Metasploit is the world's most-used penetration testing framework, providing exploit modules, payloads, and post-exploitation tools for authorized security testing. Maintained by Rapid7, Metasploit Framework is free and open-source; Metasploit Pro adds automation, phishing campaigns, and reporting for enterprise pentesting teams. Used in every OSCP certification, red team engagement, and penetration testing course globally. Metasploit contains 2,000+ exploit modules and 500+ payload types.
Metasploit
Penetration testing framework
Best for: Authorized penetration testers and red teams conducting exploitation-phase security assessments
- Free plan
4.6/5 ratingEditorial score 87/100metasploit.com
The editorial note
What to know about Metasploit
Is it right for you?
Who Metasploit suits
Choose it if
- Authorized penetration testers and red teams conducting exploitation-phase security assessments
Look elsewhere if
- Unauthorized use — Metasploit is for authorized security testing only
What you get
Key features
- Exploit modules
- Payloads
- Post-exploitation
- Auxiliary modules
- Meterpreter
- Database integration
- Reporting
Works with
Integrations5
The trade-off
Pros and cons
Pros
- Industry-standard pentest framework
- 2,000+ exploits
- Free open-source
- OSCP required
- Active community
- Rapid7 backed
Cons
- Only for authorized testing
- Requires expertise to use safely
- Pro tier is expensive
Quick read
At a glance
- Category
- Cybersecurity & Privacy
- Pricing model
- Freemium
- Free plan
- Available
- Free trial
- Not listed
- Website
- metasploit.com
The verdict
Our take on Metasploit
Best penetration testing framework for authorized security assessments. Metasploit is to pentesting what Git is to version control — the universal standard that every security professional must know. Its exploit module library covers CVEs within days of disclosure.
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