Docker Hub vs Quay: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Docker Hub and Quay comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Docker Hub
Container image registry and community
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.8/10 vs 7.4/10)
- • You need hosting & deployment features specifically
- • Docker Hub is the world's largest container image registry for sharing and distributing images
- • It hosts public and private repositories with automated builds and vulnerability scanning
Quay
Container registry by Red Hat
Best for you if:
- • You need ci/cd features specifically
- • Quay is a container registry for storing and distributing container images
- • It provides security scanning, geo-replication, and access controls
| At a Glance |  Docker Hub |  Quay |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Hosting & Deployment | CI/CD |
Rating | 88/100 | 74/100 |
| Feature | Docker Hub | Quay |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 88 | 74 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Hosting & DeploymentContainer Orchestration | CI/CDContainer Orchestration |
How Docker Hub and Quay Compare
Docker Hub
Container image registry and community
Free tier available · 88/100 score
Quay
Container registry by Red Hat
Free tier available · 74/100 score
Docker Hub is a hosting & deployment tool. Quay is in ci/cd.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Docker Hub
Want the highest-rated option?
Docker Hub: 88/100. Quay: 74/100.
Go with: Docker Hub
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Docker Hub
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Docker Hub is a hosting & deployment tool. Quay is in ci/cd. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Docker Hub scores higher: 88/100 vs 74/100.
Key Takeaways
Docker Hub
- Higher score: 88/100 vs 74
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Quay
- Better fit for ci/cd
The Bottom Line
Docker Hub (88/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Docker Hub or Quay better?
Docker Hub scores 88/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Docker Hub and Quay used for?
Docker Hub: Container image registry and community. Quay: Container registry by Red Hat.
What does Docker Hub cost vs Quay?
Docker Hub is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Quay is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.