Considering that most of the time I run things in Docker and advocate for it, it is only fair that I mention (in case you missed it), that the Docker team has decided to make some changes in their business model.

Docker goes PRO

Docker always had a paid tier but since yesterday, we now have four (4) tiers of subscriptions.

A complete list of feature comparisons can be found here: https://www.docker.com/pricing?utm_campaign=2021-08-31-business-tier-launch&utm_medium=email&utm_source=mailgun&utm_content=pricing

Docker subscriptions

Current Docker Free has been rebranded to Docker Personal following the three paid tiers, Pro, Team and Business.

Starting with as low as $5/month in the Pro tier all the way up until $21/user/month.

Just to be clear what this all means here are the main points:

  • All of Docker’s products and services are now covered by a new set of terms - the Docker Subscription Service Agreement.
  • Docker subscriptions now encompass four tiers of service: Personal, Pro, Team, and Business (a new tier of service). Each tier includes Docker Desktop.
  • The existing Docker Free subscription has been renamed Docker Personal. Docker Desktop remains free for personal use, education, non-commercial open-source projects, and small businesses (fewer than 250 employees AND less than $10M USD in annual revenue).
  • Commercial use of Docker Desktop in larger enterprises (more than 250 employees OR more than $10 million USD in annual revenue) requires a Docker Pro, Team or Business subscription for as little as $5 per user per month.
  • Docker Business is a new offering for organizations using Docker at scale for application development and requiring additional features like centralized management and secure software supply chain capabilities.
The new terms take effect on August 31, 2021 with a grace period until January 31, 2022 for those that will require a paid subscription to continue using Docker Desktop. By continuing to use Docker, you are agreeing to the new Docker Subscription Service Agreement.

So what does all this mean for us enthusiasts and hobbyists? Well not much. For my humble needs, 200 Docker image pulls per day, and 1 organization, I can say that Docker Personal is more than enough (for now).

As a side note, in case you want to play with Docker in a non-CLI environment, consider running all your Docker tasks with Portainer.