# Shadowscale vs VPN Master

The clearest difference is rating: VPN Master at 5.0 against Shadowscale's 4.5. VPN Master also leads on iOS requirement (12.0 vs 16.0). Shadowscale's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and monetization model (free vs ad-supported). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

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

VPN Master holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Shadowscale has 20 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Shadowscale ships an update every 5 weeks, VPN Master monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 10, 2026 and June 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Shadowscale | VPN Master |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (20 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shadowscale/id1408634435/reviews) | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vpn-master-secure-vpn/id6483002126/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **20** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 71.4% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Ad-supported |
| Size | 24 MB | 22 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [12VPX](https://appshunter.io/developer/1721234995) | [LemonCC Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1618925770) |

## 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


### VPN Master

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vpn-master-secure-vpn/id6483002126)

This proxy service offers a fast and free way to protect your online privacy by hiding your IP address and encrypting data. It provides secure, transparent data transmission and does not collect user data. Enjoy swift, stable connections with global server deployment.

**Highlights:** Hide IP address and location, Encrypt data transmission, No user data collection, Fast and unlimited speed, Global server deployment, Stable and reliable service

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Shadowscale free?

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

### Is VPN Master free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Shadowscale or VPN Master?

VPN Master is rated higher. Shadowscale averages 4.5 out of 5 from 20 ratings, while VPN Master averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.

### Do Shadowscale or VPN Master have ads?

VPN Master shows ads; Shadowscale does not.

### Which is updated more often, Shadowscale or VPN Master?

Shadowscale ships an update every 5 weeks, and VPN Master monthly. Most recently, Shadowscale was updated on September 10, 2026 and VPN Master on June 8, 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.*