# Puffin Cloud Browser vs DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai

The clearest difference is rating: DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai at 4.8 against Puffin Cloud Browser's 3.9. DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 6 weeks) and ratings volume (2.4M vs 6.7K). Puffin Cloud Browser's advantage is iOS requirement (8.0 vs 15.0). On price, review sentiment, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Puffin Cloud Browser sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month and DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai has 2.4M ratings behind it against 6.7K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 61% of Puffin Cloud Browser's written reviews are positive against 65% of DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai's.

Puffin Cloud Browser ships an update every 6 weeks, DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai weekly. Both last shipped on September 25, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Puffin Cloud Browser | DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.9 (6.7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/puffin-cloud-browser/id472937654/reviews) | **[4.8 (2.4M ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/duckduckgo-optional-duckai/id663592361/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 6.7K | **2.4M** |
| Positive reviews | 61.4% of reviews | **65.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | **#14** |
| Size | 85 MB | 240 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** |
| Age rating | 17+ | +17 |
| Developer | [CloudMosa, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/406239141) | [DuckDuckGo, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/479988139) |

## What reviewers say

### Puffin Cloud Browser

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/puffin-cloud-browser/id472937654)

This app provides access to a cloud-based web browser, allowing users to view web content rendered on remote servers. It offers features like browser isolation, data saving, and full desktop mode, but does not render web content directly on the device.

**Highlights:** Browser Isolation, Cloud Acceleration, Data Saving, Download to Cloud, Flash Game Support, Full Desktop Mode, Internet Access Protection

**Features:** iMessage stickers, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Puffin Monthly Subscription | $0.99 | per month |
| Puffin Yearly Subscription | $4.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and responsive browsing
- 👍 Allows access to desktop websites
- 🔍 Supports Flash content
- 💻 Provides desktop-like experience on mobile

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and freezes
- 🔄 Constant reconnection issues
- 🤖 Unreliable captcha system
- ⚠️ Websites blocked or not loading properly
- 💰 Subscription model and additional fees

**Reported bugs**

- Gamepad controls crashing the app
- Inability to type or log in to certain websites
- Sudden loss of network connectivity

**Requested features**

- Improved stability and reliability
- Seamless integration with popular websites
- Customization options for user interface
- Ability to save progress in Flash games


### DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/duckduckgo-optional-duckai/id663592361)

**Currently charting:** #14 Top Free · Utilities, #26 Top Grossing · Utilities (US App Store)

This app offers a private search engine and browser that blocks trackers and cookies by default. It includes AI chat features and optional tools like a VPN and email protection to safeguard your online activity and personal information.

**Highlights:** Private search engine, Tracker and cookie blocking, Private AI chat, Optional VPN, Email protection, Encryption enforcement, Fingerprinting escape

**Features:** Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| DuckDuckGo (Plus, Monthly) | $9.99 | per month |
| DuckDuckGo monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| DuckDuckGo (Pro, Monthly) | $19.99 | per month |
| DuckDuckGo (Pro, Monthly) | $19.99 | per month |
| DuckDuckGo (Plus, Yearly) | $99.99 | per year |
| DuckDuckGo annual | $99.99 | per year |
| DuckDuckGo (Pro, Yearly) | $199.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and efficient
- 🔒 Excellent privacy protection
- 👍 Clean and intuitive interface
- 🔥 Effective ad and tracker blocking

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes and glitches
- 🔍 Slower page load times compared to other browsers
- 🔍 Inconsistent search quality compared to Google

**Reported bugs**

- Inability to set DuckDuckGo as default browser on iOS
- Refresh button hidden in menu instead of standalone

**Requested features**

- Add support for voice search
- Improve tab management and history navigation
- Introduce customizable font and theme options


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Puffin Cloud Browser free?

Puffin Cloud Browser is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai free?

DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Puffin Cloud Browser or DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai?

DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai is rated higher. Puffin Cloud Browser averages 3.9 out of 5 from 6.7K ratings, while DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai averages 4.8 from 2.4M ratings.

### Do Puffin Cloud Browser or DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai have ads?

Neither Puffin Cloud Browser nor DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Puffin Cloud Browser or DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai?

Puffin Cloud Browser ships an update every 6 weeks, and DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai weekly. Most recently, Puffin Cloud Browser was updated on September 25, 2026 and DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai on September 25, 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.*