# Cisco Packet Tracer, TestOut vs Pluralsight Comparison

| | Cisco Packet Tracer | TestOut | Pluralsight | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.6 out of 5 | 4.7 out of 5 | 4.6 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 175 | 47 | 1,373 | 
| **Largest Market Segment** | Small-Business (52.7% of reviews) | Mid-Market (47.7% of reviews) | Enterprise (47.5% of reviews) | 
| **Entry Level Price** | No pricing available | No pricing available | $47.00 1 User Per Month | 

---
## Top Pros & Cons

### Cisco Packet Tracer

Pros:
- Ease of Use (1 reviews)
- Hands-on Labs (1 reviews)

Cons:
- Insufficient Content (1 reviews)
- Limited Course Options (1 reviews)

### TestOut

**Not enough data**

### Pluralsight

Pros:
- Content Quality (15 reviews)
- Ease of Use (15 reviews)

Cons:
- Expensive (5 reviews)
- High Subscription Cost (5 reviews)

---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | Cisco Packet Tracer | TestOut | Pluralsight | 
|---|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 8.7 (121 reviews) | 9.4 (34 reviews) | 9.0 (1137 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 9.1 (119 reviews) | 9.5 (34 reviews) | 9.2 (1145 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | 9.0 (28 reviews) | 9.5 (25 reviews) | 9.2 (330 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | 9.0 (24 reviews) | 9.2 (25 reviews) | 9.0 (296 reviews) | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 8.5 (101 reviews) | 9.8 (33 reviews) | 8.9 (878 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 8.7 (18 reviews) | 9.9 (24 reviews) | 9.2 (289 reviews) | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 8.2 (108 reviews) | 8.9 (32 reviews) | 8.9 (1110 reviews) | 

---
## Pricing

### Cisco Packet Tracer

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

No information available

### TestOut

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

No information available

### Pluralsight

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: For Teams

Price: $47.00 1 User Per Month

Description: For teams 2-20. Start learning right away with self-led onboarding for small teams. Get instant access to our full library of industry-leading courses, hands-on labs, and advanced analytics to measure progress over time.

Key Features:
- 6,500+ courses (access to the entire Pluralsight library, including all specialized tech topics)
-  3,500+ hands-on labs
-  900+ curated learning paths

[Browse all 2 editions](https://www.g2.com/products/pluralsight/pricing)

#### Free Trial

Yes

---
## Features Comparison By Category

### Technical Skills Development

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Cisco Packet Tracer** | N/A | N/A |
| **TestOut** | 9.2/10 | 7 |
| **Pluralsight** | 8.5/10 | 732 |

#### Functionality

| Feature | Cisco Packet Tracer | TestOut | Pluralsight | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Skill Gap Analysis** | Not enough data | 9.2 (6 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.5 (547 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Skill Assessment** | Not enough data | 9.0 (5 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.6 (594 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Projects** | Not enough data | 9.3 (5 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.2 (459 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Comprehension Checks** | Not enough data | 9.2 (6 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.4 (397 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Course Recommendation Engine** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.5 (422 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Learning Paths** | Not enough data | 8.0 (5 reviews) | 8.9 (458 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Channels** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.6 (401 reviews) ✓ Verified | 

#### Content

| Feature | Cisco Packet Tracer | TestOut | Pluralsight | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Interactive Content** | Not enough data | 9.8 (7 reviews) ✓ Verified | 8.5 (586 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Video Content** | Not enough data | 9.5 (7 reviews) ✓ Verified | 9.2 (668 reviews) ✓ Verified | 

#### Platform Reporting and Analytics

| Feature | Cisco Packet Tracer | TestOut | Pluralsight | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Advanced Analytics** | Not enough data | 9.3 (5 reviews) | 8.3 (305 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **SSO** | Not enough data | 9.4 (6 reviews) | 8.6 (289 reviews) | 
| **API Access** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.2 (212 reviews) ✓ Verified | 

#### Generative AI

| Feature | Cisco Packet Tracer | TestOut | Pluralsight | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **AI Text Generation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 

#### Agentic AI - Technical Skills Development

| Feature | Cisco Packet Tracer | TestOut | Pluralsight | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Adaptive Learning** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.1 (7 reviews) | 

### eLearning Content

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Cisco Packet Tracer** | N/A | N/A |
| **TestOut** | N/A | N/A |
| **Pluralsight** | 8.8/10 | 542 |

#### Training & eLearning

| Feature | Cisco Packet Tracer | TestOut | Pluralsight | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Manager Portals** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.5 (280 reviews) | 
| **Content Libraries** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.8 (420 reviews) | 

### Online Course Providers

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Cisco Packet Tracer** | N/A | N/A |
| **TestOut** | N/A | N/A |
| **Pluralsight** | 8.8/10 | 159 |

#### Courses

| Feature | Cisco Packet Tracer | TestOut | Pluralsight | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Personalized recommendations** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.7 (132 reviews) | 
| **High-quality content** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 9.4 (149 reviews) | 
| **Video content** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 9.2 (150 reviews) | 
| **Projects** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.6 (128 reviews) | 
| **In-course assessments** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.8 (143 reviews) | 
| **Certification practice tests** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.8 (138 reviews) | 

#### Administration

| Feature | Cisco Packet Tracer | TestOut | Pluralsight | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Team-level monitoring** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.8 (76 reviews) | 
| **Administrative dashboard** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.8 (91 reviews) | 
| **Certificates** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.9 (113 reviews) | 

#### Compatibility

| Feature | Cisco Packet Tracer | TestOut | Pluralsight | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Mobile compatibility** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.8 (122 reviews) | 
| **Offline access** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.4 (98 reviews) | 
| **Single sign-on (SSO)** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.5 (96 reviews) | 

### Skills Management

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Cisco Packet Tracer** | N/A | N/A |
| **TestOut** | N/A | N/A |
| **Pluralsight** | 8.9/10 | 79 |

#### Skill management

| Feature | Cisco Packet Tracer | TestOut | Pluralsight | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Skills Library** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 9.2 (70 reviews) | 
| **Skill Mapping** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 9.0 (65 reviews) | 
| **Employee Skill Assignment** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.7 (62 reviews) | 
| **Included Framework** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.8 (56 reviews) | 

#### Administration

| Feature | Cisco Packet Tracer | TestOut | Pluralsight | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Project Planning** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Feature Not Available | 
| **Search** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.9 (67 reviews) | 
| **Reporting** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 8.9 (61 reviews) | 

### Virtual IT Labs

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Cisco Packet Tracer** | 9.0/10 | 13 |
| **TestOut** | N/A | N/A |
| **Pluralsight** | 8.9/10 | 48 |

#### Performance

| Feature | Cisco Packet Tracer | TestOut | Pluralsight | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Ease of Understanding** | 9.3 (10 reviews) | Not enough data | 9.1 (40 reviews) | 
| **Degree of Simulation** | 8.9 (11 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.9 (35 reviews) | 
| **Results of the Experiment** | 9.4 (11 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.8 (32 reviews) | 

#### Administration

| Feature | Cisco Packet Tracer | TestOut | Pluralsight | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Certification** | 9.0 (10 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.6 (38 reviews) | 
| **Analytics Capabilities** | 8.9 (11 reviews) | Not enough data | 9.0 (36 reviews) | 

#### Accessibility

| Feature | Cisco Packet Tracer | TestOut | Pluralsight | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Mobile, Tablet compatibility** | 8.9 (9 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.7 (34 reviews) | 

#### Content

| Feature | Cisco Packet Tracer | TestOut | Pluralsight | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Interactive Content** | 9.2 (12 reviews) | Not enough data | 9.1 (36 reviews) | 
| **Video Content** | 8.6 (12 reviews) | Not enough data | 9.2 (41 reviews) | 

#### Functionality

| Feature | Cisco Packet Tracer | TestOut | Pluralsight | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Technical Support** | 9.2 (11 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.8 (37 reviews) | 
| **Live Chat** | 8.3 (8 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.6 (29 reviews) | 

### Talent Management

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Cisco Packet Tracer** | N/A | N/A |
| **TestOut** | N/A | N/A |
| **Pluralsight** | N/A | N/A |

#### Generative AI

| Feature | Cisco Packet Tracer | TestOut | Pluralsight | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **AI Text Generation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **AI Text Summarization** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### Training eLearning

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Cisco Packet Tracer** | N/A | N/A |
| **TestOut** | N/A | N/A |
| **Pluralsight** | N/A | N/A |

#### Platform

| Feature | Cisco Packet Tracer | TestOut | Pluralsight | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Customization ** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Integration APIs** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Internationalization** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **User, Role, and Access Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Performance** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Mobility** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Reporting** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Dashboards** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

---
## Categories

**Unique to Cisco Packet Tracer (1):** [Virtual IT Labs Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/virtual-it-labs)

**Unique to TestOut (2):** [Technical Skills Development Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/technical-skills-development), [Online Course Providers](https://www.g2.com/categories/online-course-providers)

**Unique to Pluralsight (5):** [Skills Management Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/skills-management), [Technical Skills Development Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/technical-skills-development), [eLearning Content Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/elearning-content), [Online Course Providers](https://www.g2.com/categories/online-course-providers), [Virtual IT Labs Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/virtual-it-labs)


---
## Reviewer Demographics

### By Company Size

| Segment | Cisco Packet Tracer | TestOut | Pluralsight | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 52.7% | 31.8% | 21.3% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 30.0% | 47.7% | 31.1% | 
| **Enterprise** | 17.3% | 20.5% | 47.5% | 

### By Industry

#### Cisco Packet Tracer

- **Computer Networking:** 21.3%
- **Computer & Network Security:** 19.3%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 11.3%
- **Higher Education:** 10.0%
- **Telecommunications:** 9.3%
- **Education Management:** 4.7%
- **Computer Software:** 2.7%
- **Internet:** 2.7%
- **Financial Services:** 2.0%
- **Hospital & Health Care:** 2.0%
- **Other:** 14.7%

#### TestOut

- **Education Management:** 27.3%
- **Higher Education:** 18.2%
- **E-Learning:** 18.2%
- **Primary/Secondary Education:** 15.9%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 9.1%
- **Computer & Network Security:** 4.5%
- **Law Practice:** 2.3%
- **Hospital & Health Care:** 2.3%
- **Computer Software:** 2.3%

#### Pluralsight

- **Information Technology and Services:** 22.5%
- **Computer Software:** 15.9%
- **Financial Services:** 8.9%
- **Banking:** 3.1%
- **Insurance:** 2.8%
- **Education Management:** 2.8%
- **Higher Education:** 2.5%
- **Computer & Network Security:** 2.3%
- **Hospital & Health Care:** 2.3%
- **Government Administration:** 2.1%
- **Other:** 34.8%

---
## Alternatives

### Alternatives to Cisco Packet Tracer

- [AWS Training and Certification](https://www.g2.com/products/aws-training-and-certification/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (21 reviews)
- [CBT Nuggets](https://www.g2.com/products/cbt-nuggets/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (483 reviews)
- [QA USA](https://www.g2.com/products/qa-usa/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (467 reviews)
- [Skillable](https://www.g2.com/products/skillable/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (470 reviews)
- [KodeKloud](https://www.g2.com/products/kodekloud/reviews) — 4.8/5 stars (960 reviews)
- [CloudShare](https://www.g2.com/products/cloudshare/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (256 reviews)
- [ACI Learning [ITPro]](https://www.g2.com/products/aci-learning-itpro/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (406 reviews)
- [ReadyTech](https://www.g2.com/products/readytech/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (227 reviews)
- [Instruqt](https://www.g2.com/products/instruqt/reviews) — 4.8/5 stars (63 reviews)
- [Kasm Workspaces](https://www.g2.com/products/kasm-workspaces/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (49 reviews)

### Alternatives to TestOut

- [CBT Nuggets](https://www.g2.com/products/cbt-nuggets/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (483 reviews)
- [ACI Learning [ITPro]](https://www.g2.com/products/aci-learning-itpro/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (406 reviews)
- [LinkedIn Learning](https://www.g2.com/products/linkedin-linkedin-learning/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (719 reviews)
- [Udemy Business](https://www.g2.com/products/udemy-business/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (711 reviews)
- [QA USA](https://www.g2.com/products/qa-usa/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (467 reviews)
- [Coursera for Business](https://www.g2.com/products/coursera-for-business/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (466 reviews)
- [INE](https://www.g2.com/products/ine/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (408 reviews)
- [Skillable](https://www.g2.com/products/skillable/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (470 reviews)
- [KodeKloud](https://www.g2.com/products/kodekloud/reviews) — 4.8/5 stars (960 reviews)
- [Udacity](https://www.g2.com/products/udacity/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (758 reviews)

### Alternatives to Pluralsight

- [QA USA](https://www.g2.com/products/qa-usa/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (467 reviews)
- [CBT Nuggets](https://www.g2.com/products/cbt-nuggets/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (483 reviews)
- [KodeKloud](https://www.g2.com/products/kodekloud/reviews) — 4.8/5 stars (960 reviews)
- [Udacity](https://www.g2.com/products/udacity/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (758 reviews)
- [LinkedIn Learning](https://www.g2.com/products/linkedin-linkedin-learning/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (719 reviews)
- [Udemy Business](https://www.g2.com/products/udemy-business/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (711 reviews)
- [DataCamp](https://www.g2.com/products/datacamp/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (629 reviews)
- [INE](https://www.g2.com/products/ine/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (408 reviews)
- [ACI Learning [ITPro]](https://www.g2.com/products/aci-learning-itpro/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (406 reviews)
- [Skillsoft Percipio Platform](https://www.g2.com/products/skillsoft-percipio-platform/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (106 reviews)

---
## Top Discussions

### Cisco Packet Tracer

- Title: [On what platform Packet Tracer can be run and installed?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/on-what-platform-packet-tracer-can-be-run-and-installed) — 2 comments
  > **Top comment:** "All windows ,apple platforms and even android can run packet tracer"
- Title: [What is Cisco Packet Tracer used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-cisco-packet-tracer-used-for) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "To make virtual network thier design, configuration and troubleshooting easy"
- Title: [You can do this in fully lengthy  "Supporting all configurations , switching,routing, firewall supporting necessary.The best way is to promote it and tell it pros and cons comparing to others.. Use can use this for educational purposes.Question is are you making it immediately.](https://www.g2.com/discussions/33163-you-can-do-this-in-fully-lengthy-supporting-all-configurations-switching-routing-firewall-supporting-necessary-the-best-way-is-to-promote-it-and-tell-it-pros-and-cons-comparing-to-others-use-can-use-this-for-educational-purposes-question-is-are-you-) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "thanks you for your inforamtion "
- Title: [What is the best way to practice Cisco Packet Tracer for students?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/26056-what-is-the-best-way-to-practice-cisco-packet-tracer-for-students) — 1 comment, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "CCNA classes in pune
CCNA course in pune
CCNA training in pune


In order to recognize networks we want to apprehend the factors of a network. There are..."

### TestOut

- Title: [Is it possible for an instructor to create a Custom Lab exercise, using the simulator?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/11866-is-it-possible-for-an-instructor-to-create-a-custom-lab-exercise-using-the-simulator) — 3 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "No"
- Title: [What factors you consider important for choosing a software provider?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-factors-you-consider-important-for-choosing-a-software-provider) — 1 comment, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Ask the vendor for a fully-featured trial subscription to the software for 90 days.  Evaluate features, functions, and ease of use from the end users'..."

### Pluralsight

- Title: [Have you planned practice exams for certifications](https://www.g2.com/discussions/have-you-planned-practice-exams-for-certifications) — 5 comments, 2 upvotes
  > **Top comment:** "We don’t offer practice exams. Our employees use Pluralsight for the training, typically prior to formal exam prep to boot camp training if a cert is the goal. "
- Title: [How much is a cloud guru?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-much-is-a-cloud-guru) — 2 comments
  > **Top comment:** "its pretty expensive for mediocre content"
- Title: [Is a cloud guru good?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-a-cloud-guru-good) — 2 comments
  > **Top comment:** "Yes!"
- Title: [can I import practice questions to an excel sheet?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/can-i-import-practice-questions-to-an-excel-sheet) — 2 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "No."
- Title: [What does a cloud guru do?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-does-a-cloud-guru-do) — 2 comments
  > **Top comment:** "A silly question. "

---
**Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/cisco-packet-tracer-vs-testout-vs-pluralsight)