# FlowVPN vs Lightning VPN

The clearest difference is monetization model: FlowVPN at free with in-app purchases against Lightning VPN's subscription. FlowVPN also leads on ads (none vs shown). Lightning VPN's advantage is review sentiment (70% vs 51%) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months). On price, rating, ratings volume and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. FlowVPN sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days and Lightning VPN sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for FlowVPN against 4.6 for Lightning VPN. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3.8K and 2.1K respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 51% of FlowVPN's written reviews are positive against 70% of Lightning VPN's.

FlowVPN ships an update every 2 months, Lightning VPN every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on November 6, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | FlowVPN | Lightning VPN |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (3.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/flowvpn-fast-secure-vpn/id621194818/reviews) | **[4.6 (2.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lightning-vpn-outline-proxy/id1271020119/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **3.8K** | 2.1K |
| Positive reviews | 51.3% of reviews | **69.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 113 MB | 85 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Portable Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/377800228) | [Lightning Network](https://appshunter.io/developer/1271020118) |

## What reviewers say

### FlowVPN

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/flowvpn-fast-secure-vpn/id621194818)

This app offers a global VPN service with secure browsing and streaming across 70+ countries. It also provides an ESIM data package for 4G roaming in 60 countries and includes an AI chatbot for enhanced functionality. Connect multiple devices for encrypted internet access and location masking.

**Highlights:** Global VPN access (70+ countries), ESIM data for 4G roaming (60 countries), AI Chatbot integration, Secure browsing and streaming, Connect up to 10 devices, WireGuard, OpenVPN, IPSec, SSH VPN support, 7-day free trial

**Features:** Apple Wallet, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| VPN  Subscription | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Private Internet - 1 Month VPN | $6.99 | per month |
| Unlimited VPN - 3 Months | $17.99 | per 3 months |
| VPN Promotion | $44.99 | per year |
| 1 Year Unlimited VPN | $49.99 | per year |
| 7 Day Subscription | $4.99 | one-time |
| 1 Month | $9.99 | one-time |
| 3 Month Subscription | $24.99 | one-time |
| 1 Year Subscription | $59.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and stable connection
- 👍 Easy to use
- 🔒 Reliable VPN service
- 💡 Good value for money

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent disconnections
- 🐛 Slow speeds
- 🐛 Unreliable performance
- 🔋 High battery consumption

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes on launch
- Subscription issues and billing problems
- Incompatibility with certain devices/OS versions

**Requested features**

- More server locations
- Improved customer support
- Ability to select preferred servers
- Automatic server selection based on location


### Lightning VPN

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lightning-vpn-outline-proxy/id1271020119)

This application provides a secure and private browsing experience through a Virtual Private Network. It automatically selects the optimal server for fast and stable connections across multiple platforms. Users can share their account on macOS and iOS.

**Highlights:** Cross-platform support (macOS, iOS), Automatic best server selection, Fast and stable connections, Secure and private browsing, Account sharing across devices

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 month subscription | $5.99 | per month |
| 1 month subscription | $5.99 | per month |
| 3 months subscription | $14.99 | per 3 months |
| 12 months subscription | $34.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and efficient
- 👍 Easy to use and download
- 🔒 Secure and reliable
- 💡 Great for users in restricted countries

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional connection issues
- 🔋 Concerns about long-term free access

**Reported bugs**

- Slow connection speed for some users
- Potential for IP blocking in the future

**Requested features**

- Improve IP address detection
- Maintain free option with quality servers


## Frequently asked questions

### Is FlowVPN free?

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

### Is Lightning VPN free?

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

### Which has better reviews, FlowVPN or Lightning VPN?

Lightning VPN is rated higher. FlowVPN averages 4.6 out of 5 from 3.8K ratings, while Lightning VPN averages 4.6 from 2.1K ratings.

### Do FlowVPN or Lightning VPN have ads?

Lightning VPN shows ads; FlowVPN does not.

### Which is updated more often, FlowVPN or Lightning VPN?

FlowVPN ships an update every 2 months, and Lightning VPN every 3 weeks. Most recently, FlowVPN was updated on November 6, 2026 and Lightning VPN on November 6, 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.*