---
title: "9apes - Faster, Cheaper GitHub Actions Runners"
description: "Run GitHub Actions jobs on 9apes runners that are 2-3x faster and up to 89% cheaper. Migrate by changing one runs-on line."
url: https://9apes.com/
---

# 9apes - Faster, Cheaper GitHub Actions Runners

Less time building. More time shipping. Faster, fully managed runners for your GitHub Actions workflows. Change one line. Keep your tools. Get back to building.

## Migrate one job

Change a job’s `runs-on` value. Nothing else about the workflow changes.

```yaml
jobs:
  test:
    runs-on: 9apes
    steps:
      - uses: actions/checkout@v4
      - run: npm test
```

## What you get

- **Hardware built for CI**: High single-core performance and NVMe storage keep compute and disk work moving.

- **Build caches, protected**: Cached artifacts are encrypted and isolated by organization, with authenticated access.

- **Room for container builds**: Choose the CPU and memory your Docker builds need with a supported Linux runner label.

- **A fresh VM for every job**: Each job runs in an isolated microVM that is destroyed when the job finishes.

- **Pay for runner minutes**: Usage-based billing, with no seats or minimum spend. Review usage by organization and repository.

- **Keep your GitHub workflow**: Install the GitHub App and change a job’s runner label. 9apes manages the runners.

## Less spent on CI.

Lower per-minute rates and a monthly free allowance. Here’s one example of what that means for your bill.

10,000 runner minutes / month · 4 vCPU Linux runners.

- **GitHub-hosted:** $120.00 / month. Paid larger runner · list price.

- **9apes:** $25.20 / month. Includes 3,000 free minutes.

- **Saved in this example:** $94.80 / month.

Same runner size. Same runtime. No speedup assumed.

Compares paid GitHub larger runners. Standard runners for public repositories can be free. [About GitHub billing](https://docs.github.com/en/billing/concepts/product-billing/github-actions).

USD, runner minutes only. Uses published rates; excludes plan fees, storage charges and discounts.

[Estimate your own bill](https://9apes.com/pricing/#calculator)

## Start with 3,000 free minutes.

Every month. No credit card required.

[Start building](https://build.9apes.com/login)

## Hand off the runner upkeep.

Keep your GitHub workflows. Choose who manages the runner fleet.

| Area | Self-hosted | 9apes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Setup | Provision and configure | Install app + set label |
| Host updates | You patch hosts | 9apes patches hosts |
| Capacity | You scale runners | 9apes manages capacity |
| Costs | Infrastructure costs | Runner minutes used |
| Control | Full host configuration | Supported runner options |

Your team owns workflow code and dependencies in both cases.

[How 9apes works](https://9apes.com/docs/quick-start/)

## Runner labels and prices

### Linux x86_64 runners

| `runs-on` label | vCPU | RAM | Architecture | OS | OS version | 9apes price/min | GitHub-hosted price/min |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| `9apes-1vcpu-ubuntu-2404` | 1 | 4 GB | x86_64 | Ubuntu | 24.04 | $0.0009 | $0.002 |
| `9apes-2vcpu-ubuntu-2404` | 2 | 8 GB | x86_64 | Ubuntu | 24.04 | $0.0018 | $0.006 |
| `9apes` | 4 | 16 GB | x86_64 | Ubuntu | 24.04 | $0.0036 | $0.012 |
| `9apes-4vcpu-ubuntu-2404` | 4 | 16 GB | x86_64 | Ubuntu | 24.04 | $0.0036 | $0.012 |
| `9apes-8vcpu-ubuntu-2404` | 8 | 32 GB | x86_64 | Ubuntu | 24.04 | $0.0072 | $0.022 |

## Pricing

Usage-based pricing for every team stage.

- **Starter** (Free): For small projects that want to try a focused runner setup. Basic runner access; Getting-started guidance; Usage overview.

- **Pro** (Custom): For teams that want more control around daily workflows. Warm and cold runner choices; Caching-friendly usage; Team controls.

- **Enterprise** (Custom): For larger orgs that need procurement and rollout support. Org-wide rollout support; Security review help; Advanced controls.

## Frequently asked questions

**Can I mix 9apes with GitHub-hosted runners?**

Yes. Set the runs-on label per job. You can use 9apes for some jobs and keep GitHub-hosted runners for others.

**How do I get started?**

Install the 9apes GitHub App, change a job’s runs-on label, and push the workflow. An organization owner may need to approve the app installation.

[Follow the quickstart](https://9apes.com/docs/quick-start/)

**Do you support private repositories?**

Yes. Public, private, and internal GitHub repositories are supported.

**Which operating systems are available?**

Ubuntu 24.04 on x86_64 is available today. Contact our team if your workflow needs a different platform.

[View available runners](https://9apes.com/docs/available-runners/)

**What happens if a runner fails mid-job?**

GitHub marks the job as failed. The job’s microVM is discarded, and you can rerun the job from GitHub Actions.

[Troubleshooting guide](https://9apes.com/docs/troubleshooting/)

**Can I use this with GitHub Enterprise?**

Enterprise setups are reviewed case by case. Contact our team to discuss your organization’s requirements.

[Discuss your setup](https://9apes.com/contact/)

**How are my jobs protected?**

Each job runs in an isolated Firecracker microVM that is destroyed after use. Access uses GitHub SSO and job-scoped tokens.

[Read about security](https://9apes.com/security/)

## Faster builds. Lower costs. Fully managed.

Keep your GitHub Actions workflows. We handle the runners.

3,000 free runner minutes / month. No credit card required.

## Next steps

- [Quick Start](https://9apes.com/docs/quick-start/): move your first job

- [Developer Resources](https://9apes.com/developers/): every 9apes resource in one index

- [Sign up free](https://build.9apes.com/login): 3000 free runner minutes every month