Want to learn how to hack? It would help if you had an environment to get hands-on practice. HackTheBox Labs offers a sleek, modern platform that enables you to hack virtual machines with little to no setup. With the addition of HackTheBox Academy, beginners can also benefit from the platform.
Welcome to our comprehensive review where we cover everything HackTheBox has to offer.
- Experience Level: Beginners to Advanced
- Platform Focus: CTFs, Offensive & Defensive Techniques,
- HTB Labs Pricing: $0 - $20 USD Monthly
- HTB Academy Pricing: $0 – Varies
HackTheBox Labs
HTB Labs is a CTF-style platform where you attack, analyze, or defend a target. While there is an introductory “Starting Point” containing “Very Easy” rooms, HTB Labs is intended for those with experience. There is little hand-holding, and the labs often assume you have a baseline of IT, networking, and CTF knowledge.
Getting started is simple:
- Choose a Machine and Join or Spawn it. This is the machine you are attacking, and you’re essentially bringing it online. Some boxes will be a shared environment, meaning you will be in the same box with other players.
- Spin up your PwnBox. This is the virtual web-based environment you use to attack the Machines.
- Find those flags! You complete a room by providing the hidden user and root flags.
HackTheBox Academy
HTB Academy focuses on education and learning. Unlike HTB Labs, Academy has content for beginners and covers many starter topics.
HTB Academy contains Modules and Paths. A Path is a collection of Modules. For example, the Information Security Foundations Skill Path has 12 modules, such as Linux and Windows Fundamentals. The Modules can also be taken individually if you want something specific.
The content is comprehensive. Difficulty ranges from complete beginners, to deeply technical.
HackTheBox Certificates
HackTheBox has several certificates, and one is gaining traction in the industry. For example, Certified Penetration Testing Specialist (CPTS) is often seen as a better alternative to certificates like the OSCP and CEH. Praised for being more realistic and affordable (compared to other similar options that pair with training), HTB certs are some of the best around.
Although HTB has great quality certificates, don’t expect to see them on job postings anytime soon. Unfortunately, HR and hiring managers are slow to recognize new Cybersecurity certificates.
HackTheBox Pricing
HTB has two offerings: Labs and Academy. You can think of these as two separate platforms, both with different pricing
HTB Labs Pricing: $0 – $20 USD Monthly
For the latest Labs pricing, check HackTheBox directly.
HTB Academy Pricing: Varies
For the latest Academy pricing, check HackTheBox directly
For HTB Academy, when you create a new account you’ll be given Cubes (credits to purchase Modules with). These Cubes are enough to get through some of the Fundamental content.
- Annual Subscriptions give you access to all Modules up to a certain level, access to specific Job Paths, and exam vouchers
- Monthly Subscription gives you Cubes
- Exam Vouchers & Cubes can be purchased separately
HackTheBox VS TryHackMe
If you’re willing to pay for premium content and features, either in Labs or Academy, HackTheBox covers everything TryHackMe does and better.
But if you want a completely free platform, TryHackMe has more beginner-friendly content. The THM community is also more welcoming for complete beginners.
Forums such as Reddit often praise HackTheBox for being a solid, flexible platform for cybersecurity learning needs.
Conclusion
HackTheBox is one of the best Cybersecurity learning platforms around. For those willing to pay, you’ll get the best experience. Create a free account with HackTheBox and try it out.
Active & helpful community Discord
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HackTheBox Good For Complete Beginners?
Yes, but you’ll likely be limited to beginner paths on HTB Academy. Complete beginners (those without fundamental IT knowledge) will struggle with even basic machines in HTB Labs.
Will HackTheBox Help Land Me A Job?
The value of a high HTB “Rank” is arguable on a resume. Yes, there are job listings on the HTB site, many reserved for those who have achieved a specific “Rank” in HTB, but there is no clear data on whether anyone ever lands these jobs because of HTB. If anything,
HTB can act as a versatile conversation point in an interview.
Is HackTheBox A Good Way To Prepare For The OSCP?
HTB is a common tool used for those preparing for the OSCP. Search for “HTB OSCP machines” for recommendations.
Are HTB Certificates Worth Anything?
The HTB Certified Penetration Testings Specialist (CPTS) is gaining some traction in the industry, however, it is still far behind the well-known comparable certificates that HR loves: OCSP and CEH.
HackTheBox Alternatives?
If you’re a complete beginner, TryHackMe (THM) may be a better starting point. Read our TryHackMe Review