Distribution (CNCF) vs Docker Hub

Self-host swap-in for Docker Hub. · Self-host Docker Hub · Distribution (CNCF) on os-alt

Distribution (CNCF) is one of the open-source self-host replacements for Docker Hub — license Apache-2.0, 5min docker run to stand up, and $3-10/mo vps; storage on local disk or s3. Compare against Docker Hub's Personal Free; Pro $7/user/mo (200 image pulls/6h); Team $11/user/mo; Business $24/user/mo below.

	Distribution (CNCF)open-source	Docker Hubpaid SaaS
Category	Container image registry	Container image registry
License / pricing	`Apache-2.0`	Personal Free; Pro $7/user/mo (200 image pulls/6h); Team $11/user/mo; Business $24/user/mo
Starting price	$0 self-host	$7/user/mo
GitHub	distribution/distribution ★ 10.4k · last commit todayalive	closed source
Setup time	5min docker run	SaaS — sign up + bill
Monthly cost	$3-10/mo VPS; storage on local disk or S3.	from $7/user/mo (Personal Free; Pro $7/user/mo (200 image pulls/6h); Team $11/user/mo; Business $24/user/mo)

Switching from Docker Hub to Distribution (CNCF)

`docker run -d -p 5000:5000 -v $HOME/registry:/var/lib/registry --name registry registry:2`. Configure auth via the `REGISTRY_AUTH` env (htpasswd or token). Migration loop the same as Harbor: `skopeo copy --all docker://hub.docker.com/myorg/img docker://registry.example.com/myorg/img`. Front with nginx for TLS + basic auth, or with the `oci-registry-ui` image for a simple browse UI.

Good fit for: Single-team or personal registries — minimal install, the de facto reference implementation.
Weak at: No UI, RBAC, or scanning — bring your own. Logging/auditing also bring-your-own.
License note: The reference Docker Registry implementation — open source under CNCF.

Other open-source self-host alternatives to Docker Hub

Harbor
Apache-2.030min — `installer.sh` with bundled compose (Harbor + Postgres + Redis + Trivy)$10-30/mo VPS — storage scales with image volume; back with S3-compatible blob store.
Sonatype Nexus Repository OSS
EPL-1.020min docker run$15/mo VPS — JVM, needs at least 2GB RAM.

In a terminal? npx os-alt docker-hub prints Docker Hub's self-host options — how the CLI works →

FAQ

Is Distribution (CNCF) a free alternative to Docker Hub?

Yes — Distribution (CNCF) is open source under Apache-2.0. Self-host cost: $3-10/mo VPS; storage on local disk or S3.. Docker Hub starts at $7/user/mo (Personal Free; Pro $7/user/mo (200 image pulls/6h); Team $11/user/mo; Business $24/user/mo).

How long does Distribution (CNCF) take to set up vs Docker Hub?

Self-hosting Distribution (CNCF): 5min docker run. Docker Hub is a hosted SaaS — sign up and you're in.

What is Distribution (CNCF) good at, and what is it weak at?

Good fit for: Single-team or personal registries — minimal install, the de facto reference implementation.. Weak at: No UI, RBAC, or scanning — bring your own. Logging/auditing also bring-your-own..