Comparison

Outline App vs XiaoYuTag

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

Head to head
About

Outline App

Create and manage your own virtual private network (VPN) server for secure and private internet access. Share access with friends or colleagues by sending them an invitation directly from the manager. Enjoy fast, reliable, and encrypted connections to the open internet.

Highlights
  • Set up your own VPN server
  • Securely access the open internet
  • Keep communications private
  • Share access with trusted individuals
  • Fast and reliable connections
  • 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

XiaoYuTag

Features
Read full description

Simple and easy-to-use annotation tool

Screenshots

Outline App4 screens
XiaoYuTag2 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: XiaoYuTag at every 5 days against Outline App's every 2 months. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support 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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Outline App ships an update every 2 months, XiaoYuTag every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 19, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
Outline App versus XiaoYuTag: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterOutline AppXiaoYuTag
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.2 (1.5K ratings) — better—
Positive reviews56.8% of reviews—
Number of ratings1.5K — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 5 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS15.514.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size36 MB12 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperOutline Foundation小语智能信息科技(云南)有限公司

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

XiaoYuTag

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Outline App

No in-app purchases

None

XiaoYuTag

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Outline App free?
Outline App is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is XiaoYuTag free?
XiaoYuTag is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Outline App or XiaoYuTag have ads?
Neither Outline App nor XiaoYuTag shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Outline App or XiaoYuTag?
Outline App ships an update every 2 months, and XiaoYuTag every 5 days. Most recently, Outline App was updated on October 19, 2026 and XiaoYuTag on October 10, 2026.

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