# VirtualShield VPN vs VSim

The clearest difference is review sentiment: VSim at 85% against VirtualShield VPN's 32%. VSim also leads on rating (4.7 vs 3.4) and ratings volume (16K vs 107). VirtualShield VPN's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. VirtualShield VPN sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $12.99 per month and VSim sells 6 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

VSim holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: VSim has 16K ratings behind it against 107, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 32% of VirtualShield VPN's written reviews are positive against 85% of VSim's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | VirtualShield VPN | VSim |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.4 (107 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/virtualshield-vpn/id1579077161/reviews) | **[4.7 (16K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vsim-sms-verification-code/id1661720255/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 107 | **16K** |
| Positive reviews | 31.9% of reviews | **84.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 33 MB | 46 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [VirtualShield, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1246447878) | [Elmond](https://appshunter.io/developer/1837068464) |

## What reviewers say

### VirtualShield VPN

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/virtualshield-vpn/id1579077161)

Browse the internet securely and privately with military-grade encryption and a strict no-log policy. Enjoy fast, unlimited bandwidth for seamless online activity. Simply download, log in, and connect for instant privacy and security.

**Highlights:** Military-grade encryption, Strict no-log policy, Unlimited bandwidth, Fast VPN speeds, Simple to use interface, Global network access

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| VPN Personal (Monthly) | $12.99 | per month |
| VPN Family (Monthly) | $29.99 | per month |
| VPN Personal (Annual) | $107.99 | per year |
| VPN Family (Annual) | $299.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Helpful and patient customer service (sometimes)
- 🚀 Fast and reliable connection (when it works)
- 🔒 Keeps information safe
- 💰 Good price (for some)
- 🔄 New updates fix issues

**What reviewers complain about**

- ❌ Difficult to unsubscribe/cancel
- 🐛 App frequently disconnects/stops working
- 🐌 Slow internet connection
- 📱 Phone becomes unusable when VPN is on
- 💸 Charged after cancellation requests

**Reported bugs**

- App locks up regularly
- Phone becomes a useless brick without VPN
- Internet won't work at all
- App only works sometimes
- Doesn't work with older computers

**Requested features**

- Allow landscape mode on iPad
- Improve compatibility with Apple devices
- Provide renewal reminders
- Make cancellation process easier
- Address data collection concerns


### VSim

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vsim-sms-verification-code/id1661720255)

Get a temporary virtual phone number to receive SMS verification codes without revealing your personal number. Activate accounts quickly and maintain privacy from unwanted spam. All messages are conveniently stored within the app.

**Highlights:** Receive SMS verification codes, Virtual numbers for account activation, In-app message inbox, Privacy protection, Pay-as-you-go credits, Supports popular platforms

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

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 10 Credit | $0.99 | one-time |
| 30 Credit | $2.99 | one-time |
| 50 Credit | $4.99 | one-time |
| 100 Credit | $9.99 | one-time |
| 250 Credit | $24.99 | one-time |
| 500 credit | $49.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and efficient
- 👍 User-friendly
- 💡 Innovative features
- 🔒 Secure and reliable
- 🤝 Great customer support

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Bugs and glitches
- 💰 Expensive pricing
- 📵 Numbers not working as expected
- 🚫 Banned/blocked numbers

**Reported bugs**

- Verification codes not received
- Numbers already in use
- Account bans without explanation

**Requested features**

- Ability to earn free credits
- More number options
- Improved privacy policy
- Better FAQ and community support


## Frequently asked questions

### Is VirtualShield VPN free?

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

### Is VSim free?

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

### Which has better reviews, VirtualShield VPN or VSim?

VSim is rated higher. VirtualShield VPN averages 3.4 out of 5 from 107 ratings, while VSim averages 4.7 from 16K ratings.

### Do VirtualShield VPN or VSim have ads?

VSim shows ads; VirtualShield VPN does not.

### Which is updated more often, VirtualShield VPN or VSim?

VirtualShield VPN ships an update every 2 months, and VSim every 2 months. Most recently, VirtualShield VPN was updated on October 7, 2026 and VSim on October 13, 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.*