# Rancher Desktop / Podman Desktop

Containers on the workstation. Rancher Desktop and Podman Desktop are Apache-2.0 — Docker Desktop without the seat.

**Replaces:** Docker Desktop

**Tier:** Easy

## Problem

Docker Desktop is a workstation product with a paid seat for larger companies. You wanted local containers and Kubernetes-shaped tooling you can install yourself. Rancher Desktop is Apache-2.0 (containerd/Moby + k3s). Podman Desktop is Apache-2.0 if you want rootless Podman. This is not Docker Hub, Build Cloud, or Scout — those stay on other pages. You install this on the laptop, not as a Railway web app.

## Stack

- [Rancher Desktop](https://rancherdesktop.io) — Apache-2.0 local containers and Kubernetes
- [Podman Desktop](https://podman-desktop.io) — Apache-2.0 desktop for Podman if you want that engine

## Estimated SaaS cost saved

| You stop paying | Typical / year | Self-host instead |
|---|---:|---|
| Docker Desktop paid seat (small team) | $1,200 | Rancher Desktop or Podman Desktop on the laptop |

**About $1,200 / year** on a small team, before you count lock-in.

## Deploy on Railway

This is a workstation install, not a hosted app. Start on Railway if you also want a registry — that stack is /stacks/harbor-registry. No one-click desktop template in this repo.

[Start on Railway](https://c17.io/go/railway/rancher-desktop?from=%2Fstacks%2Francher-desktop.md)

[Harbor if the pain is the image registry, not the desktop](https://c17.io/stacks/harbor-registry)

## AGENT_PROMPT

```
Replace Docker Desktop with Rancher Desktop (preferred) or Podman Desktop.

- Install on the workstation. Confirm docker/nerdctl or podman runs hello-world. Optional: enable the bundled Kubernetes.
- Images you host belong on /stacks/harbor-registry. Write AGENT_PROMPT.md.
- Do not claim Docker Build Cloud, Scout, or Hub pull-rate parity — those are other products.
```

## FAQ

### Is this Docker Hub?

No. /replace/docker-hub is Harbor. This page is the desktop app on the laptop.

### Can I deploy this on Railway?

No. The desktop stays on the workstation. Railway is useful for the registry or the apps you build.

Source: https://c17.io/stacks/rancher-desktop