# OrbStack

Fast, light Docker and Linux machines on macOS, without the Docker Desktop overhead.

HTML: https://softbests.com/software/orbstack
Markdown: https://softbests.com/software/orbstack.md
Website: https://orbstack.dev/

- Category: [Developer utilities](https://softbests.com/category/developer-tools)
- Pricing: Freemium
- Platforms: macOS

## Best for

Mac developers who run containers and Linux VMs every day and care about battery and startup time.

## Why it deserves attention

OrbStack launches containers and Linux machines in about two seconds, shares the network and filesystem with macOS, and uses far less CPU and battery than a traditional VM. It speaks the Docker and Kubernetes APIs, so existing CLI workflows and Compose files keep working, and it integrates with VS Code and JetBrains remote development. Personal use is free; commercial use is Pro at $8 per user a month billed annually. It is macOS-only, so mixed teams still need a Linux story.

## Can replace

- Docker Desktop

## Related and alternatives

- [Proxyman](https://softbests.com/software/proxyman)
- [ngrok](https://softbests.com/software/ngrok)