# CompTIA Security+ Exam Prep vs HackerX

The clearest difference is ads: HackerX at none against CompTIA Security+ Exam Prep's shown. CompTIA Security+ Exam Prep's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 6 weeks) and review sentiment (85% vs 75%). On price, rating, ratings volume and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. CompTIA Security+ Exam Prep sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per 7 days and HackerX sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.9 for CompTIA Security+ Exam Prep against 4.8 for HackerX. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 6.6K and 2.8K respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 85% of CompTIA Security+ Exam Prep's written reviews are positive against 75% of HackerX's.

CompTIA Security+ Exam Prep ships an update every 3 weeks, HackerX every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | CompTIA Security+ Exam Prep | HackerX |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (6.6K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/comptia-security-plus-exam-prep/id1501784033/reviews)** | [4.8 (2.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hackerx-learn-ethical-hacking/id1542444199/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **6.6K** | 2.8K |
| Positive reviews | **85.0% of reviews** | 75.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 6 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 91 MB | 63 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Thanh Hung](https://appshunter.io/developer/1059077329) | [Nigel Crasto](https://appshunter.io/developer/1049691225) |

## What reviewers say

### CompTIA Security+ Exam Prep

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/comptia-security-plus-exam-prep/id1501784033)

Prepare for the CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 exam with realistic practice tests and AI-powered guidance. Master cybersecurity domains, track your progress, and receive personalized feedback to ensure you pass with confidence.

**Highlights:** AI Mentora - Smart Cyber Tutor, Study by Domain, Realistic Practice Tests, Progress Tracker & AI Insights, SY0-701 Objective Alignment, Multiple Test Modes

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Security+ Subscription Weekly | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Security+ Subscription Monthly | $19.99 | per month |
| Sec+ Quarterly Subscription | $39.99 | per 3 months |
| Security+ Subscription Yearly | $69.99 | per year |
| CompTIA Security+ Pro | $19.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Well-organized modules
- 👍 Helpful explanations for answers
- 🚀 Ability to memorize important information
- 👍 Gamified learning experience
- 🚀 Excellent practice questions

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Premium version is expensive
- 🐛 Inconsistent question formatting and wording
- 🐛 Some incorrect answers and explanations
- 🐛 Inability to revisit skipped questions
- 🐛 Weak performance on cellular data

**Reported bugs**

- Certain sections get stuck at incomplete progress
- Inconsistent gender/name references in questions
- Incorrect information on cyber kill chain
- Subscription upgrade charges more than advertised

**Requested features**

- Add performance-based questions (PBQs)
- Implement randomization for review of missed questions
- Introduce flashcard feature for terms and phrases
- Allow users to report exam pass/fail status
- Improve syncing of progress across devices


### HackerX

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hackerx-learn-ethical-hacking/id1542444199)

Learn the fundamentals and advanced techniques of ethical hacking and cybersecurity. This app offers comprehensive courses for beginners and experienced individuals, covering topics from basic hacking concepts to penetration testing and digital forensics. Gain practical skills to secure systems and build a career in the field.

**Highlights:** Learn cybersecurity basics, Advanced hacking skills, Ethical hacking tutorials, Penetration testing, Digital forensics, Beginner-friendly lessons

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Limited Time Special Discount! | $9.99 | one-time |
| Hacking Lifetime Access Plan | $24.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Great teaching
- 💡 Beginner-friendly
- 🚀 Straightforward lessons
- 👍 Organized and simple

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Buggy tests and quizzes
- 💰 Paywall for full access
- 🔍 Requires external tools/websites
- 🔍 Outdated content
- 🔍 Limited free content

**Reported bugs**

- Lessons not displaying properly
- Inability to select answers in tests
- App freezing or getting stuck on loading screens
- Compatibility issues with Mac OS

**Requested features**

- Dark mode option
- More advanced content
- Ability to skip lessons based on prior knowledge
- Better support and troubleshooting
- Sync progress across devices


## Frequently asked questions

### Is CompTIA Security+ Exam Prep free?

CompTIA Security+ Exam Prep is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is HackerX free?

HackerX is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, CompTIA Security+ Exam Prep or HackerX?

CompTIA Security+ Exam Prep is rated higher. CompTIA Security+ Exam Prep averages 4.9 out of 5 from 6.6K ratings, while HackerX averages 4.8 from 2.8K ratings.

### Do CompTIA Security+ Exam Prep or HackerX have ads?

CompTIA Security+ Exam Prep shows ads; HackerX does not.

### Which is updated more often, CompTIA Security+ Exam Prep or HackerX?

CompTIA Security+ Exam Prep ships an update every 3 weeks, and HackerX every 6 weeks. Most recently, CompTIA Security+ Exam Prep was updated on October 2, 2026 and HackerX on October 1, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*