Government · head to head
DataSF vs Metasploit
Metasploit
Cybersecurity
The world's most used penetration testing framework
- From
- Free
- Free plan
- Yes
The short version
- They diverge on capability: DataSF covers Open Datasets, Metasploit covers Exploit database.
- Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which DataSF and Metasploit actually diverge.
| Attribute | DataSF | Metasploit |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | free | freemium |
| Platforms | Web | Desktop, Cli |
| Category | Government | Cybersecurity |
| Founded | 2009 | 2000 |
Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in DataSF
- Open Datasets
- Data API
- Visualizations
- Data Catalog
- Automated Updates
- Socrata
- ArcGIS
- Analysis Tools
Only in Metasploit
- Exploit database
- Payload generation
- Post-exploitation
- Evasion modules
- Auxiliary scanners
- Social engineering
- Credential harvesting
- Session management
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
DataSF
- Citizen Servicesnot Metasploit
- Records Managementnot Metasploit
- Public Safetynot Metasploit
- Civic Engagementnot Metasploit
Metasploit
- Penetration testing and exploit development against known vulnerabilitiesnot DataSF
- Validating whether a reported vulnerability is actually exploitablenot DataSF
- Running phishing and credential attack simulations on the Pro editionnot DataSF
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
DataSF
Nothing recorded yet. See the DataSF review.
Metasploit
- The free Framework edition is command line only; the web interface is Pro only
- Automated exploitation, automated credential attacks and antivirus evading dynamic payloads are restricted to Metasploit Pro
- Reporting, audit wizards, task chains and closed loop vulnerability validation are Pro only
- Rapid7 publishes no price for Metasploit Pro and routes buyers to contact sales
Pricing, plan by plan
DataSF
Free- Public AccessFree
- Dataset Access
- API Access
- Visualizations
Metasploit
Free- Metasploit Framework (OSS)Free
- Open source
- 1500+ exploits
- Command line
- Metasploit ProFree
- Web interface
- Automated testing
- Phishing campaigns
Which should you pick?
Choose DataSF if
- You need open datasets.
- You want to start without paying.
- You also want data api.
Choose Metasploit if
- You need exploit database.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Desktop, Cli.
- You also want payload generation.
Questions people ask
- Is DataSF or Metasploit better?
- Neither clearly leads. DataSF starts at Free and Metasploit at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, DataSF or Metasploit?
- DataSF starts at Free and Metasploit at Free.
- Does DataSF or Metasploit run on more platforms?
- DataSF runs on Web. Metasploit runs on Desktop, Cli.
- Can I use DataSF for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is DataSF best used for?
- DataSF is most often used for citizen services, records management, public safety, civic engagement. Of those, citizen services and records management are not what Metasploit is typically brought in for.
- What can DataSF do that Metasploit cannot?
- DataSF covers Open Datasets, Data API, Visualizations, Data Catalog. Metasploit covers Exploit database, Payload generation, Post-exploitation, Evasion modules.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Metasploit: Is Metasploit Framework free to use?
Yes, Metasploit Framework is available as free open-source software with source code accessible via GitHub. Community support is provided through Slack, GitHub, Twitter, and email.
SourceMetasploit: What is the difference between Metasploit Framework and Metasploit Pro?
Metasploit Framework is the free open-source version. Metasploit Pro is a commercial offering with customer support from Rapid7, though specific pricing and features are not detailed on the download page.
SourceMetasploit: What support is available for the free Framework version?
Community-based support for Metasploit Framework is available through Slack, GitHub, Twitter, and email ([email protected]). Commercial customers using Metasploit Pro receive customer support from Rapid7.
SourceRelated pages
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