# HackLab vs ColdWire

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: ColdWire at none against HackLab's 6. ColdWire also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.6). HackLab's advantage is ratings volume (5 vs 1). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

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

ColdWire holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: HackLab has 5 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

HackLab ships an update every 2 weeks, ColdWire every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 26, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | HackLab | ColdWire |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hacklab-hacker-simulator/id6761661931/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/coldwire/id6781021178/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **5** | 1 |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Every 10 days** |
| Monetization | Freemium | **Free** |
| Size | 53 MB | 79 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.1** | 16.4 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [MEHMET CANKER (TR)](https://appshunter.io/developer/1565350155) | [Olamide Olufade](https://appshunter.io/developer/6781021180) |

## What reviewers say

### 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 |


### ColdWire

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/coldwire/id6781021178)

Engage in a strategic cyber-heist experience on a hostile global grid. Scout targets, bypass security, and disconnect before being traced. Upgrade your operation, take on contracts, and compete with other players in asynchronous PvP raids.

**Highlights:** Terminal-noir cyber-heist strategy, Global grid exploration and target scouting, Layered security breaching mechanics, Operation and tool upgrades, Asynchronous PvP raids and defense building, Crew system and season leaderboards, Daily and live-ops content

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is HackLab free?

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

### Is ColdWire free?

ColdWire is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, HackLab or ColdWire?

ColdWire is rated higher. HackLab averages 4.6 out of 5 from 5 ratings, while ColdWire averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do HackLab or ColdWire have ads?

Neither HackLab nor ColdWire shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, HackLab or ColdWire?

HackLab ships an update every 2 weeks, and ColdWire every 10 days. Most recently, HackLab was updated on September 24, 2026 and ColdWire on September 26, 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.*