A home server can be understood as a powerhouse for convenience and entertainment. But managing it can feel like a daunting chore. Here is where Docker comes in charge, managing and deploying applications, offering numerous benefits like portability, scalability, resource isolation, and easy collaboration. In 2025, leveraging Docker containers for personal projects and home servers has become even more central.
Consider Docker containers as “ready-to-go” packages for software. They exclude the problem of “it works on my computer but not on yours” because everything the application needs is bundled together. Let’s explore the top 8 Docker home server containers and their advantages and disadvantages.
Also Read: Containers vs. VMs: Choosing the Right Approach for Your Proxmox VE
8 Best Docker Containers for Home Servers in 2025
We’ve enlisted the best docker containers for home servers:
1. AdGuard Home
AdGuard Home is a private DNS service that offers advanced ad blocking and security. It blocks phishing sites, trackers, and harmful domains while improving network speed and privacy.
Advantages:
- Enhanced Privacy: It blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites at the DNS level.
- Improved Network Performance: Reduces network traffic and enhances browsing speed.
- Parental Controls: Implements parental controls to constrain access to inappropriate content.
Disadvantages:
- Potential for Website Breakage: Some websites may depend upon ads for revenue and ultimately break if ad blocking is enabled.
- Limited Control over Specific Ads: May not be able to block all ads effectively.
2. Nextcloud
Nextcloud is alike having the convenience of Google Drive or Dropbox, along with the added benefits of privacy and control over your data. It’s a self-hosted cloud storage solution that transforms your home server into a personal cloud platform.
It’s a cross-platform solution with native apps on all platforms, integrates OnlyOffice for creating documents, presentations, and spreadsheets, and supports calendars, contacts, a Photo gallery, and more. Overall, it offers a wide range of features and can be customized with several apps to meet your particular needs. If you are using your home server to store and organize files, use Nextcloud to get the job done.
Advantages:
- Self-Hosted Cloud: Control your data and privacy by hosting your personal cloud solution.
- Versatile Features: different features like file syncing, sharing, collaboration tools, and more.
- Extensible Apps: Extensive app store allows you to add features and integrate with other services.
Disadvantages:
- Resource Requirements: Maintaining a consistent Nextcloud instance requires ample storage and processing power.
- Security Responsibility: You are responsible for securing your server and data.
3. Uptime Kuma
Uptime Kuma supports the monitoring of your services and ensures they’re always running. It provides detailed reports and alerts if something goes wrong. Good for managing important servers at home or work.
Advantages:
- Consistent Monitoring: Monitors the availability and performance of your services and applications.
- Real-time Alerts: Receive notifications for any service outages or performance issues.
- In-depth Reporting: It generates detailed reports on service uptime and performance.
Disadvantages:
- Limited Customization: Customization options may be slightly limited compared to more enterprise-grade monitoring solutions.
- Reliance on Monitoring Targets: The effectiveness of Uptime Kuma depends on the availability and reliability of the services you are monitoring.
4. Jellyfin
Jellyfin is an open-source media server that offers full control without worrying about licenses or privacy issues. It’s great for DIY setups and includes features like live TV and DVR. Perfect for anyone wanting a transformed home server into a robust media centre.
Unlike Spotify or Netflix, you can access media from any device with an internet connection, including your phone, tablet, computer, smart TV, or even game console. With useful Jellyfin plugins, you can take the entire experience to the next level.
Advantages:
- Open-Source and Free: No licensing costs or vendor lock-in.
- Highly Customizable: An extensive plugin ecosystem allows for personalized features and integrations.
- Privacy-Focused: Control over your data and how it’s handled.
Disadvantages:
- Sheer Learning Curve: This may require more technical expertise to configure and customize.
- Community Support: Although growing, the community support may not be as extensive as Plex’s.
5. Duplicati
Duplicati is a free, open-source background solution that securely backs up your files to various destinations, including local storage, cloud services (e.g., Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox) and network shares.
Advantages:
- Flexible Backup Options: Multiple destinations; choose to back up changes only (to save time and space)
- Efficient and Secure Data Protection: With strong encryption and even scheduling.
- User-Friendly Web Interface: A user-friendly web interface that you can access from any device.
- Backup, Data Safety and Recovery: A robust backup strategy that meets your specific needs and keeps your confidential data safe and recoverable.
Disadvantages:
- Slow Restore Process: Especially for large backups, since Duplicati uses incremental backups that require rebuilding files from multiple versions.
- High CPU and RAM Usage: This can be resource-intensive, which might slow down other applications on your system.
- Limited Support for Large-Scale Deployments: While great for personal and small business use, Duplicati may not be the best choice for enterprise-level backup needs due to its performance limitations.
6. Gitea
Gitea is a lightweight platform for hosting and managing code repositories. It’s ideal for small teams or personal projects. Using Docker, you can quickly set up Gitea and start managing your code efficiently.
Advantages:
- Lightweight and Efficient: Ideal for small teams and personal projects.
- Easy to Install and Configure: Simple setup process using Docker.
- Open-Source and Free: No licensing costs or vendor lock-in.
Disadvantages:
- Limited Features: Compared to larger platforms like GitHub, Gitea may have fewer features and integrations.
- Community Support: While growing, the community support may not be as extensive as larger platforms.
7. Pi-hole
Pi-hole acts as a network-wide ad blocker. It blocks ads, trackers, and unnecessary data at the DNS level, resulting faster and safer internet. It also offers advanced settings to customize your experience.
Advantages:
- Boosted Privacy: Blocks ads, trackers, and malware at the DNS level, improving privacy and browsing experience.
- Improved Network Performance: Reduces network traffic and speeds up internet access.
- Easy Set Up and Configuration: User-friendly web interface for managing and customizing settings.
Disadvantages:
- Potential for Website Breakage: Some websites may rely on ads for revenue and may break if ad blocking is enabled.
- Limited Control over Specific Ads: May not be able to block all ads effectively.
8. Mailrise
Mailrise streamlines notifications for old devices and systems. It acts as an SMTP gateway, helping you centralize alerts and connect them with new notification services.
Advantages:
- Modernized Notifications: Receive notifications from older devices and systems on modern platforms.
- Centralized Notification Hub: Consolidate notifications from numerous sources into a single location.
- Improved Notification Reliability: Enhance the reliability of notifications by acting as a central hub.
Disadvantages:
- Dependency on Other Services: Requires integration with other notification services to receive alerts.
- Complexity: Setting up and configuring Mailrise can be more complex than simpler notification solutions.
Wrap-up
Whether you are a seasoned tech enthusiast or just starting your home server journey, explore these containers to unlock a world of possibilities. This comprehensive guide provides an overview of the top 8 Docker containers for 2025. By carefully considering their advantages and disadvantages, you can select the best containers for your specific needs and build a robust and efficient home server or personal project environment. Remember to research and evaluate each container thoroughly before deployment to ensure it aligns with your requirements and expectations as the Docker ecosystem is vast and constantly evolving, with new containers emerging all the time. So, go ahead, explore and experiment with multiple options for your home server.
