# ACI Learning Skill Labs vs Boss of the SOC (BOTS) Dataset Version 3: side-by-side comparison (2026) [ACI Learning Skill Labs](https://cybersectools.com/tools/aci-learning-skill-labs) is a commercial [cyber range training](https://cybersectools.com/categories/cyber-range) solution by [ACI Learning](https://cybersectools.com/companies/aci-learning). [Boss of the SOC (BOTS) Dataset Version 3](https://cybersectools.com/tools/boss-of-the-soc-bots-dataset-version-3) is a free [cyber range training](https://cybersectools.com/categories/cyber-range) solution. Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side. ## Side-by-side comparison | | ACI Learning Skill Labs | Boss of the SOC (BOTS) Dataset Version 3 | |---|---|---| | Pricing model | Commercial | Free | | Category | Cyber Range Training | Cyber Range Training | | Verified | No | No | | Deployment type | Cloud | On-Premises | | Company size fit | Startup, SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | Startup, SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | | GitHub stars | – | 363 | | Last commit | – | Jun 2020 | | Company | ACI Learning | – | | Headquarters | – | – | ### Use cases and capabilities | | ACI Learning Skill Labs | Boss of the SOC (BOTS) Dataset Version 3 | |---|---|---| | Lab | Yes | – | | Online Learning | Yes | – | | Cyber Range | Yes | – | | Education | Yes | Yes | | Research | – | Yes | | CTF | – | Yes | | Splunk | – | Yes | | Open Source | – | Yes | ### Core features **ACI Learning Skill Labs** 8 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them. **Boss of the SOC (BOTS) Dataset Version 3** No features listed. ## Which one fits you Based on what each listing shows: deployment, company size, price and open source. - [ACI Learning Skill Labs](https://cybersectools.com/tools/aci-learning-skill-labs) fits if you want a cloud product. - [Boss of the SOC (BOTS) Dataset Version 3](https://cybersectools.com/tools/boss-of-the-soc-bots-dataset-version-3) fits if you need to run it on your own servers, you need a free product and you want an open-source product. ## ACI Learning Skill Labs vs Boss of the SOC (BOTS) Dataset Version 3 FAQ Common questions when comparing ACI Learning Skill Labs vs Boss of the SOC (BOTS) Dataset Version 3 for cyber range training. ### What is the difference between ACI Learning Skill Labs and Boss of the SOC (BOTS) Dataset Version 3? **ACI Learning Skill Labs**: Virtual hands-on IT & cybersecurity lab platform for academic programs. Built by ACI Learning. **Boss of the SOC (BOTS) Dataset Version 3**: A pre-indexed Splunk security dataset and CTF platform that provides realistic security data for training, research, and educational purposes for cybersecurity professionals and students. The table above shows where their features, integrations, deployment and company size fit differ. ### Who makes ACI Learning Skill Labs and Boss of the SOC (BOTS) Dataset Version 3? **ACI Learning Skill Labs** is made by ACI Learning. **Boss of the SOC (BOTS) Dataset Version 3** is open-source with 363 GitHub stars. The vendor behind a product decides its roadmap, support, and longevity, so check each company's profile before you commit. ### Is ACI Learning Skill Labs a good alternative to Boss of the SOC (BOTS) Dataset Version 3? Often, yes. ACI Learning Skill Labs and Boss of the SOC (BOTS) Dataset Version 3 are both Cyber Range Training products, and both cover Education. Key differences: ACI Learning Skill Labs is Commercial while Boss of the SOC (BOTS) Dataset Version 3 is Free, Boss of the SOC (BOTS) Dataset Version 3 is open-source. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ. ## Related comparisons - [ACI Learning Skill Labs vs GemForge Labs](https://cybersectools.com/compare/aci-learning-skill-labs-vs-gemforge-labs) - [ACI Learning Skill Labs vs MetaCTF Cloud Labs / Cloud Ranges](https://cybersectools.com/compare/aci-learning-skill-labs-vs-metactf-cloud-labs-cloud-ranges) - [ACI Learning Skill Labs vs OffSec Proving Grounds](https://cybersectools.com/compare/aci-learning-skill-labs-vs-offsec-proving-grounds) - [Boss of the SOC (BOTS) Dataset Version 3 vs GemForge Labs](https://cybersectools.com/compare/boss-of-the-soc-bots-dataset-version-3-vs-gemforge-labs) - [Boss of the SOC (BOTS) Dataset Version 3 vs MetaCTF Cloud Labs / Cloud Ranges](https://cybersectools.com/compare/boss-of-the-soc-bots-dataset-version-3-vs-metactf-cloud-labs-cloud-ranges) - [Boss of the SOC (BOTS) Dataset Version 3 vs OffSec Proving Grounds](https://cybersectools.com/compare/boss-of-the-soc-bots-dataset-version-3-vs-offsec-proving-grounds) ## Alternatives to each - [See all ACI Learning Skill Labs alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/aci-learning-skill-labs) - [See all Boss of the SOC (BOTS) Dataset Version 3 alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/boss-of-the-soc-bots-dataset-version-3) --- Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/aci-learning-skill-labs-vs-boss-of-the-soc-bots-dataset-version-3 For AI agents: each product above has its own Markdown page (add .md to its URL, for example https://cybersectools.com/tools/aci-learning-skill-labs.md). Every CybersecTools shortlist is listed at https://cybersectools.com/shortlists.md. More on ACI Learning Skill Labs and Boss of the SOC (BOTS) Dataset Version 3: funding, momentum, hiring and news, plus the full product and company record, are available through the Mandos MCP Server (paid plans), which connects to AI assistants: https://mandos.io/mcp?utm_source=cybersectools.com&utm_medium=compare-md