Playwright Browser Testing with Docker Sandboxes

Docker Sandboxes provide a secure, isolated environment for running browser automation tests with Playwright. This guide walks you through setting up and running Playwright tests inside Docker Sandboxes.

Prerequisites

• Docker Desktop 4.40+ with Sandboxes enabled
• Basic knowledge of Playwright
• Node.js installed locally

Step 1: Install Docker Sandboxes CLI

docker extension install docker/sbx-desktop-extension
# Or use the Docker Desktop GUI to enable Sandboxes

Step 2: Create a Playwright Sandbox Configuration

cat > playwright-sandbox.yaml <<EOF
apiVersion: sbx/v1
kind: Sandbox
metadata:
  name: playwright-test
spec:
  image: mcr.microsoft.com/playwright:v1.44.0-jammy
  command: ["npx", "playwright", "test"]
  mounts:
    - source: ./tests
      target: /tests
      type: bind
EOF

Step 3: Run Your Playwright Tests in a Sandbox

docker sbx run playwright-sandbox.yaml

Step 4: View Test Results

docker sbx logs playwright-test
docker sbx cp playwright-test:/test-results ./test-results

Why Use Sandboxes for Playwright?

• Isolation: Each test run gets a fresh, isolated environment
• Security: AI-generated test code runs in a microVM, not directly on your machine
• Reproducibility: Same environment every time, no “works on my machine” issues
• Resource control: Limit CPU/memory per test run