Best Container Registry Platforms in 2026: A Comprehensive Comparison
Container registry platforms have become mission-critical infrastructure for container orchestration in 2026. The best container registries—Docker Hub, GitHub Container Registry (GHCR), Amazon ECR, Google Artifact Registry, Azure Container Registry (ACR), Harbor, and GitLab Container Registry—provide secure storage, vulnerability scanning, and fast distribution for Docker images and OCI artifacts. Choosing container registries requires evaluating pricing models, security features, geographic replication, and CI/CD integration capabilities. Docker Hub remains the largest public registry but faces rate limiting constraints. GitHub Container Registry excels for GitHub-native workflows, while Amazon ECR integrates deeply with AWS services. Self-hosted Harbor provides complete control for compliance-sensitive organizations. Container registry selection directly impacts deployment velocity, security posture, and infrastructure costs—particularly for teams deploying hundreds of microservices or operating in regulated industries. ...