# Private Browsing Web Browser vs Buddy Onion

Private Browsing Web Browser and Buddy Onion both sit at 4.7 stars, but that hides the real split: 83% of Private Browsing Web Browser's written reviews are positive against 29% of Buddy Onion's. Private Browsing Web Browser also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 3) and ratings volume (128K vs 330). On price, rating, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Buddy Onion sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Private Browsing Web Browser asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for Private Browsing Web Browser against 4.6 for Buddy Onion. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Private Browsing Web Browser has 128K ratings behind it against 330, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 83% of Private Browsing Web Browser's written reviews are positive against 29% of Buddy Onion's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 30, 2026 and October 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Private Browsing Web Browser | Buddy Onion |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (128K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/private-browsing-web-browser/id368483462/reviews)** | [4.6 (330 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/buddy-onion-tor-browser-and-vpn/id1325231699/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **128K** | 330 |
| Positive reviews | **82.6% of reviews** | 29.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Subscription |
| Size | 11 MB | 100 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [SavySoda](https://appshunter.io/developer/373730331) | [Well Built App, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1547607571) |

## What reviewers say

### Private Browsing Web Browser

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/private-browsing-web-browser/id368483462)

Browse the internet privately and in full screen for free. This no-frills browser automatically deletes your history, cookies, and cache upon exiting. It maximizes viewing area by hiding status bars and navigation controls, offering a familiar interface with enhanced screen real estate.

**Highlights:** Complete private browsing, Full screen viewing, History, cookies, cache deleted on exit, Maximizes screen real estate, Safari-based browsing engine, Fast startup and shutdown, No auto-suggest or auto-fill

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and efficient
- 🔒 Provides privacy and security
- 👍 Simple and easy to use
- 💡 Useful for private browsing

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Settings and bookmarks reset frequently
- 🐛 Compatibility issues with certain websites
- 🔒 Concerns about privacy and data collection
- 👎 Limited functionality compared to other browsers

**Reported bugs**

- Bookmarks randomly deleted
- Crashes when trying to save images
- Inability to uninstall the app

**Requested features**

- Ability to have multiple tabs open
- Option to set custom search engine
- Improved bookmark management
- Faster page loading speeds


### Buddy Onion

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/buddy-onion-tor-browser-and-vpn/id1325231699)

This app combines the power of the Tor network with a high-speed VPN to ensure private, secure, and unrestricted browsing. It offers multiple modes for tailored privacy, access to the dark web, and bypassing geo-restrictions.

**Highlights:** Tor Browser and VPN integration, Four flexible privacy modes, Access dark web and onion sites, Bypass geo-restrictions, User-friendly interface, No tracking or limits

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| TOR Premium access for 1 Month | $2.99 | per month |
| Premium Subscription 3 Month | $7.99 | per 3 months |
| Premium Subscription 1 Year | $29.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Good and nice design
- 🚀 Smooth operation without disconnects
- 👍 Interface is so good
- 👍 Tor brauser is the best app
- 🚀 So fast like a bullet

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Scam and rip-off
- ❌ Not free, misleading advertising
- 🐛 Crashes on startup
- ❌ Unusable, honeypot
- ❌ Worthless app, drops connection

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes on startup
- Drops connection when loading pages or following links
- Cannot use app after free trial due to errors
- Doesn't work after payment

**Requested features**

- Allow testing without payment upfront


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Private Browsing Web Browser free?

Private Browsing Web Browser is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Buddy Onion free?

Buddy Onion is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Private Browsing Web Browser or Buddy Onion?

Private Browsing Web Browser is rated higher. Private Browsing Web Browser averages 4.7 out of 5 from 128K ratings, while Buddy Onion averages 4.6 from 330 ratings.

### Do Private Browsing Web Browser or Buddy Onion have ads?

Neither Private Browsing Web Browser nor Buddy Onion shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Private Browsing Web Browser or Buddy Onion?

Private Browsing Web Browser ships an update every 2 months, and Buddy Onion every 2 months. Most recently, Private Browsing Web Browser was updated on October 30, 2026 and Buddy Onion on October 29, 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.*