What does Rancher Desktop replace?

Rancher Desktop is a free alternative to Docker Desktop (Pro) ($108/yr).

Is Rancher Desktop open source?

Yes. Rancher Desktop is licensed under Apache-2.0, an OSI-approved open-source license.

Yes (AUR: rancher-desktop). Install with: yay -S rancher-desktop.

There's nothing to host: Rancher Desktop is a desktop app that runs on your own machine.

A free, open-source alternative to Docker Desktop (Pro). Switching saves $108/yr at list price.

Checked Oct 17, 2026 · How we check

Desktop app

Open source · Apache-2.0 Linux Arch/AUR

rancher-sandbox/rancher-desktop7.4k★last push Oct 13, 2026checked Oct 17, 2026

Install

$ yay -S rancher-desktop

What does Rancher Desktop replace?: Rancher Desktop is a free alternative to Docker Desktop (Pro) ($108/yr).
Is Rancher Desktop open source?: Yes. Rancher Desktop is licensed under Apache-2.0, an OSI-approved open-source license.
Does Rancher Desktop run on Linux?: Yes (AUR: rancher-desktop). Install with: yay -S rancher-desktop.
Can you self-host Rancher Desktop?: There's nothing to host: Rancher Desktop is a desktop app that runs on your own machine.