# ToS;DR vs Startpage

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Startpage at none against ToS;DR's 3. Startpage also leads on update cadence (monthly vs every 11 months) and ratings volume (7.5K vs 4). On price, review sentiment, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. ToS;DR sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Startpage asks for nothing beyond the download.

Startpage holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Startpage has 7.5K ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 67% of ToS;DR's written reviews are positive against 70% of Startpage's.

ToS;DR ships an update every 11 months, Startpage monthly. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and November 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ToS;DR | Startpage |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tosdr/id6470998202/reviews) | **[4.8 (7.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/startpage-private-browser/id6478921430/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 4 | **7.5K** |
| Positive reviews | 66.7% of reviews | **70.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 11 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 7 MB | 240 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Mac | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Erik Hering](https://appshunter.io/developer/1714619457) | [Startpage BV](https://appshunter.io/developer/632832985) |

## What reviewers say

### ToS;DR

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tosdr/id6470998202)

This app helps you understand the privacy policies of websites you visit. It provides instant privacy ratings and allows you to search for service terms, empowering you to take back control of your privacy.

**Highlights:** Instant privacy ratings for websites, Bundled browser extension, Searchable service terms, Pocket-sized privacy tool, User-friendly interface

**Features:** Safari Extension

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Water | $0.99 | one-time |
| Coffee | $4.99 | one-time |
| Pizza | $9.99 | one-time |


### Startpage

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/startpage-private-browser/id6478921430)

Browse the web and search privately with a built-in search engine that protects your data. It clears your history and tabs with one tap, masks your location and IP address, and provides unprofiled search results. Enjoy a secure and private online experience.

**Highlights:** Private search engine, Clear tabs and history, Anonymous website visits, Private tabs and maps, Unprofiled search results, Avoid targeted ads

**Features:** Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Lightning-fast and responsive
- 🔒 Robust privacy and security features
- 👍 Clean and user-friendly interface
- 🔍 Accurate and relevant search results
- 🕊️ Preserves user privacy and anonymity

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes and stability issues
- 🔍 Limited search customization options
- 🔌 Lack of built-in ad blocker
- 🔍 Inconsistent search engine behavior across platforms

**Reported bugs**

- Pages not loading properly
- Inconsistent behavior when searching from iOS home screen
- Anonymous view failing to load images/thumbnails

**Requested features**

- Dark mode option
- Ability to export bookmarks and reading lists
- One-tap history/data clearing
- Option to set default private browsing mode
- StartMail app integration


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ToS;DR free?

ToS;DR is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Startpage free?

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

### Which has better reviews, ToS;DR or Startpage?

Startpage is rated higher. ToS;DR averages 4.5 out of 5 from 4 ratings, while Startpage averages 4.8 from 7.5K ratings.

### Do ToS;DR or Startpage have ads?

Neither ToS;DR nor Startpage shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ToS;DR or Startpage?

ToS;DR ships an update every 11 months, and Startpage monthly. Most recently, ToS;DR was updated on November 3, 2026 and Startpage on November 7, 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.*