Docker vs Kubernetes:Which is more popular by branded search?
In August 2026, Kubernetes had more branded searches than Docker among container platforms worldwide. Kubernetes was estimated to have 301K branded searches compared to Docker’s 22.2K, and held a 59.7% Share of Search versus Docker’s 4.4%. These are worldwide searches for English-language branded terms.
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Which is more popular in search, Docker or Kubernetes?
Compare the container platforms teams use. Branded searches tell you how often people look for a brand by name or related terms. Comparing these searches across competitors helps you see how popular each brand is over time.
Share of Search by month for Kubernetes, Docker. The figures are in the table below the chart.
View monthly share of search table
| Month | Kubernetes | Podman | OpenShift | Rancher | Docker | containerd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2025 | 58.2% | 14.3% | 11.7% | 9.6% | 4.3% | 1.9% |
| Nov 2025 | 59.2% | 14.6% | 11.9% | 8% | 4.4% | 1.9% |
| Dec 2025 | 47% | 11.5% | 9.4% | 9.4% | 21.1% | 1.5% |
| Jan 2026 | 59.7% | 14.7% | 9.8% | 9.8% | 4.4% | 1.6% |
| Feb 2026 | 17.8% | 3.6% | 2.9% | 2.4% | 72.7% | 0.48% |
| Mar 2026 | 20.2% | 5% | 4.1% | 3.3% | 66.9% | 0.54% |
| Apr 2026 | 55.9% | 16.8% | 11.2% | 9.2% | 5% | 1.8% |
| May 2026 | 62.7% | 12.6% | 10.3% | 8.4% | 4.6% | 1.4% |
| Jun 2026 | 62.7% | 12.6% | 10.3% | 8.4% | 4.6% | 1.4% |
| Jul 2026 | 57.9% | 14.2% | 11.6% | 9.5% | 5.2% | 1.6% |
| Aug 2026 | 59.7% | 14.7% | 9.8% | 9.8% | 4.4% | 1.6% |
| Sep 2026 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
How has the Docker and Kubernetes comparison changed over the last 12 months?
3 findings
- The lead changed hands 2 times in the 11 months ending August 2026: Docker took it in February 2026, Kubernetes took it in April 2026.
- Across the 11 months ending August 2026, Docker’s estimated Share of Search among container platforms worldwide moved from 4.3% to 4.4%, and its estimated monthly branded searches moved from 27.1K to 22.2K.
- Across the 11 months ending August 2026, Kubernetes’ estimated Share of Search among container platforms worldwide moved from 58.2% to 59.7%, and its estimated monthly branded searches moved from 368K to 301K.
How did search popularity change for container platforms worldwide in August 2026?
2 changes
In August 2026, Kubernetes gained estimated Share of Search among container platforms worldwide, from 57.9% to 59.7%.
In August 2026, Docker lost estimated Share of Search among container platforms worldwide, from 5.2% to 4.4%.
How each brand is measured
Brandwave collects information about searches that people make online using Docker’s and Kubernetes’ names. When viewed over time, estimated search volumes for these branded terms can be used to understand whether interest in the brands is growing, holding steady, or fading.
Docker
1 branded search term
- docker container
Kubernetes
1 branded search term
- kubernetes
Put your own brand in this comparison
Brandwave tracks your branded demand next to the rival you actually watch, with your campaigns, spend and outcomes on the same timeline.