---
title: "StarSling vs Depot: AI-Native CI vs Build Acceleration"
description: "How StarSling compares to Depot: both speed up CI, but StarSling adds AI agents that open optimization PRs; Depot focuses on Docker/build acceleration."
url: https://starsling.dev/compare/depot
---

# StarSling vs Depot

Last updated: 2026-06-22

Depot is known for fast Docker image builds, remote build caching, and CI infrastructure including GitHub Actions runners. StarSling overlaps on fast runners but its emphasis is self-driving GitHub Actions CI: AI agents that analyze your workflows and open optimization PRs over time. If your main pain is Docker build speed, Depot is purpose-built for that; if you want your whole GitHub Actions pipeline to improve itself, that's StarSling's focus.

## Head to head

| Category | StarSling | Depot |
|---|---|---|
| Drop-in runner replacement | Yes, swap `ubuntu-latest` for `starsling-ubuntu-24.04`. | Offers GitHub Actions runners alongside its build products. |
| AI optimization PRs | Yes. AI agents analyze logs/telemetry and open optimization PRs (early access). | Not the focus; the emphasis is build acceleration and caching. |
| GitHub Actions support | Runs your existing GitHub Actions workflows unchanged. | Yes. Runners and build acceleration integrate with GitHub Actions. |
| Primary focus | Self-driving GitHub Actions CI with agents that optimize the pipeline. | Docker image build acceleration and remote build caching. |
| Pricing model | Usage-based per-minute; 2,000 free min/mo to start; queue time never billed. | Usage-based (see Depot's site for current pricing). |

## Best fit

**Choose StarSling if:** Teams that want their GitHub Actions pipeline to get faster on its own through AI-opened optimization PRs, not just faster builds.

**Choose Depot if:** Teams whose primary bottleneck is Docker image build time and who want best-in-class remote build caching.

## FAQ

### How is StarSling different from Depot?

Both speed up CI. Depot focuses on Docker build acceleration and remote caching; StarSling focuses on self-driving GitHub Actions CI, with AI agents that open optimization PRs.

### Can I run my existing GitHub Actions workflows on StarSling?

Yes. StarSling Runners are a drop-in replacement: change the `runs-on` label to `starsling-ubuntu-24.04` and keep your existing workflows.

## Learn more

- [What is AI-native CI?](https://starsling.dev/ai-native-ci)
- [All StarSling comparisons](https://starsling.dev/compare)
- [Benchmark on your own workflows](https://docs.starsling.dev/performance/benchmarks)
- [Migration guide](https://docs.starsling.dev/configuration/migration-guide)
- [Runner label reference](https://docs.starsling.dev/configuration/label-reference)
- [StarSling docs](https://docs.starsling.dev)
- [LLM facts (llms.txt)](https://starsling.dev/llms.txt)
- [Depot (official site)](https://depot.dev)