Aspiring cybersecurity professionals face a crucial early decision: where to start practicing. In 2025, over 3.5 million cybersecurity positions remain unfilled globally, creating unprecedented demand for skilled ethical hackers. Yet most beginners struggle to find safe, legal environments to develop hands-on skills. This is where platforms like TryHackMe (THM) and Hack The Box (HTB) come into play.
TryHackMe and Hack The Box are popular online cybersecurity training platforms offering hands-on labs and challenges, where TryHackMe excels for beginners with guided learning paths while Hack The Box suits intermediates with realistic, unguided machines. Both platforms provide virtual environments where you can legally practice penetration testing, network exploitation, and security techniques without risking criminal charges or damaging real systems.
The choice between these platforms significantly impacts your learning trajectory. TryHackMe offers structured, step-by-step guidance perfect for complete newcomers, while Hack The Box provides challenging, realistic scenarios that mirror professional penetration testing engagements. Understanding these differences helps you avoid frustration, optimize your learning budget (starting around $10-14 monthly), and build skills efficiently.
In this guide, you will learn the key differences between TryHackMe and Hack The Box, compare their pricing models and learning structures, evaluate which platform matches your skill level, and discover the recommended progression path for long-term success in cybersecurity.
Table of Contents
- Key Differences at a Glance
- Pros and Cons for Beginners
- Learning Paths Comparison
- Updated 2025 Pricing Breakdown
- Recommendation: Where to Start
- Real Beginner Experiences
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions
- References
Key Differences at a Glance
Understanding the fundamental contrasts between TryHackMe and Hack The Box helps you choose the right starting point for your cybersecurity journey.
| Feature | TryHackMe | Hack The Box |
|---|---|---|
| Learning Style | Guided with step-by-step walkthroughs | Unguided, minimal hints |
| Difficulty Level | Beginner-friendly with progressive challenges | Intermediate to advanced, steep learning curve |
| Pricing (2025) | Free tier + Premium ~$10.50/month | Free (retired machines) + VIP $14/month |
| Content Structure | Organized learning paths and rooms | Individual machines and Academy modules |
| Certifications | JR Penetration Tester (PT1), SOC Level 1 certifications | CPTS and other professional certifications |
| Time Investment | Paths range from 8-60+ hours | Machines take 2-8 hours each |
| Community Support | Active forums with official writeups | Community writeups after machine retirement |
The most critical distinction for beginners is the learning approach. TryHackMe provides extensive guidance through its rooms, which function like interactive tutorials. Each room includes objectives, hints, and often detailed explanations of concepts before you attempt challenges. You can click “Start Machine” directly in your browser using the built-in AttackBox, eliminating technical setup barriers.
Hack The Box takes a different philosophy. Even machines labeled “easy” on HTB require more foundational knowledge than TryHackMe’s “hard” rated content, according to experienced users comparing both platforms. HTB expects you to research tools, identify vulnerabilities independently, and solve challenges with minimal direction. This approach mirrors real-world penetration testing but can frustrate absolute beginners who lack reference points.
The pricing models also differ strategically. TryHackMe’s free tier includes numerous beginner-focused rooms, allowing learners to build core cybersecurity concepts without immediate payment. The premium subscription unlocks all rooms, full learning paths, and unlimited access to the browser-based AttackBox.
Hack The Box’s free tier provides limited access to the platform, including a rotating selection of active machines that do not have official solutions available, encouraging independent problem-solving. With a VIP subscription, users gain access to all active and retired machines, along with official writeups for retired challenges. Structured, course-based learning is offered separately through HTB Academy, which operates on a per-module or subscription-based pricing model.
For technical requirements, TryHackMe requires only a web browser for most content. Hack The Box mandates VPN setup to access machines, adding configuration complexity that beginners may find intimidating initially.
Pros and Cons for Beginners
Each platform offers distinct advantages and limitations when starting your cybersecurity education.
TryHackMe Advantages
TryHackMe’s greatest strength for newcomers is its educational scaffolding. The platform provides clear learning objectives, explains concepts before testing them, and offers hints when you get stuck. This structure prevents the overwhelming feeling of not knowing where to start, a common barrier in self-directed cybersecurity learning.
The “rooms” format breaks complex topics into digestible modules. For example, the Pre Security learning path teaches networking fundamentals, Linux basics, and web security concepts through 40 hours of guided content before introducing penetration testing tools. This foundation prevents gaps in knowledge that plague many self-taught practitioners.
TryHackMe’s browser-based AttackBox eliminates technical barriers. You do not need to install Kali Linux, configure virtual machines, or troubleshoot VPN connections. Click “Start AttackBox,” and within 60 seconds, you have a fully configured attack machine ready to use. This accessibility allows you to focus on learning security concepts rather than managing infrastructure.
The platform also offers clear progression metrics. Badges, ranking systems, and completion percentages provide motivation and help you track skill development. Many beginners appreciate this gamification, which makes the learning process feel like achievement-driven gaming rather than tedious study.
TryHackMe Limitations
Despite its beginner-friendly approach, TryHackMe has notable drawbacks for long-term skill development. The extensive guidance creates dependency on hints and walkthroughs. Users transitioning to Hack The Box often struggle because they have not developed the independent research skills required for unguided challenges.
While TryHackMe offers certifications like JR Penetration Tester (PT1) and SOC Level 1, these credentials are less widely recognized in the industry compared to vendor-neutral certifications or Hack The Box’s CPTS. However, TryHackMe’s learning paths effectively prepare you for third-party certifications like eJPT or CEH that carry stronger industry recognition.
Some advanced users find TryHackMe’s content less realistic than production environments. The structured nature of rooms, while excellent for learning, does not replicate the ambiguity and complexity of real penetration testing engagements where you must identify attack surfaces without hints.
Hack The Box Advantages
Hack The Box excels at providing realistic, challenging scenarios that mirror professional penetration testing work. Machines on HTB require you to chain multiple vulnerabilities, think creatively about attack vectors, and develop persistence when initial approaches fail. These experiences build problem-solving resilience that structured tutorials cannot replicate.
The platform offers professional certifications like CPTS, which employers recognize as demonstrating practical skill. These credentials can directly enhance job applications and justify higher salary negotiations in security roles.
HTB’s community is highly engaged, with active forums where experienced penetration testers discuss techniques, tools, and methodologies. This peer learning accelerates skill development and exposes you to diverse problem-solving approaches. The competition aspect, with leaderboards and “first blood” achievements for solving new machines, motivates many users.
HTB Academy provides structured learning paths for those who want guidance, combining the platform’s realistic challenges with educational content. This hybrid approach offers more depth than TryHackMe while maintaining accessibility.
Hack The Box Limitations
The primary disadvantage for beginners is the steep learning curve. HTB assumes baseline knowledge of Linux, networking, and common security tools. Without this foundation, even “easy” machines become frustratingly difficult. Many beginners report spending hours on HTB machines without progress, leading to discouragement and abandoned learning attempts.
The technical requirements create additional barriers. Setting up VPN connections, troubleshooting connectivity issues, and managing local attack machines demand time and knowledge that absolute beginners often lack. These infrastructure challenges distract from security learning.
HTB’s free tier restricts access to retired machines, which have publicly available solutions online. This limitation reduces the value of free access, as you can easily find walkthroughs that diminish the learning experience. VIP subscription becomes necessary for meaningful skill testing.
The lack of guided explanations means you must research concepts independently. While this builds valuable self-learning skills long-term, it slows initial progress and can lead to incomplete understanding if you bypass learning by simply copying solutions.
Learning Paths Comparison
The structured learning paths offered by each platform reveal their different educational philosophies and help you choose the right starting point.
TryHackMe Learning Paths
TryHackMe organizes content into 20+ learning paths designed for progressive skill building. These paths combine multiple rooms into coherent curricula that teach specific skill sets.
Pre Security Path (40 hours) serves as the ideal entry point for complete beginners. This path covers networking fundamentals, how the web works, Linux operating system basics, and Windows operating system essentials. You learn concepts like IP addressing, DNS, HTTP protocols, and command-line navigation before touching any hacking tools. This foundation prevents knowledge gaps that cause confusion later.
Introduction to Cyber Security (24 hours) introduces various security domains including web application security, network security, and offensive security careers. This path helps you identify which specialization interests you most before investing deep study time.
Jr Penetration Tester Path (60+ hours) represents TryHackMe’s flagship beginner-to-intermediate curriculum. You learn reconnaissance techniques, vulnerability scanning, web application testing, privilege escalation, and post-exploitation. Each concept builds on previous knowledge, creating a coherent progression from basic to advanced techniques. The path includes hands-on challenges where you apply learned techniques to realistic (though simplified) targets. Upon completion, you can earn the JR Penetration Tester (PT1) certification.
SOC Level 1 Path (48 hours) focuses on defensive security, teaching log analysis, threat detection, and incident response. This alternative career track suits those interested in blue team (defensive) rather than red team (offensive) roles. Completing this path qualifies you for the SOC Level 1 certification.
Each TryHackMe path specifies duration, difficulty level, and prerequisites, allowing you to plan your learning trajectory. Paths integrate theory explanations, practical demonstrations, and hands-on challenges in a structured sequence.
Hack The Box Learning Paths
Hack The Box structures learning differently, offering individual machines and HTB Academy paths for guided education.
HTB Machines do not follow formal paths. Instead, machines are tagged by operating system (Linux, Windows), difficulty (Easy, Medium, Hard), and required skills. Beginners typically start with “Easy” Linux machines, though these still demand foundational knowledge. You must identify services running on the target, research vulnerabilities independently, and chain exploits to gain access. Unlike TryHackMe’s step-by-step progression, HTB expects you to manage your learning sequence.
HTB Academy Paths provide structured curricula similar to TryHackMe but with higher baseline difficulty. The Penetration Tester Path starts at an intermediate level, covering reconnaissance, footprinting, information gathering, vulnerability assessment, and exploitation. Academy modules include explanations and exercises but maintain HTB’s philosophy of minimal hand-holding.
Bug Bounty Hunter Path in HTB Academy focuses on web application security, teaching how to find vulnerabilities in real-world applications. This path aligns with lucrative bug bounty opportunities on platforms like HackerOne and Bugcrowd.
HTB Academy operates on a separate pricing model from the main platform. You can purchase individual modules or subscribe for full access. This flexibility allows targeted learning but adds complexity to pricing decisions.
The key difference in learning paths is abstraction level. TryHackMe paths assume zero prior knowledge and build from fundamentals. HTB Academy paths expect basic familiarity with Linux, networking, and security concepts, focusing on technique depth rather than foundational education.
Updated 2025 Pricing Breakdown
Understanding the true cost of each platform helps you budget for long-term cybersecurity education.
TryHackMe Pricing
TryHackMe’s 2025 pricing structure includes a generous free tier and affordable premium option.
Free Tier provides access to hundreds of rooms covering basic topics, numerous learning paths including Pre Security and Introduction to Cyber Security, and limited AttackBox usage (1 hour per day). This free access suffices for initial exploration and completing beginner content. You can learn Linux basics, networking fundamentals, and introductory security concepts without paying.
Premium Subscription (~$10.50/month or $108/year) unlocks access to all rooms and learning paths (1K+ rooms total), unlimited AttackBox usage with premium features, exclusive rooms and content not available in the free tier, and premium Discord support channels. Premium also provides access to the certification learning paths for JR Penetration Tester and SOC Level 1; however, exam vouchers are purchased separately and typically include a bundled period of premium TryHackMe access (commonly three months). Annual plans generally offer a discount compared to monthly billing.
For complete beginners, the free tier provides several months of quality learning material. You can progress through Pre Security and Introduction to Cyber Security paths entirely free. Premium becomes valuable when you want advanced content, unlimited practice time, certification opportunities, or faster skill progression without daily limits.
TryHackMe occasionally offers student discounts and promotional pricing, though these vary by region and timing.
Hack The Box Pricing
Hack The Box’s 2025 pricing separates platform access from Academy content, creating multiple subscription options.
Free Tier grants access to retired machines (older challenges with published solutions), weekly “easy” machine rotation, and community access. The retired machines allow practice but significantly reduce learning value since detailed walkthroughs exist online. Free users must set up their own VPN and attack infrastructure.
VIP Subscription ($14/month or $168/year) provides access to all active machines (60+ live challenges), retired machines without restrictions, Pwnbox (browser-based attack machine similar to TryHackMe’s AttackBox), priority VPN connections with better performance, and VIP-only Discord channels. VIP access becomes essential for meaningful skill development since active machines test problem-solving without available solutions.
VIP+ Subscription ($22/month) adds access to all Pro Labs (large, multi-machine enterprise environments), Active Directory attack labs, and advanced persistent threat scenarios. VIP+ suits intermediate-to-advanced users practicing complex network penetration.
HTB Academy operates separately with pay-per-module options (~$10-50 per module depending on length) or subscription access. Academy subscriptions range from $8-18/month for student plans to $19-30/month for full access, adding significant cost if you want both platform machines and structured learning.
The complexity of HTB pricing creates decision paralysis for beginners. You must choose between platform access (machines), Academy access (courses), or both. For budget-conscious learners, this can cost $20-40 monthly if you want comprehensive coverage.
Value Comparison
For absolute beginners with limited budgets, TryHackMe offers better value. One subscription (~$10.50/month) provides complete access to structured content that teaches you from zero to job-ready skills, including certification opportunities. You do not need additional purchases or infrastructure costs.
Hack The Box’s value proposition strengthens as your skills advance. The realistic challenges and professional certifications justify higher costs for intermediate users preparing for security careers. However, beginners face higher total costs and complexity navigating multiple subscription options.
Both platforms offer free trials allowing you to test content before committing financially. Starting with TryHackMe’s free tier, progressing to premium after completing basic paths, then adding HTB VIP access as your skills develop creates a cost-effective learning trajectory.
Recommendation: Where to Start
Based on platform strengths, community consensus, and learning efficiency, a clear progression path emerges for aspiring cybersecurity professionals.
Start with TryHackMe if: You have minimal cybersecurity knowledge, want structured guidance and clear learning objectives, need budget-friendly access to comprehensive content with certification opportunities, or prefer browser-based tools without complex setup. TryHackMe’s Pre Security path provides the strongest foundation for complete beginners, teaching networking, Linux, and web fundamentals before introducing security tools.
Spend 2-3 months working through TryHackMe’s beginner paths. Complete Pre Security entirely, then progress through Introduction to Cyber Security or Jr Penetration Tester depending on your interests. This timeline allows thorough concept absorption without rushing.
Transition to Hack The Box when: You consistently solve TryHackMe “medium” difficulty rooms without hints, understand common vulnerability classes (SQL injection, command injection, privilege escalation), feel comfortable with Linux command line and basic scripting, and want more realistic challenges that mirror professional work.
Community consensus strongly supports this progression. Users who start with HTB without foundational knowledge frequently abandon learning due to frustration, while those following the THM-to-HTB path report smoother skill development and higher confidence.
Transition Strategy
When moving from TryHackMe to Hack The Box, maintain access to both platforms temporarily. Start with HTB’s “easy” Linux machines while continuing TryHackMe’s intermediate content. This overlap builds confidence as HTB challenges push your skills.
Use TryHackMe’s “Throwback” network or “Wreath” network rooms as transition content. These multi-machine scenarios more closely mirror HTB’s approach while maintaining some THM guidance.
Join HTB’s Discord and forums before attempting machines. Observing how experienced users discuss challenges teaches valuable problem-solving approaches and tool selection strategies.
Consider HTB Academy’s Penetration Tester path alongside HTB machines. Academy provides structured explanations for techniques you encounter in machines, filling knowledge gaps that TryHackMe may not have covered.
Using Both Platforms Together
Many successful learners maintain subscriptions to both platforms, using each for different purposes. TryHackMe serves as your structured education platform, HTB as your skills validation and challenge platform. This combination costs around $25/month but provides comprehensive coverage of offensive security topics.
Alternate weekly focus between platforms. Spend one week on TryHackMe learning new concepts, the next week on HTB applying those concepts to realistic challenges. This rhythm reinforces learning through varied application.
For those on tight budgets, prioritize TryHackMe premium for the first 6 months, then shift focus to HTB VIP as your skills develop. By that point, you will have maximized TryHackMe’s educational value and need HTB’s advanced challenges for continued growth.
Real Beginner Experiences
Understanding how actual beginners succeeded (or struggled) with each platform provides valuable perspective beyond technical comparisons.
TryHackMe Success Stories
On Reddit forums discussing platform choices, numerous beginners share their TryHackMe journeys. One user reported: “Started with zero IT background, completed Pre Security in 6 weeks. Now 3 months in and finishing Jr Penetration Tester. Actually landed my first SOC analyst interview.” This experience illustrates TryHackMe’s accessibility for career changers without technical backgrounds.
Another beginner emphasized the confidence-building aspect: “THM’s guided rooms prevent that overwhelming feeling. You always know what to try next, which keeps you moving forward instead of giving up.” This highlights how structured content reduces dropout rates common in self-directed cybersecurity learning.
Multiple users note that TryHackMe’s content directly translated to certification exam success. One shared: “Completed the Jr Penetration Tester path, then passed eJPT certification on first attempt. THM’s practical focus prepared me better than pure theory courses.”
However, some experienced users caution against overreliance on guidance. One pentester noted: “THM is great for learning, but I see junior candidates who struggle in interviews because they cannot solve problems without hints. You have to intentionally practice independent problem-solving.”
Hack The Box Challenges
Beginners attempting Hack The Box without preparation frequently report frustration. One user admitted: “Jumped into HTB after watching YouTube hacking videos. Spent 8 hours on an ‘easy’ machine and got nowhere. Felt completely demoralized and quit for 3 months.” This experience demonstrates the platform’s steep curve without foundational knowledge.
Others describe the eventual breakthrough moment: “Struggled with HTB machines for weeks after completing some TryHackMe. Finally solved my first box without help, and everything clicked. The satisfaction was incredible.” This highlights HTB’s value for intermediate learners ready for unguided challenges.
Several users emphasize the community learning aspect: “HTB’s Discord is where I really learned. Seeing how others approach problems, what tools they choose, what to research, taught me more than the machines themselves.” This suggests HTB’s value extends beyond machines to peer learning opportunities.
One career-focused user shared: “Earned CPTS certification after 6 months on HTB Academy and machines. Directly led to security analyst job offer with $15k salary increase. HTB’s realism made me confident discussing pentesting in interviews.” This demonstrates HTB’s career impact for those who progress to advanced content.
Common Beginner Pitfalls
Across both platforms, beginners frequently make similar mistakes. Rushing through content without understanding concepts, copying solutions without comprehending techniques, and focusing solely on offensive security while ignoring defensive knowledge create long-term skill gaps.
Experienced users consistently advise: take notes while learning, complete writeups of challenges in your own words, research tools and techniques beyond immediate challenges, and practice explaining concepts to others (teaching reinforces learning).
The most successful beginners report setting consistent practice schedules (5-10 hours weekly minimum), joining community Discord servers for motivation and help, and tracking progress through certifications or completed paths rather than random room selection.
Key Takeaways
- TryHackMe provides beginner-friendly, guided learning paths starting from zero knowledge, while Hack The Box offers realistic, unguided challenges for intermediate learners with foundational skills.
- Pricing favors TryHackMe for budget-conscious beginners (~$10.50/month comprehensive access including certifications) versus HTB’s higher total cost when combining platform and Academy subscriptions.
- The recommended progression path is: Start with TryHackMe’s Pre Security and Jr Penetration Tester paths (2-3 months), then transition to Hack The Box for realistic challenge validation.
- TryHackMe’s browser-based AttackBox eliminates technical barriers, while HTB requires VPN setup and local infrastructure management that challenges absolute beginners.
- Both platforms offer certifications, with TryHackMe providing JR Penetration Tester (PT1) and SOC Level 1 certifications, while HTB offers professional certifications like CPTS that carry stronger industry recognition.
- Real user experiences confirm the learning curve difference, with beginners succeeding on TryHackMe but struggling when jumping directly to Hack The Box without preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TryHackMe or HackTheBox cheaper for beginners?
TryHackMe costs approximately $10.50/month for complete access to all learning paths, rooms, unlimited browser-based AttackBox, and certification exams. Hack The Box charges $14/month for VIP access to machines, but requires additional HTB Academy subscription ($8-30/month) for structured learning content. For comprehensive beginner education, TryHackMe offers better value with one subscription covering all content including certifications. HTB’s total costs run $20-40 monthly if you want both platforms and Academy.
Which has better beginner content?
TryHackMe provides superior beginner content with guided learning paths starting from absolute zero knowledge. The Pre Security path teaches networking, Linux, and web fundamentals before introducing security tools. TryHackMe rooms include objectives, hints, and detailed explanations. Hack The Box assumes baseline knowledge of Linux, networking, and common security tools. Even HTB Academy’s beginner content targets intermediate skill levels. For complete newcomers, TryHackMe’s structured approach prevents overwhelming confusion.
Do they offer certifications?
Both platforms offer certifications. TryHackMe provides JR Penetration Tester (PT1) and SOC Level 1 certifications as part of their premium subscription, which validate completion of their comprehensive learning paths. Hack The Box offers professional certifications including Certified Penetration Testing Specialist (CPTS) and others that are more widely recognized by employers in the industry. While TryHackMe’s certifications demonstrate foundational skills, HTB’s certifications carry stronger industry recognition and demonstrate practical skills through hands-on assessments. TryHackMe also effectively prepares you for third-party certifications like eJPT or CEH.
Can I use both free tiers first?
Yes, both platforms offer free tiers that provide substantial learning value for exploration. TryHackMe’s free tier includes hundreds of rooms, several learning paths (Pre Security, Introduction to Cyber Security), and limited AttackBox usage. You can learn fundamentals entirely free. HTB’s free tier restricts access to retired machines with publicly available solutions, reducing learning effectiveness. Start with TryHackMe’s free tier for structured education, then upgrade to premium after completing available free content. HTB’s free tier suits exploration after building TryHackMe skills.
How to transition from TryHackMe to HackTheBox?
Transition when you consistently solve TryHackMe medium-difficulty rooms without hints and understand common vulnerability classes. Start by completing TryHackMe’s Pre Security and Jr Penetration Tester paths (2-3 months). Then add HTB VIP subscription while maintaining THM access temporarily. Begin with HTB’s “easy” Linux machines and use HTB Academy’s Penetration Tester path for structured guidance. Join HTB Discord to learn problem-solving approaches from experienced users. Expect 1-2 months overlap using both platforms before fully transitioning focus to HTB challenges.