D&D 5E What separates a sandbox adventure from an AP?

[Uchawi]

A sandbox adventure to me is like a comic strip. It provides enough information to get to the next scene, but there is plenty of space to add your own twist. And adventure path can be written in sandbox style, like the original TSR series against the giants and vault of the drow. Or you can go with the other type of adventure path that is like buying a short story. Typically, that is wasted space and filler for someone that wants a disposable adventure without a huge investment.