Hacktivate vs SwipeDrill
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
SwipeDrill
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Cyber threats do not wait. Neither should your knowledge. SwipeDrill: Security turns official NIST frameworks and security standards into daily swipe quizzes, drilling the concepts that protect systems, data, and people in the real world. HOW IT WORKS Each card shows a statement about cybersecurity concepts or practices. Swipe right if it's true. Swipe left if it's false. Instant explanation tells you exactly why, building the knowledge that matters when it counts. WHAT YOU'LL MASTER - Security Basics: CIA triad, threat landscape, and principles - Authentication: passwords, MFA, SSO, and identity management - Encryption: symmetric, asymmetric, hashing, and PKI - Network Security: VPNs, TLS, IDS/IPS, and segmentation - Web Security: OWASP Top 10, XSS, SQL injection, and CSRF - Malware: types, behavior, detection, and defense - Access Control: RBAC, DAC, MAC, and least privilege - Incident Response: detection, containment, and recovery 800+ questions. Based on NIST, OWASP, and official security standards. WHO THIS IS FOR - Security analysts and SOC teams sharpening fundamentals - Developers building secure applications - Engineers preparing for Security+, CEH, or CISSP - IT professionals adding security to their skillset - Anyone who wants to understand how attacks and defenses actually work PREMIUM FEATURES Upgrade once. Use forever. - Sequential Mode: work through all questions in order - Bookmarks: save tricky questions and review them later - Detailed Stats: track accuracy and progress per category - No Ads: completely ad-free experience STUDY SMARTER - Daily Goal tracker: build a consistent study habit - Streak counter: keep your momentum going - Review Mode: replay only the questions you got wrong - Today's Threat: a new featured concept every day - Works offline: questions bundled in the app A NOTE ON CONTENT All questions are based on official NIST, OWASP, and security standards. The threat landscape evolves constantly so content may occasionally reflect outdated practices. Always verify against the latest official security guidance. Stay sharp. Stay secure. Download SwipeDrill: Security today.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is ads: Hacktivate at none against SwipeDrill's shown. SwipeDrill's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 18.5). On price, 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 SwipeDrill sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
| Parameter | Hacktivate | SwipeDrill |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.7 (32 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 87.8% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 32 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 5 days | — |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Mac — better | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 18.5 | 13.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 184 MB | 30 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Hudson Heavy Industries | kenji kuroki |
Bugs and requests
Hacktivate
Reported bugs
1 issue- 🐛 Useless but paid-for hint system
Requested features
1 request- Dark mode option
SwipeDrill
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
SwipeDrill
- Unlock Premium$3.99
Questions
Is Hacktivate free?
Is SwipeDrill free?
Do Hacktivate or SwipeDrill have ads?
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