Comparison

Outline App vs ScrubCal

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

ScrubCal

Features
Read full description

ScrubCal: The Zero-Friction Shift Scanner Stop manually typing your work schedules. With ScrubCal, simply take a screenshot of your duty roster, and the app instantly converts it into Apple Calendar events. An included 'Perfect Scan Guide' ensures you get the most accurate results every time. Key Features & Benefits 100% Offline & Private: Powered by on-device processing. Your schedule data never leaves your iPhone, allowing it to work flawlessly even in dead zones or airplane mode. Smart Shift Parsing: Automatically recognizes date patterns and translates standard nursing shift codes (e.g., 'D' for Day, 'E' for Evening, 'N' for Night) into precise times. Secure Calendar Access: Employs a strict "write-only" protocol. It securely adds new shifts without ever reading, spying on, or modifying your existing calendar history. Zero-Login & Instant Sync: No accounts, email verifications, or paywalls. Open the app and sync your schedule in under 10 seconds. Night-Worker Friendly UI: Features a dynamic Dark Mode to minimize eye strain, paired with satisfying native iOS haptic feedback and animations. Focus on what truly matters. Stop typing your shifts manually and let ScrubCal do the heavy lifting.

Screenshots

Outline App4 screens
ScrubCal3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: Outline App at none against ScrubCal's shown. Outline App also leads on device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (15.5 vs 17.0). ScrubCal's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 2 months). On price and in-app purchases 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, ScrubCal weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 19, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Outline App versus ScrubCal: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterOutline AppScrubCal
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.2 (1.5K ratings) — better—
Positive reviews56.8% of reviews—
Number of ratings1.5K — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsWeekly — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone
Requires iOS15.5 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size36 MB50 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperOutline FoundationSOOYOUNG KIM

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

ScrubCal

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Outline App

No in-app purchases

None

ScrubCal

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Outline App free?
Outline App is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is ScrubCal free?
ScrubCal is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Outline App or ScrubCal have ads?
ScrubCal shows ads; Outline App does not.
Which is updated more often, Outline App or ScrubCal?
Outline App ships an update every 2 months, and ScrubCal weekly. Most recently, Outline App was updated on October 19, 2026 and ScrubCal on October 7, 2026.

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