Quick Verdict
These solve different problems. Diun monitors Docker registries for new image versions and notifies you when updates are available. Lazydocker is a terminal dashboard for monitoring running containers in real-time. Use Diun to know when to update; use Lazydocker to see what's running now. They complement each other.
Overview
Diun (Docker Image Update Notifier) is a background service that watches your running containers and checks if newer image versions are available on Docker Hub, GHCR, or other registries. It sends notifications via email, Slack, Discord, Gotify, or 20+ other providers. It does not apply updates — it only notifies. Current version: 4.31.0.
Lazydocker is a terminal UI (TUI) that shows all Docker containers, images, volumes, and logs in a single dashboard. Run it via SSH for quick status checks, log tailing, and basic container operations. Current version: v0.24.4.
Diun tells you "there's a new version available." Lazydocker tells you "here's what's running right now."
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Diun 4.31 | Lazydocker v0.24 |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Image update notifications | Container monitoring/interaction |
| Interface | Background daemon | Terminal UI |
| Registry monitoring | Yes (Docker Hub, GHCR, etc.) | No |
| Update notifications | Yes (20+ providers) | No |
| Container status view | No | Yes (real-time) |
| Log viewing | No | Yes (colored, scrollable) |
| Resource monitoring | No | Yes (CPU, RAM) |
| Container start/stop | No | Yes |
| Image cleanup | No | Yes (remove unused) |
| Always running | Yes (background) | No (on-demand) |
| Docker labels support | Yes (per-container config) | No |
| Cron schedule | Yes | N/A |
| RAM usage | ~15-20 MB | ~10 MB (while active) |
How They Work
Diun
Runs as a Docker container, checking registries on a schedule:
services:
diun:
image: crazymax/diun:4.31.0
volumes:
- /var/run/docker.sock:/var/run/docker.sock:ro
- diun-data:/data
environment:
DIUN_WATCH_SCHEDULE: "0 */6 * * *"
DIUN_PROVIDERS_DOCKER: "true"
DIUN_NOTIF_DISCORD_WEBHOOKURL: "https://discord.com/api/webhooks/..."
restart: unless-stopped
Every 6 hours, Diun checks if any running container has a newer image available and sends a Discord notification (or email, Slack, Gotify, etc.).
Lazydocker
Run on-demand from your terminal:
lazydocker
See all containers, their status, CPU/RAM usage, and logs. Navigate with keyboard shortcuts. Exit when done.
Use Cases
Use Diun When...
- You want to know when container images have updates available
- You prefer to update manually but want to be informed
- You want notifications in Discord, Slack, email, or other channels
- You want to avoid automatic updates (Watchtower is deprecated) and still stay informed
Use Lazydocker When...
- You're SSH'd into your server and want a quick overview
- You need to tail logs for debugging
- You want to check resource usage across containers
- You need to quickly restart or remove a container
Use Both When...
- You run any Docker-based self-hosting setup. Diun keeps you informed about updates; Lazydocker gives you real-time visibility. Zero conflict between them.
Final Verdict
Use both — they solve orthogonal problems. Diun runs in the background alerting you to available updates. Lazydocker is your on-demand dashboard for when you need to check on containers or debug issues.
If you must choose one: Diun provides more ongoing value by keeping you aware of available updates. You can always use docker ps and docker logs instead of Lazydocker, but there's no command-line equivalent of Diun's registry monitoring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Diun automatically update containers like Watchtower?
No. Diun only notifies you that updates are available. You decide when and how to apply them. This is safer than automatic updates. (Note: Watchtower (deprecated), which did apply automatic updates, has been archived and is no longer maintained.)
Can Lazydocker show which containers have updates available?
No. Lazydocker shows the current state of running containers. It doesn't check registries for newer versions. That's Diun's job.
Which is lighter on resources?
Both are very light. Diun uses ~15-20 MB running continuously. Lazydocker uses ~10 MB only while you're actively using it. Neither will impact your server's performance.
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