Cybersecurity · head to head
Metasploit vs Palo Alto Networks Prisma Cloud
Metasploit
Cybersecurity
The world's most used penetration testing framework
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
Palo Alto Networks Prisma Cloud
Cybersecurity
Cloud-native application protection platform
- From
- On request
- Rated
- -
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; Palo Alto Networks Prisma Cloud listed on UK G-Cloud at £147.54 per unit for Palo Alto Networks Prisma Cloud, via reseller Phoenix Software Limited, with the billing period not stated on the listing
- They diverge on capability: Metasploit covers Exploit database, Palo Alto Networks Prisma Cloud covers Cloud Security Posture Management.
- Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Metasploit and Palo Alto Networks Prisma Cloud actually diverge.
| Attribute | Metasploit | Palo Alto Networks Prisma Cloud |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free | On request |
| Pricing model | freemium | subscription |
| Free tier | Yes | No |
| Platforms | Desktop, Cli | Web, Api |
| Founded | 2000 | 2005 |
Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Cybersecurity).
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 Palo Alto Networks Prisma Cloud
- Cloud Security Posture Management
- Cloud Workload Protection
- Cloud Network Security
- Cloud Identity Security
- Code Security
- API Security
- Data Security
- Microsegmentation
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 Palo Alto Networks Prisma Cloud
- Validating whether a reported vulnerability is actually exploitablenot Palo Alto Networks Prisma Cloud
- Running phishing and credential attack simulations on the Pro editionnot Palo Alto Networks Prisma Cloud
Palo Alto Networks Prisma Cloud
- Cloud Securitynot Metasploit
- Cspmnot Metasploit
- Cwppnot 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
Palo Alto Networks Prisma Cloud
- Listed on UK G-Cloud at £147.54 per unit for Palo Alto Networks Prisma Cloud, via reseller Phoenix Software Limited, with the billing period not stated on the listing
Pricing, plan by plan
Metasploit
Free- Metasploit Framework (OSS)Free
- Open source
- 1500+ exploits
- Command line
- Metasploit ProFree
- Web interface
- Automated testing
- Phishing campaigns
Palo Alto Networks Prisma Cloud
On request- Cloud SecurityFree
- CSPM
- CWPP
- CIEM
- Code SecurityFree
- IaC security
- SCA
- Secrets scanning
- Prisma Cloud EnterpriseFree
- Full platform
- API security
- Data security
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.
Choose Palo Alto Networks Prisma Cloud if
- You need cloud security posture management.
- You work on Web, Api.
- You also want cloud workload protection.
Questions people ask
- Is Metasploit or Palo Alto Networks Prisma Cloud better?
- Neither clearly leads. Metasploit starts at Free and Palo Alto Networks Prisma Cloud at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Metasploit or Palo Alto Networks Prisma Cloud?
- Metasploit has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Metasploit and On request for Palo Alto Networks Prisma Cloud.
- Does Metasploit or Palo Alto Networks Prisma Cloud run on more platforms?
- Metasploit runs on Desktop, Cli. Palo Alto Networks Prisma Cloud runs on Web, Api.
- Can I use Metasploit for free?
- Yes. Metasploit has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Palo Alto Networks Prisma Cloud starts at On request.
- 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 Palo Alto Networks Prisma Cloud is typically brought in for.
- What can Metasploit do that Palo Alto Networks Prisma Cloud cannot?
- Metasploit covers Exploit database, Payload generation, Post-exploitation, Evasion modules. Palo Alto Networks Prisma Cloud covers Cloud Security Posture Management, Cloud Workload Protection, Cloud Network Security, Cloud Identity Security.
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.
SourcePalo Alto Networks Prisma Cloud: How much does Prisma Cloud cost?
Prisma Cloud pricing is not published publicly. Pricing is provided through the sales team via a custom quote based on your deployment scope and requirements.
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.
SourcePalo Alto Networks Prisma Cloud: Is there a free trial for Prisma Cloud?
No free trial is available without contacting the sales team. The company offers a demo through the product demo center or by requesting a demo through their sales process.
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.
SourcePalo Alto Networks Prisma Cloud: What do I need to do to get Prisma Cloud pricing and start a trial?
You must contact the sales team via the Contact Us link or request a demo. Pricing details are provided only through direct sales engagement.
SourceRelated pages
More on Palo Alto Networks Prisma Cloud
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