# Private Web Browser vs Buddy Onion

Private Web Browser and Buddy Onion both sit at 4.5 stars, but that hides the real split: 85% of Private Web Browser's written reviews are positive against 29% of Buddy Onion's. Private Web Browser also leads on monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs subscription) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Private Web Browser sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days and Buddy Onion sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.5 for Private Web Browser against 4.6 for Buddy Onion. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 348 and 330 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 85% of Private Web Browser's written reviews are positive against 29% of Buddy Onion's.

Private Web Browser ships an update every 3 weeks, Buddy Onion every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Private Web Browser | Buddy Onion |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (348 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/private-web-browser-orin/id1237872910/reviews) | **[4.6 (330 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/buddy-onion-tor-browser-and-vpn/id1325231699/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **348** | 330 |
| Positive reviews | **84.6% of reviews** | 29.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 139 MB | 100 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [OCTALCODE](https://appshunter.io/developer/1599675065) | [Well Built App, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1547607571) |

## What reviewers say

### Private Web Browser

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/private-web-browser-orin/id1237872910)

This app provides a secure and anonymous browsing experience by routing your internet connection through the Tor network. It protects your identity, hides your IP address, and prevents tracking and data logging for enhanced online privacy.

**Highlights:** Anonymous browsing, Private internet access, Encrypted traffic, Hidden IP address, No data logging, Secure browsing

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Yearly Promo | $29.99 | per year |
| Yearly | $39.99 | per year |


### Buddy Onion

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/buddy-onion-tor-browser-and-vpn/id1325231699)

This app combines the power of the Tor network with a high-speed VPN to ensure private, secure, and unrestricted browsing. It offers multiple modes for tailored privacy, access to the dark web, and bypassing geo-restrictions.

**Highlights:** Tor Browser and VPN integration, Four flexible privacy modes, Access dark web and onion sites, Bypass geo-restrictions, User-friendly interface, No tracking or limits

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| TOR Premium access for 1 Month | $2.99 | per month |
| Premium Subscription 3 Month | $7.99 | per 3 months |
| Premium Subscription 1 Year | $29.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Good and nice design
- 🚀 Smooth operation without disconnects
- 👍 Interface is so good
- 👍 Tor brauser is the best app
- 🚀 So fast like a bullet

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Scam and rip-off
- ❌ Not free, misleading advertising
- 🐛 Crashes on startup
- ❌ Unusable, honeypot
- ❌ Worthless app, drops connection

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes on startup
- Drops connection when loading pages or following links
- Cannot use app after free trial due to errors
- Doesn't work after payment

**Requested features**

- Allow testing without payment upfront


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Private Web Browser free?

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

### Is Buddy Onion free?

Buddy Onion is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Private Web Browser or Buddy Onion?

Buddy Onion is rated higher. Private Web Browser averages 4.5 out of 5 from 348 ratings, while Buddy Onion averages 4.6 from 330 ratings.

### Do Private Web Browser or Buddy Onion have ads?

Neither Private Web Browser nor Buddy Onion shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Private Web Browser or Buddy Onion?

Private Web Browser ships an update every 3 weeks, and Buddy Onion every 2 months. Most recently, Private Web Browser was updated on October 24, 2026 and Buddy Onion on October 29, 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.*