Windows Sandbox vs Portable Virtualbox

Struggling to choose between Windows Sandbox and Portable Virtualbox? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

Windows Sandbox is a Os & Utilities solution with tags like sandbox, isolation, security, testing.

It boasts features such as Isolated desktop environment, Disposable sandbox instances, Preinstalled Windows tools and utilities, Integrated with Windows 10 and 11, Hardware-based virtualization, Easy to use and configure and pros including Improved security and privacy, Prevents malware infections, Allows testing unknown software, No need to set up VMs or dual boot, Lightweight and fast, Free with Windows 10/11.

On the other hand, Portable Virtualbox is a Os & Utilities product tagged with virtualization, virtual-machine, portable, open-source.

Its standout features include Runs VirtualBox virtual machines directly from a USB drive, Does not require VirtualBox to be installed on the host computer, Supports importing and exporting VMs in OVF format, Includes VirtualBox Extension Pack for added functionality, Open source and free to use, and it shines with pros like Portable and self-contained, Does not clutter host computer with VirtualBox installation, Easy to carry VMs between different computers, Good for testing software across different OS environments.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

Windows Sandbox

Windows Sandbox

Windows Sandbox is a lightweight desktop environment included in Windows 10 and 11 that allows users to safely run untrusted applications in isolation. It provides a secure way to test software without risking the host device.

Categories:
sandbox isolation security testing

Windows Sandbox Features

  1. Isolated desktop environment
  2. Disposable sandbox instances
  3. Preinstalled Windows tools and utilities
  4. Integrated with Windows 10 and 11
  5. Hardware-based virtualization
  6. Easy to use and configure

Pricing

  • Free

Pros

Improved security and privacy

Prevents malware infections

Allows testing unknown software

No need to set up VMs or dual boot

Lightweight and fast

Free with Windows 10/11

Cons

Limited hardware access

Temporary instances only

Requires virtualization support

Limited customization options

Not suitable for long-term use


Portable Virtualbox

Portable Virtualbox

Portable Virtualbox is a free, open-source virtualization software that allows you to run multiple virtual machines on your Windows computer without needing to install Virtualbox. It runs directly from a USB drive for easy portability.

Categories:
virtualization virtual-machine portable open-source

Portable Virtualbox Features

  1. Runs VirtualBox virtual machines directly from a USB drive
  2. Does not require VirtualBox to be installed on the host computer
  3. Supports importing and exporting VMs in OVF format
  4. Includes VirtualBox Extension Pack for added functionality
  5. Open source and free to use

Pricing

  • Free
  • Open Source

Pros

Portable and self-contained

Does not clutter host computer with VirtualBox installation

Easy to carry VMs between different computers

Good for testing software across different OS environments

Cons

Limited feature set compared to full VirtualBox

No guest additions or shared folder support

Potential USB performance bottlenecks

Not officially supported by Oracle