# Pocket CLI vs HackerX

The clearest difference is price: HackerX at Free against Pocket CLI's $74.99. HackerX also leads on rating (4.8 vs 3.7) and ratings volume (2.9K vs 17). Pocket CLI's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and chart position (#192 vs unranked). On review sentiment, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

HackerX is free to download; Pocket CLI costs $74.99 up front. HackerX sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Pocket CLI asks for nothing beyond the download.

HackerX holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: HackerX has 2.9K ratings behind it against 17, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 69% of Pocket CLI's written reviews are positive against 76% of HackerX's.

Pocket CLI ships an update every 3 weeks, HackerX every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 27, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Pocket CLI | HackerX |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $74.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [3.7 (17 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pocket-cli/id956405354/reviews) | **[4.8 (2.9K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hackerx-learn-ethical-hacking/id1542444199/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 17 | **2.9K** |
| Positive reviews | 68.8% of reviews | **75.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 6 weeks |
| Monetization | Paid | **Freemium** |
| Best chart rank | **#192** | — |
| Size | 17 MB | 63 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Marvin Arriola](https://appshunter.io/developer/1678593082) | [Nigel Crasto](https://appshunter.io/developer/1049691225) |

## What reviewers say

### Pocket CLI

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pocket-cli/id956405354)

**Currently charting:** #192 Top Paid · Education (US App Store)

This app simulates Cisco IOS for network configuration and troubleshooting practice. Design and build interactive network topologies, follow along with labs, or tackle troubleshooting challenges. Practice CCNA skills anywhere, anytime, without expensive hardware.

**Highlights:** Cisco IOS simulation, Interactive network topology design, CCNA lab practice, Troubleshooting challenges, iBGP & eBGP support, Subnet calculator and practice

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### HackerX

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hackerx-learn-ethical-hacking/id1542444199)

Learn the fundamentals and advanced techniques of ethical hacking and cybersecurity. This app offers comprehensive courses for beginners and experienced individuals, covering topics from basic hacking concepts to penetration testing and digital forensics. Gain practical skills to secure systems and build a career in the field.

**Highlights:** Learn cybersecurity basics, Advanced hacking skills, Ethical hacking tutorials, Penetration testing, Digital forensics, Beginner-friendly lessons

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Limited Time Special Discount! | $9.99 | one-time |
| Hacking Lifetime Access Plan | $24.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Great teaching
- 💡 Beginner-friendly
- 🚀 Straightforward lessons
- 👍 Organized and simple

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Buggy tests and quizzes
- 💰 Paywall for full access
- 🔍 Requires external tools/websites
- 🔍 Outdated content
- 🔍 Limited free content

**Reported bugs**

- Lessons not displaying properly
- Inability to select answers in tests
- App freezing or getting stuck on loading screens
- Compatibility issues with Mac OS

**Requested features**

- Dark mode option
- More advanced content
- Ability to skip lessons based on prior knowledge
- Better support and troubleshooting
- Sync progress across devices


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Pocket CLI free?

Pocket CLI costs $74.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is HackerX free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Pocket CLI or HackerX?

HackerX is rated higher. Pocket CLI averages 3.7 out of 5 from 17 ratings, while HackerX averages 4.8 from 2.9K ratings.

### Do Pocket CLI or HackerX have ads?

Neither Pocket CLI nor HackerX shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Pocket CLI or HackerX?

Pocket CLI ships an update every 3 weeks, and HackerX every 6 weeks. Most recently, Pocket CLI was updated on October 26, 2026 and HackerX on October 27, 2026.

---

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