OrbStack
vmvm-toolA fast, proprietary macOS app for running Docker containers and Linux machines on Virtualization.framework.
OrbStack is a fast, proprietary macOS application for running Docker containers and lightweight Linux machines on Virtualization.framework. It is prized for speed and low resource use as a Docker Desktop alternative. The Linux machine is a VM with its own kernel; containers inside share that VM's kernel. It is paid software.
Strengths
- Very fast and resource-efficient Docker/Linux on macOS
- Polished UX as a Docker Desktop alternative
- Built on Virtualization.framework
Limitations
- Proprietary and paid
- macOS only
- Containers share the Linux VM's kernel, the VM is the boundary
Files & editor
desktop-mountUnusually fast bidirectional file sharing, so your desktop editor works with near-container friction despite the VM boundary.
How you get your project into the environment and edit it. Shared-kernel routes bind-mount host files for your desktop editor; own-kernel routes keep files in the guest, so a desktop editor attaches over remote, or you edit inside. Mounts and remote editing.