I think it’s worth to test the differences in performance since Docker Desktop uses gRPC FUSE while Colima/Lima uses sshfs to share folders. However, shared folder performance has always been a bottleneck for Docker on macOS. Since both solutions are based on the macOS HVF I don’t think there is much difference in terms of CPU and memory performance.

The usage in macOS is no different from Docker Desktop, and all docker commands should work as before. It will start the docker daemon in the VM and configure the docker CLI on the host. Installation is easy and can be done through Homebrew: brew install colima This makes Docker easily usable on macOS without any configuration, similar to Docker Desktop. Lima comes with containerd and nerdctl installed, but for a drop-in replacement the Docker container runtime is required which is what Colima is for.Ĭolima provisions the Docker container runtime in a Lima VM, configures the docker CLI on macOS and handles port-forwarding and volume mounts. It’s based on Lima which creates a QEMU VM with HVF accelerator and handles the port-forwarding and folder sharing. While there is the option to run something like Multipass or VirtualBox with a custom provisioning script for Docker and then configure shared folders, I was looking for a drop-in replacement with minimal or no configuration.Ĭolima fits the criteria well. It makes a request to every time the settings are opened, even with anonymous reporting turned off.Weekly tips and anonymous reporting are enabled by default.Pop-ups asking me how likely I am to recommend Docker Desktop to a co-worker.

It’s a quick and easy way to get Docker running on macOS.Īlthough technically it works fine, the following reasons made me look for a replacement: It runs the daemon in a VM, handles port-forwarding, shared folders and sets up the Docker CLI. Replacing Docker Desktop for Mac with Colima home Replacing Docker Desktop for Mac with Colima December 21, 2021ĭocker Desktop for Mac is probably the most commonly used solution to run Docker on macOS.

Best way to install docker on mac