CodeSandbox vs RunKit: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between CodeSandbox and RunKit comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
CodeSandbox
Instant development environments
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 7.5/10)
- • You need ide & code editors features specifically
- • CodeSandbox is an online IDE for creating and sharing web development projects instantly
- • It provides instant dev environments, live collaboration, and one-click deployment
RunKit
Node.js playground in your browser
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need prototyping features specifically
- • JavaScript playground in the browser
- • Share and embed code snippets
| At a Glance |  CodeSandbox |  RunKit |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free |
Best For | IDE & Code Editors | Prototyping |
Rating | 86/100 | 75/100 |
| Feature | CodeSandbox | RunKit |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| Editorial Score | 86 | 75 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | IDE & Code EditorsVersion Control | PrototypingIDE & Code Editors |
How CodeSandbox and RunKit Compare
CodeSandbox
Instant development environments
Free tier available · 86/100 score
RunKit
Node.js playground in your browser
Free · 75/100 score
CodeSandbox is a ide & code editors tool. RunKit is in prototyping.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
RunKit is free. CodeSandbox is freemium.
Go with: RunKit
Want the highest-rated option?
CodeSandbox: 86/100. RunKit: 75/100.
Go with: CodeSandbox
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: CodeSandbox
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
CodeSandbox is freemium. RunKit is free. Go with RunKit if free matters most.
What's your use case?
CodeSandbox is a ide & code editors tool. RunKit is in prototyping. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
CodeSandbox scores higher: 86/100 vs 75/100.
Key Takeaways
CodeSandbox
- Higher score: 86/100 vs 75
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
RunKit
- Completely free
- Better fit for prototyping
The Bottom Line
CodeSandbox (86/100) is our pick. That said, RunKit is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CodeSandbox or RunKit better?
CodeSandbox scores 86/100 in our evaluation. CodeSandbox is freemium and RunKit is free.
What are CodeSandbox and RunKit used for?
CodeSandbox: Instant development environments. RunKit: Node.js playground in your browser.
What does CodeSandbox cost vs RunKit?
CodeSandbox is freemium (free tier + paid plans). RunKit is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.