# HappyStone vs HackLab

The clearest difference is rating: HackLab at 4.8 against HappyStone's 4.0. HackLab also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 13 months) and ratings volume (16 vs 1). HappyStone's advantage is iOS requirement (6.0 vs 15.1). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. HappyStone 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.

HackLab holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: HackLab has 16 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

HappyStone ships an update every 13 months, HackLab every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | HappyStone | HackLab |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/happystone/id721474764/reviews) | **[4.8 (16 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hacklab-hacker-simulator/id6761661931/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **16** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 13 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 41 MB | 56 MB |
| Requires iOS | **6.0** | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Kimiko Yoshino](https://appshunter.io/developer/463951499) | [MEHMET CANKER (TR)](https://appshunter.io/developer/1565350155) |

## What reviewers say

### HappyStone

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/happystone/id721474764)

Mine for stones in a Breakout-style game, collect them to complete a pictorial book, or design custom accessories. Unlock new areas and items using points earned through gameplay. Save your creations in high resolution.

**Highlights:** Breakout-style mining gameplay, Stone collection and pictorial book, Accessory design with collected stones, Unlockable areas and items, Save high-resolution images

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Charged version | $0.99 | 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 HappyStone free?

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

### Is HackLab free?

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

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

HackLab is rated higher. HappyStone averages 4.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while HackLab averages 4.8 from 16 ratings.

### Do HappyStone or HackLab have ads?

Neither HappyStone nor HackLab shows ads.

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

HappyStone ships an update every 13 months, and HackLab every 3 weeks. Most recently, HappyStone was updated on October 13, 2026 and HackLab on October 24, 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.*