code-server
Best for self-hosting
Why teams pick it
Run VS Code in any browser, powered by your own server
Open-source alternatives to AWS Cloud9
Compare community-driven replacements for AWS Cloud9 in cloud ides & remote dev environments workflows. We curate active, self-hostable options with transparent licensing so you can evaluate the right fit quickly.
AWS Cloud9
AWS Cloud9 provides a browser-based editor, integrated debugger, and terminal—prepackaged with tools for popular languages and tight AWS integration for building and running applications.Read more
Key stats
- 7Alternatives
- 1Support self-hosting
Run on infrastructure you control
- 7Active development
Recent commits in the last 6 months
- 5Permissive licenses
MIT, Apache, and similar licenses
Counts reflect projects currently indexed as alternatives to AWS Cloud9.
Start with these picks
These projects match the most common migration paths for teams replacing AWS Cloud9.
OpenVSCode Server
Fastest to get started
Why teams pick it
One‑command Docker startup with optional custom image extensions
All open-source alternatives
OpenVSCode Server
Run VS Code in the browser via a lightweight server
Active developmentPermissive licenseFast to deployTypeScript
Why teams choose it
- Runs VS Code as a remote server accessible via any modern browser
- One‑command Docker startup with optional custom image extensions
- Token‑based authentication for secure, password‑less access
Watch for
Requires server resources (CPU and RAM) to run
Migration highlight
Remote pair programming
Both participants open the same browser URL, edit code in real time without installing VS Code locally.
Flox
Portable developer environments with reproducible package management
Active developmentFast to deployIntegration-friendlyRust
Why teams choose it
- Create per‑project environments that layer dependencies
- Share environments via definition files or container images
- Access 80,000+ packages from the Nixpkgs repository
Watch for
Requires Nix to be installed on the host
Migration highlight
Onboarding new contributors
New team members can spin up identical environments with a single command, eliminating “works on my machine” issues.
envd
Instantly spin up reproducible AI/ML container environments
Active developmentPermissive licenseFast to deployGo
Why teams choose it
- Python‑based manifest eliminates Dockerfile complexity
- OCI‑compatible images can be pushed to any registry
- BuildKit‑powered caching and remote build support
Watch for
Requires Docker 20.10+ and BuildKit enabled
Migration highlight
Prototype a new model locally
Spin up an isolated container with required Python packages and CUDA in minutes, ensuring the prototype runs identically on any machine.
code-server
Run VS Code in any browser, powered by your own server
Self-host friendlyActive developmentPermissive licenseTypeScript
Why teams choose it
- Full VS Code UI accessible through any modern browser
- Compute‑intensive tasks run on a remote server, preserving local resources
- Simple installation via script, package manager, or one‑click cloud templates
Watch for
Requires a continuously running server (cost/maintenance)
Migration highlight
On‑the‑go coding on a tablet
Run full VS Code in the browser, preserving battery while the server handles compilation.
DevPod
Create reproducible dev environments anywhere with a single client
Active developmentPermissive licenseFast to deployGo
Why teams choose it
- Runs on any backend (local, Kubernetes, cloud VM) via devcontainer.json
- Client‑only architecture, no server installation required
- Cross‑IDE support including VSCode, JetBrains, and SSH
Watch for
Requires familiarity with containers and devcontainer.json
Migration highlight
GPU‑intensive ML training
Spin up a cloud VM with multiple GPUs, run code in a pre‑configured container, and shut down automatically when idle.
Devbox
Create instant, isolated, reproducible development shells with a single command
Active developmentPermissive licenseFast to deployGo
Why teams choose it
- OS‑level package management via Nix registry (400k+ versions)
- Instant isolated shells without VM overhead
- Portable definitions usable as devcontainer, Dockerfile, or cloud env
Watch for
Relies on Nix ecosystem, which may have a learning curve
Migration highlight
Onboard new developers quickly
They run `devbox shell` and get the exact same tool versions as the rest of the team, eliminating setup friction.
Coder
Self‑hosted cloud workspaces defined by Terraform, auto‑scaled securely
Active developmentFast to deployIntegration-friendlyGo
Why teams choose it
- Terraform‑defined environments for reproducible infrastructure
- Supports EC2 VMs, Kubernetes pods, Docker containers
- Automatic idle shutdown to reduce cloud costs
Watch for
Production requires external PostgreSQL and access URL
Migration highlight
Rapid onboarding of new engineers
Create a workspace in seconds, reducing setup time from days to minutes.
Choosing a cloud ides & remote dev environments alternative
Teams replacing AWS Cloud9 in cloud ides & remote dev environments workflows typically weigh self-hosting needs, integration coverage, and licensing obligations.
- 1 project let you self-host and keep customer data on infrastructure you control.
- 7 options are actively maintained with recent commits.
Tip: shortlist one hosted and one self-hosted option so stakeholders can compare trade-offs before migrating away from AWS Cloud9.