# Awful vs Strict Browser

The clearest difference is update cadence: Strict Browser at every 6 days against Awful's every 2 weeks. Strict Browser also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 86%) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Awful ships an update every 2 weeks, Strict Browser every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 4, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Awful | Strict Browser |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (237 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/awful-sa-forums-browser/id567936609/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **237** | — |
| Positive reviews | 86.2% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Every 6 days** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 102 MB | 51 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Dale Stonall-Mellor](https://appshunter.io/developer/1583171231) | [SNAPSHOTZ DEVELOPMENT](https://appshunter.io/developer/1732178126) |

## What reviewers say

### Awful

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/awful-sa-forums-browser/id567936609)

This app provides a streamlined browsing experience for the Something Awful forums on iOS devices. It offers access to all forums, bookmarked threads, private messages, and includes features like image uploads and a smilie keyboard.

**Highlights:** Browse all forums and subforums, Access bookmarked threads, Built-in SALR functionality, Smilie stickers and keyboard, Upload images and pictures, Manage private messages, Favorite forums

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and efficient
- 👍 User-friendly interface
- 🔒 Secure browsing experience
- 💡 Customizable layout and settings
- 🎨 Visually appealing design

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and bugs
- 📉 Declining performance over time
- 🔋 High battery consumption
- 🚫 Compatibility issues with newer devices

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes when opening certain forums
- Inability to load images and media
- Freezing and lagging on older devices
- Sync issues between app and website

**Requested features**

- Add search functionality
- Implement dark mode option
- Improve thread navigation and bookmarking
- Integrate with other social platforms


### Strict Browser

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/strict-browser/id6478193820)

Browse the web quickly and privately without unwanted redirects. Lock specific URLs to prevent being taken to other sites, ensuring a focused and secure online experience. Ideal for users prioritizing speed and privacy.

**Highlights:** Fast web browsing, Private browsing, No ad redirects, URL locking feature, User-friendly interface

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Awful free?

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

### Is Strict Browser free?

Strict Browser is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Awful or Strict Browser have ads?

Neither Awful nor Strict Browser shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Awful or Strict Browser?

Awful ships an update every 2 weeks, and Strict Browser every 6 days. Most recently, Awful was updated on September 25, 2026 and Strict Browser on September 4, 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.*