Safe Surfer vs SHIFT Web
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Safe Surfer
This app provides a simple way to block adult content and customize your internet browsing experience. It offers features like remote control and mail alerts for accountability, along with secure DNS encryption for a private connection. Protection works on both Wi-Fi and cellular networks.
- Blocks adult websites
- Customizable blocking categories
- Remote control dashboard
- Mail alerts for blocked sites
- DNS over HTTPS/TLS encryption
- Pin protection for settings
- Wi-Fi and cellular protection
Read full descriptionHide full description
Built to be simple to use, protecting your device with Safe Surfer is as easy as tapping a button. Safe Surfer is packed full of features to enable you and your family to surf the Internet without fear: • Safer surfing Safe Surfer blocks a wide range of adult websites. Once protection is enabled, these websites cannot load on your device. Choose from 60+ additional pre-made categories to continue to customize the blocking. • Screen monitoring & image blocking (Pro) Monitor the screen for concerning content and block adult images in Safari • Remote Control (Pro) Use the web dashboard to remotely block sites and view the device's browsing history. • Mail Alerts (Pro) Regularly send blocked sites analytics to an admin or accountability partner. • DNS encryption Uses modern DNS over HTTPS encryption methods so you have a fast private internet browsing experience. • Pin protection Built-in pin lock functionality ensures that only you or an accountability partner can configure protection and other settings inside the app. • Wi-Fi and cellular protection Safe Surfer protection keeps your device protected—no matter what kind of network you are connected to. • Zero ads and low resource footprint Safe Surfer is ad-free and has minimal impact on your device's resources. Note: • Some mobile service providers and Internet service providers in certain countries hijack the ability to use specific DNS settings. The Safe Surfer app relies upon this ability. If this is the case in your country with your service provider, the Safe Surfer app may not work properly on your device. The standard Apple Terms of Use (EULA) apply for use of this app https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
SHIFT Web
This web browser enhances online safety by filtering explicit content on social media and search engines. It intelligently monitors URLs and search terms to block inappropriate material, ensuring a private and secure browsing experience.
- Content filtering for social media
- URL and search term monitoring
- Blocks explicit and NSFW content
- Supports Instagram, Twitter/X, Reddit, TikTok, Google
- Local filtering, no data collection
- Standard browser features
Read full descriptionHide full description
Make room for what matters with SHIFT. Build more intentional phone habits with tools for focus, planning, and managing distractions. • Start a SHIFT to step away from distracting apps. • Protect time with focus sessions and recurring schedules. • Organize your day with a calendar, tasks, and daily goals. • Manage content filtering and custom website or search-term blocks. • View usage insights when the required permissions are enabled. Some features require a paid SHIFT plan and a linked device. The in-app purchase provides lifetime access for one device, with a single payment and no subscription. Existing customers can sign in to access their eligible plan. Initial device setup requires SHIFT Desktop on a compatible Mac or Windows computer and a connection to the device. Purchasing a plan and completing device setup are separate steps.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: SHIFT Web at every 8 days against Safe Surfer's every 2 months. SHIFT Web also leads on monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). Safe Surfer's advantage is review sentiment (67% vs 47%) and iOS requirement (16.0 vs 18.4). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Safe Surfer sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.49 per month and SHIFT Web sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 3.9 for Safe Surfer against 3.8 for SHIFT Web. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 47 and 33 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 67% of Safe Surfer's written reviews are positive against 47% of SHIFT Web's.
Safe Surfer ships an update every 2 months, SHIFT Web every 8 days. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 28, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Safe Surfer | SHIFT Web |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.9 (47 ratings) — better | 3.8 (33 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 67.4% of reviews — better | 46.7% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 47 — better | 33 |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 8 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 — better | 18.4 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 62 MB | 234 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | Safe Surfer Ltd | RETVRN INC. |
Customer experience
Safe Surfer
SHIFT Web
In-app purchases
Safe Surfer
- Pro Surfer Monthly$4.491 Month
- Pro Surfer Annual$48.991 Year
SHIFT Web
- SHIFT Lifetime$149.99








