# MetaCTF Cloud Labs / Cloud Ranges vs Simulator: 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). [Simulator](https://cybersectools.com/tools/simulator) 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 | Simulator |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Commercial | Free |
| Category | Cyber Range Training | Cyber Range Training |
| Verified | No | No |
| Deployment type | Cloud | Cloud |
| Company size fit | Startup, SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise |
| GitHub stars | – | 981 |
| Last commit | – | Jun 2024 |
| Company | MetaCTF | – |
| Headquarters | – | – |

### Use cases and capabilities

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

### Core features

**MetaCTF Cloud Labs / Cloud Ranges**

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

**Simulator**

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 are a startup.
- [Simulator](https://cybersectools.com/tools/simulator) fits if you need a free product and you want an open-source product.

## MetaCTF Cloud Labs / Cloud Ranges vs Simulator FAQ

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

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

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

**Simulator**: A distributed systems simulator that creates intentionally vulnerable Kubernetes clusters in AWS for security training and attack scenario practice.

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

### Who makes MetaCTF Cloud Labs / Cloud Ranges and Simulator?

**MetaCTF Cloud Labs / Cloud Ranges** is made by MetaCTF. **Simulator** is open-source with 981 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 Simulator?

Often, yes. MetaCTF Cloud Labs / Cloud Ranges and Simulator are both Cyber Range Training products, and both cover Education. Key differences: MetaCTF Cloud Labs / Cloud Ranges is Commercial while Simulator is Free, Simulator 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)
- [Simulator vs GemForge Labs](https://cybersectools.com/compare/gemforge-labs-vs-simulator)
- [Simulator vs Nexova Cyber Academy](https://cybersectools.com/compare/nexova-cyber-academy-vs-simulator)
- [Simulator vs Hack The Box Business](https://cybersectools.com/compare/hack-the-box-business-vs-simulator)

## Alternatives to each

- [See all MetaCTF Cloud Labs / Cloud Ranges alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/metactf-cloud-labs-cloud-ranges)
- [See all Simulator alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/simulator)

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

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