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Sandbox comparison · Reviewed July 2026

Vercel Sandboxvs Run Cloud

Vercel Sandbox runs untrusted code in Firecracker microVMs and integrates naturally with Vercel projects and OIDC. Run Cloud targets agent infrastructure across Linux, iOS simulation, and Xcode builds.

Vercel Sandbox

What it does well

  • Firecracker isolation with its own filesystem and network boundary.
  • Natural authentication and project integration for workloads already deployed on Vercel.
  • TypeScript, Python, CLI, snapshots, network policy, and live preview support.

Run Cloud

Why teams compare

  • Hardware-isolated Linux microVMs with snapshot, fork, pause, and resume.
  • Browser-controlled iOS simulators on the same product surface.
  • A Vercel Sandbox-shaped compatibility adapter for incremental migration.

Detailed comparison

Different control planes. A practical migration path.

This comparison focuses on architecture and workflow rather than temporary prices or benchmark claims.

AreaVercel SandboxRun Cloud
Runtime modelFirecracker microVMs on Vercel infrastructure, with Amazon Linux or OCI image sources.Firecracker microVMs managed as agent computers with explicit state lifecycle.
StateFilesystem snapshots and persistent named sandboxes restore state across sessions.Snapshots, copy-on-write forks, pause, and resume support parallel agent branches.
AuthenticationVercel OIDC is recommended and automatic for Vercel-hosted applications.Run Cloud credentials work across local agents, CI, desktop, and cloud environments.
Platform scopeClosely integrated with the Vercel application platform.A standalone runtime spanning Linux, iOS simulators, and Apple build infrastructure.
Migration pathExisting code imports Sandbox from @vercel/sandbox.Switch to @run-cloud/sdk/compat/vercel and validate Vercel-specific auth and networking.

Provider details were reviewed against the Vercel Sandbox documentation. Product capabilities change; validate requirements against current vendor documentation.

Choose Vercel Sandbox

Stay when its platform is the advantage.

  • Applications deployed on Vercel that benefit from automatic OIDC authentication.
  • Teams wanting sandbox observability and billing inside their existing Vercel project.
  • Ephemeral code execution using Vercel-supported runtimes or OCI images.

Choose Run Cloud

Move when the agent needs more than Linux.

  • Agent platforms that need provider-independent infrastructure rather than Vercel coupling.
  • Teams keeping a Vercel-shaped Sandbox API while moving workloads incrementally.
  • Mobile coding agents that need iOS simulator sessions and Xcode builds in the same platform.

Compatibility layer

Start with the import.

Keep the provider-shaped entry point while you validate lifecycle, network, image, and storage behavior against your application.

@run-cloud/sdk/compat/vercel
sandbox.ts
Beforeimport { Sandbox } from "@vercel/sandbox";
Run Cloudimport { Sandbox } from "@run-cloud/sdk/compat/vercel";

FAQ

Vercel Sandbox migration questions.

Is Run Cloud built on the same isolation model as Vercel Sandbox?+

Both products describe Firecracker-based isolation. Their control planes, authentication, lifecycle APIs, and adjacent platform capabilities differ.

Can I migrate @vercel/sandbox code?+

Run Cloud provides a Vercel-shaped TypeScript adapter. Changing the import establishes the migration path, but Vercel OIDC, network policy, runtime images, and project-specific behavior require validation.

When should I choose Vercel Sandbox?+

Choose Vercel Sandbox when your application already runs on Vercel and you want OIDC, billing, observability, and sandbox execution within that project boundary.

When should I choose Run Cloud?+

Choose Run Cloud when sandbox execution is part of a provider-independent agent runtime or must connect directly to iOS simulation and Xcode builds.

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