Hacktivate vs SEC_CORE
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Hacktivate
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.
- 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)
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Crack codes. Break firewalls. Conquer the map. Hacktivate is the ultimate cybersecurity challenge: a world map of 240 missions where every puzzle is built on real cybersecurity techniques hackers use. From classic ciphers to covert steganography, you’ll sharpen your brain while infiltrating deeper into the network. No fluff. No filler. Just pure challenges. - 240 graded missions across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and more – unlock all the continents with a one-time purchase. - The Hacker’s Toolbox: hashing, encryption, XOR, ciphers, and beyond. - Real-world attack techniques through Unix terminals, web browsers, digital forensics, SQL injection, and more. - Global progression: unlock regions and learn different specialties each time. - Comprehensive tutorials and documentation teach you the skills you need to win. - Difficulty that scales: from rookies breaking their first code to cyber masterminds cracking the strongest firewalls. - Play on iPhone, iPad, and Mac with a single purchase – your progress is auto-synced. - Include 10 challenge hints for free, but you can buy more using in-app purchase. Every lock is a challenge. Every mission is a test. Every solution pulls you deeper into the system. The network is waiting, and your mission starts now! Terms of service: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula Privacy policy: https://www.hacktivate.app/privacy Hacktivate for schools: https://www.hacktivate.app/schools
SEC_CORE
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Master the CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 exam with SEC_CORE, the ultimate high-performance study app designed for serious cybersecurity professionals. Built from the ground up with SwiftUI and featuring over 300 expertly crafted questions aligned to the latest SY0-701 objectives, SEC_CORE transforms exam preparation into an addictive, gamified experience that keeps you motivated until test day. Swipe through flashcards in intuitive study mode: swipe right to master a card and earn 10 XP, swipe left to drill it again later, or tap to reveal detailed answers and in-depth explanations. Track your progress across all five official domains: General Security Concepts, Threats Vulnerabilities and Mitigations, Security Architecture, Security Operations, and Security Program Management and Oversight. Level up your skills with built-in gamification features. Accumulate XP to climb the ranks from Unprivileged to User, Root, and finally SEC_CORE Elite. Maintain your daily study streak for consistent momentum, and watch your Core Status ring fill as you achieve true mastery. For an extra challenge, jump into Sprint Mode: a fast-paced 60-second timed quiz focused on Domain 4 Security Operations to sharpen your speed and accuracy under pressure. The cyber-minimalist design delivers a distraction-free experience with true black backgrounds, electric emerald accents for success, crimson alerts for areas needing work, and unique colors for each domain. Haptic feedback and smooth animations make every interaction feel responsive and rewarding, while Swift Data ensures your progress, stats, and unlocks persist reliably across sessions. Start free with access to the first 10 cards and Domains 1-2. Unlock the full library of 300+ questions, all domains, Sprint Mode, and lifetime updates with a one-time premium purchase. No subscriptions required. Whether you're new to cybersecurity or advancing your career, SEC_CORE provides the focused, efficient preparation you need to pass the SY0-701 exam confidently and earn your CompTIA Security+ certification. Study smarter, not harder. Download SEC_CORE today and take control of your cybersecurity future
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: Hacktivate at weekly against SEC_CORE's every 7 months. SEC_CORE's advantage is iOS requirement (17.6 vs 26.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Hacktivate sells 4 one-off in-app purchases and SEC_CORE sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
Hacktivate ships an update weekly, SEC_CORE every 7 months. The most recent releases landed on October 28, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Hacktivate | SEC_CORE |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.7 (33 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 88.7% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 33 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Weekly — better | Every 7 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Mac — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | 17.6 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 184 MB | 8 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Hudson Heavy Industries | Gregory Hogan |
Bugs and requests
Hacktivate
Reported bugs
1 issue- 🐛 Useless but paid-for hint system
Requested features
1 request- Dark mode option
SEC_CORE
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Hacktivate
- Hint Packet$0.99
- Hint Payload$3.99
- Hint Overload$9.99
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- Unlock Campaign$14.99
SEC_CORE
- SEC_COREOPT$9.99
Questions
Is Hacktivate free?
Is SEC_CORE free?
Do Hacktivate or SEC_CORE have ads?
Which is updated more often, Hacktivate or SEC_CORE?
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