# NetShade vs VPN

The clearest difference is monetization model: VPN at free with in-app purchases against NetShade's subscription. VPN also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 13 months). NetShade's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and rating (4.5 vs 4.3). On price, review sentiment, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. NetShade sells 2 one-off in-app purchases and VPN sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 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 56 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 50% of NetShade's written reviews are positive against 42% of VPN's.

NetShade ships an update every 13 months, VPN every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | NetShade | VPN |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (177 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/netshade/id443928838/reviews)** | [4.3 (56 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vpn-fast-vpn-proxy-by-opus/id6446252310/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **177** | 56 |
| Positive reviews | **49.5% of reviews** | 41.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 13 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 14 MB | 36 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 14.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Rayner Software LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/443317806) | [BIEL LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1578690529) |

## 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


### VPN

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vpn-fast-vpn-proxy-by-opus/id6446252310)

This app enhances online privacy and security by encrypting internet traffic and masking your IP address. It offers high-speed servers for seamless browsing, unlimited bandwidth, and a user-friendly interface for secure access anywhere.

**Highlights:** Online privacy and security, Internet traffic encryption, High-speed servers, Unlimited bandwidth, User-friendly interface, Multi-device support

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

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| OPUS VPN PRO WEEKLY | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| Opus VPN Pro V2 Weekly | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| Pro Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Pro Three Months | $11.99 | per 3 months |
| OPUS VPN PRO YEARLY | $17.99 | per year |
| Pro Six Months | $21.99 | per 6 months |
| Yealy Subscription | $35.99 | per year |
| OPUS VPN PRO | $39.99 | per year |
| Opus VPN PRO V2 Yearly | $49.99 | per year |
| OPUS VPN PRO | $49.99 | per year |
| Opus VPN Lifetime | $59.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is NetShade free?

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

### Is VPN free?

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

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

NetShade is rated higher. NetShade averages 4.5 out of 5 from 177 ratings, while VPN averages 4.3 from 56 ratings.

### Do NetShade or VPN have ads?

VPN shows ads; NetShade does not.

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

NetShade ships an update every 13 months, and VPN every 3 weeks. Most recently, NetShade was updated on October 26, 2026 and VPN on October 24, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*