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Podman vs Docker

Both Docker and Podman are containerisation technologies that allow you to package applications with their dependencies for consistent deployment across environments. Here’s how they compare:

Architectural Differences

Docker:

  • Uses a client-server architecture with a daemon (dockerd) running in the background
  • Requires root privileges for most operations (though rootless mode is available)
  • All containers managed by the centralised daemon

Podman:

  • Daemonless architecture - no background process required
  • Designed to run containers without root privileges by default
  • Each container runs under the user who started it

Security

Docker:

  • The daemon runs with root privileges by default, creating a potential security risk
  • Rootless mode is available but has some limitations
  • Single point of failure via the daemon

Podman:

  • Rootless by default, reducing attack surface
  • Fork/exec model instead of a daemon, improving security isolation
  • Support for comprehensive security contexts

Features

Docker:

  • Extensive orchestration options with Docker Compose and Swarm
  • Larger ecosystem and broader adoption
  • Excellent documentation and community support

Podman:

  • Kubernetes-compatible command line
  • Drop-in replacement for Docker (compatible CLI)
  • Supports pods (groups of containers) similar to Kubernetes
  • Better systemd integration on Linux systems

Compatibility & Ecosystem

Docker:

  • Industry standard with vast ecosystem
  • Native builds for macOS and Windows
  • Extensive integration with development tools

Podman:

  • Docker-compatible API
  • Primarily Linux-focused (macOS/Windows support via virtual machines)
  • Podman Compose as an alternative to Docker Compose

Performance

Docker:

  • Well-optimised but limited by daemon architecture
  • Can experience issues under heavy loads due to centralised daemon

Podman:

  • Potentially better performance for specific workloads due to daemonless architecture
  • Each container has its own process, potentially improving resource isolation

Definitive Recommendation

I recommend Podman for most use cases, particularly if security is a priority for your homelab and Raspberry Pi deployments.

Podman’s rootless architecture aligns better with modern security practices and eliminates the risk associated with a privileged daemon. The daemonless approach also means fewer resources consumed on your Raspberry Pi machines, which is significant given their limited processing power.

As you’re using Linux-based systems in your homelab, you’ll benefit from Podman’s excellent systemd integration. The Docker-compatible CLI means virtually zero learning curve if you’re already familiar with Docker commands.

For your macOS development environment, you can use Podman Machine, which provides similar functionality to Docker Desktop without the licensing concerns for professional use.

While Docker still has broader adoption, Podman represents a more forward-thinking approach to containerisation that addresses many of Docker’s architectural limitations.