Quick Overview
- 1#1: TryHackMe - Interactive platform offering guided cybersecurity labs, challenges, and learning paths for all skill levels.
- 2#2: Hack The Box - Advanced hacking platform with vulnerable machines, CTF challenges, and skill-building academies for penetration testers.
- 3#3: Immersive Labs - Enterprise cybersecurity training platform with real-world simulations, skills assessments, and adaptive learning.
- 4#4: KnowBe4 - Leading security awareness training platform with phishing simulations, interactive modules, and compliance reporting.
- 5#5: RangeForce - Hands-on cybersecurity training with live-fire ranges, team-based scenarios, and role-specific skill development.
- 6#6: Cybrary - Online learning platform providing cybersecurity courses, virtual labs, and certification prep for professionals.
- 7#7: LetsDefend - Blue team training platform simulating SOC operations with incident response labs and threat hunting exercises.
- 8#8: PentesterLab - Web application penetration testing labs with practical exercises and video walkthroughs for ethical hackers.
- 9#9: Blue Team Labs Online - Defensive cybersecurity training through realistic blue team challenges and incident response simulations.
- 10#10: VulnHub - Repository of downloadable vulnerable virtual machines designed for practicing penetration testing and security skills.
Tools were ranked based on features (e.g., realistic scenarios, adaptive learning), educational depth (curriculum relevance, certification alignment), user experience (intuitive design, accessibility), and practical value (skill acquisition impact, cost-effectiveness), ensuring a comprehensive guide for learners of all proficiency levels.
Comparison Table
Explore a curated comparison of top cybersecurity training software tools, including TryHackMe, Hack The Box, and KnowBe4, to uncover their strengths in hands-on practice, simulated attacks, and team training. Discover key features, ideal use cases, and how these platforms align with different skill levels and organizational goals.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | TryHackMe Interactive platform offering guided cybersecurity labs, challenges, and learning paths for all skill levels. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 2 | Hack The Box Advanced hacking platform with vulnerable machines, CTF challenges, and skill-building academies for penetration testers. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 3 | Immersive Labs Enterprise cybersecurity training platform with real-world simulations, skills assessments, and adaptive learning. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 4 | KnowBe4 Leading security awareness training platform with phishing simulations, interactive modules, and compliance reporting. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 5 | RangeForce Hands-on cybersecurity training with live-fire ranges, team-based scenarios, and role-specific skill development. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 6 | Cybrary Online learning platform providing cybersecurity courses, virtual labs, and certification prep for professionals. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | LetsDefend Blue team training platform simulating SOC operations with incident response labs and threat hunting exercises. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | PentesterLab Web application penetration testing labs with practical exercises and video walkthroughs for ethical hackers. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | Blue Team Labs Online Defensive cybersecurity training through realistic blue team challenges and incident response simulations. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 10 | VulnHub Repository of downloadable vulnerable virtual machines designed for practicing penetration testing and security skills. | other | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.0/10 | 9.5/10 |
Interactive platform offering guided cybersecurity labs, challenges, and learning paths for all skill levels.
Advanced hacking platform with vulnerable machines, CTF challenges, and skill-building academies for penetration testers.
Enterprise cybersecurity training platform with real-world simulations, skills assessments, and adaptive learning.
Leading security awareness training platform with phishing simulations, interactive modules, and compliance reporting.
Hands-on cybersecurity training with live-fire ranges, team-based scenarios, and role-specific skill development.
Online learning platform providing cybersecurity courses, virtual labs, and certification prep for professionals.
Blue team training platform simulating SOC operations with incident response labs and threat hunting exercises.
Web application penetration testing labs with practical exercises and video walkthroughs for ethical hackers.
Defensive cybersecurity training through realistic blue team challenges and incident response simulations.
Repository of downloadable vulnerable virtual machines designed for practicing penetration testing and security skills.
TryHackMe
specializedInteractive platform offering guided cybersecurity labs, challenges, and learning paths for all skill levels.
In-browser deployable virtual machines and integrated Pwnbox for seamless, hardware-agnostic hands-on hacking labs.
TryHackMe is an online cybersecurity training platform that offers hands-on learning through interactive 'rooms' and virtual labs deployable directly in the browser. It covers a wide range of topics from beginner networking and Linux basics to advanced penetration testing, red teaming, and CTF challenges, with structured learning paths guiding users progressively. The platform emphasizes practical skills in a gamified environment, complete with community forums, badges, and leaderboards to enhance engagement.
Pros
- Vast library of over 600 rooms spanning beginner to expert levels
- Browser-based VMs and Pwnbox for instant, no-setup practice
- Gamified progression with learning paths, badges, and community support
Cons
- Occasional room bugs or outdated content requiring community fixes
- Heavy reliance on stable internet for VM performance
- Advanced certifications and some premium rooms locked behind subscription
Best For
Beginners to intermediate cybersecurity learners seeking guided, hands-on ethical hacking practice without complex local setups.
Pricing
Free tier with limited daily access; Premium at $10/month or $90/year for unlimited rooms, priority access, and advanced features.
Hack The Box
specializedAdvanced hacking platform with vulnerable machines, CTF challenges, and skill-building academies for penetration testers.
Live, periodically resetting hacking boxes that mimic evolving real-world vulnerabilities and defenses
Hack The Box (HTB) is a leading gamified cybersecurity training platform offering hands-on penetration testing through vulnerable virtual machines (boxes), hacking challenges across categories like web, crypto, and forensics, and advanced labs. Users connect via VPN to exploit live or retired boxes, earning points, badges, and rankings while tracking skills via interactive graphs. It also includes HTB Academy for structured, guided learning modules from beginner to expert levels.
Pros
- Extensive library of realistic, actively updated machines and challenges simulating real-world pentesting
- Strong community features including forums, CTF events, and peer submissions
- Comprehensive skill-tracking graphs and progression system for personalized learning
Cons
- Steep learning curve for absolute beginners without prior cybersecurity knowledge
- VPN setup and resource-intensive labs require decent hardware and technical setup
- Free tier limited to retired content; full access requires subscription
Best For
Intermediate to advanced cybersecurity enthusiasts, penetration testers, and red teamers seeking practical, gamified hacking practice.
Pricing
Free tier for retired boxes and basic challenges; VIP subscription at $14/month or $120/year for live content; HTB Academy at $19/month or $190/year; bundles available.
Immersive Labs
enterpriseEnterprise cybersecurity training platform with real-world simulations, skills assessments, and adaptive learning.
Interactive Cyber Ranges providing real-time, fully simulated attack environments for realistic skill practice
Immersive Labs is a cybersecurity training platform that delivers hands-on learning through interactive labs, real-world simulations, and gamified challenges to build practical skills in threat hunting, incident response, and cloud security. It features a vast library of over 2,000 labs aligned with frameworks like NIST and MITRE ATT&CK, enabling personalized learning paths and skill benchmarking. The platform supports team upskilling at scale with detailed analytics and integrations for enterprise environments.
Pros
- Extensive library of hands-on labs and simulations covering diverse cyber scenarios
- Advanced skill analytics and benchmarking against global standards
- Gamification and personalized paths to boost engagement and retention
Cons
- High cost suitable mainly for mid-to-large enterprises
- Some advanced labs require strong foundational knowledge
- Occasional performance issues in browser-based environments
Best For
Mid-sized to large organizations needing scalable, hands-on cybersecurity training for technical teams and compliance.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; typically starts at $40-60 per user/month for annual subscriptions with volume discounts.
KnowBe4
enterpriseLeading security awareness training platform with phishing simulations, interactive modules, and compliance reporting.
AI-Driven Phishing (AIDA) that automatically generates and adapts hyper-realistic phishing simulations based on user responses and organizational data.
KnowBe4 is a leading cybersecurity awareness training platform that specializes in reducing human error through interactive training modules, videos, games, and realistic simulated phishing attacks. It provides a vast library of over 1,000 customizable training assets and phishing templates, enabling organizations to launch targeted campaigns and track progress with detailed analytics. The platform integrates AI-driven features like adaptive learning paths and risk scoring to personalize training based on user behavior and vulnerabilities.
Pros
- Extensive content library with thousands of up-to-date training materials and phishing simulations
- Powerful analytics and reporting for measuring risk reduction and ROI
- AI-powered tools like AIDA for automated, behavior-adaptive phishing tests
Cons
- Pricing can be expensive for small teams with minimum user requirements
- Advanced customization and reporting may have a learning curve for new admins
- Some users report occasional platform glitches during high-volume campaigns
Best For
Mid-sized to large enterprises seeking enterprise-grade phishing simulation and ongoing employee security awareness training.
Pricing
Subscription-based; starts at around $24-36 per user per year (minimum 50-100 users), with custom enterprise quotes and free trials available.
RangeForce
enterpriseHands-on cybersecurity training with live-fire ranges, team-based scenarios, and role-specific skill development.
Cloud-native cyber ranges that deliver live, branching attack scenarios mimicking production environments without risk to real infrastructure
RangeForce is a cybersecurity training platform that provides hands-on, scenario-based exercises in virtual cyber ranges simulating real-world enterprise networks and attack scenarios. It enables blue, red, and purple teams to practice defending, hunting, and responding to live cyber threats in a safe, scalable environment. The platform includes skill assessments, progress tracking, and certification paths to build practical expertise. Designed for organizations aiming to upskill security teams efficiently.
Pros
- Highly realistic, interactive cyber ranges for immersive training
- Comprehensive analytics and skill certification tracking
- Supports team-based, multi-role exercises (blue/red/purple team)
Cons
- Enterprise-level pricing inaccessible for small teams or individuals
- Initial setup and environment configuration can be time-intensive
- Limited public demos or free tiers for evaluation
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises training SOC analysts, incident responders, and threat hunters with advanced hands-on simulations.
Pricing
Custom enterprise subscription pricing upon request; typically starts at $5,000+ per user/year for team licenses.
Cybrary
specializedOnline learning platform providing cybersecurity courses, virtual labs, and certification prep for professionals.
Role-based learning paths with integrated labs simulating enterprise SOC environments
Cybrary is a comprehensive online platform specializing in cybersecurity training, offering thousands of courses, interactive labs, and certification preparation for roles like SOC analysts, penetration testers, and security engineers. It provides role-based learning paths, hands-on simulations, and skill assessments to build practical skills for real-world cyber threats. The platform supports learners from beginners to experts, with community forums, events, and career resources to aid professional growth.
Pros
- Extensive library of cybersecurity-specific courses and certification prep
- Hands-on virtual labs and attack simulations for practical experience
- Role-based learning paths aligned with industry job roles
Cons
- Some courses have outdated content or videos
- Full access requires paid subscription with limited free tier
- User interface can feel cluttered for navigation
Best For
Aspiring and mid-level cybersecurity professionals seeking targeted training paths and hands-on labs for certifications like CISSP, CompTIA Security+, or CEH.
Pricing
Free tier with basic access; Premium individual plans at $59/month or $599/year; team/enterprise pricing customized.
LetsDefend
specializedBlue team training platform simulating SOC operations with incident response labs and threat hunting exercises.
Fully immersive virtual SOC with live data feeds and multi-tool integration for authentic incident handling
LetsDefend is a hands-on cybersecurity training platform that simulates a real-world Security Operations Center (SOC) environment for blue team skills development. Users engage in incident investigations, threat hunting, and response workflows using tools mimicking SIEM, EDR, and ticketing systems. It features gamified scenarios based on actual breaches, helping learners build practical detection and response expertise.
Pros
- Highly realistic SOC simulations with integrated tools like Splunk and TheHive
- Gamified learning paths with leaderboards and certifications
- Regularly updated scenarios based on current threats
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for complete beginners
- Limited focus on offensive security or advanced red teaming
- Pricing can be high for individual users or small teams
Best For
SOC analysts, incident responders, and cybersecurity students seeking practical, scenario-driven training.
Pricing
Individual access starts at $49/month; team plans from $299/month (5 users); enterprise custom pricing with free trial available.
PentesterLab
specializedWeb application penetration testing labs with practical exercises and video walkthroughs for ethical hackers.
Fully browser-based virtual labs that launch instantly without any VM or software installation
PentesterLab is an online platform offering hands-on penetration testing labs focused on web application vulnerabilities such as SQL injection, XSS, CSRF, and authentication bypasses. Users practice in browser-based virtual machines that simulate real-world environments without requiring local setup. It includes free exercises for beginners and PRO content with advanced labs, video walkthroughs, badges, and certification preparation.
Pros
- Highly realistic, interactive web pentesting labs
- Browser-based VMs require no local installation
- Detailed write-ups, videos, and progress tracking in PRO tier
Cons
- Narrow focus on web apps, limited network/red team content
- Some labs use older technologies that feel dated
- Full access requires paid PRO subscription
Best For
Beginner to intermediate web penetration testers seeking practical, setup-free labs to build exploitation skills.
Pricing
Free tier with basic labs; PRO at $19.99/month, $99/6 months, or $199/year.
Blue Team Labs Online
specializedDefensive cybersecurity training through realistic blue team challenges and incident response simulations.
Browser-accessible, fully simulated enterprise networks for instant, no-setup blue team practice
Blue Team Labs Online (BTLO) is a specialized cybersecurity training platform focused on blue team skills, offering hands-on labs in incident response, threat hunting, digital forensics, and malware analysis. It provides browser-based virtual environments that simulate real-world enterprise networks, allowing users to practice defensive techniques without local setup. The platform features progressive challenges, from beginner to advanced levels, with detailed write-ups and community discussions to enhance learning.
Pros
- Realistic, scenario-based labs mimicking enterprise environments
- No setup required—fully browser-based access
- Progressive skill levels with detailed solutions and community support
Cons
- Subscription pricing can be steep for casual learners
- Primarily blue team focused, limited red team or offensive content
- Advanced labs assume prior foundational knowledge
Best For
Blue team analysts, incident responders, and cybersecurity students seeking practical defensive training in simulated environments.
Pricing
Free tier with limited labs; Pro plan at $49/month or $399/year; Enterprise custom pricing.
VulnHub
otherRepository of downloadable vulnerable virtual machines designed for practicing penetration testing and security skills.
Community-driven library of hundreds of intentionally vulnerable VMs for authentic pentesting training
VulnHub is a free platform providing downloadable virtual machines (VMs) riddled with intentional vulnerabilities for hands-on cybersecurity training, particularly in penetration testing and ethical hacking. Users import these VMs into tools like VirtualBox or VMware to practice exploiting real-world flaws in a safe environment. The site features a diverse library of machines ranging from beginner-friendly to advanced challenges, all contributed by the community.
Pros
- Completely free with no subscription required
- Extensive variety of vulnerable VMs for different skill levels
- Realistic hands-on practice mimicking actual pentesting scenarios
Cons
- Requires manual setup with virtualization software like VirtualBox
- No guided tutorials or progress tracking features
- VM quality and difficulty can vary significantly by contributor
Best For
Aspiring penetration testers and self-motivated cybersecurity learners seeking practical, unguided vulnerability exploitation practice.
Pricing
Entirely free to download and use all VMs.
Conclusion
Evaluating the top tools reveals TryHackMe as the standout choice, boasting an interactive, inclusive platform with guided labs that cater to all skill levels. Although Hack The Box excels for advanced penetration testing and Immersive Labs impresses with enterprise simulations, TryHackMe’s well-rounded approach positions it as the top pick. Every tool offers unique value, ensuring there’s a fit for diverse cybersecurity goals.
Take the leap into cybersecurity by trying TryHackMe—its intuitive design and comprehensive labs make it the perfect starting point to build skills and confidence.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
