# Shadowscale vs BNEGuard VPN by BNESIM

The clearest difference is rating: Shadowscale at 4.5 against BNEGuard VPN by BNESIM's 3.8. Shadowscale also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 3) and review sentiment (71% vs 50%). BNEGuard VPN by BNESIM's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 5 weeks) and device support (4 vs 2). On price, ads and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. BNEGuard VPN by BNESIM sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month. Shadowscale asks for nothing beyond the download.

Shadowscale holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.8. 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. Written reviews point the same way: 71% of Shadowscale's written reviews are positive against 50% of BNEGuard VPN by BNESIM's.

Shadowscale ships an update every 5 weeks, BNEGuard VPN by BNESIM every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 10, 2026 and August 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Shadowscale | BNEGuard VPN by BNESIM |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (20 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shadowscale/id1408634435/reviews)** | [3.8 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bneguard-vpn-by-bnesim/id6449258591/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **20** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | **71.4% of reviews** | 50.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 24 MB | 56 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [12VPX](https://appshunter.io/developer/1721234995) | [BNESIM Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1598773485) |

## 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


### BNEGuard VPN by BNESIM

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bneguard-vpn-by-bnesim/id6449258591)

This VPN service offers fast, private, and controlled online protection. It features simple one-tap connection, smart routing options, and per-device VPN control for enhanced flexibility and security.

**Highlights:** One-tap connection, Split tunneling, Per-device VPN control, Custom DNS settings, Military-grade encryption, Strict no-log policy

**Features:** Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Honey Drop Monthly Plan | $6.99 | per month |
| Honeycomb 6 Months Plan | $29.99 | per 6 months |
| Honey Treasure 1 Year Plan | $49.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Shadowscale free?

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

### Is BNEGuard VPN by BNESIM free?

BNEGuard VPN by BNESIM is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Shadowscale or BNEGuard VPN by BNESIM?

Shadowscale is rated higher. Shadowscale averages 4.5 out of 5 from 20 ratings, while BNEGuard VPN by BNESIM averages 3.8 from 4 ratings.

### Do Shadowscale or BNEGuard VPN by BNESIM have ads?

Neither Shadowscale nor BNEGuard VPN by BNESIM shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Shadowscale or BNEGuard VPN by BNESIM?

Shadowscale ships an update every 5 weeks, and BNEGuard VPN by BNESIM every 2 weeks. Most recently, Shadowscale was updated on September 10, 2026 and BNEGuard VPN by BNESIM on August 22, 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.*