Best Websites to Learn Hacking: Courses, Features, Fees, and Duration

Cybersecurity Ventures (a cybercrime magazine) has estimated that by 2025, global cybercrime damages could reach 10.5 trillion dollars each year. This number highlights the growing severity of risks in the digital world. Cybersecurity has evolved into one of the most critical areas of technology, and ethical hacking plays a pivotal role within it. The role of an ethical hacker is to identify weaknesses in systems before malicious hackers can exploit them. Their work helps businesses, government offices, and even small startups keep their data safe and their operations running without threats. As the demand for skilled professionals continues to rise, many individuals are now turning to online courses to learn ethical hacking. In this blog, we will cover the best websites for learning ethical hacking.

Best Platforms to Learn Ethical Hacking

Ethical hacking has become one of the most sought-after skills in the cybersecurity industry, as organizations worldwide seek professionals who can safeguard their systems against ever-evolving threats. Numerous online platforms now offer structured courses, video tutorials, and real-world hacking simulations that help you develop both foundational knowledge and practical skills in penetration testing. The following are the best ethical hacking learning websites:

1. Internshala Training: Ethical Hacking with AI

Internshala’s Ethical Hacking with AI training blends theory and practice in a structured way. You’ll learn from scratch about cybersecurity, networking, web vulnerabilities, and client-side attacks. It is one of the best platforms to learn ethical hacking. The course provides access to a virtual lab where you can test fundamental tools and methods, including SQL injection, cross-site scripting, and penetration testing. 

The program combines video lessons, assignments, quizzes, and a final project to structure the learning process. It also teaches how to use AI tools to improve vulnerability discovery and report writing. At the end, you get dual certification from Internshala and NSDC / IIT-Madras Pravartak. The course includes job support, such as internships and interview preparation.

Price	₹999
Duration	8 weeks

2. Udemy: Ethical Hacking Courses

Udemy offers an extensive catalog of ethical hacking courses, covering both basic and advanced topics. On its ethical hacking course page, you will see that Udemy hosts over 850 courses, with more than 15 million learners in this category. Many of those courses teach testing, web application vulnerabilities, network security, and threat analysis, and it is one of the top websites to learn ethical hacking. 

One of the popular choices is ‘Learn Ethical Hacking From Scratch,’ which comprises 143 lectures spanning 15 hours of content. These courses often include video lessons, quizzes, coding exercises, downloadable resources, and hands-on labs. You can pause or replay lessons, progress at your own pace, and switch topics freely. Udemy courses typically offer lifetime access, so once you enroll, you can access them at any time.

Price	The fees vary widely. Many courses go on sale for ₹887 – ₹1773
Duration	Some courses run 10–20 hours of video content. Others span 100+ hours.

Pro Tip: Explore the ethical hacking roadmap to learn about the career path, skills, and qualification requirements, and more. 

3. Coursera: IBM Ethical Hacking with Open Source Tools

Coursera partners with top universities and companies to offer structured learning paths. The IBM Ethical Hacking with Open Source Tools program is a professional certificate. This course series provides a solid foundation in both defensive and offensive security techniques. You learn to use popular open-source tools for real-world tasks. The curriculum covers simulated cyberattack methods and vulnerability assessment procedures. 

It also includes threat intelligence gathering. The learning format combines video instruction with hands-on labs. These practical exercises are essential for developing the skills necessary to apply for a job effectively. This program is a strong choice for anyone seeking a systematic approach to learning ethical hacking.

Price	Access requires a monthly Coursera subscription. The total cost depends on your learning pace.
Duration	The program is estimated to take four months at a suggested pace of ten hours per week. You can adjust the timeline to fit your schedule.

4. EC-Council: Ethical Hacking Training & Course

EC-Council’s Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) is one of the most established ethical hacking certifications in the industry. The course outlines a ‘Learn, Certify, Engage, Compete’ framework that guides you from theory to practice and then to real-world challenges. You begin with learning modules covering foundational domains, how to think like a hacker, and how malicious actors exploit systems. 

The program includes more than 221 hands-on labs, exposes you to over 550 attack techniques, and gives access to thousands of hacking tools. You practice in a fully virtualized environment, working on preconfigured targets and networks. Later, you take exams: one knowledge-based, one practical, to prove your skills. The CEH course emphasizes practical work and keeps you engaged through hands-on exercises and Capture the Flag (CTF) challenges, making it one of the best platforms for learning ethical hacking today. 

Price	Training options for CEH v13 include on-demand (starting at approximately $1,699 – ₹1,50,791) and live online (roughly $2,499 – ₹2,21,794) through iClass.
Duration	The instructor-led boot camp typically spans 5 days.

5. TryHackMe: Learn Cyber Security

TryHackMe is a hands-on platform built for learners at all levels, from beginners to advanced users. It provides access to browser-based labs, where you can solve cybersecurity challenges step-by-step. You will practice in real-world environments, performing tasks such as reconnaissance, web exploits, network attacks, and forensics. 

The platform structures content into learning paths so you can follow a focused track, for example, ‘Complete Beginner,’ ‘Offensive Security,’ or ‘Blue Team.’ It combines theory and practice, walking you through concepts and then immediately applying them. Many security professionals consider TryHackMe one of the best websites for learning hacking.

Price	TryHackMe offers a free plan. Its premium plan costs about $10.50 per month (₹930) when billed yearly or about $16.99 per month (₹1507) if billed monthly.
Duration	Self-paced. You can spend a few hours a week or months to complete full modules. Some learning paths consist of 30-50 labs and require several weeks of part-time study to complete.

6. edX: Cybersecurity Essentials

edX offers ‘Cybersecurity Essentials’ through its collaboration with EC-Council, which teaches foundational concepts in network security, ethical hacking, digital forensics, and threat detection. 

 The course helps you understand how ethical hacking works in real environments by exposing you to common attack vectors, vulnerabilities, and defense strategies. You learn about reconnaissance, scanning, penetration testing basics, and reporting. Since the training utilizes open-source tools and real-world scenarios, you gain hands-on experience, not just theoretical knowledge. Many learners consider this one of the best platforms for learning ethical hacking, particularly when building a solid foundation of core knowledge before advancing to more advanced topics. edX also offers related courses in hacking and cybersecurity to help you expand your skills.

Price	$348 (₹30,886)
Duration	Usually 5 to 8 weeks with 7-10 hours per week

7. Sans Institute: Ethical Hacking Training

SANS Institute offers highly regarded ethical hacking training that emphasizes hands-on skill building. Their curriculum covers methodologies, real attack techniques, and tools used by adversaries. You go beyond theory and practice to develop offensive methods that better enable you to understand defense, vulnerability assessment, and incident response. The platform offers a range of skill levels, featuring courses that span from foundational to advanced topics, including exploit development, wireless hacking, cloud attacks, and web penetration testing. The training includes virtual labs, real environments, and techniques drawn from real breaches. Many professionals turn to SANS when searching for the best platform to learn ethical hacking, citing its rigor, reputation, and depth of knowledge.

Price	$8780 (₹7,79,252)
Duration	6 days

8. Pluralsight: Ethical Hacking 

Pluralsight offers multiple learning paths and courses that focus on ethical hacking and security testing. You will find a path called ‘Ethical Hacking (C|EH Prep)’, which includes 19 courses, 15 labs, and about 56 hours of content. That path aims to teach you how to think like an attacker, find vulnerabilities, and patch them.  You will also see standalone courses such as ‘Ethical Hacking: Understanding Ethical Hacking’ for beginners and ‘Ethical Hacking: Social Engineering’, among others. Through these courses, Pluralsight covers reconnaissance, scanning, enumeration, system hacking, vulnerability analysis, social engineering, and specific domains such as wireless and IoT hacking.

Price	Pluralsight works on a subscription model. You pay monthly or annually to access all courses and learning paths.
Duration	The ‘Ethical Hacking (C|EH Prep)’ path totals about 56 hours. Individual courses may range from a couple of hours to 5 hours or more.

9. Cybrary: Cybersecurity Courses

Cybrary provides a comprehensive catalog of cybersecurity and ethical hacking content designed to foster real-world skill development. You can start with free foundational courses and labs to try out basic concepts, then progress to intermediate tracks featuring virtual labs, challenges, and certification preparation. The platform organizes content into career paths and skill paths, allowing you to progress logically. For individuals seeking to choose one of the top websites for learning ethical hacking, Cybrary stands out as it combines theory, lab practice, and certification alignment within a single ecosystem. Many users appreciate the community support, real-world tasks, and hands-on lab environment offered on Cybrary.

Price	About $49 per month (₹4348) for the Insider Pro plan (varies by region)
Duration	Some free entry-level courses take 1 to 2 hours. Full career paths can take several weeks to months, depending on the amount of time invested.

10. Global Skill Development Council: Certified Ethical Hacking Foundation

If you are looking to build a career in cybersecurity, this Ethical Hacking Certification is designed to give you both the skills and the credibility to stand out. The program goes beyond just theory and equips you with hands-on expertise in penetration testing, reverse engineering, web and database exploitation, wireless network hacking, and much more. With 12+ hours of learning, real-world labs, practice exams, and a capstone project, you will be able to showcase your mastery in ethical hacking confidently. What really sets this course apart is its practical edge, including access to an e-learning library and a generative AI-powered interview practice platform to make you job-ready. Additionally, the certification is valid for five years and includes two exam attempts, providing you with the flexibility to succeed. 

Price	₹17,734
Duration	12+ hours of learning

Tips to Select the Best Platform to Learn Ethical Hacking

Finding the right website to learn ethical hacking can be overwhelming due to the numerous choices available online. The key is to select a platform that fits your goals, experience level, and learning style. The right course will not only help you master technical skills but also prepare you to tackle real-world cybersecurity challenges. Here are some tips to help you pick the best websites to learn hacking for beginners:

1. Practical Exposure: Ethical hacking is a hands-on field of study. Look for platforms that provide labs, virtual environments, and real-world attack simulations where you can practice safely. The more you experiment, the stronger your skills will be.
2. Industry Recognition: If you’re aiming for a career in cybersecurity, check whether the certification is globally recognized. Credentials from bodies like Internshala carry more weight in the job market compared to generic completion certificates, as they are government-certified.
3. Updated Curriculum: Cyber threats evolve quickly, so the platform you choose should frequently update its content. Ensure it covers both foundational topics like network sniffing and penetration testing, and advanced areas such as reverse engineering and security evasion.
4. Career-Focused Features: Platforms that offer capstone projects, interview preparation tools, or job placement support can give you an extra edge. These features connect your learning directly to career opportunities.
5. Mentorship and Support: Cybersecurity concepts can be challenging. Select a course that provides expert mentorship, doubt-clearing sessions, or an active learner community where you can exchange ideas and solutions.

Career Options After Pursuing an Ethical Hacking Course

Completing an ethical hacking course opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities in the ever-growing field of cybersecurity. With organizations across industries prioritizing digital security, skilled ethical hackers are in high demand to safeguard sensitive data, prevent breaches, and counter cyber threats. 

Read our blog to learn about different career options and the salaries of ethical hackers in India, based on skills, qualifications, and designation, among other factors. Here are some promising career paths you can pursue after certification:

Job Role	Average Annual Salary
Security Analyst	₹3 LPA – ₹11.9 LPA
Cybersecurity Consultant	₹6 LPA – ₹14.6 LPA
Information Security Manager	₹10 LPA – ₹26 LPA
Malware Analyst	₹2.1 LPA – ₹24 LPA
Network Security Engineer	₹3 LPA – ₹15.5 LPA
Forensic Analyst	₹2 LPA – ₹12 LPA

Conclusion

Selecting the right platform to learn ethical hacking is a crucial step in developing cybersecurity skills. An ideal platform should provide structured lessons, real-world projects, and access to expert guidance to ensure a practical learning experience. Platforms like Internshala, EC-Council, Cybrary, and Udemy offer comprehensive training with projects that simulate real-world cyberattacks, helping you build confidence and expertise in this field. Take the time to evaluate each course option and select the best platform to learn ethical hacking that matches your learning style and career goals in cybersecurity. Read our blog on the best hacking tools and software to enhance your skills.

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