Distribution (CNCF) vs Harbor
Self-host pick — both replace Docker Hub (Container image registry).
Both Distribution (CNCF) and Harbor self-host as a replacement for Docker Hub (Container image registry). Pick Distribution (CNCF) if you want the lighter footprint — 5min docker run, $3-10/mo vps; storage on local disk or s3. Pick Harbor if you need production registries — Harbor bundles vulnerability scanning (Trivy), image signing (Cosign/Notary), RBAC, project quotas — 30min — `installer.sh` with bundled compose (Harbor + Postgres + Redis + Trivy) and $10-30/mo vps — storage scales with image volume; back with s3-compatible blob store.
| Distribution (CNCF)open-source | Harboropen-source | |
|---|---|---|
| License | Apache-2.0 | Apache-2.0 |
| Setup time | 5min docker run | 30min — `installer.sh` with bundled compose (Harbor + Postgres + Redis + Trivy) |
| Monthly cost | $3-10/mo VPS; storage on local disk or S3. | $10-30/mo VPS — storage scales with image volume; back with S3-compatible blob store. |
| GitHub | distribution/distribution | goharbor/harbor |
| Replaces | Docker Hub | Docker Hub |
Good fit for
Distribution (CNCF)
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.
Harbor
Production registries — Harbor bundles vulnerability scanning (Trivy), image signing (Cosign/Notary), RBAC, project quotas.
Weak at:Multi-service install; smaller projects find Distribution simpler.
In a terminal? npx -y github:SolvoHQ/os-alt-cli docker-hub prints Docker Hub's self-host options including both —
how the CLI works →
FAQ
Which is easier to self-host, Distribution (CNCF) or Harbor?
Distribution (CNCF): 5min docker run. Harbor: 30min — `installer.sh` with bundled compose (Harbor + Postgres + Redis + Trivy).
What does each cost to run?
Distribution (CNCF): $3-10/mo VPS; storage on local disk or S3.. Harbor: $10-30/mo VPS — storage scales with image volume; back with S3-compatible blob store.. Both projects are free and open source.
Do Distribution (CNCF) and Harbor replace the same SaaS?
Yes — both are open-source alternatives to Docker Hub.