# Bug Bounty Platforms Compared: Where to Hunt in 2026

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**Skill Level:** 🟢 Beginner\
**Time:** 15 minutes\
**Goal:** Choose the right platform for your skill level\
**Last Updated:** 2026-02-27
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***

### 🤔 The Platform Problem

When I started bug hunting in 2022, I made a classic rookie mistake: I jumped straight into HackerOne and targeted Facebook.

**Spoiler alert:** I found nothing. For 3 months. Zero. Zilch. Nada.

Why? Because I was competing against professional hunters with years of experience. I was bringing a knife to a gunfight.

The problem wasn't my skills (well, partly). The problem was **platform selection**. I needed to start somewhere that matched my beginner level.

This guide will save you from my mistake. By the end, you'll know exactly where to hunt based on your experience level.

***

### 📊 Platform Comparison at a Glance

| Platform      | Best For    | Avg Bounty | Difficulty | Response Time |
| ------------- | ----------- | ---------- | ---------- | ------------- |
| **HackerOne** | All levels  | $500-2K    | ⭐⭐⭐⭐       | 1-3 days      |
| **Bugcrowd**  | Beginners   | $200-1K    | ⭐⭐⭐        | 3-7 days      |
| **Intigriti** | Europeans   | $300-1.5K  | ⭐⭐⭐        | 2-5 days      |
| **YesWeHack** | French/EU   | $200-1K    | ⭐⭐⭐        | 3-7 days      |
| **Synack**    | Experienced | $1K-5K     | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐      | 7-14 days     |

***

### 🏆 HackerOne: The Big League

**Website:** [hackerone.com](https://hackerone.com)

#### What Makes It Special

HackerOne is the **largest** bug bounty platform. We're talking:

* 1,000+ programs
* $100M+ in bounties paid
* Uber, Twitter, Airbnb, U.S. DoD

#### The Reality Check

Here's what nobody tells you: **HackerOne is competitive as hell.**

I once spent a week testing a HackerOne program. Found a sweet IDOR bug, wrote a beautiful report, submitted it with pride.

**Response:** "Duplicate. Already reported 2 hours ago."

Someone beat me by 2 hours. On a bug that had existed for 2 years. That's HackerOne for you.

#### Programs for Beginners

**Don't start with Uber or Twitter.** Start here:

1. **U.S. Dept of Defense VDP** (vulnerability disclosure program)
   * **Pros:** Wide scope (.mil domains), fast response, great for learning
   * **Cons:** No payouts (it's a VDP, not a bounty program)
   * **Best for:** Your first 10 bugs
   * **Link:** hackerone.com/deptofdefense
2. **Netflix (select programs)**
   * **Pros:** Good documentation, fair triagers
   * **Cons:** Still competitive
   * **Best for:** After you have 5+ bugs under your belt
3. **Shopify**
   * **Pros:** Clear scope, responsive team
   * **Cons:** Medium competition
   * **Best for:** Intermediate hunters

#### HackerOne Pro Tips

**From my 2 years on the platform:**

* **Use the "Hacktivity" feed** - See what's being found RIGHT NOW
* **Filter by "New" programs** - Less competition
* **Check response time stats** - Avoid slow programs
* **Read public disclosures** - Best learning resource ever

**Pro move:** Before testing ANY program, search: `"site:hackerone.com [program name]"` to see previous bugs. You'll learn exactly what they care about.

***

### 🐛 Bugcrowd: Beginner Paradise

**Website:** [bugcrowd.com](https://bugcrowd.com)

#### Why I Recommend Bugcrowd for Beginners

Bugcrowd saved my bug bounty career. No joke.

After 3 months of failing on HackerOne, I switched to Bugcrowd. Found my first valid bug within a week. A simple XSS on a contact form. Paid $250.

**$250 isn't life-changing money.** But the confidence? Priceless.

#### What Makes It Beginner-Friendly

1. **Bugcrowd University**
   * Free training platform
   * Hands-on labs
   * Completion badges
   * **Do this first before touching any real targets**
2. **Priority Ratings**
   * P1-P5 system
   * Start with P3-P5 programs (easier)
   * Work up to P1-P2 (harder, higher bounties)
3. **CrowdMatch**
   * AI matches you to programs
   * Based on your skills
   * Finds "hidden gem" programs

#### Best Programs for Beginners

**These are goldmines for learning:**

1. **Yahoo** (yes, still around!)
   * **Scope:** Wide
   * **Difficulty:** Easy-Medium
   * **Bounties:** $100-1K
   * **Why:** Old tech, lots of low-hanging fruit
2. **eBay**
   * **Scope:** Massive
   * **Difficulty:** Medium
   * **Bounties:** $200-2K
   * **Why:** Diverse tech stack, something for everyone
3. **Netgear**
   * **Scope:** IoT devices + web
   * **Difficulty:** Easy
   * **Bounties:** $100-500
   * **Why:** Firmware testing is beginner-friendly

#### Bugcrowd Community

Bugcrowd has the **best community** of any platform:

* Active Discord server
* Helpful triagers
* Monthly "Bug Bash" events
* Mentorship program

**I made my first bug bounty friends on Bugcrowd Discord.** We're still hunting together 2 years later.

***

### 🇪🇺 Intigriti: The European Giant

**Website:** [intigriti.com](https://intigriti.com)

#### Why Europeans Love It

Intigriti is **Europe's #1** bug bounty platform. GDPR compliance, European companies, EU data protection.

But here's the secret: **You don't need to be European to use it.**

#### The Intigriti Advantage

1. **Less Competition**
   * Fewer hunters than HackerOne
   * Better bug-to-hunter ratio
   * Easier to find unique bugs
2. **European Programs**
   * Booking.com
   * DPD (shipping)
   * Various EU banks
   * Often overlooked by U.S. hunters
3. **Live Hacking Events**
   * In-person events (Amsterdam, Brussels)
   * Travel paid
   * Big bounty pools ($50K+)
   * Networking opportunities

#### My Intigriti Story

I attended an Intigriti live event in Amsterdam last year.

**The setup:** 50 hackers, 3 days, one massive target.

**The result:** I found 2 bugs, made $3,000, and met hackers I'd only known from Twitter. Plus, Amsterdam is beautiful.

**The downside:** These events are invite-only. You need reputation first.

#### Best Programs on Intigriti

1. **Booking.com**
   * **Scope:** Huge travel platform
   * **Difficulty:** Medium-Hard
   * **Bounties:** $300-3K
   * **Why:** Well-documented, fair triagers
2. **Various Banks**
   * **Scope:** Financial apps
   * **Difficulty:** Hard
   * **Bounties:** $500-5K
   * **Why:** High impact = high payouts

***

### 🔒 Synack: The VIP Experience

**Website:** [synack.com](https://synack.com)

#### What Makes Synack Different

Synack is **invite-only** and **not for beginners.**

I applied to Synack after 1 year of bug hunting. Got rejected. Applied again 6 months later. Got in.

**The difference:**

* Higher bounties (average $2,000 vs $500 on HackerOne)
* Better targets (Fortune 500 companies)
* Slower pace (no race conditions)
* Professional community

#### The Application Process

1. **Submit application** (resume, experience, references)
2. **Technical interview** (live hacking challenge)
3. **Background check** (yes, really)
4. **Trial period** (find 1 valid bug)

**My interview:** They gave me a target and 4 hours. Found an IDOR, wrote the report, got accepted.

**Success rate:** About 20% of applicants get in.

#### Is Synack Worth It?

**Pros:**

* Higher bounties
* Exclusive programs
* Red Team operations (huge payouts)
* Professional network

**Cons:**

* Hard to get in
* Must maintain activity
* Monthly quotas (sort of)
* Serious hunters only

**Verdict:** Aim for Synack after you have 1 year of experience and 20+ bugs.

***

### 🆚 Platform Comparison Deep Dive

#### Response Time (How Fast They Reply)

| Platform  | Triage Speed | My Experience     |
| --------- | ------------ | ----------------- |
| HackerOne | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐        | Usually 1-3 days  |
| Bugcrowd  | ⭐⭐⭐⭐         | Usually 3-5 days  |
| Intigriti | ⭐⭐⭐⭐         | Usually 2-4 days  |
| Synack    | ⭐⭐⭐          | Usually 7-14 days |

**Why it matters:** Fast response = fast payouts = less stress

#### Bounty Ranges (What to Expect)

**P4 (Low):**

* HackerOne: $100-500
* Bugcrowd: $50-250
* Intigriti: $100-300
* Synack: $500-1,000

**P3 (Medium):**

* HackerOne: $500-2,000
* Bugcrowd: $250-1,000
* Intigriti: $300-1,500
* Synack: $1,000-3,000

**P1 (Critical):**

* HackerOne: $5,000-50,000
* Bugcrowd: $2,000-20,000
* Intigriti: $3,000-25,000
* Synack: $10,000-100,000

#### Scope Clarity

**Best:** HackerOne (detailed scope, clear boundaries) **Good:** Bugcrowd (decent documentation) **Okay:** Intigriti (varies by program) **Variable:** Synack (depends on the program)

***

### 🎯 My Recommendations by Experience Level

#### Complete Beginner (0-5 bugs)

**Primary:** Bugcrowd

* Start with Bugcrowd University
* Target P4-P5 programs
* Focus on Yahoo, eBay
* Join the Discord community

**Secondary:** HackerOne VDPs

* U.S. Dept of Defense
* No payout, but great practice
* Fast triage feedback

**Avoid:** Synack (won't get in), HackerOne private programs (too hard)

#### Beginner-Intermediate (5-20 bugs)

**Primary:** HackerOne

* Start with public programs
* Focus on medium-scope targets
* Read public disclosures religiously

**Secondary:** Bugcrowd

* Move to P2-P3 programs
* Try IoT/firmware testing
* Participate in Bug Bashes

**Explore:** Intigriti

* Apply to European programs
* Less competition
* Good for finding unique bugs

#### Intermediate-Advanced (20-50 bugs)

**Primary:** HackerOne + Intigriti

* Private program invites (HackerOne)
* Live hacking events (Intigriti)
* Mix of U.S. and EU targets

**Apply:** Synack

* You have the experience now
* Higher bounties justify the effort
* Professional development

**Explore:** Bugcrowd

* Still good for quick wins
* Maintain presence

#### Advanced (50+ bugs)

**Primary:** Synack + HackerOne Private

* Synack for high-value targets
* HackerOne for diverse programs
* Invitation-only opportunities

**Secondary:** Intigriti

* Live events
* European market expertise

**Consulting:**

* At this level, consider private consulting
* Many companies pay $10K+ for assessments
* Use platforms for reputation only

***

### 💡 Platform-Specific Pro Tips

#### HackerOne Tips

1. **Use the "Assets" tab**
   * Shows all in-scope domains
   * Often includes subdomains
   * Check for wildcard scope (\*.target.com)
2. **Read the "Policy" carefully**
   * Some allow automated scanning
   * Some don't
   * Violating = banned
3. **Check "Statistics"**
   * Shows average bounty
   * Response time
   * Number of resolved reports
   * Helps you pick good programs
4. **Set up notifications**
   * Get alerted to new programs
   * First hunter advantage
   * Mobile app is great for this

#### Bugcrowd Tips

1. **Complete Bugcrowd University first**
   * Seriously, don't skip this
   * Learn the platform
   * Get badges (looks good on profile)
2. **Use "Researcher Dashboard"**
   * Track your submissions
   * See bounty trends
   * Monitor your reputation
3. **Join the Discord**
   * Real-time help
   * Program announcements
   * Community support
4. **Participate in Bug Bashes**
   * Special events
   * Bonus bounties
   * Limited-time scopes

#### Intigriti Tips

1. **Follow them on Twitter**
   * Program announcements
   * Live event invitations
   * Community updates
2. **Apply to programs selectively**
   * Quality over quantity
   * Read scope carefully
   * European companies have different tech stacks
3. **Attend live events** (if invited)
   * Worth the travel
   * Huge learning opportunity
   * Networking is invaluable
4. **Learn GDPR basics**
   * European data protection
   * Important for EU targets
   * Shows professionalism

#### Synack Tips

1. **Maintain activity**
   * Log in regularly
   * Submit consistently
   * Inactive = removed
2. **Focus on quality**
   * One great bug > 10 low bugs
   * Reputation matters
   * Build relationships
3. **Join Red Team ops**
   * Huge payouts
   * Time-intensive
   * Professional development
4. **Network within Synack**
   * Elite community
   * Collaboration opportunities
   * Learn from the best

***

### 🚫 Common Platform Mistakes

#### Mistake #1: Spreading Too Thin

**❌ Bad:** Active on 4 platforms, master of none **✅ Good:** Focus on 1-2 platforms, build reputation

**My story:** I tried to be active everywhere. Result: mediocre reputation everywhere. Now I focus on HackerOne + Synack.

#### Mistake #2: Ignoring Platform Rules

**❌ Bad:** Automated scanning on "manual only" programs **✅ Good:** Read policy, follow rules, stay in scope

**Real example:** Friend got banned from HackerOne for 1 year for scanning out-of-scope assets. One mistake, huge consequence.

#### Mistake #3: Reporting to Wrong Platform

**❌ Bad:** Finding a bug on Program X, reporting to Platform Y **✅ Good:** Always check which platform the company uses

**How to check:**

* Search: `"[company] bug bounty"`
* Check their security page
* Look for program on platforms

#### Mistake #4: Getting Discouraged by Duplicates

**❌ Bad:** "I'm always getting duplicates, I suck" **✅ Good:** "Duplicates mean I'm on the right track, just need to be faster"

**Reality:** Even top hunters get 50%+ duplicates. It's part of the game.

***

### 📈 My Personal Platform Strategy

Here's my actual workflow in 2026:

#### Monday-Wednesday: HackerOne

* Check new programs
* Test 2-3 targets
* Write reports
* Handle triage feedback

#### Thursday: Bugcrowd

* Quick wins
* P4 bugs for steady income
* Community engagement

#### Friday: Intigriti or Research

* European programs
* Learning new techniques
* Reading disclosures

#### Weekend: Synack (if member)

* Red Team operations
* Deep testing
* Complex vulnerabilities

**Results:**

* HackerOne: 60% of income
* Bugcrowd: 20% of income
* Intigriti: 15% of income
* Synack: 5% of income (but highest per-bug average)

***

### 🎓 Final Thoughts

**The platform doesn't matter as much as you think.**

Yes, HackerOne has more programs. Yes, Synack has higher payouts. Yes, Bugcrowd is beginner-friendly.

But at the end of the day:

* **Your skills matter most**
* **Consistency beats platform choice**
* **Community > Competition**

**My advice:**

1. Start with **Bugcrowd** (beginner-friendly)
2. Move to **HackerOne** (build reputation)
3. Add **Intigriti** (less competition)
4. Apply to **Synack** (when ready)

**Most important:** Pick ONE platform, master it, then expand.

Don't be like me, chasing every shiny object. Focus wins.

***

### 🔗 Quick Links

#### Platform Sign-Up Links

* [HackerOne](https://hackerone.com/users/sign_up)
* [Bugcrowd](https://bugcrowd.com/user/sign_up)
* [Intigriti](https://app.intigriti.com/signup)
* [YesWeHack](https://www.yeswehack.com/register)
* [Synack](https://www.synack.com/red-team/) (apply)

#### Platform Resources

* [HackerOne Hacktivity](https://hackerone.com/hacktivity)
* [Bugcrowd University](https://www.bugcrowd.com/hackers/bugcrowd-university/)
* [Intigriti Blog](https://blog.intigriti.com/)

***

### 🔄 Related Guides

* From Zero to First Bug - Start here!
* Setting Up Your Lab - Tools you'll need
* AI-Powered Reconnaissance - Your first skill

***

**Now pick a platform and start hunting! The best time to start was yesterday. The second best time is now.** 🐛💰

*Last Updated: 2026-02-27*\
\&#xNAN;*Questions? Hit me up on Twitter @CipherOps\_tech*
