Looking for an
E2B alternative?
A Linux computer for your AI agent, with fixed monthly pricing. Run commands, upload files, SSH in, and open web previews. From $5/month.
SSH, custom images, and open source.
import { Mainbrella } from '@mainbrella/sdk';
const client = new Mainbrella({
apiKey: process.env.MAINBRELLA_API_KEY
});
const machine = await client.create({
catalogId: 'node', size: 'small'
});
try {
const result = await machine.commands.run(
'node --version'
);
console.log(result.stdout);
} finally { await machine.kill(); }Predictable spend. A computer you can inspect.
A fixed monthly allowance
Builder costs $5/month and includes 250 compute-unit hours and 1,000 starts. Limits are enforced; there is no automatic compute overage billing.
See the allowances →Get inside the machine
Inspect the same environment your agent uses through SSH or the browser terminal. Run a dev server and open a temporary web preview.
SSH and terminal access →Bring your environment
Use a supplied runtime or build a custom image from your Dockerfile. JavaScript, Python, and HTTP interfaces connect it to your application.
Custom images →
How pricing differs from E2B
E2B offers a free Hobby plan with a one-time usage credit and paid plans with separate compute usage charges. Mainbrella offers fixed monthly plans with included compute allowances and hard caps. Compare your runtime, machine size, and concurrency before switching.
Provider pricing: E2B’s official pricing · Reviewed October 6, 2026.
Before you start
Can I replace the E2B SDK without changing my code?
No. Mainbrella has its own JavaScript and Python SDKs and HTTP API. Adapt your creation, command, file, and cleanup calls; start with one representative workload.
What happens when I reach a limit?
New starts are blocked when your start or compute allowance is exhausted. Machine deadlines enforce reserved runtime. Builder sessions last up to one hour, with a 10-minute idle timeout. See the full limits before choosing a plan.
Does a saved workspace resume a running agent?
No. Saved workspaces preserve filesystem snapshots and restore into a fresh container. They do not preserve running processes or conversation state. Export or save your files before stopping.
Is Mainbrella open source?
Mainbrella publishes its platform source for inspection and self-hosting. Hosted accounts use Mainbrella’s managed service. See the repositories and license details.
Try your actual workload.
Start with Builder, create an API key, and run your first machine. Need help checking fit? Talk to Andrew.
Start building — $5/month