Hack The Box Blog | Cybersecurity News

Pricing changes on HTB Academy: moving to tier-based access and updating subscription rates

Written by md0ncel | Sep 3, 2026, 12:00:54 PM

5+  years of continuous content additions, expanded defensive security team content, AI-driven learning tools, and job-role paths tailored for the modern cybersecurity landscape are bringing an updated and more streamlined pricing model to HTB Academy.

 

In 2020, we launched Hack The Box (HTB) Academy with a simple mission: build the best platform for users to learn and master cyber security, through a structured and hands-on curriculum based on what the market requires of cybersecurity professionals.

 

Back then, Academy started with a small module library and a cube credit system to unlock courses one by one. Today, we have a catalog of over 350 modules being constantly updated to meet industry standards, including 191 newly released defensive security courses from LetsDefend, multiple certifications, and a growing library of AI security content.

 

To keep pace with the evolving cybersecurity landscape, HTB Academy continues to adapt so students gain job-ready skills through hands-on mastery. To reflect this growth, improve the user experience, and align with market demands, we are updating our pricing structure.

What is changing?

Monthly plans (Silver, Gold, and Platinum) are moving from fixed monthly cubes to tier-based access. Instead of spending time calculating credits, you can choose a path and start learning immediately. Prices are being updated to reflect this all-inclusive model.

 

If you prefer buying individual modules, you can still do so using our updated cube packages pricing table below. We are also updating our rates for Student Monthly, Silver Annual, and Gold Annual plans to support our expanded catalog, improved platform tools, and new certifications.

 

These updates take effect October 12th. Monthly subscribers will receive a one-month grace period at their current rates while experiencing full tier access. Annual subscribers will also have the chance to renew their subscription at the current rate on their next cycle after October 12th.

 

All previously purchased cubes will remain in your account and will not expire.

How to get the best prices for now

Users interested in securing current rates can lock in 12 months of Academy access by upgrading to an annual plan before October 12th, when the new rates apply.

 

 

What we have added to HTB Academy over the past 5 years

When Academy launched, it was a simple module library. Over the past five years, we have continually invested in new content, lab infrastructure, AI-coaching support, gamification features and a massive expansion of our offensive and defensive training, including new AI an defensive security courses, without altering subscription rates.

 

  5 years ago Today
Module library < 50 modules covering mostly offensive security fundamentals 350+ hands-on modules across offensive and defensive security
Defensive security content < 10 modules 32 modules plus 191 defensive courses integrated directly on HTB Academy from the LetsDefend platform.
AI security content None

- AI Red Teamer Path with 12 modules developed together with Google

- HTB COAE (HTB Certified Offensive AI Expert) Certification

- New AI literacy modules, with more upcoming 

Industry certifications 0 certifications 8+ hands-on certifications (including HTB CPTS, HTB CDSA, HTB CWES, and HTB COAE) available through annual subscriptions, with more coming.
Learning paths < 10 learning paths 20+ skill and job-role paths tailored to meet real-world market requirements and being updated continuously.
AI-augmented learning features None HTB Coach directly embedded into HTB Academy platform and AI-powered multilingual translation 

New pricing structure breakdown

Starting October 12th, monthly plans will no longer distribute fixed cube allowances. Instead, a monthly subscription unlocks unlimited access to every module within your plan tier range. Bundled exam vouchers remain included in annual plans.

Below is how legacy rates compare to the updated pricing taking effect on October 12th:

 

Plan Legacy price New price (October 12th) Included access & perks
Student (Monthly) $8/mo

$10/mo

€9/mo

£8/mo

Unlimited access from Tier 0 through Tier II modules
Silver Monthly $18/mo

$30/mo

€26/mo

£23/mo

Unlimited access from Tier 0 through Tier II modules
Gold Monthly $38/mo

$95/mo

€81/mo

£72/mo

Unlimited access from Tier 0 through Tier III modules
Platinum Monthly $68/mo

$125/mo

€107/mo

£95/mo

Unlimited access from Tier 0 through Tier IV expert and principal modules
Silver Annual $490/yr

$550/yr

€469/yr

£416/yr

Unlimited access from Tier 0 through Tier II + 2 bundled exam vouchers (HTB CJCA + 1 Specialist Certification)
Gold Annual $1,260/yr

$1,400/yr

€1,195/yr

£1,060/yr

Unlimited Tier 0 through Tier III + 2 bundled exam vouchers (HTB CJCA + 1 Expert Certification)

 

Prices listed in USD/EUR/GBP; local currency equivalents and local taxes may apply at checkout.

Standalone cube repricing details

Learners who prefer not to maintain a recurring subscription can still purchase individual modules using cubes. Standalone cube packs remain fully available as a pay-as-you-go option for individual module unlocks.

Here is the updated standalone cube packages breakdown:

 

Cube packages USD New price (October 12th) EUR New price (October 12th) GBP New price (October 12th)
50 Cubes $10 €9 £8
100 Cubes $20 €18 £16
200 Cubes $40 €36 £32
500 Cubes $100 €90 £80
1,000 Cubes $200 €180 £160
5,000 Cubes $1,000 €900 £800

Prices listed in USD/EUR/GBP; local currency equivalents and local taxes may apply at checkout.

Note: Unused cube balances remaining in your account on October 12th stay intact forever. They will never expire or lose purchasing power.

Transition plan for current subscribers

We want to give our active community time to adjust. Here is exactly what happens to your account on October 12th based on your plan type.

For current monthly subscribers

  • 1-Month Grace Period: Your first billing cycle after October 12th stays locked at your current monthly rate for your active plan. However, your account immediately upgrades to full unlimited tier access on day one.
  • Subsequent Cycles: Starting on your next billing cycle after the grace period, monthly renewals will move to updated rates for Student, Silver, Gold, or Platinum tiers.

For current annual subscribers

  • Next Renewal Locked: Your upcoming annual renewal automatically remains locked at your current legacy rate for one full additional cycle if you stay subscribed. 
  • Future Renewals: Updated annual pricing will only apply starting on your second renewal after October 12th.

What happens to existing cubes?

  • Unused cube balances stay in your account forever. They will never expire or devalue, and you can continue spending them whenever you choose.

Why we are making this shift

We are evolving our pricing structure to make your learning journey seamless, aligned with industry standards, and focused entirely on helping you master cybersecurity skills.

 

  1. Less friction: Our users expressed that they want to learn without interruptions. Instead of managing cube balances or calculating monthly allocations, you will now get seamless, instant access to complete entire job-role paths from start to finish.
  2. Exponential platform growth: Since 2020, our catalog has expanded to over 350+ hands-on modules. You also now enjoy 191 integrated defensive courses from LetsDefend—all included without extra subscription fees. This pricing change reflects the expansion of content you can now access through our subscriptions.
  3. Future-proof training: Cybersecurity moves fast, especially with emerging AI-driven threats. Updating our plan structure allows us to continuously build state-of-the-art content and lab environments, launch specialized certifications, and ensure your skills stay aligned with modern industry demands.

Lock in legacy annual rates before October 12th

Our updated pricing structure and tier-based access for monthly plans go live on October 12th.

If you want to secure 12 months of unlimited Academy access alongside bundled certification vouchers at our current lower rates, now is the time. Visit HTB Academy and lock in your annual plan before October 12th.

 

Frequently asked questions

Q: What happens to my cubes?

Unused cube balances stay in your account forever; they will never expire or devalue, and you can continue spending them whenever you choose. Additionally, standalone cube packs remain available for pay-as-you-go purchases if you prefer to unlock individual modules without a monthly subscription.

 

Q: Can I still buy individual modules with cubes?

Yes. Standalone cube packs remain available for pay-as-you-go purchases if you prefer to unlock individual modules without a monthly subscription. New cube purchases will reflect updated rates starting October 12th.

 

Q: Can I downgrade my plan?

Yes, you can cancel your subscriptions and purchase a new plan at any billing boundary. Keep in mind that if you hold a grandfathered legacy rate and decide to cancel, future subscriptions will be done at updated rates.

 

Q: Why should I upgrade to an annual plan before October 12th?

Upgrading to an annual plan before October 12th is the most cost-effective way to lock in long-term savings. By upgrading to Silver Annual or Gold Annual now, you will secure 12 months of unlimited Academy access according to your tier and bundled exam vouchers at our current lower rates—saving $60/year on Silver Annual and $140/year on Gold Annual. Additionally, as an active annual subscriber, your next renewal cycle after October 12th will also automatically lock in at the legacy rate, allowing you to maximize your savings for even longer.