Hack The Box Alternatives (2026)

Hack The Box is built for offensive security - breaking into vulnerable machines and CTF-style challenges. If you want a different angle - fixing real vulnerable code and systems (defensive appsec) with a portfolio to show, or practice across more than just security - here are the best alternatives, starting with HeyDevJob.

The best alternatives

HeyDevJob
Fixing real vulnerable production systems (SQL injection, XSS, broken auth, leaked secrets) and building a portfolio across Security plus six other roles.
A different angle from HTB: HTB is offensive (break in, CTF); HeyDevJob is fix-the-vulnerability on real systems, with a portfolio hiring managers can open. They complement each other.
Hack The Box
Offensive security, penetration testing, and CTF-style machines (the original).
Still the best if your goal is red-team / pentest skills and you enjoy the CTF format.
TryHackMe
Guided, beginner-friendly security learning paths.
A gentler on-ramp than HTB; more hand-holding, less open-ended.
PortSwigger Web Security Academy
Free, deep web application security labs from the makers of Burp Suite.
Free and excellent for web vulns specifically; not broad systems or a portfolio.

How to choose

Want offensive and CTF? Hack The Box, or TryHackMe if you want it guided. Want to learn web appsec deeply for free? PortSwigger Academy. Want to fix real vulnerable systems and show a portfolio across security and engineering? HeyDevJob. Many people pair an offensive platform with HeyDevJob's fix-it side.

Practice real Security work

All Security projectsProjects hubSecurity roadmapStep by stepClose a SQL Injection in a Search EndpointSecurity projectNeutralize a Stored XSS in CommentsSecurity project

Common questions

Is there a free Hack The Box alternative?

PortSwigger's Web Security Academy is free for web appsec, and HeyDevJob's junior security tickets are free.

What is the best Hack The Box alternative for a portfolio?

HeyDevJob - you fix real vulnerable systems and every fix lands on a portfolio, which CTF platforms do not give you.

Why hands-on practice wins

Whichever you choose, the thing that gets you hired is proof you can do the work. On HeyDevJob you fix real broken production systems in a live cloud workspace, and every fix lands on a portfolio a hiring manager can open and click - real work you can show, not just course progress or a certificate of completion. That is the gap most prep tools leave, and the one HeyDevJob is built to close.

Start with real work. Fix a real production system free in a live cloud workspace and start your portfolio.

Start free →