Beelzebub
Beelzebub: A flexible self-hosted honeypot runtime with adaptive interactions and deep security integrations. Ranked #1 of 21 in Honeypot Software by our editors (9.4/10); pricing: Free plan; best for broad, adaptive self-hosted deception.
At a glance
- Editor score9.4 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forBroad, adaptive self-hosted deception
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Deployment modelSelf-hosted
- Facts checked22 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Supports SSH, HTTP, TCP, TELNET, and MCP decoy interactions
- Combines static handlers with adaptive LLM-powered responses
- Offers Docker, Kubernetes, APIs, metrics, plugins, and SIEM integrations
Where it doesn't
- Self-hosted deployment requires operational ownership
- YAML configuration and Go plugins suit technical security teams
- Managed coordination is provided through a separate Beelzebub Platform offering
Our verdict on Beelzebub
Beelzebub is an open-source deception runtime for security operators, AI security teams, and developers who need configurable honeypots and decoy services. Its multi-layer scope covers SSH, HTTP, TCP, TELNET, and MCP interactions, with credential lures and cloud decoys included in its category capabilities. Users define decoy services, routes, and response rules in YAML, while high-fidelity event and session evidence supports investigation of activity across the deployed environment.
Its standout feature is the combination of predictable and adaptive behavior. Static handlers provide controlled responses for repeatable decoy behavior, while LLM-powered responses can support more adaptive interactions. Go plugins extend the runtime beyond its built-in behavior. For operations, Beelzebub can run through a local binary, Docker Compose, or Kubernetes with Helm. RabbitMQ event publishing, Prometheus metrics, APIs, and webhooks provide additional ways to connect the runtime with existing monitoring and response workflows.
The ecosystem fit is a strong reason to consider it: published integrations include Microsoft Sentinel, Splunk SIEM, Elastic SIEM, Palo Alto XSOAR, Datadog Security, Fortinet FortiSIEM, and Google Chronicle. The trade-off is ownership of the self-hosted deployment and configuration model, particularly for teams that need to maintain YAML rules, plugins, containers, or Kubernetes resources. Beelzebub suits organizations seeking open-source, adaptive deception with control over deployment and integrations. Teams wanting vendor-managed coordination across cloud, Kubernetes, networks, APIs, and AI-agent surfaces should evaluate the separately described Beelzebub Platform instead.
Your product? Our editors can test Beelzebub in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Beelzebub pricing
Beelzebub fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Deployment model | Self-hosted |
| Decoy scope | Multi-layer |
| Credential lures | Yes |
| Cloud decoys | Yes |
| Maximum decoys | Not verified |
| Data retention | Not verified |
| Deployment | Self-hosted, Cloud |
| Compliance & security | ISO 27001 |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 11 integrations: RabbitMQ, Prometheus, APIs, Webhooks, Microsoft Sentinel, Splunk SIEM … |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | beelzebub.ai |
| Facts checked | 22 Sep 2026 |
Beelzebub integrations
Beelzebub lists 11 integrations on its own site.
- RabbitMQ
- Prometheus
- APIs
- Webhooks
- Microsoft Sentinel
- Splunk SIEM
- Elastic SIEM
- Palo Alto XSOAR
- Datadog Security
- Fortinet FortiSIEM
- Google Chronicle
Alternatives to Beelzebub
- CowrieA mature, deep SSH and Telnet honeypot for self-hosted threat monitoring.9.2
- T-PotA broad self-hosted honeypot platform for teams that want many decoys and built-in analysis.9.0
- CanarytokensA free, cloud-based token platform for broad deception and intrusion detection.8.8
See all Beelzebub alternatives →
Beelzebub vs the competition
- Beelzebub vs Cowrie
- Beelzebub vs T-Pot
- Beelzebub vs Canarytokens
- Beelzebub vs OpenCanary
- Beelzebub vs Thinkst Canary
- Beelzebub vs CounterCraft The Platform
Compare Beelzebub with any tool side by side →
Used Beelzebub? Be the first to review it
The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used Beelzebub for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
Write a reviewTwo minutes · verified accounts only · read by an editor before it appears
Featured on iTechGuides
Beelzebub is listed in our Honeypot Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/beelzebub/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/beelzebub.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update