OrbStack
Fast, light, and simple way to run Docker containers and Linux machines on macOS. ![Freeware][Freeware Icon]
OrbStack provides a macOS‑native environment for running Docker containers and full Linux distributions. It replaces Docker Desktop with a Swift‑based application that launches containers and virtual machines using lightweight virtualization, offering fast startup, low CPU and disk usage, and minimal background resource consumption.
The tool integrates with standard command‑line interfaces, supporting Docker commands, Docker Compose, and Kubernetes workflows. It includes features such as VirtioFS file sharing, IPv6 networking, VPN and DNS handling, and Rosetta‑based emulation for x86 containers on Apple Silicon. Users can also create and manage Linux machines, enabling SSH access, VS Code integration, and agent forwarding.
Designed for developers who need a simple, efficient way to run containerized workloads and Linux environments on macOS, OrbStack emphasizes quick setup, seamless CLI operation, and low power impact while maintaining compatibility with existing Docker tooling.
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