# NetShade vs Encrypted DNS

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Encrypted DNS at none against NetShade's 2. Encrypted DNS also leads on update cadence (monthly vs every 13 months). NetShade's advantage is rating (4.5 vs 4.1) and ratings volume (177 vs 8). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. NetShade sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Encrypted DNS asks for nothing beyond the download.

NetShade holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: NetShade has 177 ratings behind it against 8, so its average is the more settled of the two.

NetShade ships an update every 13 months, Encrypted DNS monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 22, 2026 and October 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | NetShade | Encrypted DNS |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (177 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/netshade/id443928838/reviews)** | [4.1 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/encrypted-dns/id1553817208/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **177** | 8 |
| Positive reviews | 54.4% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 13 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free** |
| Size | 14 MB | 29 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Rayner Software LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/443317806) | [RIA](https://appshunter.io/developer/556524921) |

## 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


### Encrypted DNS

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/encrypted-dns/id1553817208)

Enhance your network browsing security with an extra layer of protection. This app blocks access to known cyber threats at the DNS level, utilizing threat intelligence from CERT-EE.

**Highlights:** Adds extra security layer, Blocks known cyber threats, DNS-level threat blocking, Utilizes CERT-EE threat intelligence

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is NetShade free?

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

### Is Encrypted DNS free?

Encrypted DNS is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, NetShade or Encrypted DNS?

NetShade is rated higher. NetShade averages 4.5 out of 5 from 177 ratings, while Encrypted DNS averages 4.1 from 8 ratings.

### Do NetShade or Encrypted DNS have ads?

Neither NetShade nor Encrypted DNS shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, NetShade or Encrypted DNS?

NetShade ships an update every 13 months, and Encrypted DNS monthly. Most recently, NetShade was updated on October 22, 2026 and Encrypted DNS on October 20, 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.*