Comparison

Safe Surfer vs SHIFT Web

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • 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
Features
Read 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/

About

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.

Highlights
  • 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
Features
Read 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

Safe Surfer4 screens
SHIFT Web4 screens

Verdict

The call

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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

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.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Safe Surfer versus SHIFT Web: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSafe SurferSHIFT Web
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.9 (47 ratings) — better3.8 (33 ratings)
Positive reviews67.4% of reviews — better46.7% of reviews
Number of ratings47 — better33
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 8 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS16.0 — better18.4
Further details — not scored
Size62 MB234 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperSafe Surfer LtdRETVRN INC.

Customer experience

Safe Surfer

All ratings46 ratings
Positive73.9%
Neutral6.5%
Negative19.6%
Written reviews43 reviews
Positive67.4%
Neutral7.0%
Negative25.6%

SHIFT Web

All ratings33 ratings
Positive63.6%
Neutral12.1%
Negative24.2%
Written reviews15 reviews
Positive46.7%
Neutral20.0%
Negative33.3%

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Safe Surfer

Subscriptions2
  • Pro Surfer Monthly$4.491 Month
  • Pro Surfer Annual$48.991 Year
1 purchases

SHIFT Web

One-time1
  • SHIFT Lifetime$149.99

Questions

Is Safe Surfer free?
Safe Surfer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is SHIFT Web free?
SHIFT Web is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Safe Surfer or SHIFT Web?
Safe Surfer is rated higher. Safe Surfer averages 3.9 out of 5 from 47 ratings, while SHIFT Web averages 3.8 from 33 ratings.
Do Safe Surfer or SHIFT Web have ads?
Neither Safe Surfer nor SHIFT Web shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Safe Surfer or SHIFT Web?
Safe Surfer ships an update every 2 months, and SHIFT Web every 8 days. Most recently, Safe Surfer was updated on October 20, 2026 and SHIFT Web on October 28, 2026.

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