Comparison

Outline App vs Fair VPN

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

Head to head
About

Outline App

This app allows you to securely access the internet and maintain private communications by connecting to your own virtual private network (VPN) server. It's designed for users who want to set up and manage their own VPN for personal or shared use.

Highlights
  • Set up your own VPN server
  • Securely access the open internet
  • Keep communications private
  • Share access with trusted individuals
  • Fast and reliable connection
  • Strong encryption
Read full description

Outline is an easy way for you to set up your own virtual private network (VPN) server to more safely access the open internet and keep your communications private. If you have received an access key, download the Outline app to get started. If you haven’t received an access key, you’ll first need to set-up your own server. Get started by downloading the Outline Manager from getoutline.org. Creating your own server is quick and easy, and instructions in the Manager will guide you through each step. How Do I Set Up Outline? - Outline consists of two related products: the Outline Manager and Outline. - The Outline Manager lets you create and operate your own VPN, and share access with anyone you choose by sending them an invitation directly from the Manager. Once you’ve downloaded the Manager, you can easily set up a VPN server on a cloud provider in less than five minutes. - After setup is complete, you can download the Outline app on your phone and desktop. - Share internet access with coworkers or friends by inviting them directly from the Manager. - If you’ve received an access code from someone using an Outline Manager you’re all set! Just download the app and get started. Why use Outline? - Fast, reliable access to the open internet, powered by the Shadowsocks protocol - Allows you to create and maintain your own VPN server and provide access with those you trust - Strong encryption keeps your communications private - Completely open source and audited by a nonprofit security firm

About

Fair VPN

A free VPN client supporting advanced protocols like v2ray, shadowsocks, and trojan. It allows users to add configurations via link or QR code, test server latency, and browse content from sponsors.

Highlights
  • Supports v2ray, shadowsocks, trojan protocols
  • Add VPN config by link or QR code
  • Test and sort VPN latency
  • Browser with swipe navigation
  • Push notifications for updates
Features
Read full description

Free VPN client that supports v2ray, vmess, vless, xtls, trojan, shadowsocks and shadowsocksR protocols. Browser features: - Read content from our sponsors. - Swipe from left or right edge to go back or forward. - Pull down from the top to refresh. - Get push notifications of latest updates. VPN features: - Add VPN config by link or QR code. - Get Free VPN from third parties. - Test VPN latency, sort by latency and delete failed VPN. - Toggle TLS allowInsecure in the VPN config.

Screenshots

Outline App4 screens
Fair VPN2 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is device support: Fair VPN at 4 against Outline App's 2. Fair VPN also leads on iOS requirement (12.0 vs 16.6). On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.2 for Outline App against 4.2 for Fair VPN. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1.5K and 1.4K respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 57% of Outline App's written reviews are positive against 55% of Fair VPN's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Outline App ships an update every 2 months, Fair VPN monthly. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and November 7, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Outline App versus Fair VPN: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterOutline AppFair VPN
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.2 (1.5K ratings) — better4.2 (1.4K ratings)
Positive reviews57.0% of reviews — better54.9% of reviews
Number of ratings1.5K — better1.4K
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsMonthly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better
Requires iOS16.612.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size24 MB27 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperOutline FoundationUltraReach Internet Corp

Customer experience

Outline App

All ratings1,512 ratings
Positive79.2%
Neutral5.6%
Negative15.2%
Written reviews321 reviews
Positive57.0%
Neutral9.7%
Negative33.3%

Fair VPN

All ratings1,387 ratings
Positive77.9%
Neutral6.1%
Negative15.9%
Written reviews235 reviews
Positive54.9%
Neutral11.9%
Negative33.2%

User reviews

Outline App

From 1.5K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Fast and reliable
  • 🔒 Secure and private
  • 👍 Easy to set up and use
  • 💡 Ability to create own VPN server

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Frequent connection issues
  • 🔌 Unstable performance on mobile data
  • 📉 Declining quality over time
  • 🤖 Lack of customer support

Fair VPN

From 1.4K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Fast and efficient
  • 🔒 Secure and private
  • 👍 Simple and user-friendly
  • 💡 Innovative features

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Compatibility issues
  • 🔋 Battery drain
  • ⚠️ Unreliable connections

Bugs and requests

Outline App

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • App crashes after recent updates
  • Unable to add new servers on iOS
  • Connectivity problems in certain regions (e.g. Iran, China)

Requested features

5 requests
  • Add iOS widget support
  • Improve UI/UX, especially on larger screens
  • Provide more server location options
  • Implement kill switch and split-tunneling features
  • Add statistics and usage tracking

Fair VPN

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Immediate disconnection on M1 Macs
  • Incompatibility with certain apps (e.g., Clubhouse)
  • Subscription links not working

Requested features

4 requests
  • Add subscription link update option
  • Support for more protocols (e.g., SSTP, KCP)
  • Batch management of configurations
  • Customizable settings (e.g., sort by ping, favorite servers)

In-app purchases

None

Outline App

No in-app purchases

None

Fair VPN

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Outline App free?
Outline App is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Fair VPN free?
Fair VPN is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Outline App or Fair VPN?
Outline App is rated higher. Outline App averages 4.2 out of 5 from 1.5K ratings, while Fair VPN averages 4.2 from 1.4K ratings.
Do Outline App or Fair VPN have ads?
Neither Outline App nor Fair VPN shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Outline App or Fair VPN?
Outline App ships an update every 2 months, and Fair VPN monthly. Most recently, Outline App was updated on November 6, 2026 and Fair VPN on November 7, 2026.

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