Airlock vs HOL Guard - AI Tool Comparison 2026
Data updated: (latest change to a listed tool; GateOnAI Scores are recomputed nightly)
In-depth comparison of Airlock and HOL Guard. Compare features, pricing, use cases, and find the best AI tool for your needs.
Airlock
Sandbox your AI agents on macOS, see every action before it affects your system
Category: Cybersecurity
Pricing: Free + Paid plans
Best for: Cybersecurity
HOL Guard
Local-first runtime firewall for AI coding agents
Category: Cybersecurity
Pricing: Free
Best for: Cybersecurity
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Airlock | HOL Guard |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free + Paid plans | Free |
| Category | Cybersecurity | Cybersecurity |
| Best For | Cybersecurity | Cybersecurity |
| GateOnAI Score | 60/100 | 68/100 |
| Website | Airlock | HOL Guard |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Airlock?
Airlock runs Claude Code or Codex inside a virtual machine on your Mac, operating on a copy of your project so the real files stay untouched. You launch it with commands like airlock run claude or airlock run codex, and the agent works in the terminal as usual, installing needed languages and opening dev servers in your browser. While the agent runs, Airlock monitors every process inside the VM, recording file changes, network calls and scripts, and flags any activity that reaches non‑code hosts. When the session ends you receive a diff of all modified files; you can select which changes to apply, undo them later, and review flagged build scripts, git hooks or CI configurations. The tool supports Xcode projects by borrowing your existing Xcode installation, and works with React Native iOS folders. It can be installed via Homebrew and requires a Mac with Apple silicon running macOS 26 or later, plus a Claude subscription or a ChatGPT account for Codex. GateOnAI Score: 60/100.
What is HOL Guard?
HOL Guard provides a checkpoint for AI agents, letting you allow, ask, or block risky actions before they run. It monitors actions such as destructive commands, secret access, software installs, and data movement, and records each event for later review. On supported integrations, Guard can stop operations like deleting files, reading cloud credentials, or sending data to external sites, while permitting normal tasks such as building projects. The tool runs on your computer, so your files never leave your machine, and it is free to start with optional Guard Cloud plans for cross‑device decision history and shared policies. HOL Guard is open‑source, with release history and verified contributors listed, and includes a plugin scanner that auto‑detects extensions, computes trust scores, and offers CI integration via GitHub Actions. It aims to help developers place a safety layer between their AI agents and the host system, catching mistakes before they cause harm. GateOnAI Score: 68/100.
What is the difference between Airlock and HOL Guard?
Airlock is best for Cybersecurity. HOL Guard is designed for Cybersecurity. Airlock strengths: Free plan available to get started; Online at our latest daily check. HOL Guard strengths: Listed as free to use; Online at our latest daily check.
Which is better: Airlock or HOL Guard?
GateOnAI rates Airlock 60/100 and HOL Guard 68/100. Airlock is tagged for Cybersecurity. HOL Guard is tagged for Cybersecurity. Choose Airlock if you need Free plan available to get started. Choose HOL Guard if you need Listed as free to use.
Is Airlock free?
Airlock offers Free + Paid plans pricing. Get started for free.
Is HOL Guard free?
HOL Guard offers Free pricing. Get started for free.
What are the pros and cons of Airlock vs HOL Guard?
Airlock pros: Free plan available to get started; Online at our latest daily check. Main limitation: Some features need a paid plan. HOL Guard pros: Listed as free to use; Online at our latest daily check. Main limitation: No limitations recorded on GateOnAI.