# HackerX vs CipherQuest

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: CipherQuest at none against HackerX's 2. CipherQuest also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.8). HackerX's advantage is ratings volume (2.8K vs 1). On price, update cadence, ads and monetization model there is nothing between them.

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

CipherQuest holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: HackerX has 2.8K ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

HackerX ships an update every 6 weeks, CipherQuest monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and September 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | HackerX | CipherQuest |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (2.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hackerx-learn-ethical-hacking/id1542444199/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cipherquest-cyber-puzzles/id6783488980/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **2.8K** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 75.6% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Freemium | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 63 MB | 2 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [Nigel Crasto](https://appshunter.io/developer/1049691225) | [Heorhii Kozlovskyi](https://appshunter.io/developer/1703726477) |

## 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


### CipherQuest

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cipherquest-cyber-puzzles/id6783488980)

Learn cybersecurity concepts through interactive puzzles and simulated challenges. Master topics like Linux, cryptography, and web security in a gamified experience with hands-on labs. Progress through skill paths and earn rewards as you capture flags.

**Highlights:** 211 bite-sized challenges, Simulated terminal and labs, Learn Linux and command line, Cryptography and web security, Digital forensics and recon, Earn XP and unlock badges, Offline play

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is HackerX free?

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

### Is CipherQuest free?

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

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

CipherQuest is rated higher. HackerX averages 4.8 out of 5 from 2.8K ratings, while CipherQuest averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do HackerX or CipherQuest have ads?

Neither HackerX nor CipherQuest shows ads.

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

HackerX ships an update every 6 weeks, and CipherQuest monthly. Most recently, HackerX was updated on October 14, 2026 and CipherQuest on September 29, 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.*