Looking for a TryHackMe coupon or discount code? Here is what actually works in 2026: the official student discount (20% off annual plans), occasional seasonal promotions, and voucher redemption if you already have one. That is it. Most "coupon codes" you find online are either expired, fake, or outright scams.
This guide covers every legitimate way to save money on TryHackMe, step-by-step activation instructions, and how to spot fake discount offers. We will also show you alternatives if TryHackMe pricing does not fit your budget.
Quick Answer (Updated January 2026)
- Student discount: 20% off annual plans only. Requires student email verification. Cannot be combined with other offers.
- Seasonal promos: TryHackMe runs occasional sales (Black Friday, Cyber Monday, holidays). Check their official channels for announcements.
- Vouchers: If you already have a voucher code, you can redeem it. Vouchers are not generally sold anymore.
Avoid third-party coupon sites. Most "TryHackMe discount codes" on coupon aggregator sites are fake, expired, or designed to collect your data. Stick to official TryHackMe channels.
Legit Ways to Save on TryHackMe
Here is a quick reference table showing every verified discount option available in 2026:
| Option | Typical Discount | Applies To | How to Activate | Official Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student Discount | 20% off | Annual plan only | Verify student status in account settings | TryHackMe Help Center |
| Seasonal Sales | 20-30% off | Varies (usually annual) | Use code during checkout when announced | TryHackMe Blog/Socials |
| Voucher Redemption | Varies | As specified on voucher | Enter code in subscription settings | TryHackMe Subscription Page |
| Free Tier | 100% (limited access) | Basic content | Create free account | TryHackMe.com |
Important: Discounts cannot be combined. If you have a student discount, you cannot stack a seasonal promo code on top. Choose whichever offers the best savings at checkout.
Student Discount: Step-by-Step Activation
The TryHackMe student discount is the most reliable way to save money on the platform. Here is exactly how to activate it:
Eligibility Requirements
- You must be currently enrolled in an accredited educational institution
- You need a valid student email address (ending in .edu, .ac.uk, or similar educational domains)
- The discount applies to annual subscriptions only, not monthly plans
- It cannot be combined with vouchers or promotional codes
How to Activate (Step-by-Step)
- Log in to your TryHackMe account Go to tryhackme.com and sign in. Create a free account first if you do not have one.
- Navigate to Account Settings Click your profile icon in the top right corner, then select "Settings" or "Account Settings."
- Update your Occupation In your profile settings, find the "Occupation" field and set it to "Student."
- Verify your student status TryHackMe uses a verification service to confirm your student email. Follow the prompts to complete verification.
- Subscribe with the discount applied Once verified, go to the subscription page. The 20% student discount will be automatically applied to annual plans.
What if You Do Not Have a Student Email?
Some educational institutions do not provide student emails, or you may be in a non-traditional program. Here are your options:
- Contact your institution: Ask if they can provide a student email or official enrollment documentation
- Use alternative verification: Some verification services accept student ID cards or enrollment letters
- Contact TryHackMe support: Explain your situation. They may be able to manually verify your status with appropriate documentation
Note: The student discount is for genuine students only. Attempting to fake student status violates TryHackMe's terms of service and could result in account termination.
Seasonal Promos and Where to Find Them
TryHackMe occasionally runs promotional sales offering discounts beyond the student rate. These are typically time-limited and announced through official channels.
When Do Sales Typically Happen?
- Black Friday / Cyber Monday: Usually the biggest discounts of the year (late November)
- Holiday sales: Occasional promotions around Christmas, New Year, or platform anniversaries
- Special events: Sometimes tied to cybersecurity awareness events or milestones
There is no guaranteed schedule. TryHackMe does not run sales every month. Checking constantly is not worth your time, but knowing the typical windows helps you plan if you are not in a rush.
Where to Find Official Announcements
Only trust these official sources for TryHackMe promotions:
- TryHackMe Blog Official blog often announces major promotions and platform updates.
- TryHackMe on X/Twitter Follow @TryHackMe for real-time announcements about sales and promotions.
- TryHackMe Discord Server Community server where announcements are posted. Active community for questions and support.
- Email newsletter Subscribe through your TryHackMe account settings to get promotional emails.
Historical Promotional Codes (Examples)
For reference, here are some codes that have been used in the past. These are expired and will not work now:
FORREST25- 25% off (past Black Friday promotion)TRANIUM25- 25% off (past promotional campaign)CYBERWEEK- Various percentages during Cyber Week events
We share these only to show what legitimate codes look like. Do not try to use them, as they are expired. When a new promotion runs, the code will be announced on official channels.
Pro tip: If you are planning to subscribe anyway and do not qualify for the student discount, waiting for Black Friday could save you 25-30%. But do not delay your learning for months chasing a deal. The opportunity cost of not learning often exceeds any discount.
Vouchers and Discount Codes: What Is Legit
There is significant confusion about TryHackMe vouchers and discount codes. Let us clarify what is real and what to avoid.
TryHackMe Vouchers: The Reality
TryHackMe vouchers are gift-card style codes that can be redeemed for subscription time. Here is the current situation:
- Vouchers are not generally sold publicly. Unlike some platforms, you cannot simply buy a voucher from TryHackMe's website.
- If you already have a voucher, you can redeem it in your subscription settings.
- Vouchers are sometimes given as prizes in CTF competitions, educational partnerships, or promotional giveaways.
- Third-party voucher sales are risky. Buying vouchers from resellers on eBay, Reddit, or forums carries significant risk of fraud.
Red Flags: How to Spot Scams
Fake TryHackMe discount codes are everywhere. Protect yourself by recognizing these warning signs:
Coupon Aggregator Sites
Sites like RetailMeNot, Honey, CouponCabin that list "TryHackMe promo codes" almost always have expired or fake codes. They generate these listings automatically and profit from clicks.
Too-Good-to-Be-True Offers
"70% off TryHackMe lifetime access!" or "Free TryHackMe Premium forever!" are scams. TryHackMe does not offer lifetime subscriptions or discounts above 30%.
Required Surveys or Downloads
If getting a "code" requires completing a survey, downloading software, or providing personal information beyond an email, it is a scam or data harvesting operation.
Third-Party Voucher Sales
Vouchers sold on eBay, Craigslist, or Reddit by individuals. These could be fraudulently obtained, already redeemed, or completely fake. No buyer protection exists.
How to Verify an Offer Is Official
- Check the source: Was it announced on TryHackMe's official Twitter, Discord, or website?
- Look for a direct link: Official promotions link directly to tryhackme.com, not third-party sites.
- Verify on the subscription page: If a discount is valid, it will apply correctly at checkout. If it says "invalid code," it is not real.
- Contact TryHackMe support: If unsure about a promotion, ask them directly through official support channels.
Security warning: Some fake coupon sites attempt to phish your TryHackMe credentials. Never enter your TryHackMe password on any site other than tryhackme.com. Check the URL bar carefully.
If TryHackMe Pricing Does Not Fit: Alternatives
TryHackMe Premium costs $16.99/month or approximately $126/year with annual billing. If that does not fit your budget, several alternatives offer quality cybersecurity training at different price points.
HackerDNA: Practical Skills Focus
HackerDNA offers hands-on cybersecurity labs focused on practical penetration testing skills. The platform includes:
- 100+ guided labs covering web hacking, network penetration testing, and more
- Free tier with meaningful content to try before subscribing
- Expert hints when stuck (Pro tier)
- Competitive pricing that often comes out ahead even without coupons
If you are specifically interested in web application security, check out the Web Application Security course and practice in HackerDNA Labs.
Free Resources Worth Exploring
Budget constraints do not have to stop your learning. These resources are completely free:
- PortSwigger Web Security Academy Industry-leading web security training from the makers of Burp Suite. 100% free, exceptional quality.
- PicoCTF Free CTF platform from Carnegie Mellon University. Great for beginners learning through challenges. See our CTF guide.
- OverTheWire Wargames Free command-line challenges that teach Linux fundamentals and security concepts.
- TryHackMe Free Tier Many TryHackMe rooms are accessible without a subscription. Limited but still valuable for getting started.
Platform Comparison
Need help deciding? See our detailed TryHackMe vs Hack The Box comparison which breaks down the strengths and weaknesses of major platforms, or explore our guide to the best cybersecurity labs for hands-on practice.
Bottom line: Do not let coupon hunting delay your learning. If TryHackMe fits your needs and budget, subscribe. If not, excellent alternatives exist. The best investment is starting today, not waiting for a perfect deal.
Price vs Value: Is TryHackMe Worth It?
Before obsessing over discounts, consider whether TryHackMe is the right investment for your situation.
Annual vs Monthly: The Math
- Monthly: $16.99/month = $203.88/year
- Annual: $126/year = $10.50/month (38% savings)
- Annual + Student: ~$100/year = $8.33/month (51% savings vs monthly)
If you plan to learn for more than 7-8 months, annual billing saves money even without discounts. The student discount makes it an even better deal.
When TryHackMe Makes Sense
- You are a complete beginner needing structured guidance
- You prefer browser-based labs with no local setup
- You want a clear learning path with progress tracking
- You value an active community and Discord support
When Alternatives Might Be Better
- You have IT experience and find guided learning too slow
- You want more challenging, realistic machines (consider Hack The Box)
- You are focused specifically on web security (consider PortSwigger or HackerDNA)
- You need the absolute lowest cost (use free resources first)
FAQ
Does TryHackMe have a student discount?
Yes. TryHackMe offers a 20% discount on annual subscriptions for verified students. You need to verify your student status through your account settings using a valid student email or accepted educational credentials.
Does the student discount work on monthly plans?
No. The TryHackMe student discount applies to annual subscriptions only. Monthly plans do not qualify for the student discount. You must commit to a full year to receive the 20% savings.
Can TryHackMe discounts be combined?
No. TryHackMe discounts are not stackable. You cannot combine the student discount with a promotional code or voucher. At checkout, choose whichever single discount offers the best savings for your situation.
Are TryHackMe vouchers still purchasable?
TryHackMe does not currently sell vouchers directly to the public through their website. If you have an existing voucher (from a competition, giveaway, or educational partnership), you can redeem it. Avoid buying vouchers from third-party resellers due to fraud risk.
Where do official TryHackMe sales get announced?
Official sales are announced on TryHackMe's official blog, social media (@TryHackMe on X/Twitter), their Discord server, LinkedIn, and through their email newsletter. If you see a promotion not announced on these channels, it is likely fake.
Is using a third-party coupon code safe?
Generally no. Most "TryHackMe coupon codes" on aggregator sites are expired, fake, or designed to harvest your data. Some phishing sites impersonate TryHackMe to steal credentials. Only use codes announced through official TryHackMe channels.
How often does TryHackMe run sales?
TryHackMe runs sales occasionally, typically around Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and sometimes during holidays or platform milestones. There is no fixed schedule. The biggest discounts (25-30%) usually appear during November's shopping events.
What is the cheapest way to get TryHackMe Premium?
For students: the annual plan with student discount (~$100/year or $8.33/month). For non-students: the annual plan during a Black Friday sale can reach 25-30% off. If neither applies, the standard annual plan at $126/year is still 38% cheaper than monthly billing.
Summary: Your TryHackMe Discount Options
Here is everything you need to know about saving money on TryHackMe in 2026:
- Student discount: 20% off annual plans with student verification
- Seasonal sales: 20-30% off during Black Friday, Cyber Monday, holidays
- Vouchers: Redeemable if you have one; not publicly sold
- Avoid: Third-party coupon sites, too-good-to-be-true offers, resold vouchers
Next step: If TryHackMe fits your needs, apply for the student discount or wait for a seasonal sale. If the pricing still does not work, explore HackerDNA Labs for practical cybersecurity training with competitive pricing, or start with free resources like PortSwigger Academy.
Stop hunting for magic coupon codes. The legitimate options are clear: student discount, seasonal sales, or existing vouchers. Everything else is likely a waste of time or a scam. Focus your energy on learning, not chasing discounts that do not exist.