Docker-compatible macOS container runtime

Docker on Mac,
without the overhead.

A lightweight, native container runtime built on Lima. Keep your Docker CLI workflow and cut unnecessary overhead. Open-source core, no subscription, no telemetry.

Download Free Trial See Pricing

macOS only · 14-day free trial · No credit card required

Terminal
# Download and install Clio Lima
$ open Clio-Lima.dmg
Clio Lima installed to /Applications
# Your existing Docker workflow just works
$ docker run -d -p 80:80 nginx
a3f8c2e1...
$ curl http://localhost
Welcome to nginx!

The problem

Docker Desktop is built for broad use cases.
That can add overhead many teams don't need.

4 GB+
idle memory usage

RAM your IDE could use

Docker Desktop's VM consumes gigabytes even when idle. On a 16GB MacBook, that's a quarter of your memory gone before you open Xcode.

$108+/yr
per-seat subscription

You need containers, not another subscription

Docker's subscription model means annual costs for running containers on your own machine. Over time, those costs add up quickly.

500+ MB
opaque binary

A black box that's hard to debug

When Docker Desktop breaks, you often have to open a support ticket and wait. You can't inspect the VM internals or fix issues directly in source.

The solution

Install less. Build more.

Clio Lima does one thing well: run Docker containers on your Mac, fast and light.

  • Lightweight Lima VM — VZ hypervisor with configurable memory (default 4 GB). No background services eating RAM when idle
  • 100% Docker CLI compatible — your docker, docker compose, and docker build commands work unchanged
  • Open-source core — built on Lima. You can read the source, file issues, submit patches
  • No telemetry — no usage tracking. Your containers stay your business
  • Native macOS app — SwiftUI menu bar app with system-native look and feel
Clio Lima
Engine Running clio-default
4
CPUs
1.2 GB
Memory Used
3
Containers
Memory 1.2 / 4.0 GB

Comparison

How Clio Lima stacks up

Clio Lima Docker Desktop OrbStack
Price $29 once $108-180/yr $96/yr
Idle Memory Configurable 4+ GB ~1.5 GB
Setup Time DMG install DMG install brew install
Kubernetes - Built-in Built-in
Native GUI SwiftUI Electron Native (Swift)
Open Source Core (Lima) Partial No
Telemetry None Yes (opt-out) Yes (opt-out)
Extensions - Marketplace No

Kubernetes and Extensions are intentionally excluded from Clio Lima. If you need them, Docker Desktop or Rancher Desktop may be a better fit.

Features

Built for Mac developers

Everything you need. Nothing you don't.

Native SwiftUI Interface

A real macOS app, not Electron wrapped in a DMG. Menu bar status, system notifications, and native keyboard shortcuts.

Apple Silicon Optimized

VZ hypervisor + virtiofs on Apple Silicon for near-native file I/O. QEMU fallback for Intel Macs.

Auto Port Forwarding

Container ports are automatically forwarded to localhost. No manual port mapping configuration required.

CLI + GUI, Your Choice

Full clio CLI for scripting and automation. SwiftUI dashboard for visual management. Both talk to the same engine.

How it works

Three steps. Ready in minutes.

1

Install

Open the DMG installer. No account, no sign-up, and no Docker Hub login required.

open Clio-Lima.dmg
2

Launch

Open the app. Clio Lima auto-provisions a lightweight Linux VM and configures Docker for you.

open -a "Clio Lima"
3

Build

Use Docker exactly as you always have. Your existing Dockerfiles, compose files, and scripts work unchanged.

docker compose up -d

Pricing

Pay once. Keep building.

No subscriptions. No per-seat billing. One license, one price.

Personal License
$29
One-time payment · Includes all future updates
  • Full Docker CLI compatibility
  • Native SwiftUI dashboard
  • Apple Silicon optimized (VZ + virtiofs)
  • Auto port forwarding
  • Container, image & volume management
  • 14-day free trial included
  • All future updates
Download Free Trial

Docker Desktop: $108-180/yr · OrbStack: $96/yr
Clio Lima: $29 total

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

For most development workflows, yes. Clio Lima runs Docker Engine in a lightweight Lima VM and provides full Docker CLI compatibility. However, it intentionally does not include Kubernetes, Docker Extensions, or Docker Scout. If you need those features, Docker Desktop is still the right choice.
Yes. Clio Lima automatically detects your architecture. Apple Silicon Macs get the VZ hypervisor with virtiofs for best performance. Intel Macs use QEMU with 9p file sharing. Both work with the same Docker experience.
After 14 days, the app will prompt you to purchase a license. Your containers, images, and volumes are never deleted. Purchase a $29 license to continue, or uninstall with no strings attached.
The core runtime is built on Lima, which is fully open source (Apache 2.0). The Clio Lima GUI and commercial features (licensing, onboarding) are proprietary. You can inspect and contribute to the Lima VM layer that runs your containers.
Yes. Clio Lima runs a standard Docker Engine inside the VM. All your existing images, Dockerfiles, and compose files work without modification. You can pull from Docker Hub, GitHub Container Registry, or any private registry.
Not yet. Currently we offer individual licenses at $29 each. Team license management with volume discounts is on the roadmap. Contact us at devcliolima@gmail.com for bulk purchases of 10+ seats.
Yes. Your $29 license includes all future updates — bug fixes, performance improvements, and new features. There are no maintenance fees or upgrade charges.