# Lightning VPN vs VPN

The clearest difference is rating: Lightning VPN at 4.6 against VPN's 4.1. Lightning VPN also leads on ratings volume (2.1K vs 55) and review sentiment (70% vs 50%). VPN's advantage is monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs subscription) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Lightning VPN sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month and VPN sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Lightning VPN holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Lightning VPN has 2.1K ratings behind it against 55, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 70% of Lightning VPN's written reviews are positive against 50% of VPN's.

Lightning VPN ships an update every 3 weeks, VPN every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Lightning VPN | VPN |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (2.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lightning-vpn-outline-proxy/id1271020119/reviews)** | [4.1 (55 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vpn-super-smart-proxy-vpn/id1580338705/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **2.1K** | 55 |
| Positive reviews | **69.6% of reviews** | 50.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 85 MB | 28 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Lightning Network](https://appshunter.io/developer/1271020118) | [Xienhag Technology Co., Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1637813146) |

## What reviewers say

### Lightning VPN

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lightning-vpn-outline-proxy/id1271020119)

This application provides a secure and private browsing experience through a Virtual Private Network. It automatically selects the optimal server for fast and stable connections across multiple platforms. Users can share their account on macOS and iOS.

**Highlights:** Cross-platform support (macOS, iOS), Automatic best server selection, Fast and stable connections, Secure and private browsing, Account sharing across devices

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 month subscription | $5.99 | per month |
| 1 month subscription | $5.99 | per month |
| 3 months subscription | $14.99 | per 3 months |
| 12 months subscription | $34.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and efficient
- 👍 Easy to use and download
- 🔒 Secure and reliable
- 💡 Great for users in restricted countries

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional connection issues
- 🔋 Concerns about long-term free access

**Reported bugs**

- Slow connection speed for some users
- Potential for IP blocking in the future

**Requested features**

- Improve IP address detection
- Maintain free option with quality servers


### VPN

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vpn-super-smart-proxy-vpn/id1580338705)

This app provides a secure and fast VPN proxy service to protect your online privacy and access restricted content. It offers a simple interface, numerous global servers, and anonymous browsing for streaming, gaming, and social media.

**Highlights:** One-click VPN connection, Stable and high-speed network, Simple and easy-to-use interface, Global VPN servers, No log policy, Anonymous browsing

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Month Premium | $9.99 | per month |
| proxy 1 month | $11.99 | per month |
| proxy 1 year | $65.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Lightning VPN free?

Lightning VPN is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is VPN free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Lightning VPN or VPN?

Lightning VPN is rated higher. Lightning VPN averages 4.6 out of 5 from 2.1K ratings, while VPN averages 4.1 from 55 ratings.

### Do Lightning VPN or VPN have ads?

Both Lightning VPN and VPN show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Lightning VPN or VPN?

Lightning VPN ships an update every 3 weeks, and VPN every 2 weeks. Most recently, Lightning VPN was updated on November 6, 2026 and VPN on November 3, 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.*