E2B with macOS and Xcode
NoMac vs E2B
E2B gives agents fast Linux sandboxes. It cannot run Xcode. NoMac gives agents a macOS VM for the Apple steps. Use them together, not instead of each other.
A Mac for your agent, ready in about a minute.
$9.99/month for 5 hours every week · billed by the second · no overage
7-day money-back guarantee on your first purchase. Prices checked 22 September 2026 from public list prices.
What E2B is
Open-source, secure cloud sandboxes for AI agents, built on Linux microVMs, with SDKs for running code, files, a desktop variant for computer use, and fast startup at scale.
E2B vs NoMac at a glance
| E2B | NoMac | |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Linux | macOS |
| Xcode and iOS SDK | Not available | Preinstalled |
| iOS Simulator | No | Yes, via simctl |
| Startup | Sub-second | About a minute |
| Best role | General agent code execution | Apple builds, tests and signing |
Choose E2B when
- ·Your agent runs Python, Node, data work or anything that runs on Linux.
- ·You need thousands of sandboxes that start in well under a second.
- ·You want an open-source sandbox you can also self-host.
- ·Nothing in the task needs Apple's toolchain.
Choose NoMac when
- ·The task needs xcodebuild, the iOS SDK, simulators or code signing.
- ·You are building or testing an iPhone, iPad or Mac app.
- ·You want the agent to keep its Linux sandbox and borrow a Mac only for Apple steps.
The verdict
This is not either-or. Run the agent in a Linux sandbox and hand the Apple steps to a Mac; that is cheaper and faster than running everything on macOS.
Try it in two minutes
Keep E2B for what it does best, and give your agent a Mac for everything else. From your project directory:
npm install -g @nomac/cli nomac login nomac start --json nomac sync . nomac ssh -- xcodebuild -list nomac stop --json # or let Claude Code drive it claude mcp add nomac -- npx @nomac/cli mcp
Or give your agent nomac.app/install and it sets itself up.
Questions
What is the best E2B alternative for AI agents?＋
NoMac is built for coding agents: a fresh macOS VM with Xcode and root, started and driven over MCP, CLI, REST API or SSH, billed by the second from weekly hours. It is the better fit when an agent needs a Mac in short bursts. E2B is the better fit when your agent runs Python, Node, data work or anything that runs on Linux.
How much does NoMac cost?＋
$9.99 a month for 5 hours every week, or $29.99 a month for 25 hours every week. Ready time is billed by the second after a one-minute minimum; queue and setup are free. There is no overage. 7-day money-back guarantee on your first purchase.
Can Claude Code, Codex or Cursor use NoMac?＋
Yes. Add the MCP server with one command (claude mcp add nomac -- npx @nomac/cli mcp), or use the hosted MCP endpoint from a cloud sandbox. The agent can start a Mac, run commands, read output and stop it.
Do I need an Apple Developer account?＋
Not to start a Mac, compile, run tests or use the iOS Simulator. Signing and TestFlight uploads need your own Apple Developer membership, as on any Mac.
What happens to my files when I stop?＋
The VM and everything on it is deleted, including anything your agent installed and any credentials you sent. Pull what you need first with nomac pull, rsync or scp.
Stop paying for a Mac that waits for you.
Full macOS with Xcode and root, over MCP, CLI, API or SSH. Billed by the second, deleted when you stop. $9.99 a month, or $29.99 for 25 hours a week.
Get your agent a Mac7-day money-back guarantee on your first purchase. Cancel anytime.