Comparison

iCab Mobile (Web Browser) vs Loopback

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

Loopback

Features
Read full description

Loopback is an iOS app that lets you securely access private web services via SSH local port forwarding, all inside a built‑in browser sandbox. Add servers, save bookmarks, and open your intranet apps in one tap. SSH tunnel: password or private key (Ed25519 / RSA) authentication. Built‑in WebView shares the same sandboxed network with the SSH tunnel. Bookmarks: save frequent services as cards with custom icon, color, path, and timeout (3–30s). Multi‑port forwarding: main port + additional ports for frontend/backend split apps. Keychain-secured credentials for passwords and private keys. Auto-disconnect on timeout/background; keep-alive heartbeats for stability. Backup & restore: export/import servers, bookmarks, and SSH keys (passwords obfuscated). Dark Mode support. Usage: add a server → create bookmarks → tap to connect → browse via localhost. Privacy: all data stored locally on-device; no analytics, no tracking, no cloud sync.

Screenshots

iCab Mobile (Web Browser)4 screens
Loopback4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Loopback at none against iCab Mobile (Web Browser)'s 10. Loopback also leads on price ($0.99 vs $2.99). iCab Mobile (Web Browser)'s advantage is chart position (#47 vs unranked) and device support (4 vs 2). On ads 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

iCab Mobile (Web Browser) costs $2.99 and Loopback $0.99 up front. iCab Mobile (Web Browser) sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. Loopback asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard5 real differences · 6 level
iCab Mobile (Web Browser) versus Loopback: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameteriCab Mobile (Web Browser)Loopback
Price$2.99$0.99 — better
Rating4.0 (468 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews66.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings468 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeks—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
Best chart rank#47 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size44 MB12 MB
Age rating17+4+
DeveloperAlexander Claussyifan z

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

Loopback

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

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
None

Loopback

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is iCab Mobile (Web Browser) free?
iCab Mobile (Web Browser) costs $2.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is Loopback free?
Loopback costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do iCab Mobile (Web Browser) or Loopback have ads?
Neither iCab Mobile (Web Browser) nor Loopback shows ads.

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