# Lightning VPN vs Open Chat

The clearest difference is update cadence: Open Chat at every 6 days against Lightning VPN's every 3 weeks. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Lightning VPN sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month and Open Chat sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Lightning VPN ships an update every 3 weeks, Open Chat every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Lightning VPN | Open Chat |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (2.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lightning-vpn-outline-proxy/id1271020119/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **2.1K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 69.6% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 6 days** |
| Monetization | Subscription | — |
| Size | 85 MB | 33 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **14.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Lightning Network](https://appshunter.io/developer/1271020118) | [Shital Jadav](https://appshunter.io/developer/1603098205) |

## 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


### Open Chat

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/open-chat-ask-ai/id6446191087)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Premium Access | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Premium Access | $9.99 | per month |
| Life Time Access | $79.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Lightning VPN free?

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

### Is Open Chat free?

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

### Do Lightning VPN or Open Chat have ads?

Both Lightning VPN and Open Chat show ads.

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

Lightning VPN ships an update every 3 weeks, and Open Chat every 6 days. Most recently, Lightning VPN was updated on October 20, 2026 and Open Chat on October 30, 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.*