# Shadow Node vs HackLab

The clearest difference is ads: HackLab at none against Shadow Node's shown. Shadow Node's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 2 weeks). On price, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Shadow Node sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and HackLab sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Shadow Node ships an update weekly, HackLab every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 19, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Shadow Node | HackLab |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.6 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hacklab-hacker-simulator/id6761661931/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **5** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | — | Freemium |
| Size | 109 MB | 53 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [NETBYTE UG (haftungsbeschränkt)](https://appshunter.io/developer/1854412817) | [MEHMET CANKER (TR)](https://appshunter.io/developer/1565350155) |

## What reviewers say

### Shadow Node

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shadow-node-idle-hacker/id6759072485)

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium | $1.99 | one-time |


### HackLab

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hacklab-hacker-simulator/id6761661931)

Master ethical hacking in a realistic terminal environment. Learn cybersecurity techniques through hands-on missions, from scanning to exploitation, with an AI-powered hint system and global leaderboards.

**Highlights:** Authentic terminal gameplay, Mission-based progression, AI-powered hint system, Rank progression and leaderboards, Daily missions and streaks, Real cybersecurity skills practice, Simulated safe environment

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

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| HackLab Pro Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| HackLab Pro Annual | $24.99 | per year |
| 10 Hint Credits | $0.99 | one-time |
| 5 Mission Unlocks | $1.99 | one-time |
| 7-Day XP Boost | $2.99 | one-time |
| HackLab Pro Lifetime | $59.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Shadow Node free?

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

### Is HackLab free?

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

### Do Shadow Node or HackLab have ads?

Shadow Node shows ads; HackLab does not.

### Which is updated more often, Shadow Node or HackLab?

Shadow Node ships an update weekly, and HackLab every 2 weeks. Most recently, Shadow Node was updated on September 19, 2026 and HackLab on September 24, 2026.

---

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