gh-aw-firewall vs agent-sandbox
Docker-based agent sandboxes compared
gh-aw-firewall and agent-sandbox both use Docker-based controls to limit risks when running AI agents. gh-aw-firewall focuses on outbound network policy, traffic review, and LLM credential isolation for agentic workflows, while agent-sandbox also limits workspace access and supports coding-agent CLI and devcontainer workflows.
gh-aw-firewall: Restrict Network Access for Agentic Workflows
A Docker-based firewall for running agentic workflow commands with outbound traffic limited to approved domains. It also isolates LLM credentials in a sidecar, making it useful for teams that need tighter network and secret controls around automated agents.
agent-sandbox: Secure AI Coding Agents with Docker
Agent Sandbox runs AI coding agents in locked-down local containers, using Docker-compatible runtimes and a mitmproxy sidecar to control network access and keep injected secrets out of the agent container. It supports CLI and IDE devcontainer workflows, with Colima and Docker Engine on Apple Silicon as its target setup.
| gh-aw-firewall | agent-sandbox | |
|---|---|---|
| Language | TypeScript | Python |
| License | MIT | MIT |
| Stars | 150 | 211 |
| Forks | 72 | 19 |
| Last analyzed | Oct 3, 2026 | Oct 28, 2026 |
Key differences
- gh-aw-firewall is oriented toward agentic workflows and GitHub Actions, while agent-sandbox targets coding agents working in a project repository.
- gh-aw-firewall uses domain allowlists and can provide URL-pattern filtering with SSL Bump; agent-sandbox uses a default-deny proxy policy with configurable host and request rules, plus a firewall blocking direct outbound traffic.
- gh-aw-firewall provides traffic logs, statistics, summaries, and audit commands; agent-sandbox emphasizes workspace isolation and preserving agent state across container restarts.
- gh-aw-firewall is written in TypeScript and requires Docker Compose v2; agent-sandbox is written in Python and documents a Debian container with pinned dependencies.
- gh-aw-firewall documents Ubuntu-compatible Linux support on x86_64 and arm64, while agent-sandbox targets Colima with Docker Engine on Apple Silicon and says other Docker-compatible runtimes should work.
- Both projects use the MIT license and are not archived; agent-sandbox warns of early-stage development and best-effort security, while gh-aw-firewall documents retired releases and preview microVM integrations.
Choose gh-aw-firewall if you…
- need traffic logs and audit tools for reviewing network activity in agentic workflows.
- want to keep supported LLM API credentials in a proxy sidecar outside the agent process.
- run workflows in GitHub Actions and can accommodate Docker and its configuration requirements.
Choose agent-sandbox if you…
- need to limit an agent's file access to a project repository as well as restrict network access.
- want CLI or supported devcontainer workflows for coding agents and IDEs.
- prefer a Python-based tool and can configure required network hosts under its default-deny policy.
Compare the numbers side by side, or add more projects
This comparison is generated with AI from the OSRepos analyses of both projects. Always check each project's repository and documentation before choosing.