# Linux Basics vs Hacktivate

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Linux Basics at none against Hacktivate's 4. Linux Basics also leads on iOS requirement (15.1 vs 18.5). Hacktivate's advantage is update cadence (every 5 days vs every 2 months) and rating (4.7 vs 4.4). On price, ratings volume, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Hacktivate sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Linux Basics asks for nothing beyond the download.

Hacktivate holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 50 and 32 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 77% of Linux Basics's written reviews are positive against 88% of Hacktivate's.

Linux Basics ships an update every 2 months, Hacktivate every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on September 8, 2026 and September 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Linux Basics | Hacktivate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.4 (50 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/linux-basics/id1643338147/reviews) | **[4.7 (32 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hacktivate-capture-the-flag/id6748286602/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **50** | 32 |
| Positive reviews | 76.7% of reviews | **87.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 39 MB | 184 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.1** | 18.5 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Mac |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Gabi Karasin](https://appshunter.io/developer/1643338149) | [Hudson Heavy Industries](https://appshunter.io/developer/1727337256) |

## What reviewers say

### Linux Basics

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/linux-basics/id1643338147)

Learn essential Linux commands and concepts through an interactive, gamified mobile experience. Gain practical, day-to-day knowledge and discover useful tips presented in a fun and engaging format.

**Highlights:** Interactive learning, Gamified approach, Practical daily knowledge, Cool tips, Easy to learn

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Hacktivate

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hacktivate-capture-the-flag/id6748286602)

Engage in a cybersecurity challenge with 240 missions across a global map, utilizing real hacking techniques. Learn skills from basic ciphers to advanced firewalls, with tutorials and scalable difficulty.

**Highlights:** 240 graded cybersecurity missions, Real-world hacking techniques, Hacker's Toolbox (hashing, encryption, ciphers), Global progression across continents, Comprehensive tutorials and documentation, Scalable difficulty for all levels, Cross-device sync (iPhone, iPad, Mac)

**Features:** Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Hint Packet | $0.99 | one-time |
| Hint Payload | $3.99 | one-time |
| Hint Overload | $9.99 | one-time |
| Unlock Campaign | $14.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Great set of puzzles
- 👍 Fun and educational
- 👍 Brain-building
- 👍 Great idea, great implementation
- 👍 Great game

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 The price of the full game

**Reported bugs**

- 🐛 Useless but paid-for hint system

**Requested features**

- Dark mode option


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Linux Basics free?

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

### Is Hacktivate free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Linux Basics or Hacktivate?

Hacktivate is rated higher. Linux Basics averages 4.4 out of 5 from 50 ratings, while Hacktivate averages 4.7 from 32 ratings.

### Do Linux Basics or Hacktivate have ads?

Neither Linux Basics nor Hacktivate shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Linux Basics or Hacktivate?

Linux Basics ships an update every 2 months, and Hacktivate every 5 days. Most recently, Linux Basics was updated on September 8, 2026 and Hacktivate on September 19, 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.*