# ACI Learning Skill Labs vs CTFd: 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). [CTFd](https://cybersectools.com/tools/ctfd) 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 | CTFd |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Commercial | Free |
| Category | Cyber Range Training | Cyber Range Training |
| Verified | No | No |
| Deployment type | Cloud | Hybrid |
| Company size fit | Startup, SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | Startup, SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise |
| GitHub stars | – | 6,569 |
| Last commit | – | Mar 2026 |
| Company | ACI Learning | – |
| Headquarters | – | – |

### Use cases and capabilities

| | ACI Learning Skill Labs | CTFd |
|---|---|---|
| Lab | Yes | – |
| Online Learning | Yes | – |
| Cyber Range | Yes | – |
| Education | Yes | Yes |
| CTF | – | Yes |

### Core features

**ACI Learning Skill Labs**

8 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them.

**CTFd**

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.
- [CTFd](https://cybersectools.com/tools/ctfd) fits if you need both cloud and on-premises options, you need a free product and you want an open-source product.

## ACI Learning Skill Labs vs CTFd FAQ

Common questions when comparing ACI Learning Skill Labs vs CTFd for cyber range training.

### What is the difference between ACI Learning Skill Labs and CTFd?

**ACI Learning Skill Labs**: Virtual hands-on IT & cybersecurity lab platform for academic programs, built by ACI Learning.

**CTFd**: CTFd is a web-based framework for creating and managing Capture The Flag cybersecurity competitions with customizable challenges, scoring systems, and team management capabilities.

The table above shows where their features, integrations, deployment and company size fit differ.

### Who makes ACI Learning Skill Labs and CTFd?

**ACI Learning Skill Labs** is made by ACI Learning. **CTFd** is open-source with 6,569 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 CTFd?

Often, yes. ACI Learning Skill Labs and CTFd are both Cyber Range Training products, and both cover Education. Key differences: ACI Learning Skill Labs is Commercial while CTFd is Free, CTFd 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)
- [CTFd vs GemForge Labs](https://cybersectools.com/compare/ctfd-vs-gemforge-labs)
- [CTFd vs MetaCTF Cloud Labs / Cloud Ranges](https://cybersectools.com/compare/ctfd-vs-metactf-cloud-labs-cloud-ranges)
- [CTFd vs OffSec Proving Grounds](https://cybersectools.com/compare/ctfd-vs-offsec-proving-grounds)

## Alternatives to each

- [See all ACI Learning Skill Labs alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/aci-learning-skill-labs)
- [See all CTFd alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/ctfd)

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Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/aci-learning-skill-labs-vs-ctfd

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 CTFd: 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