# 3tabs vs Lion Browser

The clearest difference is monetization model: 3tabs at free with in-app purchases against Lion Browser's subscription. 3tabs also leads on iOS requirement (11.0 vs 16.6). Lion Browser's advantage is update cadence (every 5 days vs every 5 months) and rating (4.7 vs 4.4). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. 3tabs sells 5 one-off in-app purchases and Lion Browser sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Lion Browser holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 37 and 110 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 67% of 3tabs's written reviews are positive against 87% of Lion Browser's.

3tabs ships an update every 5 months, Lion Browser every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on September 2, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | 3tabs | Lion Browser |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.4 (37 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/3tabs/id1121297378/reviews) | **[4.7 (110 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lion-browser-safe-browsing/id1659491301/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 37 | **110** |
| Positive reviews | 66.7% of reviews | **87.1% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 16 MB | 66 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 16.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Vedant Malhotra](https://appshunter.io/developer/1121297377) | [Lion Software, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1876328066) |

## What reviewers say

### 3tabs

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/3tabs/id1121297378)

This browser focuses on organization and speed by limiting users to three tabs at a time. It offers quick tab switching, a built-in search function, and the ability to pin and preview favorite websites.

**Highlights:** Three-tab limit for focus, Quick tab switching, Built-in search functionality, Pin and preview favorites, Simple and easy interface, Websites stay loaded

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Tip Tier 1 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Tip Tier 2 | $1.99 | one-time |
| Tip Tier 3 | $2.99 | one-time |
| Tip Tier 4 | $3.99 | one-time |
| Tip Tier 5 | $4.99 | one-time |


### Lion Browser

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lion-browser-safe-browsing/id1659491301)

This web browser offers built-in parental controls to help teens explore the internet safely. Adults can also use it for personal accountability, setting limits and receiving reports on flagged content. It provides a familiar browsing experience while ensuring responsible online activity.

**Highlights:** Blocks explicit websites, Detects inappropriate images, Customizable detection sensitivity, Whitelist mode, PIN-protected settings, Weekly accountability reports, Personal browsing limits

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Apple Wallet, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Individual Plan | $4.99 | per month |
| Family Plan | $8.99 | per month |
| Premium Family Plan | $9.99 | per month |
| Individual Plan (Annual) | $49.99 | per year |
| Family Plan (Annual) | $79.99 | per year |
| Premium Family Plan (Annual) | $99.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is 3tabs free?

3tabs is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Lion Browser free?

Lion Browser is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, 3tabs or Lion Browser?

Lion Browser is rated higher. 3tabs averages 4.4 out of 5 from 37 ratings, while Lion Browser averages 4.7 from 110 ratings.

### Do 3tabs or Lion Browser have ads?

Neither 3tabs nor Lion Browser shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, 3tabs or Lion Browser?

3tabs ships an update every 5 months, and Lion Browser every 5 days. Most recently, 3tabs was updated on September 2, 2026 and Lion Browser on October 1, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*