Modal vs Daytona
| Modal | Daytona | |
|---|---|---|
| Isolation | gVisor | Docker container |
| Cold start | 800ms | 90ms |
| Price / vCPU-hr | $0.14 | $0.05 |
| GPU | T4 → B200, incl. H100 | H100 ~$3.95/hr |
| Session limit | Configurable | Persistent (lifecycle-managed) |
| Persistence | Volumes; ephemeral compute | Persistent workspaces, snapshots |
| MCP support | n/a | Yes |
| Free tier | $30/mo free credits | Free credits |
| Best for | Python/ML workloads and agents that need GPU inside the sandbox. | Teams that want open source, persistent stateful workspaces, and GPU access. |
The verdict
Choose Modal for Python/ML workloads and agents that need GPU inside the sandbox. Choose Daytona for teams that want open source, persistent stateful workspaces, and GPU access.
Headline rates rarely equal your bill. Idle time, session length, creation fees and GPU minutes dominate. Model your actual workload in the cost calculator.
FAQ
Modal vs Daytona: which is better?
It depends on your priority. Daytona leads on both cold start (90ms vs 800ms) and the headline vCPU-hour price. Modal is best for Python/ML workloads and agents that need GPU inside the sandbox. Daytona is best for teams that want open source, persistent stateful workspaces, and GPU access.
Is Modal or Daytona cheaper?
Daytona is cheaper on the headline vCPU-hour rate ($0.05 vs $0.14). Total cost depends on idle time, session length and creation fees. Model your workload in the cost calculator.
Still choosing between Modal and Daytona?
Tell us your workload and we'll point you to the better fit, then connect you with real pricing from the one you pick. No spam.