gVisor
gVisor: Open-source container isolation for security-sensitive Linux workloads. Ranked #15 of 31 in Container Engines by our editors (7.8/10); pricing: Free plan; best for security-focused container isolation.
At a glance
- Editor score7.8 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forSecurity-focused container isolation
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Rootless modeYes
- Facts checked22 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Application-kernel isolation adds a layer between containers and the host.
- Integrates with Docker, Kubernetes, containerd, and CRI-O.
- Supports rootless execution, checkpoint and restore, and runtime monitoring.
Where it doesn't
- Runs on Linux hosts rather than Windows.
- Focused on runtime isolation, not container image building.
- Uses a specialized OCI runtime instead of a general container engine.
Our verdict on gVisor
gVisor is an open-source Linux-compatible sandbox for isolating containers and untrusted workloads. It is designed for cloud-native, multi-tenant, security-sensitive, and serverless workloads that need an additional boundary between applications and the host operating system. Its application kernel intercepts application system calls, while the runsc OCI runtime provides the execution interface. gVisor runs on Linux hosts using x86_64 or ARM64 processors and is available as a free, open-source product.
The main strength is focused runtime isolation. Rather than acting as a tool for building containers, gVisor concentrates on running workloads with an application-kernel layer between containers and the host. The published capabilities include Kubernetes pod sandboxing, Docker integration, rootless container execution, checkpoint and restore, and runtime monitoring integration. That focus makes gVisor a strong fit for teams prioritizing workload isolation, particularly where containers may be untrusted or where multiple tenants share infrastructure.
Its ecosystem fit is broad within Linux container environments. gVisor integrates with Docker and Kubernetes, supports containerd through a gVisor shim, and integrates with CRI-O. The category specifications also identify Kubernetes CRI support, both image formats, and a runtime interface classified as other. These integrations support adoption within existing cloud-native environments, but the platform remains specialized: it is not positioned as a general-purpose container-building solution, and Windows containers are not supported. Choose gVisor when application-kernel isolation is the primary requirement; choose another tool when Windows support or container image construction is central to the workflow.
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gVisor pricing
gVisor fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Rootless mode | Yes |
| Image building | Yes |
| Kubernetes CRI | Yes |
| Windows containers | No |
| Image format | Both |
| Runtime interface | Other |
| Supported host OS | Linux |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Linux |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 5 integrations: Docker, Kubernetes, containerd, CRI-O, Falco |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | gvisor.dev |
| Facts checked | 22 Sep 2026 |
gVisor integrations
gVisor lists 5 integrations on its own site.
- Docker
- Kubernetes
- containerd
- CRI-O
- Falco
Alternatives to gVisor
- Docker EngineA broad container engine for building, running, and managing applications across major platforms.9.4
- PodmanA free, Docker-compatible container engine with rootless execution and Kubernetes YAML support.9.2
- containerdA focused open-source runtime for Kubernetes and production infrastructure.9.0
Also Ranked In
gVisor is ranked in 2 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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