Portainer vs Dockge: Docker Management GUI Showdown

Beyond the Command Line

While Docker CLI is powerful, a good GUI makes container management more approachable. Two popular options have emerged for homelabs: Portainer and the newer Dockge.

Portainer

The established leader in Docker GUI management with millions of users.

Pros:

• Feature-rich: Templates, stacks, registries, networks
• Multi-host: Manage multiple Docker hosts from one UI
• Kubernetes support: Beyond just Docker
• User management: Teams and role-based access
• Edge agents: Manage remote hosts

Cons:

• Complex UI: Many features means more complexity
• Stacks abstraction: Doesn't use compose files directly
• Resource usage: ~100-150MB RAM

services:
  portainer:
    image: portainer/portainer-ce:latest
    container_name: portainer
    ports:
      - "9000:9000"
    volumes:
      - /var/run/docker.sock:/var/run/docker.sock
      - portainer_data:/data
    restart: unless-stopped

volumes:
  portainer_data:

Dockge

A newer, simpler alternative by the creator of Uptime Kuma.

Pros:

• Compose-native: Works with actual docker-compose.yml files
• Simple UI: Clean, focused interface
• File-based: Your compose files stay on disk
• Interactive editor: Edit YAML with syntax highlighting
• Lightweight: Minimal resource usage

Cons:

• Single host: No multi-host management
• Fewer features: Focused on core functionality
• Newer project: Less mature ecosystem

services:
  dockge:
    image: louislam/dockge:1
    container_name: dockge
    ports:
      - "5001:5001"
    volumes:
      - /var/run/docker.sock:/var/run/docker.sock
      - ./data:/app/data
      - /opt/stacks:/opt/stacks
    environment:
      - DOCKGE_STACKS_DIR=/opt/stacks
    restart: unless-stopped

Feature Comparison

| Feature              | Portainer CE | Dockge        |
|----------------------|--------------|---------------|
| Price                | Free         | Free          |
| Docker Compose       | Converted    | Native files  |
| Multi-host           | Yes          | No            |
| Container creation   | Full UI      | Compose only  |
| Template library     | Yes          | No            |
| User management      | Yes          | Basic         |
| Resource usage       | ~150MB       | ~50MB         |
| Learning curve       | Medium       | Low           |

Our Recommendation

Choose Portainer if:

• You manage multiple Docker hosts
• You need user/team management
• You want templates and app marketplace
• You're exploring Kubernetes

Choose Dockge if:

• You prefer working with actual compose files
• You have a single Docker host
• You want simplicity over features
• You backup/version control your compose files

Why Not Both?

Many homelabbers run both! Use Dockge for day-to-day compose management and keep Portainer for advanced features or multi-host scenarios. They coexist perfectly.