# Pure Web Browser vs Startpage

The clearest difference is rating: Startpage at 4.8 against Pure Web Browser's 4.1. Startpage also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1) and ads (none vs shown). Pure Web Browser's advantage is iOS requirement (9.3 vs 15.0). On price, review sentiment and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Pure Web Browser sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Startpage asks for nothing beyond the download.

Startpage holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Startpage has 6.9K ratings behind it against 43, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 76% of Pure Web Browser's written reviews are positive against 70% of Startpage's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Pure Web Browser ships an update every 3 months, Startpage monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Pure Web Browser | Startpage |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.1 (43 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pure-web-browser/id1301166115/reviews) | **[4.8 (6.9K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/startpage-private-browser/id6478921430/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 43 | **6.9K** |
| Positive reviews | **76.0% of reviews** | 70.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 7 MB | 237 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.3** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Prasomsak Khunmuen](https://appshunter.io/developer/636412127) | [Startpage BV](https://appshunter.io/developer/632832985) |

## What reviewers say

### Pure Web Browser

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pure-web-browser/id1301166115)

Experience lightning-fast internet browsing with essential features for performance and simplicity. Enjoy private browsing, ad blocking, and customizable settings for a seamless online experience.

**Highlights:** Lightning-fast browsing, Dark mode with customization, Tabbed and full-screen browsing, Private browsing and adblock, Password management, Download manager, Reader view

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove in-app ads | $0.99 | one-time |


### Startpage

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/startpage-private-browser/id6478921430)

Browse the web and search privately with a built-in search engine that protects your data. It clears your history and tabs with one tap, masks your location and IP address, and provides unprofiled search results. Enjoy a secure and private online experience.

**Highlights:** Private search engine, Clear tabs and history, Anonymous website visits, Private tabs and maps, Unprofiled search results, Avoid targeted ads

**Features:** Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Lightning-fast and responsive
- 🔒 Robust privacy and security features
- 👍 Clean and user-friendly interface
- 🔍 Accurate and relevant search results
- 🕊️ Preserves user privacy and anonymity

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes and stability issues
- 🔍 Limited search customization options
- 🔌 Lack of built-in ad blocker
- 🔍 Inconsistent search engine behavior across platforms

**Reported bugs**

- Pages not loading properly
- Inconsistent behavior when searching from iOS home screen
- Anonymous view failing to load images/thumbnails

**Requested features**

- Dark mode option
- Ability to export bookmarks and reading lists
- One-tap history/data clearing
- Option to set default private browsing mode
- StartMail app integration


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Pure Web Browser free?

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

### Is Startpage free?

Startpage is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Pure Web Browser or Startpage?

Startpage is rated higher. Pure Web Browser averages 4.1 out of 5 from 43 ratings, while Startpage averages 4.8 from 6.9K ratings.

### Do Pure Web Browser or Startpage have ads?

Pure Web Browser shows ads; Startpage does not.

### Which is updated more often, Pure Web Browser or Startpage?

Pure Web Browser ships an update every 3 months, and Startpage monthly. Most recently, Pure Web Browser was updated on September 21, 2026 and Startpage on September 28, 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.*