Docktor vs Netdata
Netdata shows everything, all the time. Docktor tells you what matters.
| Topic | Docktor | Netdata |
|---|---|---|
| Nothing to install on the server | Yes: Nothing | No: Agent on every server |
| Data stays with you | Yes: On your Mac | Partly: On server. Cloud optional. |
| Explains the likely cause | Yes: Findings with evidence | Partly: Anomaly alerts |
| Runs when your Mac is off | No: Mac awake, app open | Yes: Runs on a server |
| Alerts and paging | No: None | Yes: Built in |
| Keeps history | Yes: Local, bounded | Yes: On the server |
| Per-second detail | No: 15-second samples | Yes: Every second |
| Price | One-time license | Free agent. Paid cloud. |
Based on public docs, reviewed October 6, 2026. Check each project for current details.
Pick Netdata if
- You want deep, continuous detail
- You need alerts when your Mac is off
- You’re fine running an agent
Pick Docktor if
- You run a few Compose apps
- You want nothing installed on servers
- You want data to stay on your Mac
- You want a plain-English answer first
Together: Netdata for always-on detail. Docktor for a quick read.
Does Docktor collect as much as Netdata?
No. It reads a focused set of Docker and kernel signals every 15 seconds.
Which is lighter on the server?
Docktor installs nothing and does one small read-only SSH check per tick.
See what’s wrong before you open a terminal.
Diagnose Docker Compose issues over SSH, with the evidence on your Mac.
Download for Macv0.1.0 · macOS 15+ · Apple silicon & Intel