# Learn Cryptography vs Hacktivate

The clearest difference is ads: Hacktivate at none against Learn Cryptography's shown. Hacktivate also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs monthly) and ratings volume (32 vs 1). Learn Cryptography's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.7) and iOS requirement (15.1 vs 18.5). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Learn Cryptography sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days and Hacktivate sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Learn Cryptography holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Hacktivate has 32 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Learn Cryptography ships an update monthly, Hacktivate every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on September 18, 2026 and September 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Learn Cryptography | Hacktivate |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/learn-cryptography-encryption/id6742056134/reviews)** | [4.7 (32 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hacktivate-capture-the-flag/id6748286602/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **32** |
| Positive reviews | — | 87.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 67 MB | 184 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.1** | 18.5 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Mac |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [MEHMET CANKER (TR)](https://appshunter.io/developer/1565350155) | [Hudson Heavy Industries](https://appshunter.io/developer/1727337256) |

## What reviewers say

### Learn Cryptography

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/learn-cryptography-encryption/id6742056134)

Master the art and science of cryptology with an AI-powered learning app. Explore encryption, decryption, ciphers, and cryptographic systems through interactive tools, puzzles, and a structured curriculum. Ideal for beginners to professionals seeking to understand digital security.

**Highlights:** AI-powered tutor for step-by-step explanations, Interactive encryption and decryption tools, Cryptography playground for practical exercises, Gamified puzzles and challenges, Structured curriculum from beginner to advanced, 24/7 AI chat support for clarifications

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Subscription | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Subscription | $4.99 | per month |
| Yearly Subscription | $8.90 | per year |
| Lifetime Subscription | $19.90 | one-time |


### 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 Learn Cryptography free?

Learn Cryptography 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, Learn Cryptography or Hacktivate?

Learn Cryptography is rated higher. Learn Cryptography averages 5.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Hacktivate averages 4.7 from 32 ratings.

### Do Learn Cryptography or Hacktivate have ads?

Learn Cryptography shows ads; Hacktivate does not.

### Which is updated more often, Learn Cryptography or Hacktivate?

Learn Cryptography ships an update monthly, and Hacktivate every 5 days. Most recently, Learn Cryptography was updated on September 18, 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.*