# Packet Hunter vs NERD+

The clearest difference is rating: NERD+ at 5.0 against Packet Hunter's 4.5. NERD+ also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 79%) and update cadence (every 8 days vs every 3 weeks). Packet Hunter's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and ratings volume (18 vs 4). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. NERD+ sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Packet Hunter asks for nothing beyond the download.

NERD+ holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 18 and 4 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 79% of Packet Hunter's written reviews are positive against 100% of NERD+'s.

Packet Hunter ships an update every 3 weeks, NERD+ every 8 days. The most recent releases landed on October 9, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Packet Hunter | NERD+ |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (18 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/packet-hunter/id6739217678/reviews) | **[5.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nerd-plus/id6785266569/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **18** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | 78.6% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 8 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 39 MB | 42 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.1 | 15.1 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Andrew Lawrence Baytler](https://appshunter.io/developer/1784284087) | [LOGAN DEAN HANSON](https://appshunter.io/developer/6785266571) |

## What reviewers say

### Packet Hunter

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/packet-hunter/id6739217678)

Engage in interactive puzzles to master IT networking troubleshooting. This game simulates real-world scenarios, helping users diagnose issues like IP conflicts and DNS problems through a command-line interface.

**Highlights:** Solve real-world networking puzzles, Use authentic IT tools and commands, Build confidence in network scenarios, Learn step-by-step troubleshooting, Rewarding progression system

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### NERD+

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nerd-plus/id6785266569)

Prepare for the CompTIA Network+ certification exam with this free study companion. It offers a comprehensive question bank, diagnostic tests, and hands-on drills to identify and strengthen your weak areas. Optional paid content is available for advanced practice.

**Highlights:** Full practice question bank, Diagnostic tests by domain, Adaptive mistake review, Hands-on subnetting drills, Daily streak tracking, Distraction-free design

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| PBQ Unlock | $2.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Packet Hunter free?

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

### Is NERD+ free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Packet Hunter or NERD+?

NERD+ is rated higher. Packet Hunter averages 4.5 out of 5 from 18 ratings, while NERD+ averages 5.0 from 4 ratings.

### Do Packet Hunter or NERD+ have ads?

Neither Packet Hunter nor NERD+ shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Packet Hunter or NERD+?

Packet Hunter ships an update every 3 weeks, and NERD+ every 8 days. Most recently, Packet Hunter was updated on October 9, 2026 and NERD+ on October 7, 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.*