# dstack: Free Open Source Alternative to Docker Swarm, Kubernetes

Canonical: https://caniforkit.com/fork/dstack
Last updated: 2026-11-07

dstack (Open Source, Open Source) replaces Docker Swarm, Kubernetes. Unified control plane for AI compute that provisions and schedules GPU workloads across any cloud, Kubernetes cluster, or bare-metal server.

## Tool Specifications
- **Tool Name**: dstack
- **Type**: Open Source Project
- **License**: Open Source
- **Official Website**: https://dstack.ai/
- **GitHub Repository**: https://github.com/dstackai/dstack
- **GitHub Stars**: ★ 2.3k
- **Runs On**: Local
- **Maintenance Status**: nov 2026
- **Platforms**: desktop, cross-platform, one-click install
- **Data Storage**: All application data lives locally on your own machine.
- **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/dstackai/dstack or deploy with Docker Compose
- **Setup Requirements**: Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
- **The Catch / Limitation**: Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.

## Paid SaaS Applications Replaced (2)
Replacing these paid tools with dstack saves up to $30/mo ($360/yr) in software subscriptions:

| Replaced Software | Category | SaaS Price | Comparison Guide |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Docker Swarm](https://caniforkit.com/docker-swarm) | [forms](https://caniforkit.com/category/forms) | $15/mo | [Compare Docker Swarm vs dstack](https://caniforkit.com/vs/docker-swarm-vs-dstack) |
| [Kubernetes](https://caniforkit.com/kubernetes) | [forms](https://caniforkit.com/category/forms) | $15/mo | [Compare Kubernetes vs dstack](https://caniforkit.com/vs/kubernetes-vs-dstack) |

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Is dstack free and open source?
dstack is an open source tool licensed under Open Source that runs on local. Unified control plane for AI compute that provisions and schedules GPU workloads across any cloud, Kubernetes cluster, or bare-metal server.

### What is the trade-off or limitation of using dstack?
Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.

## Related

- [Self-Hosted Open Source Directory](https://caniforkit.com/self-hosted)
- [All Paid SaaS Alternatives Index](https://caniforkit.com/alternatives)
- [Software Categories Directory](https://caniforkit.com/categories)
- [Homepage](https://caniforkit.com)