Sandbox comparison · Reviewed July 2026
E2B offers secure Linux sandboxes, templates, desktop environments, and runtime snapshots for agents. Run Cloud adds a compatible migration path and joins Linux compute with iOS simulators and Xcode builds.
Compatibility layer
Keep the provider-shaped entry point while you validate lifecycle, network, image, and storage behavior against your application.
from e2b import Sandboxfrom runcloud.compat.e2b import SandboxDetailed comparison
This comparison focuses on architecture and workflow rather than temporary prices or benchmark claims.
| Area | E2B | Run Cloud |
|---|---|---|
| Runtime model | Secure isolated Linux VMs created from E2B templates or snapshots. | Firecracker microVMs exposed as agent computers with stateful lifecycle controls. |
| State | Templates for reproducible bases; snapshots capture live filesystem and memory state. | Snapshots and copy-on-write forks support checkpoints and parallel branches. |
| SDK shape | Python and TypeScript Sandbox APIs with commands, files, PTY, and networking. | Native SDKs plus an E2B-compatible Python Sandbox adapter. |
| Computer use | Linux desktop sandboxes are available for visual agent workflows. | Browser-controlled iOS simulators complement Linux computer-use workloads. |
| Migration path | Existing code imports Sandbox from e2b. | Switch to runcloud.compat.e2b and validate template and network-specific behavior. |
Provider details were reviewed against the E2B Sandbox snapshots documentation. Product capabilities change; validate requirements against current vendor documentation.
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FAQ
Run Cloud includes an E2B-shaped compatibility adapter for core Sandbox workflows. It is an incremental migration path rather than a promise that every E2B template, desktop, or network option behaves identically.
Yes. E2B documents runtime snapshots containing filesystem and memory state, alongside declarative templates. Run Cloud uses snapshots and forks to checkpoint and branch agent work.
E2B is a strong fit when your team already depends on its template ecosystem, Linux desktop product, or mature Python and TypeScript SDK surface.
Run Cloud combines Linux agent compute with iOS simulator sessions and Xcode builds, making it useful when an agent must both edit code and exercise the resulting mobile app.
More comparisons
Bring one sandbox workflow, keep the familiar API shape, and measure the behavior that matters to your agents.