Comparison

Sifter vs NetLens

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

Head to head
About

Sifter

This app provides a smart spam filter for iOS devices, allowing users to create personalized rules to block unwanted text messages. It prioritizes user privacy with local processing and offers advanced filtering options like regular expressions.

Highlights
  • Customizable filtering rules
  • Blacklist and whitelist contacts
  • Regex filtering for advanced control
  • Local data processing for privacy
  • Blocks unwanted SMS and MMS
Currently charting
Read full description

Reclaim your inbox with Sifter, the intelligent and private SMS filter for iOS. Powered by a robust Message Filter extension and secure on-device processing, Sifter gives you absolute control over your messaging experience without compromising your privacy. FOCUS ON WHAT MATTERS Sifter empowers you to design personalized filtering rules to block unwanted texts while keeping your inbox clean and focused. With a refined interface built for speed and clarity, managing your rules is seamless and efficient. KEY FEATURES - RULE-BASED CATEGORIZATION: Easily filter and organize messages into Transactions and Promotions using your own custom rules. - GRANULAR FILTERING: Tailor your protection with specific rules. From simple keywords to sophisticated patterns, you decide exactly what reaches your notification center. - CONTACT MANAGEMENT: Protect your peace of mind by whitelisting trusted contacts or blacklisting specific numbers and entire contact lists. - ADVANCED REGEX ENGINE: Leverage the power of Regular Expressions to create intricate, high-precision filtering rules for complex messaging patterns. - PRIVACY-FIRST ARCHITECTURE: Sifter operates entirely locally on your device. Your messages never leave your phone, ensuring your personal data remains 100% private. SUPPORTED RULE TYPES - Whitelist and Blacklist Users (Contacts/Numbers) - Whitelist and Blacklist Keywords - Transactional and Promotional Categorization - Regex-powered versions of all the above Sifter is your personal gatekeeper. Whether you are blocking marketing noise or organizing important transactional alerts, Sifter provides a private and powerful solution to keep your messaging focused on what truly matters. Download Sifter and take full control over your inbox.

About

NetLens

Features
Read full description

NetLens is a comprehensive network diagnostics and utility app designed for IT professionals, developers, network engineers, and tech enthusiasts. Carry a complete network toolkit in your pocket! ▸ DIAGNOSTICS • Ping - Test host connectivity and measure latency • DNS Lookup - Query DNS records (A, AAAA, MX, CNAME, TXT, NS) • Traceroute - Trace packet routes and identify network bottlenecks • Speed Test - Measure your download and upload speeds • Batch Ping - Monitor multiple hosts simultaneously ▸ NETWORK INFORMATION • IP Info - Get detailed IP address information and geolocation • WiFi Info - View current WiFi network details (SSID, IP, gateway, subnet) • LAN Scanner - Discover all devices on your local network ▸ SECURITY TOOLS • Port Scanner - Scan for open ports on any host • SSL Checker - Inspect SSL/TLS certificates and expiration dates • WHOIS - Look up domain registration information ▸ UTILITIES • HTTP Client - Send HTTP requests and test REST APIs • Subnet Calculator - Calculate IP ranges, CIDR notation, and subnet masks • Wake on LAN - Remotely wake devices on your network • Unit Converter - Convert between data units (KB, MB, GB, TB) ▸ FEATURES • Clean, intuitive interface with dark and light themes • Save frequently used hosts for quick access • View history of past operations • Favorite your most-used tools • Search tools instantly • Real-time network status indicator Whether you're troubleshooting network issues, testing server connectivity, or monitoring your infrastructure, NetLens provides all the tools you need in one elegant app. Download NetLens today and take control of your network!

Screenshots

Sifter4 screens
NetLens4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Sifter at $2.99 against NetLens's $5.99. Sifter also leads on chart position (#147 vs unranked). NetLens's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.0). On update cadence, ads, in-app purchases and device support 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

Sifter costs $2.99 and NetLens $5.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 28, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 8 level
Sifter versus NetLens: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSifterNetLens
Price$2.99 — better$5.99
Rating4.1 (112 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews28.6% of reviews—
Number of ratings112 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 3 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaid—
Best chart rank#147 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS17.013.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size10 MB18 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developer磊 汪望 余

In-app purchases

None

Sifter

No in-app purchases

None

NetLens

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Sifter free?
Sifter costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is NetLens free?
NetLens costs $5.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do Sifter or NetLens have ads?
Neither Sifter nor NetLens shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Sifter or NetLens?
Sifter ships an update every 3 months, and NetLens every 3 months. Most recently, Sifter was updated on October 29, 2026 and NetLens on October 28, 2026.

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