The 6 Best Virtual Hands-On Labs For 2025

Virtual hands-on laboratories are now necessary for learning practical IT skills since they let people, businesses, and teachers provide immersive and effective technical instruction to a lot of people at once. These cloud-based platforms let you practice setting up, fixing, and deploying technology in a way that is similar to how it works in the real world. Choosing the right lab solution may make a big difference in speeding up significant learning results, whether the goal is to get professional certification, improve the skills of workers, or enhance academic courses.

This in-depth article goes over what virtual hands-on labs are, what makes them special, a full review of six of the best options for 2025, and a strategic technique for picking the best platform for your needs.

Getting to know Virtual Hands-on Labs

A virtual hands-on lab is a cloud-based platform that lets people practice technical skills in interactive, preset settings. These laboratories employ the same tools, networks, operating systems, software, and cloud interfaces that professionals use in their jobs. Participants do guided activities or investigate and change systems on their own, getting real experience in a safe context.

Virtual laboratories, on the other hand, encourage deep, active participation, unlike passive kinds of e-learning. The experience is mostly hands-on; users construct, break, test, and fix things, which helps them remember things far better than just reading or watching videos. Labs may be guided by a teacher or done at your own leisure, and many platforms keep track of progress and completion.

Cloud computing platforms using virtual labs the most:

• Automation and DevOps
• Safety on the Internet
• Managing networks and systems
• Writing code and scripts
• Data science and analysis

How Virtual Hands-On Labs Make Learning Better

Virtual hands-on laboratories help people learn faster by going beyond rote memorization and multiple-choice tests. Users learn how to use technology by trying things out, fixing problems, and doing guided activities that are like real-life work situations. This strong way of learning leads to increased job-ready or certification pass rates, as well as stronger retention and deeper understanding.

Other features, including version control, time-limited lab access, and strong rollback options, make both learners and IT administrators feel more secure. These platforms help cut down on the time and danger of setting up local computers by making environment provisioning easier. This makes the learning process more efficient and consistent.

Best Virtual Hands-on Lab Solutions for 2025

These are the six best platforms that are changing the way IT education and skill development work:

1. CloudShare

CloudShare is different since it focuses on IT training, product demos, and proof-of-concept installations for businesses. A lot of people use this solution since it works with both cloud and on-premises systems. With CloudShare’s lab templates, teachers can quickly create realistic, personalized settings. Its ability to work with several clouds makes sure that training is up to date with the most popular technologies. Its analytics and reporting tools also let you learn in a data-driven way.

2. Cloud Shell

Cloud Shell is the terminal environment that most major cloud service providers provide in their browsers. Users may use development tools, scripting languages, and command-line interfaces (CLIs) to manage cloud resources from a fully functioning command line. This platform has persistent storage, built-in code editors, and direct access to genuine cloud services. This makes it easy to quickly prototype and build cloud-native applications in a safe, temporary workplace.

3. Nuvepro

Nuvepro offers hands-on laboratories that are based on real-life scenarios and closely match job positions and industry needs. There are a lot of laboratories on the site for cloud infrastructure, DevOps, cybersecurity, and data engineering. Lab environments are set up on demand, allowing thousands of users to have safe, regulated access and centralized lab administration. Nuvepro is a strong choice for both businesses and schools since it has customizable plans, built-in analytics, and the ability to connect to LMS systems.

4. Kodekloud

Kodekloud is an expert in DevOps, Kubernetes, and cloud hands-on training. The browser-based laboratories are included right in the interactive courses and study materials for exams. Every lab has automated grading and real-time feedback. Skill-based learning routes let students go from basic concepts to advanced certificates. Kodekloud’s subscription model and regular course updates make it easy and affordable for both professionals and businesses to learn.

5. TestOut LabSim

TestOut LabSim uses cutting-edge simulation technologies to imitate a broad range of IT systems and processes. LabSim doesn’t just provide you with raw virtual computers; it gives you organized, scenario-based experiences that help you get IT certifications and learn actual work skills. The platform has built-in quizzes, practice tests, and extensive dashboards for both students and teachers. This helps with outcome-based learning in both school and work environments.

6. Cloud Guru

A Cloud Guru, which is now part of Pluralsight, gives you real-life cloud lab experiences. Users use genuine cloud provider interfaces and services to do real things in their AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud accounts. There are a lot of hands-on laboratories and sandboxes, as well as well-designed certification learning courses. People and teams can improve their cloud skills quickly and easily with built-in analytics and progress monitoring tools.

How to Pick The Best Virtual Hands-on Lab Platform

When choosing a virtual hands-on lab, you need to think about your own educational, technological, and administrative needs. The following framework shows you how to make an educated decision step by step.

1. Make Learning Goals Clear

Start by writing out your main learning objectives. Some platforms are great at getting people ready for professional certifications, while others are better at getting people ready for jobs in general or teaching them how to use a product. Are you offering college classes, onboarding new employees at your company, or helping people improve their skills for their jobs? Knowing your audience and goals might help you sort through the options that are most useful to you.

2. Look at the Technology and Content Coverage

Look at the many types of technology that each lab platform may use. Make sure that everything works with your cloud providers, operating systems, programming languages, or security tools. When choosing virtual labs for certifications or new technology stacks, the first thing to do is look at how broad and up-to-date the content library is for each platform.

3. Evaluate Usability and Access

A smooth user experience is essential. Opt for web-based solutions with clean interfaces, straightforward onboarding, and well-written documentation. If your audience spans remote employees, students, or geographically dispersed teams, confirm that the platform functions reliably on all major devices and operating systems.

4. Think About Integration and Administration

Favor systems that provide open APIs, learning-management-system connections, single sign-on (SSO), and role-based permissions. These features reduce administrative effort, simplify monitoring, and support custom branding or automation of routine processes. Platforms built for education often add tools for instructors such as class management, attendance tracking, and lab scheduling.

5. Review Scalability and Support

Enterprises and universities must plan for high concurrent usage, wide geographic reach, and consistent service reliability. Compare support channels, service-level agreements, and community resources. Some vendors supply dedicated onboarding assistance and practical troubleshooting guides.

6. Look Over the Pricing Models

Expect a range of options: per-user subscriptions, pay-as-you-go billing, enterprise site licenses, and free or freemium tiers. Align the pricing structure with anticipated usage, and check for potential extra fees, including premium features or added storage.

7. Look at the Lab’s Analytics and Assessment Tools

Comprehensive reporting tools give instructors and administrators insight into engagement, completion rates, and assessment results. Such data highlights where learners succeed or struggle, enabling evidence-based adjustments to course design and delivery.

Conclusion

Virtual hands-on labs are transforming how technical skills are learned and validated. By providing secure, scalable environments for real-world practice, these platforms enable individuals and organizations to gain the expertise needed to thrive in today’s digital landscape.

Ankita Sharma

Ankita is the Senior SEO Analyst as well as Content Marketing enthusiast at The Next Tech. She uses her experience to guide the team and follow best practices in marketing and advertising space. She received a Bachelor's Degree in Science (Mathematics). She’s taken quite a few online certificate courses in digital marketing and pursuing more.

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