Hack The Box review: what it is, pricing and who it's for
Hands-on cybersecurity training platform with hacking labs, courses and certifications.
In short: Hands-on cybersecurity training platform with hacking labs, courses and certifications. Starting price: US$25/mo or US$223/yr (Labs VIP+). Free plan / trial: Free Labs tier with active machines and challenges. Best for: Aspiring and working security professionals.
What is Hack The Box?
Hack The Box is an online platform where you learn cybersecurity by attacking and defending real systems in safe lab environments. Labs include vulnerable virtual machines, small challenges, incident investigation labs (Sherlocks) and enterprise-style Pro Labs.
The separate Academy section teaches theory through browser-based modules and leads to HTB certifications. You can hack from your own setup over VPN or use Pwnbox, a cloud attack machine that runs in your browser.
Key features
- More than 1,700 hacking labs, with new content each week.
- Free new machine and challenge released every week.
- Pwnbox: a cloud-based attack distro you use in the browser.
- Guided Mode and official walkthroughs for help when stuck.
- Sherlocks for defensive and incident response practice.
- Pro Labs that simulate enterprise networks (HTB PRO plan).
- Academy courses and paid certification exams.
- Capture The Flag events and seasonal competitions.
Plans and pricing
| Plan | Price / limit | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Free | US$0 | 20 active machines, 80+ active challenges, one 2-hour Pwnbox trial |
| VIP+ | US$25/mo or US$223/yr | Retired machines and challenges, unlimited Pwnbox, personal instances, CPE credits |
| HTB PRO | US$49/mo or US$490/yr | Everything in VIP+, plus 10 Pro Labs, prep tracks and full Sherlocks access |
| Academy | See official site | Course access and certifications priced separately |
Labs prices are in USD from the HTB help center; annual billing is cheaper, Academy is priced separately, and legacy Pro Labs bundles stopped new sales on 30 Sep 2026 (checked 2026-11-14).
Pros and cons
Pros
- Large and growing library of practical labs.
- Free tier is enough to start practicing.
- Covers both offensive and defensive skills.
- Browser-based Pwnbox removes setup hassle on paid plans.
Cons
- Retired machines and walkthrough-heavy learning need a paid plan.
- Pwnbox on the free tier is limited to a one-time 2-hour trial.
- Labs and Academy are billed separately, so full access costs more.
- Content can be hard for complete beginners without Academy basics.
Who it's for
Hack The Box suits people preparing for security jobs, pentesters and blue-team analysts who learn by doing. Total beginners may prefer a more guided beginner platform first.
Frequently asked questions
What is Hack The Box?
Hack The Box is an online platform where you learn cybersecurity by attacking and defending real systems in safe lab environments. Labs include vulnerable virtual machines, small challenges, incident investigation labs (Sherlocks) and enterprise-style Pro Labs.
How much does Hack The Box cost?
Hack The Box starts at US$25/mo or US$223/yr (Labs VIP+). Labs prices are in USD from the HTB help center; annual billing is cheaper, Academy is priced separately, and legacy Pro Labs bundles stopped new sales on 30 Sep 2026 (checked 2026-11-14).
Does Hack The Box have a free plan or free trial?
Free Labs tier with active machines and challenges.
Who is Hack The Box best for?
Hack The Box suits people preparing for security jobs, pentesters and blue-team analysts who learn by doing. Total beginners may prefer a more guided beginner platform first.
What are the downsides of Hack The Box?
Main drawbacks: Retired machines and walkthrough-heavy learning need a paid plan. Pwnbox on the free tier is limited to a one-time 2-hour trial. Labs and Academy are billed separately, so full access costs more. Content can be hard for complete beginners without Academy basics.
What are some alternatives to Hack The Box?
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This summary is based on Hack The Box's official website, pricing page and public documentation as of November 14, 2026. Prices and features change, so confirm the details on the official site. Some links on this site may be affiliate links. See our affiliate disclosure.