agent-sandbox vs OpenShell
AI agent sandboxes compared
agent-sandbox and OpenShell both limit AI agents’ access to files, networks, and credentials. agent-sandbox focuses on local coding-agent workflows in Docker-compatible containers, while OpenShell provides a runtime and gateway for policy-controlled agent sandboxes.
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.
OpenShell: Run AI Agents in Policy-Controlled Sandboxes
OpenShell runs autonomous AI agents in isolated sandboxes and applies policies to their file, process, and network access. It suits teams that need agents to use tools and credentials without unrestricted access to host data or services.
| agent-sandbox | OpenShell | |
|---|---|---|
| Language | Python | Rust |
| License | MIT | Apache-2.0 |
| Stars | 211 | 15.5k |
| Forks | 19 | 1.7k |
| Last analyzed | Oct 28, 2026 | Oct 9, 2026 |
Key differences
- agent-sandbox is a local development sandbox with CLI and IDE devcontainer workflows; OpenShell is a runtime and control layer with a CLI, gateway, and application SDKs.
- agent-sandbox routes network traffic through a mitmproxy sidecar and blocks direct outbound traffic with iptables; OpenShell checks outbound connections against policy and adds credentials to approved requests.
- agent-sandbox targets Colima and Docker Engine on Apple Silicon; OpenShell also supports gateway deployment on Kubernetes with a NetworkPolicy-enforcing CNI.
- agent-sandbox is written in Python and licensed under MIT; OpenShell is written in Rust and licensed under Apache-2.0.
- agent-sandbox warns that its security model is best-effort and that IDE features can create a separate control channel; OpenShell checks proposed policy changes for newly granted access and flags risks for human review.
- agent-sandbox reports 211 stars and 19 forks and describes a small, concentrated contributor base; OpenShell reports 15.5k stars and 1.7k forks and advises checking compatibility between gateway and SDK versions.
Choose agent-sandbox if you…
- want a local sandbox for coding agents in a repository, with CLI or IDE devcontainer workflows.
- need proxy-side secret injection and network rules for hosts, schemes, methods, paths, and queries.
- prefer a project targeting Colima and Docker Engine on Apple Silicon.
Choose OpenShell if you…
- need a runtime and gateway to manage sandbox, policy, and access across agents.
- want SDKs for connecting Python, TypeScript, Go, or Rust applications to a gateway.
- need policy checks over filesystem, system calls, and network access, including review of newly granted access.
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.