Comparison

Stream vs Spectre VPN

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

Head to head
About

Stream

This tool allows developers to inspect HTTP and HTTPS network traffic on iOS devices. It enables capturing requests, replaying them, and managing host configurations for testing different environments. Essential for debugging network issues and understanding application behavior.

Highlights
  • Sniff HTTP & HTTPS requests
  • Capture and preview request/response bodies
  • Compose and replay HTTP requests
  • Configure hosts for environment switching
  • Import and replay HAR files
  • Compatible with iPhone X and iPad multitasking
Features
Read full description

Before downloading this App, We hope you can read the following introductions seriously. 1. Stream is designed for f2e developers, mobile developers, backend developers, sa engineers, qa engineers and users who have a certain network analyze abilities. 2. Stream is only designed for network debugging. Meanwhile, turning on Stream requires you to authorize VPN permissions. 3. Stream will never upload any user data, and we also expect you to spread to users who also trust us. If you do not agree with the above instructions, we recommend you consider seriously before downloading. Features: Stream is an iOS side network debugging tool, only for QA & development. 1. Sniff HTTP & HTTPS requests, meanwhile sniffing HTTPS requests needs you to install CA certificates. 2. Capture History, preview request body, and response body, supports text / JSON / files / forms. 3. Compose HTTP requests and Replay sniffed requests. 4. Support Hosts configuration, similar to Hosts in the PC features, for f2e developer and mobile developer to switch test environment and online environment easily. 5. Simple support on HAR files, you can export Charles / Fiddler / Chrome / Firefox network records to HAR file and then open in Stream and replay requests. 6. Compatible with iPhone X and iPad MutiTask.

About

Spectre VPN

This app provides secure internet access using Shadowsocks and Trojan protocols. It offers strong encryption to protect your privacy from third parties and features an intuitive design for ease of use. It is available for free.

Highlights
  • Shadowsocks and Trojan protocol support
  • Strong encryption for privacy
  • Lightweight and efficient proxy
  • Intuitive and simple design
  • Free to use
Features
Read full description

A multi-protocol VPN and proxy client for your own servers. Import subscriptions, control traffic with routing rules, and connect from your Home Screen. IMPORT ONCE, KEEP SERVERS TOGETHER Add a server by scanning its QR code, pasting a link, or entering the details yourself. Import subscriptions to manage multiple nodes in one place. Check server latency before choosing a connection. CHOOSE WHAT GOES THROUGH YOUR PROXY Use Global mode for proxy routing, or Rule mode to choose which traffic connects directly and which uses your proxy. Edit your own rules or import a rule list from a URL. CONNECT FROM YOUR HOME SCREEN See the active server and connection status in the widget, then use its switch to connect or disconnect. On iOS 18 and later, add Spectre VPN to Control Center for another quick way to control your connection. USE THE PROTOCOL YOUR SERVER NEEDS - Shadowsocks and Trojan - VMess and VLESS - Hysteria2 and TUIC - SOCKS and HTTP For advanced setups, use a complete custom sing-box JSON configuration. The app interface supports 14 languages. BRING YOUR OWN SERVER Spectre does not include VPN servers or sell VPN service subscriptions. A compatible server configuration or subscription link is required.

Screenshots

Stream4 screens
Spectre VPN4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Spectre VPN at none against Stream's 2. Stream's advantage is review sentiment (79% vs 68%) and chart position (#24 vs #83). On price, rating, ratings volume and update cadence 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

Both are free to download. Stream sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Spectre VPN asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Stream holds the better App Store score, 4.1 against 3.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 133 and 248 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 79% of Stream's written reviews are positive against 68% of Spectre VPN's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Stream ships an update every 3 weeks, Spectre VPN every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 27, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 6 level
Stream versus Spectre VPN: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterStreamSpectre VPN
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.1 (133 ratings) — better3.9 (248 ratings)
Positive reviews78.9% of reviews — better68.1% of reviews
Number of ratings133248 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
Best chart rank#24 — better#83
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS9 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size33 MB136 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperStream Lab Inc.Passion Only

Customer experience

Stream

All ratings133 ratings
Positive75.2%
Neutral6.8%
Negative18.0%
Written reviews161 reviews
Positive78.9%
Neutral4.3%
Negative16.8%

Spectre VPN

All ratings248 ratings
Positive72.2%
Neutral4.8%
Negative23.0%
Written reviews216 reviews
Positive68.1%
Neutral5.6%
Negative26.4%

User reviews

Stream

From 133 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Free and powerful HTTP packet sniffer tool
  • 👍 Simple and intuitive user interface
  • 🔧 Useful for network debugging and troubleshooting
  • 💡 Built-in JSON viewer and utilities (RSA, Base64 encryption/decryption)
  • ✏️ Ability to edit and resend requests

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Certificate installation fails on iOS 18.x versions
  • 🐛 Gacha history recording not working properly
  • 🐛 'Code 0' error when generating JSON links
  • 🐛 VPN profile conflicts requiring app reinstallation
  • ⚠️ Requires installing system certificates (security concern)

Spectre VPN

From 248 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Reliable and efficient app
  • 🚀 Smooth and fast performance
  • 🔒 Secure and trustworthy
  • 💡 Lightweight and easy to use

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Video loading issues
  • 🐛 Connectivity problems after updates
  • 🐛 Frequent crashes and timeouts
  • 🔋 High battery consumption

Bugs and requests

Stream

Reported bugs

10 issues
  • Certificate installation fails on iOS 18.1 and 18.2
  • Gacha/wish history not being captured correctly
  • Code 0 error when retrieving JSON links
  • VPN profiles becoming non-functional after app use
  • Server connection issues (192.168.0.2:8081 unreachable)
Show 5 more
  • WebSocket messages lost after clearing capture history
  • HTTPS interception blocking website access
  • Request capture showing CONNECT instead of GET method
  • Certificate trust settings not appearing after installation
  • App functionality broken on latest iOS updates

Requested features

10 requests
  • Select all requests button for bulk export
  • Ability to delete individual capture sessions/records
  • Gzip response content decompression
  • Breakpoint setting for request modification
  • Media file saving capability
Show 5 more
  • Custom certificate support
  • Local debugging interface
  • Improved font styling in UI
  • Support for older iOS versions
  • One-click export all requests functionality

Spectre VPN

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • Crashes on iOS 12.5.5 and older
  • Incompatibility with certain devices and OS versions

Requested features

5 requests
  • Support for more protocols (e.g., VMess, VLESS, SSTP)
  • Server sorting by ping/latency
  • Websocket connection support
  • Manual server configuration
  • Multiple server import from clipboard

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Stream

One-time2
  • Coke$0.99
  • Coffee$2.99
None

Spectre VPN

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Stream free?
Stream is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Spectre VPN free?
Spectre VPN is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Stream or Spectre VPN?
Stream is rated higher. Stream averages 4.1 out of 5 from 133 ratings, while Spectre VPN averages 3.9 from 248 ratings.
Do Stream or Spectre VPN have ads?
Neither Stream nor Spectre VPN shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Stream or Spectre VPN?
Stream ships an update every 3 weeks, and Spectre VPN every 2 weeks. Most recently, Stream was updated on September 27, 2026 and Spectre VPN on September 28, 2026.
Which is more popular, Stream or Spectre VPN?
Stream currently peaks at #24 in the App Store charts, and Spectre VPN at #83. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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