# PapayaVPN vs Shadow Node dVPN Lite

The clearest difference is update cadence: PapayaVPN at monthly against Shadow Node dVPN Lite's every 3 months. PapayaVPN also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.6). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. PapayaVPN sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month and Shadow Node dVPN Lite sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

PapayaVPN ships an update monthly, Shadow Node dVPN Lite every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 30, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PapayaVPN | Shadow Node dVPN Lite |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shadow-node-dvpn-lite/id6680189108/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **8** |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Size | 216 MB | 179 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [MCOCLOUD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1677461784) | [BEARD BROTHERS TECHNOLOGIES PRIVATE LIMITED](https://appshunter.io/developer/1435907352) |

## What reviewers say

### PapayaVPN

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/papayavpn-secure-vpn-proxy/id6473547265)

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Subscription | $4.99 | per month |
| Quarterly Subscription | $14.99 | per 3 months |
| Six Months Subscription | $29.99 | per 6 months |
| Annual Subscription | $59.99 | per year |


### Shadow Node dVPN Lite

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shadow-node-dvpn-lite/id6680189108)

This app offers a decentralized VPN service using blockchain technology for enhanced online privacy and security. It employs the Xray Protocol for advanced obfuscation and a strict no-log policy to protect user data.

**Highlights:** Decentralized VPN network, Blockchain technology integration, Xray Protocol for obfuscation, Strict no-log policy, Strong encryption, Enhanced online privacy and security

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 Month Premium Access | $5.00 | one-time |
| 12 Months Premium Access | $55.00 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PapayaVPN free?

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

### Is Shadow Node dVPN Lite free?

Shadow Node dVPN Lite is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do PapayaVPN or Shadow Node dVPN Lite have ads?

Neither PapayaVPN nor Shadow Node dVPN Lite shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, PapayaVPN or Shadow Node dVPN Lite?

PapayaVPN ships an update monthly, and Shadow Node dVPN Lite every 3 months. Most recently, PapayaVPN was updated on September 30, 2026 and Shadow Node dVPN Lite on October 9, 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.*