iCab Mobile (Web Browser) vs Private Browser Deluxe
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
iCab Mobile (Web Browser)
A highly customizable web browser for iOS that prioritizes privacy and user control. Manage multiple profiles, tabs, and downloads with advanced filtering and interface options.
- Private browsing mode
- Multiple user profiles
- Tab management and grouping
- Ad and tracker blocking filters
- Configurable user interface
- File download manager
- Website content customization
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iCab Mobile is a web browser for iOS. iCab Mobile is customizable in almost all areas and can thus be made into your very own personal browser. PRIVACY: In private mode, no private data is saved permanently. Special private tabs increase privacy even further, with only a small loss of comfort. PROFILES/USER ACCOUNTS: Any number of profiles/user accounts can be created, with each profile having its own settings, bookmarks, etc. Profiles are suitable for an iPad that is used by the whole family, but also for users who want to separate professional and private surfing. TABS, WINDOWS: iCab Mobile can open any number of websites simultaneously in tabs. Tabs can be saved and organized in groups so that they can easily be loaded together again later. Tabs can be protected against accidental closing or overwriting. On the iPad, multiple app instances can be opened as windows (Stage Manager, Split View), even with multiple profiles simultaneously (since iOS 18). FILTERS: Filters can be used to block advertising, trackers, etc. Popular filter lists can be used directly (Easylist, AdBlock Plus, uBlock & compatible), but you can also define your own. USER INTERFACE: The user interface is freely configurable. Action, context and text selection menus, toolbars and gestures can be adapted to your own needs. ACCESSIBLE: The user interface is barrier-free and adapts to the system font size and is compatible with VoiceOver. BOOKMARKS: Bookmarks can be organized in folders. “Smart folders” create special collections based on self-defined rules (e.g. the latest bookmarks from the last 2 weeks). Colored labels allow further categorization. DOWNLOADS: Download any files and manage the files in the download manager, including unpacking/creating ZIP archives, exporting/importing, etc. SEARCH: The app offers a large list of search engines (self-expandable) that you can use to search directly on the web. It is also possible to search on the current page. WEBSITES: You can define what websites can and cannot do. Highlight important content with a highlighter, hide unwanted elements, allow buttons to be clicked automatically (e.g. for cookie messages). Control permissions for camera, microphone and sensor usage. Pro users can even inject JavaScript and CSS code into websites to customize them to their liking. EXPORT/IMPORT: All data can be exported/imported (for creating backups, data synchronization with other devices/apps) WIDGETS: Widgets allow you to control the App and open bookmarks directly from the home screen. Websites can also be displayed directly there. APPLE WATCH: Open websites directly on the Apple Watch (albeit limited). Remotely control iCab Mobile on the iPhone from the Watch. FURTHER FEATURES: - Quick starter - Configurable browser ID (UserAgent) - Full support for international domain names - Simple built-in RSS reader - Kiosk mode - a more limited version of the full-screen mode for kiosk systems. The app includes a store where you can give us a tip via InApp purchase to additionally support the further development of the app. The development of the app takes a lot of time and is a lot of work, which the low purchase price cannot cover. Te sources of income used by the big popular browsers, such as advertising, deals with search engines, tracking etc. are not an option for iCab Mobile. Tipping is completely voluntary and you won't miss out on any important features if you don't tip. However, users who tip will be given the option to change the app icon as a thank you.
Private Browser Deluxe
Browse the internet privately with a secure VPN and ad blocker. Download and store files securely, with options to hide them in a secret vault. Customize your experience with discreet app icons and choose your preferred search engine.
- Secure VPN
- Ad blocking
- Private file vault
- Custom app icons
- Download manager
- Passcode/Touch ID protection
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EXPERIENCE INTERNET PRIVACY Browse your favorite websites without trackers, cookies, or ads; download and store files privately. Keep your search, history & downloads private with an app passcode or Touch ID, or quickly delete by tapping “Destroy.” Personalize your Home Screen with a variety of discreet app icon colors & design choices. ENJOY DELUXE BROWSER FEATURES Unlike some incognito browsers, Private Browser Deluxe has all the functions of a premium web browser, including: - Virtual Private Network (VPN) - Ad blocking - Custom app icons - Choice of Google, Yahoo, and Bing search engines - Ability to set Private Browser Deluxe as your default web browser - List of potential downloads on each web page - Desktop site requesting - Browsing history can be kept forever, never, or until you exit the app - Bookmarks & Favorites can be easily added & deleted DOWNLOAD QUICKLY & SECURELY Keep your downloads private with powerful background downloading over WiFi or cellular. Manage, pause & resume downloads easily with the download manager. MANAGE FILES EASILY Conveniently edit folders and file structure, file naming & storage locations. Protect your file vault with a passcode or Touch ID. Share via AirDrop or to any app you select on your device. KEEP PRIVATE FILES HIDDEN Exclusive ‘Secret Vault’ feature allows you to stash private files & downloads in a hidden folder, accessible only by you. VIRTUAL PRIVATE NETWORK VPN protects your privacy & data while using any app on your device, allowing you to safely browse the internet without worrying about third-party surveillance. Thanks for using Private Browser Deluxe! Have questions or feedback? Email us at contact@maplemedia.io for fast & friendly support. Website: https://maplemedia.io/ This app offers in-app purchases, including an automatically renewing subscription service. Subscription terms are outlined in the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, linked below: Terms of Service: https://maplemedia.io/terms-of-service-vpn/#vpn Privacy Policy: https://maplemedia.io/privacy/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: Private Browser Deluxe at Free against iCab Mobile (Web Browser)'s $2.99. Private Browser Deluxe also leads on rating (4.5 vs 4.0) and ratings volume (14K vs 468). iCab Mobile (Web Browser)'s advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 2 months). On in-app purchases, monetization model, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Private Browser Deluxe is free to download; iCab Mobile (Web Browser) costs $2.99 up front. iCab Mobile (Web Browser) sells 10 one-off in-app purchases and Private Browser Deluxe sells 18 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
Private Browser Deluxe holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Private Browser Deluxe has 14K ratings behind it against 468, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 66% of iCab Mobile (Web Browser)'s written reviews are positive against 81% of Private Browser Deluxe's.
iCab Mobile (Web Browser) ships an update every 2 weeks, Private Browser Deluxe every 2 months. Both last shipped on September 26, 2026.
| Parameter | iCab Mobile (Web Browser) | Private Browser Deluxe |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | 4.0 (468 ratings) | 4.5 (14K ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 66.0% of reviews | 81.2% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 468 | 14K — better |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks — better | Every 2 months |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | #101 — better | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch — better | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 44 MB | 157 MB |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | Alexander Clauss | Maple Media Apps, LLC |
Customer experience
iCab Mobile (Web Browser)
Private Browser Deluxe
User reviews
iCab Mobile (Web Browser)
From 468 App Store ratingsWhat we love
- 🚀 Highly customizable
- 👍 Powerful features
- 🔒 Excellent privacy options
- 💡 Unique modules and add-ons
- 🚀 Fast and responsive
Room to improve
- 🐛 Stability issues and crashes
- 🔋 High battery consumption
- 🔍 Overwhelming complexity for some users
- 🐛 Compatibility problems with recent iOS updates
- 🐛 Unreliable downloads and file management
Private Browser Deluxe
From 14K App Store ratingsWhat we love
- 🔒 Privacy and security features
- 🚀 Fast and efficient browsing
- 👍 Intuitive and user-friendly interface
Room to improve
- 💰 Paid features and subscriptions
- 📢 Intrusive and persistent ads
- 🐛 Crashes and stability issues
Bugs and requests
iCab Mobile (Web Browser)
Reported bugs
4 issues- Frequent crashes and freezes
- Broken or unreliable video playback
- Issues with bookmarks, history, and other data persistence
- Problems with user agent spoofing and desktop site rendering
Requested features
5 requests- Improved tab management and organization
- Easier integration with cloud storage and other apps
- Enhanced ad-blocking and content filtering capabilities
- Streamlined user interface and onboarding experience
- Syncing of settings and data across devices
Private Browser Deluxe
Reported bugs
3 issues- Bookmarks and downloads not working properly
- Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions
- Freezing and lagging on certain websites
Requested features
3 requests- Improved bookmark and tab management
- Customizable home page and settings
- Built-in ad-blocking or content filtering
In-app purchases
iCab Mobile (Web Browser)
- Upgrade$0.99
- Small additional Tip$0.99
- Small Tip$0.99
Show 7 moreShow fewer
- Upgrade plus Tip$1.99
- Upgrade plus Generous Tip$2.99
- Medium additional Tip$2.99
- Medium Tip$2.99
- Large additional Tip$4.99
- Large Tip$4.99
- Upgrade plus Extra Generous Tip$5.99
Private Browser Deluxe
- Browser Deluxe+$0.997 Days
- Insider Offer - Monthly2 variants$2.991 Month
- Browser Deluxe+ Weekly$2.997 Days
Show 14 moreShow fewer
- Browser Deluxe+ Monthly$4.991 Month
- Private Browser+ Monthly$4.991 Month
- Browser Deluxe+1 Month trial$4.991 Month
- Browser Deluxe+ Weekly$4.997 Days
- Browser Deluxe+ Monthly$9.991 Month
- Browser Deluxe+ | Monthly$9.991 Month
- Insider Offer - Yearly$24.991 Year
- Private Browser Deluxe+ Annual3 Days trial$29.991 Year
- Browser Deluxe+ | Annual3 Days trial$29.991 Year
- Private Browser Deluxe+ Annual3 Days trial$34.991 Year
- Browser Deluxe+ | Annual3 Days trial$49.991 Year
- Private Browser Deluxe +1 Year trial2 variants$49.991 Year
- Browser Deluxe Plus1 Year trial$49.991 Year
- Private Browser Deluxe Bundle1 Year trial$129.991 Year
- Remove All Ads$34.99
Questions
Is iCab Mobile (Web Browser) free?
Is Private Browser Deluxe free?
Which has better reviews, iCab Mobile (Web Browser) or Private Browser Deluxe?
Do iCab Mobile (Web Browser) or Private Browser Deluxe have ads?
Which is updated more often, iCab Mobile (Web Browser) or Private Browser Deluxe?
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