Desktop Licensing

Docker Desktop's Subscription Terms for Businesses

Since 31 August 2021, Docker Desktop 514 has been free only for personal use, education, non-commercial open-source projects and small businesses. Docker 514 's Subscription Service Agreement requires a paid subscription for commercial use in an organization with 250 or more employees, or US $10 million or more in annual revenue; crossing either threshold is enough, and government entities need a paid plan regardless of size. The plans on Docker's pricing page:

Docker subscription plans (docker.com/pricing, September 2026)
Plan Monthly, per user Billed annually Seats
Personal $0 $0 1
Pro $11 $9 1
Team $16 $15 Up to 100
Business $24 $24 Unlimited

Paid plans also raise Docker Hub 514 limits and add Scout 514 and Build Cloud features. The restriction applies to Docker Desktop only. Docker Engine 514 , the CLI, Compose 514 and Buildx 4,514 on Linux are Apache 2.0 open source with no size or revenue limit, and Podman 47,580 , Rancher Desktop 40,103 and Colima 31,010 are open source too (Docker and Its Alternatives). A company pays only for the people who choose Desktop.