CTFd vs Haaukins: Side-by-Side Comparison (2026)
Features, pricing, ratings, and pros & cons — compared head-to-head.
CTFd is a free cyber range training tool. Haaukins is a free cyber range training tool. Compare features, ratings, integrations, and community reviews side by side to find the best cyber range training fit for your security stack.
CST VerdictBased on our analysis of available product data, here is our conclusion:
Security teams and training programs building internal skill-development competitions will find CTFd the fastest path to launch; its free, self-hosted model means you control the infrastructure and avoid vendor lock-in while running unlimited challenges. The 6,500-plus GitHub stars and active open-source community signal real production deployments and rapid bug fixes. Skip CTFd if you need a managed SaaS platform with hands-off administration or enterprise SSO controls; this is a build-it-yourself framework, not a turnkey service.
Security teams building internal training programs or running capture-the-flag competitions will get the most from Haaukins because it automates environment provisioning at zero cost, letting you focus on exercise design instead of infrastructure management. The platform runs on GitHub and has been deployed by security educators who need repeatable, vulnerable labs without licensing friction. Skip this if you need managed services, instructor dashboards, or certification-aligned curricula; Haaukins is a self-hosted builder's tool, not a turnkey training platform.
