Docker Sandboxes
Docker Sandboxes: A focused sandbox for running coding agents with isolation, policies, and persistent state. Ranked #3 of 25 in Sandbox Software by our editors (8.3/10); pricing: Free plan; best for developers building secure agent workspaces.
At a glance
- Editor score8.3 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forDevelopers building secure agent workspaces
- Free planYes
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Separate kernel and Docker daemon for each sandbox
- Network, filesystem, credential, and workspace isolation controls
- Free CLI with support for major coding agents
Where it doesn't
- Organization governance is a separate paid subscription
- Cloud persistent volumes are distinct from local sandbox environments
- Focused on agent workspaces rather than general-purpose sandboxing
Our verdict on Docker Sandboxes
Docker Sandboxes runs AI coding agents inside isolated microVM environments. Each sandbox has its own filesystem, Docker daemon, and network, allowing agents to install packages, build containers, modify code, and run services without direct access to host resources beyond explicitly shared workspaces. It is aimed at individual developers and organizations running unattended agents, with support for Claude Code, Gemini CLI, GitHub CLI, Copilot CLI, Codex, OpenCode, Kiro, and MCP servers. The sbx CLI supports running, executing in, copying to, and removing sandboxes across Windows, macOS, and Linux.
The published plans show a free Docker Sandboxes offering with free sbx CLI use and permitted commercial use. A separate Organization governance subscription adds centralized network policies, filesystem policies, and MCP policies, with pricing handled through Docker Sales. This makes the product accessible for individual workflows while giving organizations a distinct control layer for shared policy management. Buyers should evaluate whether those governance features are needed before selecting the paid tier.
Isolation is the standout feature. Each sandbox has a separate kernel and private Docker daemon, while configurable network policies and host allow/deny rules limit connectivity. Direct, clone, and mountless workspace modes support different code-sharing patterns, and sandbox state persists across stops and restarts. Credential injection uses a host-side proxy, reducing the need to place credentials directly inside the sandbox. Cloud persistent volumes are also available. Docker Sandboxes suits developers who want agent execution separated from host resources and teams that need policy controls; it is less suitable for buyers seeking a broad, general-purpose development environment rather than an agent-focused workspace.
Docker Sandboxes pricing
All 2 Docker Sandboxes plans and prices →
Docker Sandboxes fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Isolation method | Not verified |
| Concurrent environments | Not verified |
| Persistent storage | Yes |
| Network controls | Yes |
| API or CLI access | Yes |
| Deployment | Both |
| Deployment | Cloud, Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 8 integrations: Claude Code, Gemini CLI, GitHub CLI, Copilot CLI, Codex, OpenCode … |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | docker.com |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
Docker Sandboxes integrations
Docker Sandboxes lists 8 integrations on its own site.
- Claude Code
- Gemini CLI
- GitHub CLI
- Copilot CLI
- Codex
- OpenCode
- Kiro
- MCP servers
Alternatives to Docker Sandboxes
- E2BProduction-grade isolation, flexible controls, and SDK access for AI code execution.9.8
- microsandboxFlexible sandbox infrastructure for teams running high-volume isolated workloads.9.0
- DaytonaGPU-backed, self-hosted sandboxes with containers, VMs, and programmable access.7.5
See all Docker Sandboxes alternatives →
Docker Sandboxes vs the competition
- Docker Sandboxes vs E2B
- Docker Sandboxes vs microsandbox
- Docker Sandboxes vs Daytona
- Docker Sandboxes vs Sandlock
- Docker Sandboxes vs Anthropic Sandbox Runtime
- Docker Sandboxes vs Context Agent Sandboxes
Compare Docker Sandboxes with any tool side by side →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
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