Explainer
Docker vs Kubernetes: What's the Difference?
Docker and Kubernetes aren't really competitors, they solve different problems. Docker packages applications into containers; Kubernetes orchestrates many containers across many machines.
What Docker does
Docker packages an application and its dependencies into a container, a self-contained unit that runs consistently across different environments. It also provides the tooling to build, run, and share these containers.
What Kubernetes does
Kubernetes orchestrates containers at scale, deciding where they run, restarting them when they fail, scaling them up or down, and managing networking between them across a cluster of machines.
When you need Docker alone
A single application, or a small number of services, running on one or a few servers, often doesn’t need orchestration at all. Docker (or Docker Compose for multiple services) is frequently enough.
When you need Kubernetes too
Once you’re running many services across many machines, need automated scaling and self-healing, or want a consistent deployment model across a larger infrastructure, Kubernetes starts to pay for its added complexity.
Our take
Start with what your current scale actually needs. Adding Kubernetes before you need it adds operational overhead without a corresponding benefit, we’ll give you an honest read on whether you’re at that point yet.
Common questions
Not necessarily, many applications run reliably on Docker alone or with simpler orchestration. Kubernetes solves problems that appear at a certain scale, not before.
Yes, Kubernetes orchestrates containers, which are commonly built using Docker or a compatible tool.
Unnecessary operational complexity, Kubernetes has a real learning curve and maintenance burden that isn't worth it until you actually need what it offers.
Related reading & services
Not sure which you need?
Tell us about your setup and we'll give you a straight recommendation, not a default answer.