# The Lonely Hacker vs HackLab

The clearest difference is price: HackLab at Free against The Lonely Hacker's $0.99. HackLab also leads on rating (4.8 vs 4.3) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months). The Lonely Hacker's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 6) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 15.1). On ratings volume, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

HackLab is free to download; The Lonely Hacker costs $0.99 up front. HackLab sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. The Lonely Hacker asks for nothing beyond the download.

HackLab holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 21 and 16 respectively.

The Lonely Hacker ships an update every 2 months, HackLab every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | The Lonely Hacker | HackLab |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $0.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [4.3 (21 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-lonely-hacker/id1633242696/reviews) | **[4.8 (16 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hacklab-hacker-simulator/id6761661931/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **21** | 16 |
| Positive reviews | 78.1% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Freemium** |
| Size | 604 MB | 56 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Sabin Trupsor](https://appshunter.io/developer/1632697420) | [MEHMET CANKER (TR)](https://appshunter.io/developer/1565350155) |

## What reviewers say

### The Lonely Hacker

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-lonely-hacker/id1633242696)

Explore a vast open world and engage in realistic hacking simulations. Learn various cybercrime methods and attack vectors using exclusive tools. This game offers a unique adventure with mini-games to keep you entertained.

**Highlights:** Realistic hacking software and hardware, Big open world with real countries, Learn hacking methods and attack vectors, Customized and different adventures, Mini-games included

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### HackLab

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hacklab-hacker-simulator/id6761661931)

Master ethical hacking in a realistic terminal environment. Learn cybersecurity techniques through hands-on missions, from scanning to exploitation, with an AI-powered hint system and global leaderboards.

**Highlights:** Authentic terminal gameplay, Mission-based progression, AI-powered hint system, Rank progression and leaderboards, Daily missions and streaks, Real cybersecurity skills practice, Simulated safe environment

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

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| HackLab Pro Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| HackLab Pro Annual | $24.99 | per year |
| 10 Hint Credits | $0.99 | one-time |
| 5 Mission Unlocks | $1.99 | one-time |
| 7-Day XP Boost | $2.99 | one-time |
| HackLab Pro Lifetime | $59.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is The Lonely Hacker free?

The Lonely Hacker costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is HackLab free?

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

### Which has better reviews, The Lonely Hacker or HackLab?

HackLab is rated higher. The Lonely Hacker averages 4.3 out of 5 from 21 ratings, while HackLab averages 4.8 from 16 ratings.

### Do The Lonely Hacker or HackLab have ads?

Neither The Lonely Hacker nor HackLab shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, The Lonely Hacker or HackLab?

The Lonely Hacker ships an update every 2 months, and HackLab every 3 weeks. Most recently, The Lonely Hacker was updated on November 3, 2026 and HackLab on October 31, 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.*