# NetShade vs Defender VPN

The clearest difference is review sentiment: NetShade at 54% against Defender VPN's 0%. NetShade also leads on rating (4.5 vs 4.3) and ratings volume (177 vs 43). Defender VPN's advantage is monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs subscription) and iOS requirement (9.0 vs 13.0). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. NetShade sells 2 one-off in-app purchases and Defender VPN sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

NetShade holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 177 and 43 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 54% of NetShade's written reviews are positive against 0% of Defender VPN's.

NetShade ships an update every 13 months, Defender VPN every 18 months. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | NetShade | Defender VPN |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (177 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/netshade/id443928838/reviews)** | [4.3 (43 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/defender-vpn-safe-proxy/id1309558758/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **177** | 43 |
| Positive reviews | **54.4% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 13 months** | Every 18 months |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 14 MB | 12 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | **9.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Rayner Software LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/443317806) | [FUN CODE](https://appshunter.io/developer/1309558757) |

## What reviewers say

### NetShade

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/netshade/id443928838)

This application provides a secure and private internet connection using VPN and proxy servers. It allows users to access global content, change their IP address, and protect their online activity with encryption. The service has been a trusted provider since 2004.

**Highlights:** VPN and proxy client, Change IP address, Access global content, Online privacy protection, Traffic encryption, Manage proxy lists

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Proxy 1 Year | $26.99 | one-time |
| Proxy & VPN 1 Year | $59.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use and setup
- 🚀 Fast and clean VPN
- 🔒 Provides security on public Wi-Fi
- 🌐 Enables access to region-sensitive sites
- 💻 Works well on Mac

**What reviewers complain about**

- 👎 Service is bad now
- 📉 Server availability issues
- 💸 Waste of money
- 🔌 Connection problems
- 🐌 Slow performance

**Reported bugs**

- VPN expired unexpectedly
- Proxy and socks not working
- Won't connect to UK
- UK server disappears
- Stability problems in new version

**Requested features**

- Add an Australian VPN location
- Improve iOS notifications for VPN drops
- More server choices
- Update http pro and socks


### Defender VPN

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/defender-vpn-safe-proxy/id1309558758)

This app provides secure and private internet access, allowing you to access websites and apps from anywhere. It protects your identity and location from trackers, ensuring ultimate anonymity and peace of mind online.

**Highlights:** Secure and private internet access, Access websites and apps globally, Anonymous online presence, No logs kept, Blazing fast performance, Proprietary software and apps

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 week subscription | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| 1 month subscription | $9.99 | per month |
| 6 months subscription | $19.99 | per 6 months |
| 3 months subscription | $23.99 | per 3 months |
| 1 year subscription | $29.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is NetShade free?

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

### Is Defender VPN free?

Defender VPN is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, NetShade or Defender VPN?

NetShade is rated higher. NetShade averages 4.5 out of 5 from 177 ratings, while Defender VPN averages 4.3 from 43 ratings.

### Do NetShade or Defender VPN have ads?

Neither NetShade nor Defender VPN shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, NetShade or Defender VPN?

NetShade ships an update every 13 months, and Defender VPN every 18 months. Most recently, NetShade was updated on September 22, 2026 and Defender VPN on September 30, 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.*