with instant deployments
• Agencies hosting multiple client projects on a single server with per-project domains
• Open-source projects hosting demos/documentation with self-hosted deployments

Limitations and Considerations

• Status: Project appears in alpha/pre-release in community-maintained sources and may not be production-ready
• Self-hosted deployments require you to manage infrastructure, security, and updates
• Ecosystem/extension maturity is evolving; some integrations may be experimental

Conclusion Nixopus offers an open-source, self-hosted deployment platform that gives developers control over hosting, deployment, and monitoring from a single interface. It emphasizes ownership, real-time operations, and a low-friction path to shipping on your own VPS.

Tugtainer is a self-hosted application that checks for new Docker images and helps you update containers through a web UI. It supports both manual and scheduled update flows and can manage multiple Docker hosts via an optional agent.

Key Features

• Web UI dashboard with authentication
• Scheduled checks/updates via cron-like scheduling
• Per-container policy: ignore, check only, or auto-update
• Multi-host management using a lightweight Tugtainer Agent
• Safe grouping for updates (Docker Compose project grouping and custom dependency labels)
• Optional Docker socket-proxy support to avoid mounting the Docker socket directly
• Private registry support via mounted Docker config
• Notifications via Apprise with templated messages
• Manual and automatic image pruning

Use Cases

• Keep homelab services updated while retaining per-service control
• Centralize image monitoring and update operations for multiple Docker hosts
• Receive notifications when updates are available without auto-updating critical containers

Limitations and Considerations

• Automatic updates are disabled by default and must be explicitly enabled per container
• Not recommended for production environments by the project
• Containers marked as protected (and non-running containers) will be skipped during updates; the app/agent/socket-proxy themselves should not be auto-updated from within Tugtainer

Tugtainer fits well for users who want a UI-driven alternative to purely CLI-based update routines. It combines scheduled automation, dependency-aware update ordering, and flexible notification options to keep Docker workloads current with controlled risk.

Doco-CD is a lightweight GitOps tool for continuously deploying and updating Docker Compose projects and Docker Swarm stacks. It watches Git repositories and automatically applies changes using webhooks and/or polling, aiming to provide a simple alternative to heavier CD platforms for Docker-based setups.

Key Features

• Automated deployment and updates for Docker Compose projects and Swarm stacks
• GitOps workflow using repository polling and webhook triggers
• Support for multiple Git providers
• Integrations for external secret management providers
• Optional secrets encryption workflows (for example, SOPS-based encryption support)
• Notifications for deployment events and Prometheus metrics endpoints for monitoring
• Minimal resource usage with a small, distroless-style container image

Use Cases

• Continuous deployment for homelab or small-team Docker Compose environments
• Git-driven deployments for Docker Swarm clusters without adopting Kubernetes tooling
• Lightweight CD automation with monitoring and notifications for container stacks

Limitations and Considerations

• Primarily focused on Docker Compose and Docker Swarm; it is not a general-purpose Kubernetes GitOps solution

Doco-CD is a practical choice when you want Git-driven deployments for Docker Compose or Swarm with minimal overhead. It fits environments that prefer straightforward automation, webhook-driven deploys, and simple observability via metrics and notifications.