Comparison

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.

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • Private browsing mode
  • Multiple user profiles
  • Tab management and grouping
  • Ad and tracker blocking filters
  • Configurable user interface
  • File download manager
  • Website content customization
Features
Currently charting
Read full description

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.

About

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.

Highlights
  • Secure VPN
  • Ad blocking
  • Private file vault
  • Custom app icons
  • Download manager
  • Passcode/Touch ID protection
Features
Read full description

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

iCab Mobile (Web Browser)4 screens
Private Browser Deluxe4 screens

Verdict

The call

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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

iCab Mobile (Web Browser) ships an update every 2 weeks, Private Browser Deluxe every 2 months. Both last shipped on September 26, 2026.

Scorecard7 real differences · 4 level
iCab Mobile (Web Browser) versus Private Browser Deluxe: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameteriCab Mobile (Web Browser)Private Browser Deluxe
Price$2.99Free — better
Rating4.0 (468 ratings)4.5 (14K ratings) — better
Positive reviews66.0% of reviews81.2% of reviews — better
Number of ratings46814K — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeks — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank#101 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch — betteriPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.015.0
Further details — not scored
Size44 MB157 MB
Age rating17+17+
DeveloperAlexander ClaussMaple Media Apps, LLC

Customer experience

iCab Mobile (Web Browser)

All ratings468 ratings
Positive71.6%
Neutral4.5%
Negative23.9%
Written reviews1,049 reviews
Positive66.0%
Neutral9.2%
Negative24.9%

Private Browser Deluxe

All ratings13,739 ratings
Positive87.0%
Neutral6.1%
Negative6.9%
Written reviews478 reviews
Positive81.2%
Neutral5.0%
Negative13.8%

User reviews

iCab Mobile (Web Browser)

From 468 App Store ratings

What 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 ratings

What 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

10 purchases

iCab Mobile (Web Browser)

One-time10
  • Upgrade$0.99
  • Small additional Tip$0.99
  • Small Tip$0.99
Show 7 more
  • 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
18 purchases

Private Browser Deluxe

Subscriptions17
  • Browser Deluxe+$0.997 Days
  • Insider Offer - Monthly2 variants$2.991 Month
  • Browser Deluxe+ Weekly$2.997 Days
Show 14 more
  • 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
One-time1
  • Remove All Ads$34.99

Questions

Is iCab Mobile (Web Browser) free?
iCab Mobile (Web Browser) costs $2.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is Private Browser Deluxe free?
Private Browser Deluxe is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, iCab Mobile (Web Browser) or Private Browser Deluxe?
Private Browser Deluxe is rated higher. iCab Mobile (Web Browser) averages 4.0 out of 5 from 468 ratings, while Private Browser Deluxe averages 4.5 from 14K ratings.
Do iCab Mobile (Web Browser) or Private Browser Deluxe have ads?
Private Browser Deluxe shows ads; iCab Mobile (Web Browser) does not.
Which is updated more often, iCab Mobile (Web Browser) or Private Browser Deluxe?
iCab Mobile (Web Browser) ships an update every 2 weeks, and Private Browser Deluxe every 2 months. Most recently, iCab Mobile (Web Browser) was updated on September 26, 2026 and Private Browser Deluxe on September 26, 2026.

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