# LetsDefend vs Hacktivate

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Hacktivate at 88% against LetsDefend's 9%. Hacktivate also leads on rating (4.7 vs 4.0) and ads (none vs shown). LetsDefend's advantage is iOS requirement (15.6 vs 18.5). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. LetsDefend sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $12.99 per month and Hacktivate sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Hacktivate holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Hacktivate has 32 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 9% of LetsDefend's written reviews are positive against 88% of Hacktivate's.

LetsDefend ships an update every 2 weeks, Hacktivate every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | LetsDefend | Hacktivate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/letsdefend/id6741323626/reviews) | **[4.7 (32 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hacktivate-capture-the-flag/id6748286602/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 2 | **32** |
| Positive reviews | 9.1% of reviews | **87.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 98 MB | 184 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 18.5 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Mac |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [LetsDefend](https://appshunter.io/developer/1793754609) | [Hudson Heavy Industries](https://appshunter.io/developer/1727337256) |

## What reviewers say

### LetsDefend

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/letsdefend/id6741323626)

Learn cybersecurity with interactive courses and hands-on simulations. Protect against digital threats, join a global community, and advance your career. Master threat detection and analysis with expert guidance.

**Highlights:** Interactive cybersecurity courses, Hands-on threat simulations, Threat detection tools and techniques, Community and expert support, Customizable learning paths, Mobile learning platform

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| VIP+ | $12.99 | per month |
| VIP+ Annual | $89.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 💡 Structured learning with quizzes and labs
- 👍 Certification opportunities for VIP users

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Login issues - unable to log in with existing accounts
- 🐛 App not recognizing VIP subscription
- 🐛 Ads preventing progress through content
- 🔒 Lack of trust in company due to login problems

**Reported bugs**

- Login credentials not working in app
- App not recognizing VIP subscription
- Ads blocking progress through content

**Requested features**

- Ability to log in with existing accounts
- Seamless integration between app and website


### 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 LetsDefend free?

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

### Is Hacktivate free?

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

### Which has better reviews, LetsDefend or Hacktivate?

Hacktivate is rated higher. LetsDefend averages 4.0 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while Hacktivate averages 4.7 from 32 ratings.

### Do LetsDefend or Hacktivate have ads?

LetsDefend shows ads; Hacktivate does not.

### Which is updated more often, LetsDefend or Hacktivate?

LetsDefend ships an update every 2 weeks, and Hacktivate every 5 days. Most recently, LetsDefend was updated on October 16, 2026 and Hacktivate on October 7, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*