# SmartShield VPN vs Acorn VPN

The clearest difference is rating: Acorn VPN at 4.8 against SmartShield VPN's 3.0. Acorn VPN also leads on ratings volume (12 vs 2). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

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

Acorn VPN holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Acorn VPN has 12 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

SmartShield VPN ships an update every 10 days, Acorn VPN every 9 days. Both last shipped on November 3, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | SmartShield VPN | Acorn VPN |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smartshield-vpn/id1619755501/reviews) | **[4.8 (12 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/acorn-vpn-fast-secure-proxy/id6450504893/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 2 | **12** |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 10 days | **Every 9 days** |
| Monetization | Ad-supported | Ad-supported |
| Size | 26 MB | 33 MB |
| Requires iOS | 14.0 | 14.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Chengdu Xuhuai Ruogu Technology Co., Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1602346856) | [HONTAI (HK) TECHNOLOGY CO., LIMITED](https://appshunter.io/developer/1693569432) |

## What reviewers say

### SmartShield VPN

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smartshield-vpn/id1619755501)

This app encrypts your internet activity, unblocks websites, and spoofs your location for secure and anonymous browsing. It protects your device from hackers and provides a fast, unrestricted web surfing experience.

**Highlights:** Full internet activity encryption, Unblock websites and apps, Change IP address and spoof location, Protect from hackers, Fast and stable connection, Zero activity logs

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Acorn VPN

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/acorn-vpn-fast-secure-proxy/id6450504893)

Secure your internet connection and maintain online privacy with this VPN service. It offers encrypted browsing, unlimited bandwidth, and protection against cyber threats. Enjoy a user-friendly interface for seamless global access.

**Highlights:** Encrypted internet connection, Global network of nodes, Unlimited bandwidth, Protection from hackers, Private browser, No-log policy

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SmartShield VPN free?

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

### Is Acorn VPN free?

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

### Which has better reviews, SmartShield VPN or Acorn VPN?

Acorn VPN is rated higher. SmartShield VPN averages 3.0 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while Acorn VPN averages 4.8 from 12 ratings.

### Do SmartShield VPN or Acorn VPN have ads?

Both SmartShield VPN and Acorn VPN show ads.

### Which is updated more often, SmartShield VPN or Acorn VPN?

SmartShield VPN ships an update every 10 days, and Acorn VPN every 9 days. Most recently, SmartShield VPN was updated on November 3, 2026 and Acorn VPN on November 3, 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.*