As a tech journalist, I’m enthusiastic about diving into all sorts of hardware and software, whether by testing them out myself or by chatting with my friends and colleagues to gain insights.
The latter is how I first came in contact with Docker — a buddy showed me how someone containerized the seminal first-person shooter Doom and made it playable in a web browser (I’ve explained how Docker works at the bottom of this post).
While I haven’t ventured deeply into development, I’ve learned enough about hosting to know that Docker excels with a top-notch hosting provider. It’s evident to me that choosing the right host can really make Docker perform at its best.
Hence, here are some of the best Docker container hosting options available today.
1. Kamatera: Best Cloud-Based Docker Hosting
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better hosting provider for your Docker apps than the tremendously customizable and scalable Kamatera and its Express offering.
The company boasts rapid and straightforward deployment of enterprise-class server infrastructures, and I wholeheartedly agree. Setting up a server took under a minute with a simple one-click process. You’ll also find it effortless to customize everything to match your needs, from virtual machines to hardware resources.
- Best for developers and devops teams needing full control
- Deploy in 60 seconds across 20 global data centers
- Fully customizable: 1–32 cores, 1–128 GB RAM, NVMe SSD
- Hourly or monthly billing — scale up or down anytime
- 99.95% uptime with built-in firewall and load balancing
- 30-day free trial, no charge if canceled
- Get started on Kamatera now.
Surajdeep Singh
Starting with more than 60 operating system images to choose from, Kamatera is a strong option for developers who know exactly what environment works best for their project. Customize your cloud server as needed and deploy in less than a minute.
Go to full review »| Disk Space | CPU | RAM | Setup Time |
| 20 GB NVMe – 4 TB NVMe | 1 – 32 cores | 1 GB – 128 GB | 5 minutes |
Among notable features is the load balancer that maximizes performance and boosts stability by routing incoming traffic to the machines available for the quickest response.
Moreover, you can scale up or down seamlessly as your applications grow. There are also Docker-specific benefits that help create the perfect environment for your Docker apps without any limitations:
- Five different Ubuntu-based versions of Docker Engine that come pre-installed
- Customizable plans in terms of vCPU, RAM, and SSD storage starting for as little as $4
- Root admin access to the server in case you want to go deep into the command line
If you’re unsure about Kamatera, you can try it risk-free for 30 days without any commitment or setup fees. This trial period lets you fully evaluate the cloud service before deciding on a package.
2. Hostinger: Best VPS Docker Hosting
Thanks to its lightweight design, easier deployment, and generally superior performance compared to virtual machines, Docker is an excellent choice for a variety of VPS projects.
In that web hosting segment, Hostinger reigns supreme as one of the best Docker container hosting providers for web owners and developers who need more than a shared hosting plan but don’t require a dedicated server.
Equipped with Intel Xeon processors, terabytes of NVMe SSD storage, and 512 GB RAM, each VPS hosting package offers substantial processing power and storage capacity to tackle any medium or large-scale online project.
- Best overall value: The most complete AI-managed KVM VPS at this price
- AMD EPYC processors, NVMe SSD, and 1 Gbps network
- Kodee AI manages your server — no command line needed
- One-click deployment of 100+ apps including Docker and n8n
- Free weekly backups, DDoS protection, and full root access
- Get started on Hostinger now.
Sead Fadilpasic
Hostinger’s laser focus on providing affordable hosting solutions shines brightest with the company’s VPS packages. The company provides four different virtual server plans, including one that costs less than $6.
Go to full review »| Disk Space | CPU | RAM | Setup Time |
| 50 GB NVMe – 400 GB NVMe | 1 – 8 cores | 4 GB – 32 GB | 6 minutes |
On paper, it’s a match made in hosting heaven. The reality is every bit the same, if not better, because there are more perks Docker fans will appreciate. I am talking about:
- Option to use KVM VPS hosting that offers unrestricted compatibility with Docker without any limitations
- Choice of three operating systems between CentOS, Ubuntu, or Debian
- Up to 400 GB storage limit for containers
You can always rely on Hostinger to have your back when setting up and configuring its services. I’m happy to report that Docker support is no exception.
The hosting provider’s repository of tutorials covers a variety of Docker-related topics like Docker image and Docker Compose, including a cheat sheet with essential commands for those who aren’t afraid to get their hands a bit dirty in the command line.
3. Hosting.com: Best Dedicated Server Docker Hosting
For those who run more demanding Docker apps that require fast speeds and reliable performance, hosting.com will be a godsend. The company’s top-of-the-line Turbo servers promise significantly faster page load times, CPU performance, NVMe storage, and more RAM.
Docker is currently only supported on unmanaged dedicated servers, offering six hosting plans with specific performance enhancements. It’s all there, and more.
- Root access and 3 levels of server management
- Expertly managed servers deployed instantly
- Choose from 4 data centers across 3 continents
- FREE redundant SSD storage in RAID-1 arrays
- Choice of 13 Linux operating systems
- Get started on hosting.com now.
Christina Lewis
Whether you’re looking for managed or self-managed hosting, hosting. com offers three extremely reliable dedicated server plans to meet your needs, depending on your levels of comfort and experience.
Go to full review »| Disk Space | CPU | RAM | Setup Time |
| 1 TB SSD (RAID-1) | 4 – 16 cores | 16 GB – 256 GB | 7 minutes |
Hosting.com plans include a host of speed-oriented and Docker-centric features that even the most demanding users will appreciate. For starters, dedicated servers feature a proprietary SwiftServer platform that ensures you get the best performance possible on a regular basis.
Here’s what hosting.com brings to the Docker table:
- Choice of three operating systems between CentOS, Ubuntu, or Debian
- Root access that provides ultimate control of the server
- Ability to add custom applications or script installs
To top it all off, the provider offers a 99.9% uptime guarantee with support available anytime you need it. Free redundant SSD storage in RAID-1 arrays keeps everything running smoothly even if something goes wrong. Now that’s reliability you can trust.
Other Docker Hosting Services
Although those are our top three Docker hosting providers, there’s still much more to explore if they haven’t quite met your needs. Let’s dive deeper into what else is available.
Do note that certain providers only support Docker with specific server types so you may have limited options at your disposal.
4. IONOS.com
- Start with $200 in credit for your first month
- Intel Xeon processors, Linux or Windows, full root access
- Scale instances up or down with no downtime
- By-the-minute billing — only pay for what you use
- 99.99% uptime, ISO 27001-certified data centers
- Get started on IONOS now.
Christina Lewis
Boasting 99.998% platform availability, the popular cloud hosting services from IONOS deploy more than 2,500 virtual machines each week. Customers flock to the host for its cutting-edge hardware, georedundant network, and always-there support.
Go to full review »| Disk Space | CPU | RAM | Setup Time |
| 10 GB NVMe – 720 GB NVMe | 1 – 24 cores | 512 MB – 48 GB | 6 minutes |
Just like Docker aims to make shipping code to servers easier, IONOS tries to simplify how the software framework works and how you can get the most bang for your buck. It comes pre-installed on the IONOS Cloud Server, with version 20.10.9-2 supported on AlmaLinux 8.
What makes IONOS great is that it offers an equally satisfying experience for newbie site owners and small businesses to fast-growing startups and large companies needing powerful performance. There are more than a dozen cloud servers to choose from, so you’re bound to find one that suits your needs.
- Managed or unmanaged, in Windows or Linux
- Cloud hosting with hourly or monthly billing
- Instant upgrades without downtime
- FREE around-the-clock monitoring
- Automatic nightly backups available
- Get started on Hostwinds now.
Jack Wallen
Does any hosting provider have more virtual private server packages than Hostwinds. The company offers 10 configurations — and that’s just for managed Linux server partitions.
Go to full review »| Disk Space | CPU | RAM | Setup Time |
| 30 GB SSD – 750 GB SSD | 1 – 16 cores | 1 – 96 GB | 6 minutes |
Like to have choices? Then Hostwinds will be right up your alley, with 40 VPS plans evenly distributed across managed and unmanaged Linux and Windows hosting. Docker is available to install on CentOS, Ubuntu, Debian, and Fedora.
No matter which operating system or hosting plan you pick, you’ll benefit from a 99.9999% uptime guarantee, 1 Gbps ports, SSDs for improved performance, multiple locations, custom ISOs, and other features aimed at making your Docker hosting experience smooth and worry-free.
- Best for mission-critical sites needing fully managed dedicated hardware
- Save up to 50% for 2 months with this HostingAdvice offer
- Fully managed or self-managed — Linux or Windows
- PCI-ready environments with 99.99% uptime SLA
- cPanel, Plesk, or InterWorx — 24/7 Heroic Support® included
- Get started on Liquid Web now.
Christina Lewis
Liquid Web’s strong suit is managed dedicated server hosting. The company owns and operates five state-of-the-art datacenters in the US and Europe works tirelessly to build and maintain custom solutions for added performance and security.
Go to full review »| Disk Space | CPU | RAM | Setup Time |
| 383 GB SSD – 3.2 TB SSD | 4 – 32 cores | 12 GB – 192 GB | 8 minutes |
Arguably best known for its strong managed service offerings, Liquid Web is an excellent choice for those who want cloud-level flexibility with matching performance at affordable rates.
Plans powered by Intel Xeon boost your processing capabilities, SSD storage, RAM, and bandwidth, ensuring a solid hosting experience.
You can run Docker on CentOS, Ubuntu, CloudLinux, and Windows servers. The provider also offers root access, regular backups, and numerous security features to keep your site and server safe from cyber threats.
Throw in the promise of 100% power and network uptime, and you get one compelling hosting proposition.
7. Vultr
With its one-click Docker app available on CentOS and Ubuntu, Vultr allows almost instant deployment of your containers. The company updates the application frequently, thus making certain you always have the latest platform to tinker with.
Here’s more good news for developers: the hosting provider supports Docker API and includes various dev tools, along with integration with GitLab CI/CD pipelines.
With 32 worldwide locations under its belt, Vultr has plenty of data centers to routinely deliver Docker containers with lower latency and faster load times to your target audience.
Vultr’s CDN is another tool developers can look into to pair with its Docker solution to boost performance and ensure end users receive the best experience.
8. Amazon ECS
The main selling point of Amazon ECS (Elastic Container Service) is the ability to launch, store, and scale your Docker application with automatic integrations to other supporting AWS services (e.g. AWS ELB for load balancing).
This fully managed container solution allows you to deploy quickly and work confidently, removing concerns about security, compliance, and infrastructure.
Deep integration with the AWS environment means you get an easy-to-use solution complete with advanced security features and a wide array of monitoring and configuration possibilities.
Plus, the pay-as-you-go pricing model ensures you only pay for the resources you use. For those on a tight budget, Amazon ECS is a cost-effective option thanks to its inherent low operating costs like storage and computing power.
What Is Docker?
Docker is an open-source platform that employs OS-level virtualization to develop, ship, and run applications, while also isolating them from your infrastructure for quicker delivery.
The whole idea behind Docker is to cut out tedious and repetitive configuration tasks by streamlining the development life cycle. This way, developers can work in standardized and loosely isolated environments known as containers.
Because these containers are run by a single operating system kernel, they are more lightweight than virtual machines and contain everything needed to run the application. The software that hosts the containers is called Docker Engine.
Developers use Docker to not only simplify and accelerate their workflows but also to improve efficiency. By isolating apps from their environments, Docker enables consistent deployments across environments while promoting scalability and portability.
What Is the Best Docker Hosting Platform?
You’ll want a hosting platform that’s well-versed in the Docker software framework. This means it should have a track record of hosting Docker containers and can consistently deliver the fast performance you depend on.
Ideally, you want an easy Docker installation (preferably the one-click variant), a stable OS version, SSD storage, root access for each containerized application you’re using, and the option to scale up or down as your needs evolve.
Kamatera is our top choice for a lot of the reasons just mentioned. But you’ll also fare well if you opt for other hosting providers on this list, depending on your unique demands.
How Much Does It Cost to Use Docker?
Docker itself is an open-source technology, meaning it’s free to use. However, that doesn’t mean you won’t incur any expenses as you use it, whether these expenses relate to hosting the open-source solution or using Docker Desktop, for example.
Individuals can use Docker Desktop entirely free through a personal plan. But if you plan to use Docker Desktop for commercial purposes with a company of more than 250 employees and more than $10 million yearly revenue, you’ll have to pay for the Pro, Team, or Business plans.
Docker Desktop Pricing
| Plan Name: | Personal | Pro | Team | Business |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price per User/Month | $0 | $9 | $15 | $24 |
If you’re using Docker but not Docker Desktop, you’ll have to buy hosting separately. Prices can vary from as low as $5 to as high as $100 a month, similar to the hosts we mentioned earlier. It all boils down to the server type you choose and your specific requirements. The top hosting providers for Docker offer support and features tailored to the software.
How Do I Host Docker for Free?
There are a few ways you can host Docker without charge:
- Free hosting: Several hosting platforms (cloud providers such as Google Cloud Run and Microsoft Azure) offer free plans that allow you to deploy Docker containers. The drawback is that you’ll have limitations in terms of compute resources, storage, and number of containers you are allowed to run, among other restrictions.
- Container-as-a-Service (CaaS) providers: Companies like Docker itself and other CaaS providers offer free tiers specifically designed for hosting Docker apps.
- Local development: Tools such as Docker Desktop allow the creation and management of containers on your local computer for development and testing purposes.
- Open-Source Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) platforms: Solutions like Dokku can be installed on your infrastructure, enabling you to host Docker apps at no cost.
It’s important to get familiar with the terms and restrictions of the free plans. This is crucial if you want your hosting choice to meet your needs without charging you extra for using too many resources.
Deploy Your Docker Apps with Confidence
Launching web apps can be tricky for various reasons, especially when using a virtual machine. Performance issues, portability challenges, and scaling difficulties, among other concerns, can arise.
The advent of Docker ushered in a new era of seamless deployment that effectively eliminated (or at the very least, minimized) many of these problems through the use of containers.
Moreover, Docker went the extra mile and improved the app performance while streamlining portability between multiple servers. A lot of it rides on the choice of Docker host — and that’s what this list is for.
HostingAdvice.com is a free online resource that offers valuable content and comparison services to users. To keep this resource 100% free, we receive compensation from many of the offers listed on the site. Along with key review factors, this compensation may impact how and where products appear across the site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). HostingAdvice.com does not include the entire universe of available offers. Editorial opinions expressed on the site are strictly our own and are not provided, endorsed, or approved by advertisers.
Our site is committed to publishing independent, accurate content guided by strict editorial guidelines. Before articles and reviews are published on our site, they undergo a thorough review process performed by a team of independent editors and subject-matter experts to ensure the content’s accuracy, timeliness, and impartiality. Our editorial team is separate and independent of our site’s advertisers, and the opinions they express on our site are their own. To read more about our team members and their editorial backgrounds, please visit our site’s About page.
