Cosmos Cloud vs Yacht: Which Docker Manager?
Quick Verdict
Cosmos Cloud is the clear winner. Yacht is effectively abandoned — its last release (v0.0.7-alpha) was in January 2023, and it never reached a stable 1.0. Cosmos Cloud is actively developed (v0.20.2, Feb 2026), includes a built-in reverse proxy, app marketplace, and security features that Yacht never had.
Overview
Cosmos Cloud is a self-hosted platform that combines Docker container management with a built-in reverse proxy, app marketplace, and security layer. It aims to be a one-stop management interface for your entire self-hosted stack. Current version: v0.20.2.
Yacht was a Docker management web UI inspired by Portainer but with a simpler interface and template-based app deployment. It was intended to be a lightweight alternative for homelab users. Last version: v0.0.7-alpha (January 2023). The project appears abandoned.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Cosmos Cloud v0.20 | Yacht v0.0.7-alpha |
|---|---|---|
| Active development | Yes (Feb 2026) | No (last release Jan 2023) |
| Stability | Stable releases | Alpha only (never reached 1.0) |
| Built-in reverse proxy | Yes (with SSL) | No |
| App marketplace | Yes (curated) | Yes (templates) |
| Container management | Yes | Yes |
| Docker Compose support | Yes | Limited |
| Multi-user auth | Yes (with 2FA) | Basic |
| VPN integration | Yes (Constellation VPN) | No |
| Smart Shield (DDoS protection) | Yes | No |
| Automatic HTTPS | Yes | No |
| Container monitoring | Yes | Basic |
| Auto-updates | Yes | No |
| Identity provider | Built-in (OpenID) | No |
Installation Complexity
Cosmos Cloud
services:
cosmos:
image: azukaar/cosmos-server:v0.20.2
ports:
- "80:80"
- "443:443"
volumes:
- /var/run/docker.sock:/var/run/docker.sock
- cosmos-config:/config
restart: unless-stopped
hostname: cosmos-server
volumes:
cosmos-config:First-time setup walks you through domain configuration, admin account creation, and SSL setup.
Yacht
services:
yacht:
image: selfhostedpro/yacht:v0.0.7-alpha
ports:
- "8000:8000"
volumes:
- /var/run/docker.sock:/var/run/docker.sock
- yacht-data:/config
restart: unless-stopped
volumes:
yacht-data:Default credentials: [email protected] / pass. Basic container management available after login.
Both are straightforward to deploy, but Cosmos Cloud provides a more guided first-run experience.
Performance and Resource Usage
| Metric | Cosmos Cloud | Yacht |
|---|---|---|
| Idle RAM | ~150-200 MB | ~60-80 MB |
| CPU (idle) | Low | Very low |
| Disk usage | ~300 MB | ~150 MB |
Cosmos Cloud uses more resources because it bundles a reverse proxy, identity provider, and security layer. Yacht is lighter but offers far less functionality.
Community and Support
Cosmos Cloud has an active GitHub repository with regular releases, a Discord community, and documentation. Yacht’s GitHub has open issues with no responses, no recent commits, and no community activity. Using Yacht means using unsupported software with known bugs that will never be fixed.
Use Cases
Choose Cosmos Cloud If…
- You want a modern, actively maintained Docker management tool
- You want a built-in reverse proxy (replacing NPM or Traefik for simple setups)
- You want an app marketplace for one-click deployments
- You want integrated authentication and security features
- You’re looking for an all-in-one self-hosting platform
Choose Yacht If…
- You shouldn’t. The project is abandoned.
- If you need a lightweight Docker GUI, use Dockge or Portainer instead.
Final Verdict
Use Cosmos Cloud. There is no scenario where choosing Yacht makes sense in 2026. Yacht never made it past alpha, hasn’t been updated in over three years, and has known bugs that will never be patched.
If Cosmos Cloud is too heavy for your needs, Dockge offers lightweight Docker Compose management with an active developer (the Uptime Kuma creator), and Portainer offers the most feature-complete Docker management experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Yacht completely dead?
As of February 2026, yes. The last Docker Hub push was January 2023, there are no GitHub releases beyond v0.0.7-alpha, and the maintainer appears to have moved on. Do not start new deployments with Yacht.
Can Cosmos Cloud replace both Portainer and NPM?
For basic setups, yes. Cosmos Cloud manages containers and includes a reverse proxy with automatic SSL. For advanced Docker management (Swarm, Kubernetes), Portainer is more capable. For advanced proxy configuration, dedicated tools like Traefik or NPM offer more flexibility.
Is Cosmos Cloud production-ready?
It’s stable for self-hosting use. The project has regular releases and an active community. For enterprise or mission-critical use, Portainer Business Edition is a more established option.
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