# NetShade vs ProtectShield

The clearest difference is monetization model: ProtectShield at free with in-app purchases against NetShade's subscription. ProtectShield also leads on update cadence (every 4 days vs every 13 months). NetShade's advantage is ratings volume (177 vs 6) and device support (4 vs 1). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. NetShade sells 2 one-off in-app purchases and ProtectShield 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. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: NetShade has 177 ratings behind it against 6, so its average is the more settled of the two.

NetShade ships an update every 13 months, ProtectShield every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 18, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | NetShade | ProtectShield |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (177 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/netshade/id443928838/reviews)** | [4.3 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/protectshield/id6761544162/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **177** | 6 |
| Positive reviews | 54.4% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 13 months | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 14 MB | 55 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 18 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Rayner Software LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/443317806) | [Katana Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1883177479) |

## 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


### ProtectShield

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/protectshield/id6761544162)

This app provides a secure and straightforward VPN experience. It encrypts your internet connection, protecting your data on public Wi-Fi and allowing access to various server locations. Designed for simplicity, it focuses on a clear interface and reliable connection.

**Highlights:** Secure VPN connection, Public Wi-Fi protection, Access to server locations, Manual or auto server selection, Subscription restore, Simple user interface

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Plan | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Plan | $12.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Plan | $12.99 | per 7 days |
| Annual Plan | $19.99 | per year |
| Annual Plan | $29.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is NetShade free?

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

### Is ProtectShield free?

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

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

NetShade is rated higher. NetShade averages 4.5 out of 5 from 177 ratings, while ProtectShield averages 4.3 from 6 ratings.

### Do NetShade or ProtectShield have ads?

Neither NetShade nor ProtectShield shows ads.

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

NetShade ships an update every 13 months, and ProtectShield every 4 days. Most recently, NetShade was updated on September 22, 2026 and ProtectShield on September 18, 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.*