Cybersecurity · head to head
Metasploit vs SonicWall
Metasploit
Cybersecurity
The world's most used penetration testing framework
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
SonicWall
Cybersecurity
Proven security, performance and simplicity for modern networks
- 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; SonicWall product line page names no price for any firewall model, series or bundled security service
- Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Metasploit and SonicWall actually diverge.
| Attribute | Metasploit | SonicWall |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free | On request |
| Pricing model | freemium | quote |
| Free tier | Yes | No |
| Platforms | Desktop, Cli | Web |
| Founded | 2000 | Unknown |
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 SonicWall
Nothing recorded that Metasploit does not also cover.
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 SonicWall
- Validating whether a reported vulnerability is actually exploitablenot SonicWall
- Running phishing and credential attack simulations on the Pro editionnot SonicWall
SonicWall
- Network security and firewallsnot Metasploit
- Cloud securitynot 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
SonicWall
- Product line page names no price for any firewall model, series or bundled security service
- Product tiers are segmented strictly by business size (TZ80 for micro-SMBs up to NSsp for large enterprises), so a growing business must migrate hardware series rather than scale within one model
Pricing, plan by plan
Metasploit
Free- Metasploit Framework (OSS)Free
- Open source
- 1500+ exploits
- Command line
- Metasploit ProFree
- Web interface
- Automated testing
- Phishing campaigns
SonicWall
On requestNo published plan breakdown. See the SonicWall review.
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 SonicWall if
Nothing in the data separates SonicWall from Metasploit on the points above - pick on price and on how each one feels to use.
Questions people ask
- Is Metasploit or SonicWall better?
- Neither clearly leads. Metasploit starts at Free and SonicWall at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Metasploit or SonicWall?
- Metasploit has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Metasploit and On request for SonicWall.
- Does Metasploit or SonicWall run on more platforms?
- Metasploit runs on Desktop, Cli. SonicWall runs on Web.
- Can I use Metasploit for free?
- Yes. Metasploit has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. SonicWall 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 SonicWall is typically brought in for.
- What can Metasploit do that SonicWall cannot?
- 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.
SourceSonicWall: How much does SonicWall cost?
SonicWall does not publish pricing on its main website. The company directs customers to contact their sales team directly or access the partner portal for reseller pricing. Free trials are available through their sales channels.
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.
SourceSonicWall: Does SonicWall offer a free trial?
Yes, SonicWall offers free trials for their products. Contact their sales team through the Contact Sales button to request trial access and pricing information.
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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