PortSwigger and TryHackMe are our two main portals in the modern era of cybersecurity where we learn and acquire hands-on skills for pentesters. However, they are not identical.Let’s compare them in features, range of services, prices, and audience to help figure out which one is good for you.
What is PortSwigger?
The team behind the popular Burp Suite scanner, PortSwigger, offers interactive labs, training courses and resources through the Web Security Academy, which covers web application security. The labs cover real-world vulnerabilities, and feature full walks through of common security issues such as cross-site scripting that you can exploit in a safe setting. PortSwigger is a great resource for a professional or developer who wants to improve their web application security skills.
- Key Features of PortSwigger:
- Focus on web application vulnerabilities (e.g., SQL injection, XSS).
- Interactive labs with real-world scenarios.
- Comprehensive guides and tutorials.
- Free and premium plans available (Pro version for advanced scanning).
What is TryHackMe?
TryHackMe is a platform dedicated to teaching the art of cybersecurity. Offering a range of labs covering subjects from penetration testing and offensive security to ethical hacking, forensics and network security, it caters to everyone from novice to advanced. Its structured learning paths in the form of ‘rooms’ take users from beginner tasks to advanced, while whether you’re a hacker who enjoys tinkering with computers for fun or getting your hands dirty to make yourself more employable, TryHackMe is the site for you.
- Key Features of TryHackMe:
- Covers a wide range of cybersecurity topics (e.g., web exploitation, forensics, CTF challenges).
- Beginner-friendly with guided learning paths.
- Gamified learning with badges and ranks.
- Free and premium subscription options available.
Head-to-Head Comparison: PortSwigger vs. TryHackMe
- Learning Focus
- PortSwigger: Best for web application security and exploiting real-world vulnerabilities.
- TryHackMe: Covers a broad range of cybersecurity topics, including general hacking and networking.
- User Experience
- PortSwigger: Labs are tied to Burp Suite and real-world web vulnerabilities, suited for users with web security knowledge.
- TryHackMe: Gamified with ranks and badges, creating a progression-based experience for users of all skill levels.
- Target Audience
- PortSwigger: Geared towards web developers, security analysts, and professionals interested in web security.
- TryHackMe: Accessible to beginners and professionals interested in various domains of cybersecurity.
- Pricing
- PortSwigger: The Web Security Academy is free; Burp Suite Pro comes with premium features.
- TryHackMe: Free access with a premium subscription ($10/month) for additional content and learning paths.
Pros and Cons: PortSwigger vs. TryHackMe
- PortSwigger Pros:
- High-quality, specialized web security labs.
- Focus on web application vulnerabilities.
- Integrated with Burp Suite Pro.
- PortSwigger Cons:
- Limited to web security topics.
- Best for users with prior knowledge of web security.
- TryHackMe Pros:
- Broad range of topics for learners of all levels.
- Gamified experience with badges and ranks.
- Guided rooms for beginners and advanced challenges for experts.
- TryHackMe Cons:
- Less focus on web application security compared to PortSwigger.
- Some labs are beginner-level and may not challenge experienced users.
Which Platform is Right for You?
- PortSwigger: Ideal for those focused on web application security, especially users familiar with Burp Suite.
- TryHackMe: Best for beginners or those seeking a broader approach covering penetration testing, networking, and cybersecurity skills.
Conclusion: PortSwigger vs. TryHackMe
PortSwigger is a great tool to learn more about web vulnerabilities and how to exploit them if you’re either a web security professional or a developer looking to brush up your web security. TryHackMe, on the other hand, has a wider scope of topics that allows you to learn about a multitude of cybersecurity topics in a gamified manner, making it a good fit for both beginners and those with more experience in cybersecurity. Ultimately, the best platform will depend on what you want to get out of your time on it, whether that might be becoming a master of web security, or finding a more well-rounded introduction to cybersecurity.
