# MetaCTF Cloud Labs / Cloud Ranges vs Pentest Lab: side-by-side comparison (2026)

[MetaCTF Cloud Labs / Cloud Ranges](https://cybersectools.com/tools/metactf-cloud-labs-cloud-ranges) is a commercial [cyber range training](https://cybersectools.com/categories/cyber-range) solution by [MetaCTF](https://cybersectools.com/companies/metactf). [Pentest Lab](https://cybersectools.com/tools/pentest-lab) 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

| | MetaCTF Cloud Labs / Cloud Ranges | Pentest Lab |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| GitHub stars | – | 209 |
| Last commit | – | Jun 2025 |
| Company | MetaCTF | – |
| Headquarters | – | – |

### Use cases and capabilities

| | MetaCTF Cloud Labs / Cloud Ranges | Pentest Lab |
|---|---|---|
| Cyber Range | Yes | – |
| CTF | Yes | – |
| Blue Team | Yes | – |
| Red Team | Yes | Yes |
| Gamification | Yes | – |
| Education | Yes | – |
| Virtual Machine | Yes | – |
| Security Culture | Yes | – |
| Lab | Yes | – |

### Core features

**MetaCTF Cloud Labs / Cloud Ranges**

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

**Pentest Lab**

No features listed.

## Which one fits you

Based on what each listing shows: deployment, company size, price and open source.

- [MetaCTF Cloud Labs / Cloud Ranges](https://cybersectools.com/tools/metactf-cloud-labs-cloud-ranges) fits if you want a cloud product and you are an enterprise.
- [Pentest Lab](https://cybersectools.com/tools/pentest-lab) fits if you need to run it on your own servers, you need a free product and you want an open-source product.

## MetaCTF Cloud Labs / Cloud Ranges vs Pentest Lab FAQ

Common questions when comparing MetaCTF Cloud Labs / Cloud Ranges vs Pentest Lab for cyber range training.

### What is the difference between MetaCTF Cloud Labs / Cloud Ranges and Pentest Lab?

**MetaCTF Cloud Labs / Cloud Ranges**: Cloud-based, team-based hands-on cybersecurity training labs simulating real networks, built by MetaCTF.

**Pentest Lab**: Local pentest lab using docker compose to spin up victim and attacker services.

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

### Who makes MetaCTF Cloud Labs / Cloud Ranges and Pentest Lab?

**MetaCTF Cloud Labs / Cloud Ranges** is made by MetaCTF. **Pentest Lab** is open-source with 209 GitHub stars. The vendor behind a product decides its roadmap, support, and longevity, so check each company's profile before you commit.

### Is MetaCTF Cloud Labs / Cloud Ranges a good alternative to Pentest Lab?

Often, yes. MetaCTF Cloud Labs / Cloud Ranges and Pentest Lab are both Cyber Range Training products, and both cover Red Team. Key differences: MetaCTF Cloud Labs / Cloud Ranges is Commercial while Pentest Lab is Free, Pentest Lab is open-source. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ.

## Related comparisons

- [MetaCTF Cloud Labs / Cloud Ranges vs GemForge Labs](https://cybersectools.com/compare/gemforge-labs-vs-metactf-cloud-labs-cloud-ranges)
- [MetaCTF Cloud Labs / Cloud Ranges vs Nexova Cyber Academy](https://cybersectools.com/compare/metactf-cloud-labs-cloud-ranges-vs-nexova-cyber-academy)
- [MetaCTF Cloud Labs / Cloud Ranges vs Hack The Box Business](https://cybersectools.com/compare/hack-the-box-business-vs-metactf-cloud-labs-cloud-ranges)
- [Pentest Lab vs GemForge Labs](https://cybersectools.com/compare/gemforge-labs-vs-pentest-lab)
- [Pentest Lab vs Nexova Cyber Academy](https://cybersectools.com/compare/nexova-cyber-academy-vs-pentest-lab)
- [Pentest Lab vs Hack The Box Business](https://cybersectools.com/compare/hack-the-box-business-vs-pentest-lab)

## Alternatives to each

- [See all MetaCTF Cloud Labs / Cloud Ranges alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/metactf-cloud-labs-cloud-ranges)
- [See all Pentest Lab alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/pentest-lab)

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Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/metactf-cloud-labs-cloud-ranges-vs-pentest-lab

For AI agents: each product above has its own Markdown page (add .md to its URL, for example https://cybersectools.com/tools/metactf-cloud-labs-cloud-ranges.md). Every CybersecTools shortlist is listed at https://cybersectools.com/shortlists.md.

More on MetaCTF Cloud Labs / Cloud Ranges and Pentest Lab: 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