Comparison

Number Shield vs HTML Sprout

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

Head to head
About

Number Shield

Block unwanted calls and texts from scammers who use fake phone numbers. Easily block entire groups of similar numbers using wildcards. Your contacts are always safe, and blocked calls go to voicemail.

Highlights
  • Block similar numbers with wildcards
  • Block international numbers
  • Contacts automatically allowed
  • Block from missed calls screen
  • Send blocked calls to voicemail
  • Send blocked texts to Junk filter
Currently charting
Read full description

Block annoying scammers who hide behind fake phone numbers. Do you get unwanted calls or text messages from phone numbers similar to your own? With Number Shield, block an entire group of numbers at once. Just enter a wildcard for each digit you want to block. For example, if your number is 714-555-1234, scammers might use a number like 714-555-6789. Block all similar numbers by entering 714-555-####. Wildcards and numbers can be combined in any order you choose. Block international numbers, too! To make sure you don't miss calls from your family and friends, phone numbers in your contacts are always allowed. Block numbers directly from your phone's missed calls screen. Just follow these steps: 1. Tap the “ i ” button next to the missed call. 2. Tap “Share Contact”. 3. Tap “Block Similar Numbers”. (If you don't see this action, tap “Edit Actions...“ to enable it.) 4. Now you'll see the Number Shield number entry screen. Tap “Done” to block calls from similar numbers. Please note: • Each number pattern can contain up to 7 wildcards, and up to 50,000,000 phone numbers can be blocked. • Blocked calls are sent directly to voice mail. • Blocked text messages are sent to the “Junk” filter in the Messages app. • iMessage messages are not blocked. • When “Do Not Disturb” is enabled on your phone, calls that should be blocked may appear in your phone's list of missed calls. More information about caller ID spoofing in the United States is available from the FCC: https://www.fcc.gov/spoofing

About

HTML Sprout

Read full description

HTML Sprout is a simple, calm space where ideas can take root. Whether you are capturing a quick note, drafting a simple list, or testing a single-file HTML snippet, HTML Sprout keeps everything lightweight and distraction-free. Built for creators, developers, and curious minds, HTML Sprout helps early ideas grow without the complexity of full editors or heavy toolchains. FEATURES Instant HTML Runner Paste or open a single-file HTML document and render it instantly. Ideal for quick experiments, prototypes, and AI-generated code from tools like ChatGPT. Plain-Text Notes and Lists Record ideas, to-dos, and thoughts without formatting. Clean and simple. Save and Open Files Work locally with .html and .txt files. Your content stays on your device until you choose to save it. Fast Refresh Clear the canvas with one tap when you are ready to try something new. Privacy First No analytics, no tracking, and no data collection. Everything is processed locally on your device. Designed for iPhone and iPad A clean, mobile-friendly interface optimized for quick thinking and quick testing. WHY HTML SPROUT? Some ideas begin as simple text. Others begin as HTML. HTML Sprout gives both a quiet place to start growing, easy to write and easy to test. FAQ Can I run AI-generated HTML? Yes. Paste a single-file HTML snippet from ChatGPT or any other tool and preview it instantly. Is this a full code editor? No. HTML Sprout is intentionally simple, designed as an HTML runner and a plain-text pad for early-stage ideas. Where are my files stored? Only on your device. Nothing is uploaded or retained unless you save it.

Screenshots

Number Shield4 screens
HTML Sprout4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: HTML Sprout at fortnightly against Number Shield's every 2 months. HTML Sprout also leads on price ($1.99 vs $2.99). Number Shield's advantage is chart position (#92 vs unranked). On ads, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement 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

Number Shield costs $2.99 and HTML Sprout $1.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Number Shield ships an update every 2 months, HTML Sprout fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 17, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 8 level
Number Shield versus HTML Sprout: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterNumber ShieldHTML Sprout
Price$2.99$1.99 — better
Rating4.5 (1.9K ratings) — better—
Positive reviews50.1% of reviews—
Number of ratings1.9K — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsFortnightly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
Best chart rank#92 — better—
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS16.6 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size9 MB1 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperKinnaman Software LLCElena Tserioti

Bugs and requests

Number Shield

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • App freezes when adding new numbers
  • Blocked numbers still receive calls
  • Database errors cause app to malfunction
  • Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions

Requested features

5 requests
  • Add ability to block text messages
  • Increase number of numbers that can be blocked
  • Improve stability and reduce crashes
  • Add option to block entire country codes
  • Provide better customer support

HTML Sprout

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Number Shield

No in-app purchases

None

HTML Sprout

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Number Shield free?
Number Shield costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is HTML Sprout free?
HTML Sprout costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do Number Shield or HTML Sprout have ads?
Neither Number Shield nor HTML Sprout shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Number Shield or HTML Sprout?
Number Shield ships an update every 2 months, and HTML Sprout fortnightly. Most recently, Number Shield was updated on October 17, 2026 and HTML Sprout on September 28, 2026.

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