sandbox-sdk vs zeroboot
Code-execution sandboxes compared
sandbox-sdk and zeroboot both provide isolated environments for running untrusted or generated code. sandbox-sdk builds on Cloudflare Workers and Linux containers, while zeroboot forks copy-on-write Firecracker VM snapshots.
sandbox-sdk: Run Sandboxed Code on Cloudflare's Edge
Cloudflare Sandbox SDK runs untrusted or generated code in Linux sandboxes built on Cloudflare Durable Objects and Containers. It gives Workers control over sandbox ownership, network access, and credentials, with tools for files, bucket mounts, and backups.
zeroboot: Create Fast VM Sandboxes for AI Agents
Zeroboot uses copy-on-write forks of Firecracker VM snapshots to create isolated sandboxes quickly for code execution. It is aimed at teams running agent-generated code that need VM-level isolation and can accept a working-prototype maturity level.
| sandbox-sdk | zeroboot | |
|---|---|---|
| Language | TypeScript | Rust |
| License | — | Apache-2.0 |
| Stars | 1.2k | 2.5k |
| Forks | 121 | 110 |
| Last analyzed | Oct 30, 2026 | Oct 3, 2026 |
Key differences
- sandbox-sdk is a TypeScript SDK for Cloudflare Workers, Durable Objects, and Containers; zeroboot is a Rust project for Firecracker VMs.
- sandbox-sdk focuses on Worker-managed environments, file transfers, S3-compatible mounts, and directory backups; zeroboot focuses on fast VM forks from prepared snapshots.
- sandbox-sdk supports application-controlled network access; zeroboot's forked environments have no networking and communicate through serial I/O.
- sandbox-sdk expects the application to manage sandbox selection and Container startup; zeroboot can be self-hosted on Linux with KVM or used through a managed API.
- sandbox-sdk reports its license as NOASSERTION, while zeroboot lists Apache-2.0.
- zeroboot is described as a working prototype; sandbox-sdk's provided considerations focus on setup, API changes, and application security responsibilities.
Choose sandbox-sdk if you…
- need Cloudflare Workers and Containers for per-user or per-task Linux environments.
- want Worker-side file transfers, S3-compatible mounts, or directory backups to R2.
- need to keep storage credentials in the Worker and control sandbox network access in the application.
Choose zeroboot if you…
- need VM-level isolation using Firecracker and copy-on-write snapshot forks.
- can provide Linux hosts with KVM for self-hosting, or want to use a managed API.
- want a template-based workflow for preparing runtimes before snapshotting.
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This comparison is generated with AI from the OSRepos analyses of both projects. Always check each project's repository and documentation before choosing.