# VPN vs App Lock

The clearest difference is ads: VPN at none against App Lock's shown. VPN also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 2 weeks) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 16.1). App Lock's advantage is review sentiment (73% vs 38%) and ratings volume (6.6K vs 1.3K). On price, rating, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. VPN sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per 7 days and App Lock sells 14 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for VPN against 4.6 for App Lock. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1.3K and 6.6K respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 38% of VPN's written reviews are positive against 73% of App Lock's.

VPN ships an update weekly, App Lock every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 9, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | VPN | App Lock |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (1.3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vpn/id1489087755/reviews)** | [4.6 (6.6K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/app-lock-lock-apps/id6469686557/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1.3K | **6.6K** |
| Positive reviews | 38.2% of reviews | **73.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 42 MB | 108 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 16.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [IMOFEKS, TOV](https://appshunter.io/developer/1489043647) | [友财 徐](https://appshunter.io/developer/1637405734) |

## What reviewers say

### VPN

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vpn/id1489087755)

This app provides a secure and private browsing experience by encrypting your network and hiding your IP address. It allows access to blocked websites and apps with high speed and anonymity, protecting your online identity on public Wi-Fi.

**Highlights:** Encrypted network for security and privacy, Hides IP address for anonymity, Access blocked websites and apps, High VPN speed, Protects online identity on public Wi-Fi, One-tap connection to VPN server

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 week (with trial) | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| 1 month (with trial) | $19.99 | per month |
| 1 year (with trial) | $99.99 | per year |


### App Lock

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/app-lock-lock-apps/id6469686557)

Manage screen time and enhance privacy with customizable modes for work, personal use, and parental control. Set app restrictions, use geofencing, and secure apps with passwords or biometrics. Features include intruder alerts and app disguise for added security.

**Highlights:** Parental Control (Teen Mode), Multiple Modes (Work, Personal, Beast), App Restrictions & Time Limits, Geofencing for Location-Based Locks, Password & Biometric Protection, App Disguise & Intruder Alerts, Widget & Dynamic Island Quick Re-lock

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (14)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Membership | $3.99 | per month |
| Monthly Membership | $3.99 | per month |
| Monthly Membership | $5.99 | per month |
| Monthly Membership | $7.99 | per month |
| Yearly Membership | $9.99 | per year |
| Yearly Membership | $14.99 | per year |
| Yearly Membership | $14.99 | per year |
| Yearly Membership | $16.99 | per year |
| Yearly Membership | $18.99 | per year |
| Yearly Membership | $18.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Membership | $19.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime Membership | $21.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime Membership | $27.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime Membership | $36.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and efficient
- 🔒 Excellent security features
- 👍 User-friendly interface
- 💡 Customizable settings
- 🔒 Protects privacy effectively

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes or glitches
- 🔋 High battery consumption
- 💰 Too many ads
- 🔒 Difficulty unlocking locked apps

**Reported bugs**

- Locked apps sometimes become unlocked randomly
- App deletion issues, unable to uninstall

**Requested features**

- Dark mode option
- Shortcut support for quick access
- Ability to lock/unlock apps without opening the app
- Improved notification handling for locked apps


## Frequently asked questions

### Is VPN free?

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

### Is App Lock free?

App Lock is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, VPN or App Lock?

VPN is rated higher. VPN averages 4.6 out of 5 from 1.3K ratings, while App Lock averages 4.6 from 6.6K ratings.

### Do VPN or App Lock have ads?

App Lock shows ads; VPN does not.

### Which is updated more often, VPN or App Lock?

VPN ships an update weekly, and App Lock every 2 weeks. Most recently, VPN was updated on October 9, 2026 and App Lock on October 15, 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.*