# Shadowscale vs crossgfw

Shadowscale and crossgfw both sit at 4.5 stars, but that hides the real split: 100% of crossgfw's written reviews are positive against 71% of Shadowscale's. crossgfw also leads on update cadence (every 9 days vs every 5 weeks) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 16.0). Shadowscale's advantage is ratings volume (20 vs 6). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

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

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.5 for Shadowscale against 4.5 for crossgfw. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 20 and 6 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 71% of Shadowscale's written reviews are positive against 100% of crossgfw's.

Shadowscale ships an update every 5 weeks, crossgfw every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Shadowscale | crossgfw |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (20 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shadowscale/id1408634435/reviews)** | [4.5 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/crossgfw/id1618380558/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **20** | 6 |
| Positive reviews | 71.4% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Every 9 days** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 24 MB | 12 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [12VPX](https://appshunter.io/developer/1721234995) | [World Youth Freedom Federation](https://appshunter.io/developer/1618380560) |

## 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


### crossgfw

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/crossgfw/id1618380558)

This utility allows users to access the internet freely and securely. It supports custom proxy nodes, including OverTLS protocol, and prioritizes user privacy by not saving logs. Enjoy enhanced Wi-Fi security on public hotspots and protect your network IP.

**Highlights:** Add custom proxy nodes, OverTLS protocol support, Stealth and stable connection, No login or registration required, Wi-Fi security on public hotspots, IP and privacy protection, High network speed

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Shadowscale free?

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

### Is crossgfw free?

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

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

Shadowscale is rated higher. Shadowscale averages 4.5 out of 5 from 20 ratings, while crossgfw averages 4.5 from 6 ratings.

### Do Shadowscale or crossgfw have ads?

Neither Shadowscale nor crossgfw shows ads.

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

Shadowscale ships an update every 5 weeks, and crossgfw every 9 days. Most recently, Shadowscale was updated on November 2, 2026 and crossgfw on November 3, 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.*