# Colima

> MIT container runtimes on macOS/Linux without Docker Desktop

**Category:** DevOps  
**Pricing:** open-source  
**URL:** https://colima.run  
**GitHub:** https://github.com/abiosoft/colima  
**Added:** 2026-09-11

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## The Hook

Colima is the local runtime when you want Docker/containerd (and friends) on a Mac without paying Docker Desktop’s seat tax.

## What's Good

MIT. abiosoft/colima. Lima-backed VMs with Docker, containerd, or Incus runtimes; port forwards, mounts, multi-instance, optional Kubernetes. Works on Intel/Apple Silicon macOS and Linux. Free forever CLI.

## The Catch

Vs Docker Engine / Podman: Colima is the *host runtime wrapper*, not a daemon replacement on Linux servers and not a registry. Still a VM on macOS — RAM/CPU allocation and mount quirks apply. GUI/enterprise support is not the product; Docker Desktop competitors with support desks are paid for a reason.

## Verdict

MIT local containers on Mac/Linux. Free forever alternative to Docker Desktop for builders who live in the CLI.