Distribution Registry
Distribution Registry: A focused open-source OCI registry for teams managing their own deployment. Ranked #35 of 61 in Container Registries by our editors (6.0/10); pricing: Open source; best for minimal self-hosted OCI registry deployments.
At a glance
- Editor score6.0 / 10
- PricingOpen source
- Best forMinimal self-hosted OCI registry deployments
- Paid fromNone
- Image scanningNo
- Facts checked22 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Implements the OCI Distribution Specification and HTTP registry API
- Supports filesystem, Amazon S3, Azure Blob, and Google Cloud Storage
- Includes TLS, basic authentication, garbage collection, and Docker deployment
Where it doesn't
- Requires self-hosted deployment and operational ownership
- Does not provide verified image scanning or policy features
- Its focus is registry storage and delivery rather than a broader platform
Our verdict on Distribution Registry
Distribution Registry is an open-source, self-hosted registry server for storing and distributing container images and other content. It implements the OCI Distribution Specification and exposes an HTTP registry API for clients such as Docker and other OCI-compatible tools. The project is suited to teams that want to operate their own registry and need support for OCI artifacts, image push and pull workflows, and configurable storage rather than a vendor-hosted registry service.
Storage flexibility is a central strength. Distribution Registry can use the local filesystem or drivers for Amazon S3, Microsoft Azure Blob Storage, and Google Cloud Storage. Storage middleware adds options such as CloudFront redirects and URL rewriting, which can help align registry delivery with an existing storage and content-distribution design. TLS and basic authentication support cover core access-control needs, while garbage collection removes unreferenced blobs. Docker-based deployment also gives teams a defined path for running the registry in containerized environments.
The trade-off is scope. Distribution Registry provides the registry foundation, not a complete image governance suite: verified scanning and policy features are not part of the listed capabilities. Teams must also take responsibility for deployment, storage configuration, authentication setup, upgrades, and ongoing operations. Choose it when a small, standards-aligned registry server with cloud-storage options is the priority. Consider an alternative when the requirement includes built-in vulnerability scanning, policy enforcement, or a hosted operating model.
Distribution Registry pricing
Distribution Registry fact sheet
| Free plan | Not verified |
|---|---|
| Paid from | None |
| Image scanning | No |
| OCI artifacts | Yes |
| Immutable tags | No |
| Retention policies | No |
| Replication scope | None |
| Included storage | Not verified |
| Maximum image size | Not verified |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 3 integrations: Docker, OCI-compatible clients, Docker Registry HTTP API |
| Pricing | Open source |
| Website | distribution.github.io |
| Facts checked | 22 Sep 2026 |
Distribution Registry integrations
Distribution Registry lists 3 integrations on its own site.
- Docker
- OCI-compatible clients
- Docker Registry HTTP API
Alternatives to Distribution Registry
- HarborA self-hosted Harbor registry with strong policy, scanning, signing, and replication controls.9.4
- QuayA flexible registry for teams that need hosted convenience or self-hosted control.9.3
- 8gears Container RegistryA security-focused Harbor registry with OCI support, policy controls, and flexible deployment options.9.2
See all Distribution Registry alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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