# SSH VPN vs Shield VPN

The clearest difference is rating: Shield VPN at 4.6 against SSH VPN's 3.8. Shield VPN also leads on ratings volume (727 vs 25) and chart position (#59 vs unranked). SSH VPN's advantage is review sentiment (77% vs 40%) and ads (none vs shown). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SSH VPN sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month and Shield VPN sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Shield VPN holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Shield VPN has 727 ratings behind it against 25, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 77% of SSH VPN's written reviews are positive against 40% of Shield VPN's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

SSH VPN ships an update every 2 weeks, Shield VPN every 8 days. The most recent releases landed on October 27, 2026 and October 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SSH VPN | Shield VPN |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.8 (25 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ssh-vpn-port-forwarding/id6471132702/reviews) | **[4.6 (727 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shield-vpn-secure-fastvpn/id6747663188/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 25 | **727** |
| Positive reviews | **77.3% of reviews** | 40.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Every 8 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | **#59** |
| Size | 23 MB | 159 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Hexa Software](https://appshunter.io/developer/1702698881) | [DENCOM NEW ZEALAND LIMITED](https://appshunter.io/developer/1719240472) |

## What reviewers say

### SSH VPN

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ssh-vpn-port-forwarding/id6471132702)

This VPN app offers secure tunneling via SSH with UDP Gateway support and port forwarding. It allows sharing network connections and provides Wi-Fi security on public hotspots. The app is designed for stealth, stability, and minimal resource usage.

**Highlights:** Port Forwarding, Share socks and http over Network/LAN, SSH tunneling with UDP Gateway, Wi-Fi Security on Public Hotspots, Minimalist and low RAM usage, Stealth and stable connection

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly | $0.99 | per month |
| Annually | $9.99 | per year |
| Pro - One-Time | $24.99 | one-time |


### Shield VPN

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shield-vpn-secure-fastvpn/id6747663188)

**Currently charting:** #59 Top Free · Developer Tools (US App Store)

This app provides a fast, secure, and user-friendly VPN service to protect your online privacy and ensure safe browsing. It encrypts your internet traffic, offers a global server network, and maintains a strict no-logs policy for enhanced anonymity. Connect with a single tap for seamless streaming, browsing, and downloading.

**Highlights:** Global server network, Strong encryption, No-logs policy, One-tap connection, Stable performance, Secure browsing

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ShieldVPN Premium Weekly | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| ShieldVPN Premium Monthly | $12.99 | per month |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SSH VPN free?

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

### Is Shield VPN free?

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

### Which has better reviews, SSH VPN or Shield VPN?

Shield VPN is rated higher. SSH VPN averages 3.8 out of 5 from 25 ratings, while Shield VPN averages 4.6 from 727 ratings.

### Do SSH VPN or Shield VPN have ads?

Shield VPN shows ads; SSH VPN does not.

### Which is updated more often, SSH VPN or Shield VPN?

SSH VPN ships an update every 2 weeks, and Shield VPN every 8 days. Most recently, SSH VPN was updated on October 27, 2026 and Shield VPN on October 28, 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.*