LazyDocker vs Podman: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between LazyDocker and Podman 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:
LazyDocker
The lazier way to manage everything Docker and Docker Compose from your terminal.
Best for you if:
- • Provides a terminal UI for Docker and Docker Compose management.
- • Simplifies common Docker operations like viewing logs and restarting services.
Podman
Daemonless container management
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • Podman is a daemonless container engine compatible with Docker
- • It runs OCI containers without requiring a daemon or root access
| At a Glance |  LazyDocker |  Podman |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free |
Best For | Terminal Tools | Terminal Tools |
Rating | —/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | LazyDocker | Podman |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| Editorial Score | — | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Terminal ToolsContainer Orchestration | Terminal ToolsHosting & Deployment |
How LazyDocker and Podman Compare
LazyDocker
The lazier way to manage everything Docker and Docker Compose from your terminal.
Free
Podman
Daemonless container management
Free · 84/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: LazyDocker
Want the highest-rated option?
Podman scores 84/100. LazyDocker is unrated.
Go with: Podman
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Podman
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are free. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are terminal tools tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Podman
- Higher score: 84/100 vs unrated
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
LazyDocker
The Bottom Line
Podman (84/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LazyDocker or Podman better?
Podman scores 84/100 in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are LazyDocker and Podman used for?
LazyDocker: The lazier way to manage everything Docker and Docker Compose from your terminal.. Podman: Daemonless container management.
What does LazyDocker cost vs Podman?
LazyDocker is completely free. Podman is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.