# Boss of the SOC (BOTS) Dataset Version 3 vs OffSec Proving Grounds: side-by-side comparison (2026) [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. [OffSec Proving Grounds](https://cybersectools.com/tools/offsec-proving-grounds) is a commercial [cyber range training](https://cybersectools.com/categories/cyber-range) solution by [OffSec](https://cybersectools.com/companies/offsec). Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side. ## Side-by-side comparison | | Boss of the SOC (BOTS) Dataset Version 3 | OffSec Proving Grounds | |---|---|---| | Pricing model | Free | Commercial | | Category | Cyber Range Training | Cyber Range Training | | Verified | No | No | | Deployment type | On-Premises | Cloud | | Company size fit | Startup, SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | Startup, SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | | GitHub stars | 363 | – | | Last commit | Jun 2020 | – | | Company | – | OffSec | | Headquarters | – | – | ### Use cases and capabilities | | Boss of the SOC (BOTS) Dataset Version 3 | OffSec Proving Grounds | |---|---|---| | Research | Yes | – | | CTF | Yes | Yes | | Splunk | Yes | – | | Education | Yes | Yes | | Open Source | Yes | – | | Penetration Testing Framework | – | Yes | | Lab | – | Yes | | Vulnerable Applications | – | Yes | | Windows | – | Yes | | Linux | – | Yes | | Reconnaissance | – | Yes | | Exploitation Framework | – | Yes | | Online Learning | – | Yes | ### Core features **Boss of the SOC (BOTS) Dataset Version 3** No features listed. **OffSec Proving Grounds** 10 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them. ### Integrations **Boss of the SOC (BOTS) Dataset Version 3** No integrations listed. **OffSec Proving Grounds** 3 integrations listed. Sign in on the page to see them. ## Which one fits you Based on what each listing shows: deployment, company size, price and open source. - [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. - [OffSec Proving Grounds](https://cybersectools.com/tools/offsec-proving-grounds) fits if you want a cloud product. ## Boss of the SOC (BOTS) Dataset Version 3 vs OffSec Proving Grounds FAQ Common questions when comparing Boss of the SOC (BOTS) Dataset Version 3 vs OffSec Proving Grounds for cyber range training. ### What is the difference between Boss of the SOC (BOTS) Dataset Version 3 and OffSec Proving Grounds? **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. **OffSec Proving Grounds**: Online lab platform offering hands-on penetration testing practice machines for OSCP prep. Built by OffSec. The table above shows where their features, integrations, deployment and company size fit differ. ### Who makes Boss of the SOC (BOTS) Dataset Version 3 and OffSec Proving Grounds? **Boss of the SOC (BOTS) Dataset Version 3** is open-source with 363 GitHub stars. **OffSec Proving Grounds** is made by OffSec. The vendor behind a product decides its roadmap, support, and longevity, so check each company's profile before you commit. ### Is Boss of the SOC (BOTS) Dataset Version 3 a good alternative to OffSec Proving Grounds? Often, yes. Boss of the SOC (BOTS) Dataset Version 3 and OffSec Proving Grounds are both Cyber Range Training products, and both cover CTF, Education. Key differences: Boss of the SOC (BOTS) Dataset Version 3 is Free while OffSec Proving Grounds is Commercial, 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 - [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 ACI Learning Skill Labs](https://cybersectools.com/compare/aci-learning-skill-labs-vs-boss-of-the-soc-bots-dataset-version-3) - [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) - [OffSec Proving Grounds vs GemForge Labs](https://cybersectools.com/compare/gemforge-labs-vs-offsec-proving-grounds) - [OffSec Proving Grounds vs ACI Learning Skill Labs](https://cybersectools.com/compare/aci-learning-skill-labs-vs-offsec-proving-grounds) - [OffSec Proving Grounds vs MetaCTF Cloud Labs / Cloud Ranges](https://cybersectools.com/compare/metactf-cloud-labs-cloud-ranges-vs-offsec-proving-grounds) ## Alternatives to each - [See all Boss of the SOC (BOTS) Dataset Version 3 alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/boss-of-the-soc-bots-dataset-version-3) - [See all OffSec Proving Grounds alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/offsec-proving-grounds) --- Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/boss-of-the-soc-bots-dataset-version-3-vs-offsec-proving-grounds For AI agents: each product above has its own Markdown page (add .md to its URL, for example https://cybersectools.com/tools/boss-of-the-soc-bots-dataset-version-3.md). Every CybersecTools shortlist is listed at https://cybersectools.com/shortlists.md. More on Boss of the SOC (BOTS) Dataset Version 3 and OffSec Proving Grounds: 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