# HackerX vs PHP Compiler

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: PHP Compiler at none against HackerX's 2. PHP Compiler also leads on iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. HackerX sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. PHP Compiler asks for nothing beyond the download.

HackerX ships an update every 6 weeks, PHP Compiler every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | HackerX | PHP Compiler |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (2.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hackerx-learn-ethical-hacking/id1542444199/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **2.8K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 75.6% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Freemium | — |
| Size | 63 MB | 28 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Nigel Crasto](https://appshunter.io/developer/1049691225) | [OnePercent](https://appshunter.io/developer/1536020418) |

## What reviewers say

### 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- 🔍 Outdated content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


### PHP Compiler

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/php-compiler-run-php-code/id1546362135)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is HackerX free?

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

### Is PHP Compiler free?

PHP Compiler is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do HackerX or PHP Compiler have ads?

Neither HackerX nor PHP Compiler shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, HackerX or PHP Compiler?

HackerX ships an update every 6 weeks, and PHP Compiler every 2 months. Most recently, HackerX was updated on October 12, 2026 and PHP Compiler on September 24, 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.*