Koala

Koala is a macOS application that runs Linux workloads in lightweight virtual machines on Apple silicon.

Koala is a utility that runs Linux jobs, services, development environments, and AI agents in ARM64 Linux virtual machines on Apple silicon Macs. Each virtual machine operates with its own kernel, disk, and network, granting access only as specified by the user. It supports throwaway jobs, persistent virtual machines, sandboxed agents from templates, and OCI images from Docker Hub or private registries. A security broker keeps API keys on the Mac login keychain rather than inside the virtual machine, adding keys only to allowed requests. The software is designed for developers running untrusted workloads, offering lean environments or full Ubuntu 24.04 setups with systemd and Docker Engine.

Koala at a glance

Best for: Software engineer
Runs on: macOS
Pricing: Free
Released: October 2026
Category: AI coding tool
Website: kunalkushwaha.github.io

Key features

Run ARM64 Linux VMs on Apple silicon
Isolate workloads with dedicated kernel, disk, and network
Keep API keys secure in the Mac login keychain
Support OCI images from Docker Hub or private registries
Provide lean profiles or full Ubuntu 24.04 with Docker
Run as the logged-in user without a root daemon
Create agents and environments with command line templates

Use it for

Run builds, tests, and scripts in isolated environments
Run persistent development services and environments
Execute sandboxed AI agents securely
Manage API keys safely outside virtual machines

Alternatives to Koala

Koog — Builds AI agents for JVM, Android, iOS, JS, and WasmJS with type safety.
AI Sandboxes by Buddy — Stateful virtual machines with persistent disks and public HTTPS endpoints.
Lloyal — Builds apps with embedded models that run offline without user API keys.
Amp — Agents keep working in the cloud after the laptop is closed
OpenSandbox — Provides isolated environments with multi-language SDKs and lifecycle management.
Kora Doctor — Surfaces waste across tool usage, context growth, and repeated inference without an account.
Agent Sandbox — Provides a secure and isolated execution layer for autonomous AI agents.
Freebuff — Access multiple coding AI models for free without subscriptions.
Sandkiln — Runs untrusted code in hardware-isolated Firecracker microVMs.
Genkit — Provides unified APIs and local developer tools for AI application workflows.
Kolo — Teams share one browser session to watch, type, and control AI agents together.
Orca — Runs multiple AI coding agents simultaneously in isolated workspaces.

All Koala alternatives