# Scanner Original vs Buddy VPN

The clearest difference is update cadence: Buddy VPN at every 2 weeks against Scanner Original's every 4 months. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

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

Scanner Original ships an update every 4 months, Buddy VPN every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 26, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Scanner Original | Buddy VPN |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.7 (7.3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/buddy-vpn/id6753714734/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **7.3K** |
| Positive reviews | — | 94.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Size | 51 MB | 117 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.5 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Ilia Altshuler](https://appshunter.io/developer/1680774143) | [Frederic Hennes Sprl](https://appshunter.io/developer/1844619024) |

## What reviewers say

### Scanner Original

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scanner-original/id6466265287)

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Buddy VPN

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/buddy-vpn/id6753714734)

Experience fast, private internet access with this secure VPN client. It utilizes advanced VLESS protocols for optimal speed, stability, and encryption, ensuring your online activity remains anonymous and protected from surveillance. The intuitive interface allows for one-tap connection, making secure browsing accessible to everyone.

**Highlights:** Lightning-fast connection speeds, Top-tier security with VLESS protocols, Enhanced encryption and total privacy, Simple and intuitive one-tap interface, Anonymous internet activity, Supports vless:// links

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Scanner Original free?

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

### Is Buddy VPN free?

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

### Do Scanner Original or Buddy VPN have ads?

Neither Scanner Original nor Buddy VPN shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Scanner Original or Buddy VPN?

Scanner Original ships an update every 4 months, and Buddy VPN every 2 weeks. Most recently, Scanner Original was updated on October 16, 2026 and Buddy VPN on October 26, 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.*