# Stream vs Spectre VPN

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.

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

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Stream | Spectre VPN |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.1 (133 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stream-network-debug-tool/id1312141691/reviews)** | [3.9 (248 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spectre-vpn/id1508712998/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 133 | **248** |
| Positive reviews | **78.9% of reviews** | 68.1% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | **#24** | #83 |
| Size | 33 MB | 136 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Stream Lab Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1499306893) | [Passion Only](https://appshunter.io/developer/1508712997) |

## What reviewers say

### Stream

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stream-network-debug-tool/id1312141691)

**Currently charting:** #24 Top Free · Developer Tools (US App Store)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Coke | $0.99 | one-time |
| Coffee | $2.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 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

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 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)

**Reported bugs**

- 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)

**Requested features**

- 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


### Spectre VPN

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spectre-vpn/id1508712998)

**Currently charting:** #83 Top Free · Developer Tools (US App Store)

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:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

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

**What reviewers complain about**

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

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes on iOS 12.5.5 and older
- Incompatibility with certain devices and OS versions

**Requested features**

- 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


## Frequently asked 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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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*