# HackerX vs Mindstone

The clearest difference is rating: HackerX at 4.8 against Mindstone's 4.0. HackerX also leads on ratings volume (2.7K vs 7) and review sentiment (75% vs 55%). Mindstone's advantage is update cadence (every 8 days vs monthly). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. HackerX sells 2 one-off in-app purchases and Mindstone sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

HackerX holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: HackerX has 2.7K ratings behind it against 7, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 75% of HackerX's written reviews are positive against 55% of Mindstone's.

HackerX ships an update monthly, Mindstone every 8 days. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and June 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | HackerX | Mindstone |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (2.7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hackerx-learn-ethical-hacking/id1542444199/reviews)** | [4.0 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mindstone/id1550729105/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **2.7K** | 7 |
| Positive reviews | **75.0% of reviews** | 54.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 8 days** |
| Monetization | Freemium | Freemium |
| Size | 54 MB | 174 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Nigel Crasto](https://appshunter.io/developer/1049691225) | [Mindstone Learning limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1550729227) |

## 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


### Mindstone

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mindstone/id1550729105)

Learn and master in-demand AI skills for your career and business. Access curated content, join a community of experts, and track your progress with AI-powered insights. Upgrade for personalized coaching and skill certifications.

**Highlights:** Curated AI content library, Community-driven learning, Progress tracking and skill profiles, AI-powered coaching (Pro/Enterprise), Personalized adaptive learning (Pro/Enterprise), Renewable skill badges

**Features:** Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| AI Competency (self-serve) | $39.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is HackerX free?

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

### Is Mindstone free?

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

### Which has better reviews, HackerX or Mindstone?

HackerX is rated higher. HackerX averages 4.8 out of 5 from 2.7K ratings, while Mindstone averages 4.0 from 7 ratings.

### Do HackerX or Mindstone have ads?

Neither HackerX nor Mindstone shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, HackerX or Mindstone?

HackerX ships an update monthly, and Mindstone every 8 days. Most recently, HackerX was updated on September 25, 2026 and Mindstone on June 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.*