# NovaVPN vs ShadowGate VPN Proxy & Routing

The clearest difference is monetization model: ShadowGate VPN Proxy & Routing at free with in-app purchases against NovaVPN's subscription. ShadowGate VPN Proxy & Routing also leads on ratings volume (86 vs 13). NovaVPN's advantage is rating (4.8 vs 4.5) and iOS requirement (14.0 vs 16). On price, review sentiment, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. NovaVPN sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month and ShadowGate VPN Proxy & Routing sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

NovaVPN holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ShadowGate VPN Proxy & Routing has 86 ratings behind it against 13, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 96% of NovaVPN's written reviews are positive against 100% of ShadowGate VPN Proxy & Routing's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 4 months. Both last shipped on October 29, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | NovaVPN | ShadowGate VPN Proxy & Routing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/novavpn/id1291426740/reviews)** | [4.5 (86 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shadowgate-vpn-proxy-and-routing/id1514932939/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 13 | **86** |
| Positive reviews | 95.8% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | Every 4 months |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 16 MB | 103 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.0** | 16 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Daniele Marinelli](https://appshunter.io/developer/1531737046) | [DIGITAL HERO LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1476514139) |

## What reviewers say

### NovaVPN

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/novavpn/id1291426740)

Secure your internet connection with a virtual private network offering over 100 locations. Encrypt your online activity to prevent tracking and enjoy unlimited server switches. This essential tool ensures your data remains private and protected.

**Highlights:** 100+ connection locations, Unlimited server switches, Encrypts internet connection, Strict no-logging policy, 24-hour customer support, Works with all mobile data carriers

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Medium | $6.99 | per month |
| Medium Trial | $6.99 | per month |
| Heavy | $28.99 | per 6 months |
| Super Heavy | $44.99 | per year |
| Super Heavy Trial | $44.99 | per year |


### ShadowGate VPN Proxy & Routing

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shadowgate-vpn-proxy-and-routing/id1514932939)

Secure your internet connection with a powerful VPN that supports custom servers and offers built-in privacy features. Browse privately, test your internet speed, and check your IP address information all within one app. It prioritizes user privacy with no registration or data logging.

**Highlights:** Custom server support (VLESS, VMess), Built-in VPN feature, Internet speed test, IP address information, Connection location check, Privacy-first design

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 Week | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| 1 month | $9.99 | per month |
| 1 year | $39.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is NovaVPN free?

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

### Is ShadowGate VPN Proxy & Routing free?

ShadowGate VPN Proxy & Routing is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, NovaVPN or ShadowGate VPN Proxy & Routing?

NovaVPN is rated higher. NovaVPN averages 4.8 out of 5 from 13 ratings, while ShadowGate VPN Proxy & Routing averages 4.5 from 86 ratings.

### Do NovaVPN or ShadowGate VPN Proxy & Routing have ads?

Neither NovaVPN nor ShadowGate VPN Proxy & Routing shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, NovaVPN or ShadowGate VPN Proxy & Routing?

NovaVPN ships an update every 4 months, and ShadowGate VPN Proxy & Routing every 4 months. Most recently, NovaVPN was updated on October 29, 2026 and ShadowGate VPN Proxy & Routing 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.*