# Pentest Lab vs TryHackMe Cyber Security Training: side-by-side comparison (2026)

[Pentest Lab](https://cybersectools.com/tools/pentest-lab) is a free [cyber range training](https://cybersectools.com/categories/cyber-range) solution. [TryHackMe Cyber Security Training](https://cybersectools.com/tools/tryhackme-cyber-security-training) is a commercial [cyber range training](https://cybersectools.com/categories/cyber-range) solution by [TryHackMe](https://cybersectools.com/companies/tryhackme). Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side.

## Side-by-side comparison

| | Pentest Lab | TryHackMe Cyber Security Training |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Startup, SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise |
| GitHub stars | 209 | – |
| Last commit | Jun 2025 | – |
| Company | – | TryHackMe |
| Headquarters | – | – |

### Use cases and capabilities

| | Pentest Lab | TryHackMe Cyber Security Training |
|---|---|---|
| Red Team | Yes | Yes |
| Gamification | – | Yes |
| Cyber Range | – | Yes |
| Education | – | Yes |

### Core features

**Pentest Lab**

No features listed.

**TryHackMe Cyber Security Training**

10 features 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.

- [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.
- [TryHackMe Cyber Security Training](https://cybersectools.com/tools/tryhackme-cyber-security-training) fits if you want a cloud product and you are an enterprise.

## Pentest Lab vs TryHackMe Cyber Security Training FAQ

Common questions when comparing Pentest Lab vs TryHackMe Cyber Security Training for cyber range training.

### What is the difference between Pentest Lab and TryHackMe Cyber Security Training?

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

**TryHackMe Cyber Security Training**: Hands-on cybersecurity training platform with gamified labs and challenges. Built by TryHackMe.

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

### Who makes Pentest Lab and TryHackMe Cyber Security Training?

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

### Is Pentest Lab a good alternative to TryHackMe Cyber Security Training?

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

## Related comparisons

- [Pentest Lab vs GemForge Labs](https://cybersectools.com/compare/gemforge-labs-vs-pentest-lab)
- [Pentest Lab vs MetaCTF Cloud Labs / Cloud Ranges](https://cybersectools.com/compare/metactf-cloud-labs-cloud-ranges-vs-pentest-lab)
- [Pentest Lab vs Nexova Cyber Academy](https://cybersectools.com/compare/nexova-cyber-academy-vs-pentest-lab)
- [TryHackMe Cyber Security Training vs GemForge Labs](https://cybersectools.com/compare/gemforge-labs-vs-tryhackme-cyber-security-training)
- [TryHackMe Cyber Security Training vs MetaCTF Cloud Labs / Cloud Ranges](https://cybersectools.com/compare/metactf-cloud-labs-cloud-ranges-vs-tryhackme-cyber-security-training)
- [TryHackMe Cyber Security Training vs Nexova Cyber Academy](https://cybersectools.com/compare/nexova-cyber-academy-vs-tryhackme-cyber-security-training)

## Alternatives to each

- [See all Pentest Lab alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/pentest-lab)
- [See all TryHackMe Cyber Security Training alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/tryhackme-cyber-security-training)

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Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/pentest-lab-vs-tryhackme-cyber-security-training

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More on Pentest Lab and TryHackMe Cyber Security Training: 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
