# Avast Secure Browser vs Startpage

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Startpage at none against Avast Secure Browser's 11. Startpage also leads on ratings volume (6.9K vs 2.1K). Avast Secure Browser's advantage is review sentiment (79% vs 70%). On price, rating, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Avast Secure Browser sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Startpage asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for Avast Secure Browser against 4.8 for Startpage. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2.1K and 6.9K respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 79% of Avast Secure Browser's written reviews are positive against 70% of Startpage's.

Avast Secure Browser ships an update every 5 weeks, Startpage monthly. Both last shipped on September 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Avast Secure Browser | Startpage |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (2.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/avast-secure-browser/id1517761023/reviews) | **[4.8 (6.9K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/startpage-private-browser/id6478921430/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 2.1K | **6.9K** |
| Positive reviews | **79.1% of reviews** | 70.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 110 MB | 237 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [AVAST Software s.r.o](https://appshunter.io/developer/568017534) | [Startpage BV](https://appshunter.io/developer/632832985) |

## What reviewers say

### Avast Secure Browser

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/avast-secure-browser/id1517761023)

This browser prioritizes your online privacy and security with built-in VPN, ad-blocking, and data encryption. It protects you from trackers and ISPs, ensuring your browsing is truly private and secure. Enjoy faster browsing without ads and sync your encrypted data across devices.

**Highlights:** Built-in VPN, Ad blocker, Data encryption, Automatic privacy protection, Faster browsing, Cross-platform sync

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Avast Pro 1 Month | $4.99 | per month |
| Avast Pro 1 Month | $7.49 | per month |
| Avast Pro 1 Month | $9.99 | per month |
| Avast Pro 12 Months | $19.99 | per year |
| Avast Pro 12 Months | $29.99 | per year |
| Avast Pro 12 Months | $29.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and efficient
- 🔒 Secure and private
- 👍 User-friendly
- 🚀 Quick and responsive
- 👍 Excellent protection

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional bugs and crashes
- 💰 Paywall for premium features
- 🔋 Can slow down device performance
- 🔍 Limited customization options
- 🤖 Aggressive ad/upsell tactics

**Reported bugs**

- Sync issues between mobile and desktop
- Compatibility problems with certain websites
- VPN disconnects unexpectedly
- Ad blocker not working as expected

**Requested features**

- Dark mode option
- Improved tab management
- Sync bookmarks/history across devices
- More granular privacy controls
- Better integration with other Avast products


### Startpage

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/startpage-private-browser/id6478921430)

Browse the web and search privately with a built-in search engine that protects your data. It clears your history and tabs with one tap, masks your location and IP address, and provides unprofiled search results. Enjoy a secure and private online experience.

**Highlights:** Private search engine, Clear tabs and history, Anonymous website visits, Private tabs and maps, Unprofiled search results, Avoid targeted ads

**Features:** Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Lightning-fast and responsive
- 🔒 Robust privacy and security features
- 👍 Clean and user-friendly interface
- 🔍 Accurate and relevant search results
- 🕊️ Preserves user privacy and anonymity

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes and stability issues
- 🔍 Limited search customization options
- 🔌 Lack of built-in ad blocker
- 🔍 Inconsistent search engine behavior across platforms

**Reported bugs**

- Pages not loading properly
- Inconsistent behavior when searching from iOS home screen
- Anonymous view failing to load images/thumbnails

**Requested features**

- Dark mode option
- Ability to export bookmarks and reading lists
- One-tap history/data clearing
- Option to set default private browsing mode
- StartMail app integration


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Avast Secure Browser free?

Avast Secure Browser is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Startpage free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Avast Secure Browser or Startpage?

Startpage is rated higher. Avast Secure Browser averages 4.7 out of 5 from 2.1K ratings, while Startpage averages 4.8 from 6.9K ratings.

### Do Avast Secure Browser or Startpage have ads?

Neither Avast Secure Browser nor Startpage shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Avast Secure Browser or Startpage?

Avast Secure Browser ships an update every 5 weeks, and Startpage monthly. Most recently, Avast Secure Browser was updated on September 24, 2026 and Startpage on September 24, 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.*