# VirtualShield VPN vs MalariaX

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: MalariaX at none against VirtualShield VPN's 4. MalariaX also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.0). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. VirtualShield VPN sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $12.99 per month. MalariaX asks for nothing beyond the download.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 4, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | VirtualShield VPN | MalariaX |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.4 (107 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/virtualshield-vpn/id1579077161/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **107** | — |
| Positive reviews | 31.9% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | 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) | [MalariaX](https://appshunter.io/developer/1855629359) |

## 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


### MalariaX

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/malariax/id6755694305)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is VirtualShield VPN free?

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

### Is MalariaX free?

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

### Do VirtualShield VPN or MalariaX have ads?

Neither VirtualShield VPN nor MalariaX shows ads.

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

VirtualShield VPN ships an update every 2 months, and MalariaX every 2 months. Most recently, VirtualShield VPN was updated on October 16, 2026 and MalariaX on October 4, 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.*