# VPN Connect vs Stepwise

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Stepwise at none against VPN Connect's 3. Stepwise also leads on ads (none vs shown). VPN Connect's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 7 months). On price, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. VPN Connect sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Stepwise asks for nothing beyond the download.

VPN Connect ships an update every 3 weeks, Stepwise every 7 months. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | VPN Connect | Stepwise |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (1.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vpn-connect-fast-vpn-hotspot/id6444016882/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **1.2K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 84.2% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 7 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 138 MB | 22 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Qingdao Qichenda Network Technology Co., Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1568678004) | [Mustafa Fenerci](https://appshunter.io/developer/1759736870) |

## What reviewers say

### VPN Connect

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vpn-connect-fast-vpn-hotspot/id6444016882)

This app provides a secure and private internet connection for mobile devices. It offers global server access and fast speeds for browsing and app usage, protecting your personal information from hackers and leaks on public networks.

**Highlights:** Privacy security protection, Global server network, One-click connection, Fast network speeds, Exclusive app acceleration, Unlimited broadband

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Connect VPN Weekly VIP | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Connect Monthly VIP | $8.99 | per month |
| Connect  Yearly VIP | $45.99 | per year |


### Stepwise

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stepwise/id6756933932)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is VPN Connect free?

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

### Is Stepwise free?

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

### Do VPN Connect or Stepwise have ads?

VPN Connect shows ads; Stepwise does not.

### Which is updated more often, VPN Connect or Stepwise?

VPN Connect ships an update every 3 weeks, and Stepwise every 7 months. Most recently, VPN Connect was updated on November 3, 2026 and Stepwise on October 30, 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.*