Comparison

HackLab vs Daemon Node

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both games, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

HackLab

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
Read full description

BECOME A CYBERSECURITY SPECIALIST HackLab AI is the most immersive mobile hacking simulator ever created. Step into a realistic terminal environment and master the art of ethical hacking through hands-on missions — no prior experience required. Unlike passive course apps, HackLab puts you directly in the hacker's seat. Type real commands into an authentic terminal, exploit vulnerabilities, and crack into simulated systems. Every mission teaches you actual cybersecurity techniques used by professionals. ▸ AUTHENTIC TERMINAL GAMEPLAY Type real commands like nmap, sqlmap, and curl into a fully-functional terminal simulator. Every command is parsed, evaluated, and responds with realistic output. Feel the satisfaction of running a successful exploit. ▸ MISSION-BASED PROGRESSION Progress through three attack phases: SCAN → ANALYZE → EXPLOIT. Each mission teaches a specific skill — from port scanning to SQL injection, credential enumeration to log analysis. Unlock harder challenges as you level up. ▸ AI-POWERED HINT SYSTEM Stuck on a step? Our intelligent hint engine provides contextual clues at three escalating levels. Get vague nudges, directional tips, or nearly-explicit walkthroughs. Learn at your own pace. ▸ RANK UP FROM SCRIPT KIDDIE TO LEGEND Earn XP with every completed mission. Progress through five ranks: Script Kiddie → Hacker → Elite → Root → Legend. Compete on the global leaderboard and prove your skills. ▸ DAILY MISSIONS + STREAKS New mission delivered every day. Build a streak, earn bonus XP, and climb the rankings. Perfect for your daily commute or training session. ▸ REAL CYBERSECURITY SKILLS - Port scanning with nmap - SQL injection exploitation - XSS probing and payload crafting - Network reconnaissance and enumeration - Log analysis and forensics - Web application security testing - Multi-phase attack chains ▸ SAFE ENVIRONMENT Every mission runs in a completely simulated environment. No real systems, no real risk. Learn dangerous techniques safely before applying them in legitimate CTF competitions or authorized penetration tests. ▸ EARN BADGES Unlock achievements: First Breach, Speed Demon, Ghost (zero errors), No Hints, Streak Master, Pro Hacker. Show off your hacker credentials. ▸ GLOBAL LEADERBOARD See how you rank against hackers worldwide. Track your progress toward the top 1%. ▸ BUILT FOR SERIOUS LEARNERS Whether you're preparing for a CompTIA Security+ exam, studying for OSCP, or just curious about how real cyberattacks work, HackLab gives you the practical experience no textbook can provide. ▸ PRO SUBSCRIPTION Upgrade to unlock unlimited missions, advanced scenarios, all difficulty tiers, and unlimited hints. One subscription, full access. Download HackLab AI now and start your journey from script kiddie to legendary hacker. --- Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://coddykit.com/terms/privacy-policy

About

Daemon Node

Features
Read full description

DAEMON NODE You're a hacker. Not the movie kind. The real kind — the kind who plans an attack for weeks before pressing Enter. Cipher recruited you. AESTHETIC No cyberpunk neon. Mr. Robot — phosphor green terminal on black. IRC dialogue. Tools named like real life: nmap, john, psql, tshark. Plausible OSINT: HIBP, search engines, KvK registries, Wayback archives. GAMEPLAY - One-handed landscape play. - No keyboard input — everything is tap-based. - Five sections: Chat, OSINT, Terminal, Evidence Board, Darknet. - Tiered hint system: Cipher steps in when you're stuck (your grade pays for it). - Grades S/A/B/C/F per mission. Moral verdict tracked separately in M3. WHAT'S NOT IN THE APP - No real network connections. 100% offline. - No functional hacking tools — everything is scripted fiction. - No data collection. No ads. No IAPs. - No third-party SDKs, no trackers. LANGUAGES French and English, fully translated. ACCESSIBILITY VoiceOver compatible. Dynamic Type supported. REQUIREMENTS iPhone, iOS 18 or later, landscape mode.

Screenshots

HackLab4 screens
Daemon Node4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Daemon Node at none against HackLab's 6. Daemon Node also leads on update cadence (daily vs every 3 weeks). HackLab's advantage is device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (15.1 vs 18.0). On price and ads 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. HackLab sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Daemon Node asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

HackLab ships an update every 3 weeks, Daemon Node daily. The most recent releases landed on November 13, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 5 level
HackLab versus Daemon Node: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterHackLabDaemon Node
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (16 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings16 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksDaily — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFreemium—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone
Requires iOS15.1 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size56 MB5 MB
Age rating4+12+
DeveloperMEHMET CANKER (TR)Nicolas STEPHAN

In-app purchases

6 purchases

HackLab

Subscriptions2
  • HackLab Pro Monthly$4.991 Month
  • HackLab Pro Annual$24.991 Year
One-time4
  • 10 Hint Credits$0.99
  • 5 Mission Unlocks$1.99
  • 7-Day XP Boost$2.99
Show 1 more
  • HackLab Pro Lifetime$59.99
None

Daemon Node

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is HackLab free?
HackLab is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Daemon Node free?
Daemon Node is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do HackLab or Daemon Node have ads?
Neither HackLab nor Daemon Node shows ads.
Which is updated more often, HackLab or Daemon Node?
HackLab ships an update every 3 weeks, and Daemon Node daily. Most recently, HackLab was updated on November 13, 2026 and Daemon Node on November 3, 2026.

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