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Metasploit vs Palantir Gotham

Metasploit logo

Metasploit

Cybersecurity

The world's most used penetration testing framework

From
Free
Free plan
Yes
Full reviewWebsite
Palantir Gotham logo

Palantir Gotham

Government

Data Integration for Defense & Intelligence

From
$10000/month
Free plan
No
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Metasploit has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Metasploit the free Framework edition is command line only; the web interface is Pro only; Palantir Gotham no pricing information published; enterprise product requiring direct sales engagement
  • They diverge on capability: Metasploit covers Exploit database, Palantir Gotham covers Data Integration.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Metasploit and Palantir Gotham actually diverge.

Attributes where Metasploit and Palantir Gotham differ
AttributeMetasploitPalantir Gotham
Starting priceFree$10000/month
Pricing modelfreemiumquote
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsDesktop, CliDesktop, Web
CategoryCybersecurityGovernment
Founded20002003

Identical on both: 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 Metasploit

  • Exploit database
  • Payload generation
  • Post-exploitation
  • Evasion modules
  • Auxiliary scanners
  • Social engineering
  • Credential harvesting
  • Session management

Only in Palantir Gotham

  • Data Integration
  • Pattern Analysis
  • Link Analysis
  • Geospatial Analysis
  • Collaboration
  • Intelligence Databases
  • Classified Systems
  • GIS

Both cover

  • Desktop support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Metasploit

  • Penetration testing and exploit development against known vulnerabilitiesnot Palantir Gotham
  • Validating whether a reported vulnerability is actually exploitablenot Palantir Gotham
  • Running phishing and credential attack simulations on the Pro editionnot Palantir Gotham

Palantir Gotham

  • Citizen Servicesnot Metasploit
  • Records Managementnot Metasploit
  • Public Safetynot Metasploit
  • Civic Engagementnot Metasploit

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

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

Palantir Gotham

  • No pricing information published; enterprise product requiring direct sales engagement

Pricing, plan by plan

Metasploit

Free
  • Metasploit Framework (OSS)Free
    • Open source
    • 1500+ exploits
    • Command line
  • Metasploit ProFree
    • Web interface
    • Automated testing
    • Phishing campaigns

Palantir Gotham

$10000/month
  • Enterprise$10000/month
    • Data Integration
    • Analysis Tools
    • Collaboration

Which should you pick?

Choose Metasploit if

  • You need exploit database.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Desktop, Cli.
  • You also want payload generation.
Metasploit review

Choose Palantir Gotham if

  • You need data integration.
  • You work on Desktop, Web.
  • You also want pattern analysis.
Palantir Gotham review

Questions people ask

Is Metasploit or Palantir Gotham better?
Neither clearly leads. Metasploit starts at Free and Palantir Gotham at $10000/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Metasploit or Palantir Gotham?
Metasploit has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Metasploit and $10000/month for Palantir Gotham.
Does Metasploit or Palantir Gotham run on more platforms?
Metasploit runs on Desktop, Cli. Palantir Gotham runs on Desktop, Web.
Can I use Metasploit for free?
Yes. Metasploit has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Palantir Gotham starts at $10000/month.
What is Metasploit best used for?
Metasploit is most often used for penetration testing and exploit development against known vulnerabilities, validating whether a reported vulnerability is actually exploitable, running phishing and credential attack simulations on the pro edition. Of those, penetration testing and exploit development against known vulnerabilities and validating whether a reported vulnerability is actually exploitable are not what Palantir Gotham is typically brought in for.
What can Metasploit do that Palantir Gotham cannot?
Metasploit covers Exploit database, Payload generation, Post-exploitation, Evasion modules. Palantir Gotham covers Data Integration, Pattern Analysis, Link Analysis, Geospatial Analysis. Both handle Desktop support.

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.

Source
Palantir Gotham: How much does Palantir Gotham cost?

Palantir Gotham does not publish pricing information on its website. As an enterprise analytics platform, costs are determined through direct sales consultation tailored to organizational scope and requirements.

Source
Metasploit: 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.

Source
Metasploit: 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.

Source
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