Azure Container Service vs Docker Cloud: What are the differences?

Developers describe Azure Container Service as "Deploy and manage containers using the tools you choose". Azure Container Service optimizes the configuration of popular open source tools and technologies specifically for Azure. You get an open solution that offers portability for both your containers and your application configuration. You select the size, the number of hosts, and choice of orchestrator tools, and Container Service handles everything else. On the other hand, Docker Cloud is detailed as "A hosted service for Docker container management and deployment". Docker Cloud is the best way to deploy and manage Dockerized applications. Docker Cloud makes it easy for new Docker users to manage and deploy the full spectrum of applications, from single container apps to distributed microservices stacks, to any cloud or on-premises infrastructure.

Azure Container Service and Docker Cloud can be categorized as "Containers as a Service" tools.

Some of the features offered by Azure Container Service are:

• Create a container hosting solution optimized for Azure
• Scale and orchestrate applications using Apache Mesos or Docker Swarm
• Use popular open source, client-side tooling

On the other hand, Docker Cloud provides the following key features:

• Simplify Docker Provisioning
• Deploy Apps Anywhere
• Automate Your Developer Workflows

"Easy to setup, very agnostic" is the top reason why over 3 developers like Azure Container Service, while over 7 developers mention "Easy to use" as the leading cause for choosing Docker Cloud.

According to the StackShare community, Docker Cloud has a broader approval, being mentioned in 21 company stacks & 6 developers stacks; compared to Azure Container Service, which is listed in 8 company stacks and 7 developer stacks.