# Shadowscale vs TCI

The clearest difference is rating: Shadowscale at 4.5 against TCI's 2.0. Shadowscale also leads on update cadence (every 5 weeks vs every 4 months) and ratings volume (20 vs 4). TCI's advantage is iOS requirement (10.0 vs 16.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Shadowscale holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 2.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Shadowscale has 20 ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Shadowscale ships an update every 5 weeks, TCI every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 4, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Shadowscale | TCI |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (20 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shadowscale/id1408634435/reviews)** | [2.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tci/id1445193551/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **20** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | 71.4% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 weeks** | Every 4 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 24 MB | 30 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **10.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [12VPX](https://appshunter.io/developer/1721234995) | [SafeGuard Systems, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1148737201) |

## What reviewers say

### Shadowscale

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shadowscale/id1408634435)

This VPN client simplifies secure internet access by allowing users to import configurations via QR codes or manual URL entry. It provides a straightforward way to set up and manage your VPN connection for enhanced online privacy and security.

**Highlights:** VPN client, QR code configuration import, Manual URL configuration, Secure internet access, Enhanced online privacy

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### TCI

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tci/id1445193551)

Securely report anonymous tips about global crimes like human trafficking, terrorism, and corruption to law enforcement. Receive potential rewards for your information and engage in two-way dialogue with live chat, including image and video uploads.

**Highlights:** Anonymous tip submission, Secure communication channels, Live chat capability, Image and video uploads, Reward incentives, Global crime reporting

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Shadowscale free?

Shadowscale is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is TCI free?

TCI is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Shadowscale or TCI?

Shadowscale is rated higher. Shadowscale averages 4.5 out of 5 from 20 ratings, while TCI averages 2.0 from 4 ratings.

### Do Shadowscale or TCI have ads?

Neither Shadowscale nor TCI shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Shadowscale or TCI?

Shadowscale ships an update every 5 weeks, and TCI every 4 months. Most recently, Shadowscale was updated on October 14, 2026 and TCI on October 4, 2026.

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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.*