Harbor vs Quay: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Harbor 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.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Harbor
Open-source container registry
Best for you if:
- • You need developer tools features specifically
- • Harbor is an open-source container registry with security and compliance features
- • It provides vulnerability scanning, access control, and image signing for containers
Quay
Enterprise container registry with built-in security scanning
Best for you if:
- • You need cloud & infrastructure 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 |  Harbor |  Quay |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Developer Tools | Cloud & Infrastructure |
Rating | 4.6/5 | - |
Choose Harbor or Quay?
Choose Harbor if
Open-source container registry
- Open source registry
- Vulnerability scanning
- Image signing
- Your work is developer tools-shaped, not cloud & infrastructure-shaped
Choose Quay if
Enterprise container registry with built-in security scanning
- Container registry
- Red Hat backed
- Good security scanning
- Your work is cloud & infrastructure-shaped, not developer tools-shaped
| Feature | Harbor | Quay |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.6/5 14 reviews | No ratings yet |
| Categories | Developer ToolsSecurity | Cloud & InfrastructureSecurity |
In-Depth Analysis
Harbor
Open-source container registry
Strengths
- +Open source registry
- +Vulnerability scanning
- +Image signing
- +Self-hostable
- +CNCF project
Weaknesses
- -Complex setup
- -Resource intensive
- -Learning curve
- -Maintenance overhead
- -UI could improve
Key features
Quay
Enterprise container registry with built-in security scanning
Strengths
- +Container registry
- +Red Hat backed
- +Good security scanning
- +Enterprise features
- +Active development
Weaknesses
- -Complex setup
- -Learning curve
- -Enterprise focus
- -Documentation gaps
- -Pricing unclear
Key features
Pricing: Harbor vs Quay
| Plan | Harbor | Quay |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | Free Developer |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $6 month Micro |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Harbor pricing and Quay pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Harbor
Want the highest-rated option?
Harbor is rated 4.6/5. Quay has no ratings yet.
Go with: Harbor
Value user reviews?
Harbor: 14 reviews (4.6/5). Quay: no ratings yet.
Go with: Harbor
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?
Harbor is a developer tools tool. Quay is in cloud & infrastructure. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Harbor is rated 4.6/5; Quay has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Harbor
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Quay
- Better fit for cloud & infrastructure
The Bottom Line
Harbor is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Harbor or Quay better?
Harbor is rated in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Harbor and Quay used for?
Harbor: Open-source container registry. Quay: Enterprise container registry with built-in security scanning.
What does Harbor cost vs Quay?
Harbor is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Quay is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.