airo vs uncloud
Self-hosted container deployment tools compared
airo builds Docker images locally and deploys them to a VPS over SSH or through a registry. uncloud manages container applications across multiple Docker hosts, adding peer-to-peer networking and service discovery; it is aimed at multi-machine deployments rather than a single VPS workflow.
airo: Deploy Docker Projects to Your VPS
Airo builds Docker images locally and deploys them to a VPS over SSH or through a container registry. It suits developers who want a direct, command-line deployment workflow and are comfortable managing their own server.
uncloud: Deploy Containers Across Docker Hosts with WireGuard
Uncloud is a Go-based container orchestrator built on Docker, WireGuard, Caddy, and Corrosion. It connects cloud VMs and bare-metal servers in a peer-to-peer cluster for Compose-based deployments without a Kubernetes control plane.
| airo | uncloud | |
|---|---|---|
| Language | Go | Go |
| License | MIT | Apache-2.0 |
| Stars | 514 | 5.5k |
| Forks | 25 | 183 |
| Last analyzed | Oct 10, 2026 | Oct 15, 2026 |
Key differences
- airo combines local image building and deployment in an `airo release` command, while uncloud deploys Compose applications or services across a cluster of Docker hosts.
- airo targets a VPS you manage; uncloud connects cloud VMs or bare-metal hosts in a peer-to-peer cluster without a central control plane.
- airo transfers images over SSH or through a registry, while uncloud can deploy images directly to machines through Unregistry integration.
- uncloud includes a WireGuard mesh, built-in DNS service discovery, and Caddy-managed HTTPS ingress; airo focuses on configuring containers with ports, environment files, and networks.
- airo is MIT-licensed and has 514 stars; uncloud is Apache-2.0-licensed and has 5.5k stars.
- uncloud is pre-1.0 and under active development, with automatic rollback listed as coming soon; airo is not described as pre-1.0.
Choose airo if you…
- want a straightforward local-to-VPS Docker release workflow.
- prefer to manage a server yourself without adopting a multi-machine cluster.
- need deployment options using SSH or an existing image registry.
Choose uncloud if you…
- need to deploy Compose applications across multiple Docker hosts.
- want cluster networking, service discovery, and HTTPS ingress managed alongside deployments.
- plan to grow from one server to several without adopting Kubernetes or Swarm.
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This comparison is generated with AI from the OSRepos analyses of both projects. Always check each project's repository and documentation before choosing.