The real cost of learning cyber security
Cyber security is one of the most in-demand career fields in the world, yet practical training often feels out of reach. Many newcomers start with good intentions, only to hit expensive paywalls, hidden fees, or courses that deliver very little hands-on experience.
The truth is that cost alone doesn’t define value. Paying more for static video lectures rarely leads to better skills. What matters is how efficiently you can turn time and money into capability - real, job-ready knowledge that you can prove.
That’s why a new generation of affordable, lab-based platforms has reshaped how people learn. Instead of paying thousands for certification bootcamps or endless subscriptions, learners can now practise directly in simulated networks, attack surfaces, and forensic environments.
The three types of training (and where the money goes)
1. Expensive corporate simulators
Enterprise-grade products like RangeForce and Cyberbit deliver deep blue team simulation, but they’re priced for corporate budgets. These systems can cost hundreds per user per year, making them inaccessible for individual learners.
2. Passive course libraries
Video-based sites like Cybrary and Udemy focus on theoretical understanding. While cheaper upfront, they often lack interactive practice. Learners leave knowing what to do but not how to do it.
3. Hands-on lab platforms
Platforms such as TryHackMe offer real, browser-based environments where you can learn by solving live challenges. They remove the need for complex setup or expensive virtual machines, putting practice within reach for anyone with an internet connection.
Only the third approach truly converts theory into skill.
Why expensive doesn’t mean effective
Many people still believe that higher price equals better quality. In cyber security education, that’s rarely true. A $400 course that delivers only slides and quizzes won’t prepare you to identify threats, investigate breaches, or write exploit code.
Practical learning, however, has measurable impact. The SANS Institute notes that lab-based repetition builds confidence and retention faster than passive study. Every click, command, and investigation deepens understanding in ways theory cannot.
Affordable platforms succeed not because they cut corners, but because they focus on outcomes that matter, i.e. demonstrated ability.
What affordable training should mean in 2025
Affordability in cyber security isn’t about being cheap. It’s about maximising access and value.
An affordable platform should:
- Provide interactive, browser-based labs that don’t require expensive hardware.
- Offer a clear learning path from basics to advanced practice.
- Include both free content and fair pricing for deeper progression.
- Teach through simulation, not lecture.
- Connect directly to industry certifications or job skills.
When measured against these criteria, very few platforms deliver full value for learners.
How TryHackMe redefines value in hands-on training
TryHackMe was built around the idea that everyone should be able to learn cyber security practically, regardless of budget or background.
Here’s how it achieves that:
- Free foundations: The Pre Security Pathway teaches networking, system basics, and core concepts with zero cost.
- Low-cost premium labs: A single affordable subscription unlocks hundreds of guided exercises across offensive, defensive, and cloud domains.
- No setup required: Everything runs in your browser; no virtual machines or installations.
- Structured progression: Each learning path leads toward certification readiness and real-world workflows.
- Certifications that prove skill: The Junior Penetration Tester (PT1) and Security Analyst Level 1 (SAL1) certifications validate what learners have practised.
For beginners, the impact is immediate — less time struggling with setup, more time building the reflexes that hiring managers look for.
Real skills at real scale
Because TryHackMe’s labs run in the cloud, tens of thousands of people can train simultaneously. This scale makes advanced, realistic learning affordable to a global audience, including students and career changers who might otherwise be excluded.
Learners develop genuine investigation, exploitation, and analysis experience in a risk-free environment. These are skills that are transferable to any SOC or penetration testing role.
Affordable doesn’t mean basic
A common misconception is that inexpensive learning is only for beginners. TryHackMe proves the opposite. Its pathways move from foundational concepts to specialised domains like red teaming, network defence, and digital forensics.
Affordability simply makes long-term learning sustainable. Instead of paying for isolated bootcamps, you can practise continuously, progressing at your own pace without financial pressure.
Final takeaway
The most affordable cyber security labs aren’t those with the lowest subscription price, they’re the ones that transform your investment into ability.
TryHackMe demonstrates that quality, interactivity, and accessibility can coexist. Its model reduces barriers without sacrificing realism, creating an environment where anyone can build professional-level skills safely and confidently.
Nick O'Grady