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Best Free Alternatives to Sandboxie Plus v1.16
Stop paying Free / €20–€60/yr (Supporter). Discover professional-grade tools that won't break your budget.
Category: Sandboxing / IsolationVerified for 2025
Top Recommended Replacements
Windows Sandbox
FREEBest Native Alternative
Why we like it
Built directly into Windows; every time it's closed, the entire environment is wiped; uses hardware-based virtualization for near-perfect isolation; zero installation required.
Keep in mind
Requires Windows Pro or Enterprise; lacks the 'persistent sandbox' and granular file-access rules that Sandboxie provides.
Sandboxie Classic v5.71
FREEBest for Legacy Users
Why we like it
100% free; uses the familiar MFC-based interface from the 2000s; uses the same hardened core engine as the Plus version; extremely lightweight.
Keep in mind
Lacks a GUI for modern features (WFP, snapshots); UI is no longer under active development.
SHADE Sandbox
FREEBest for Beginners
Why we like it
Extremely simple 'drag and drop' interface; specifically designed for non-technical users to isolate browsers and PDF readers; one-click 'Clean Sandbox' button.
Keep in mind
Much less customizable than Sandboxie Plus; the free version has limited slots for sandboxed apps.
Shadow Defender
Best for Full-System Protection
Why we like it
Freezes the entire OS (Shadow Mode) rather than just an app; allows you to 'commit' changes to the real system selectively; very light on resources.
Keep in mind
Paid software; requires a system reboot to exit 'Shadow Mode'; not as flexible for isolating single, specific processes.
Kasm Workspaces
FREEBest for Browser-Based Isolation
Why we like it
Streams an isolated desktop/app directly to your web browser; perfect for testing suspicious URLs without any local code execution; highly secure 'Zero Trust' architecture.
Keep in mind
Requires a more complex setup (Docker-based); primarily targeted at enterprise/power users rather than casual desktop users.
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