# SmartShield VPN vs Privacy Expert

The clearest difference is ads: Privacy Expert at none against SmartShield VPN's shown. Privacy Expert also leads on monetization model (free vs ad-supported) and device support (4 vs 2). SmartShield VPN's advantage is update cadence (every 10 days vs every 15 months) and iOS requirement (14.0 vs 18.6). On price 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.

SmartShield VPN ships an update every 10 days, Privacy Expert every 15 months. Both last shipped on November 3, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | SmartShield VPN | Privacy Expert |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smartshield-vpn/id1619755501/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **2** | — |
| Positive reviews | — | 50.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 10 days** | Every 15 months |
| Monetization | Ad-supported | **Free** |
| Size | 26 MB | 154 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.0** | 18.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Chengdu Xuhuai Ruogu Technology Co., Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1602346856) | [CSID](https://appshunter.io/developer/1116256401) |

## 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


### Privacy Expert

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/privacy-expert-secure-vpn/id6469538381)

This app shields your online activity from hackers, preventing them from accessing personal information and location data when connected to Wi-Fi. It's recommended for use with all internet-connected applications to ensure your privacy.

**Highlights:** Hides online searches and shared data, Prevents hacker access to personal information, Blocks third-party data gathering (device, IP, location), Secures Wi-Fi connections, Recommended for all internet usage

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SmartShield VPN free?

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

### Is Privacy Expert free?

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

### Do SmartShield VPN or Privacy Expert have ads?

SmartShield VPN shows ads; Privacy Expert does not.

### Which is updated more often, SmartShield VPN or Privacy Expert?

SmartShield VPN ships an update every 10 days, and Privacy Expert every 15 months. Most recently, SmartShield VPN was updated on November 3, 2026 and Privacy Expert 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.*