C
Developer Tools
Top-like interface for container metrics
N
nerdctl
Docker-compatible CLI for containerd
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About nerdctl
nerdctl is a Docker-compatible command-line client for containerd with the same user experience as the Docker CLI, including Compose support and image building via BuildKit. It adds containerd-native capabilities such as rootless mode, lazy image pulling with Stargz and Nydus, encrypted images with OCIcrypt, P2P image distribution over IPFS and cosign signing and verification.
nerdctl website preview
Live preview of github.com via the WordPress mShots service — it can take a few seconds to generate on a first visit.
nerdctl: strengths & things to check
Strengths
- Completely free to use — this directory lists no paid plan for it.
- Covers containers, containerd, cli, docker — see the focus areas listed in its key facts.
- Has 6 close alternatives in the same category on this page, so switching or comparing is easy.
Things to check
- Free tools can change their model or shut down — avoid locking critical work into it without an export path.
- Current plan prices are not listed here (they change too often to print reliably) — confirm the exact price on the official site.
- It is one of 1288 tools in the Developer Tools category here — compare it against the alternatives below before you commit.
Derived from this listing's own data (pricing model, focus areas and category) — not a hands-on review score.
nerdctl pricing
| Pricing model | Free — listed in this directory as a free tool, with no paid plan required to use it. |
|---|---|
| Free access | Yes — fully free |
| Current plan prices | Listed on the official site — prices change, so this directory links out instead of printing a number that may already be stale. |
| Official site | github.com |
nerdctl key facts
- Category: Developer Tools
- Pricing: Free — listed in this directory as a free tool, with no paid plan required to use it.
- Focus areas: containers, containerd, cli, docker
- Official site: github.com
nerdctl FAQ
How much does nerdctl cost?
Free — listed in this directory as a free tool, with no paid plan required to use it. Current plans and prices are listed on the official site (github.com).
What is nerdctl used for?
Docker-compatible CLI for containerd Its focus areas in the Developer Tools category: containers, containerd, cli, docker.
Where can I try nerdctl?
On its official site, github.com — the Visit Official Site button above goes straight there.
nerdctl vs alternatives
| nerdctl | ctop | act | Colima | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free — listed in this directory as a free tool, with no paid plan required to use it. | Free — listed in this directory as a free tool, with no paid plan required to use it. | Free — listed in this directory as a free tool, with no paid plan required to use it. | Free — listed in this directory as a free tool, with no paid plan required to use it. |
| Focus areas | containers, containerd, cli, docker | containers, monitoring, cli, docker | github actions, ci, cli, docker | containers, docker, macos, kubernetes |
| Official site | github.com | github.com | nektosact.com | colima.run |
| Directory status | Listed | Listed | Listed | Listed |
Side-by-side from each listing's own directory data. Full alternative cards are below.
About the Developer Tools category
Editors, platforms, and services developers rely on to build and ship software. The Developer Tools category on Tools Hub currently lists 1288 tools. Alongside nerdctl, it includes dive, ctop, hadolint, Syft.
Alternatives to nerdctl
Tools in the same Developer Tools category that share focus areas with nerdctl — worth comparing before you commit:
A
Developer Tools
Run your GitHub Actions workflows locally
C
Developer Tools
Container runtimes on macOS and Linux with minimal setup
DDeveloper Tools
Tool for exploring each layer of a container image
D
Developer Tools
Self-hosted Docker management UI for homelabs and enterprise
KDeveloper Tools
Build container images from a Dockerfile without a Docker daemon
More in Developer Tools
Comparing tools in the Developer Tools category? These related listings are worth a look: dive — Tool for exploring each layer of a container image; ctop — Top-like interface for container metrics; hadolint — Smarter Dockerfile linter with inline shell checking.
DDeveloper Tools
Tool for exploring each layer of a container image
CDeveloper Tools
Top-like interface for container metrics
HDeveloper Tools
Smarter Dockerfile linter with inline shell checking
SDeveloper Tools
CLI for generating SBOMs from images and filesystems
GDeveloper Tools
Vulnerability scanner for container images and filesystems
O
Developer Tools
Develop applications directly inside your Kubernetes cluster