# Startpage vs Norton Private Browser

The clearest difference is rating: Startpage at 4.8 against Norton Private Browser's 4.2. Startpage also leads on review sentiment (70% vs 38%) and ratings volume (6.9K vs 152). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

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

Startpage holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Startpage has 6.9K ratings behind it against 152, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 70% of Startpage's written reviews are positive against 38% of Norton Private Browser's.

Startpage ships an update monthly, Norton Private Browser every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Startpage | Norton Private Browser |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (6.9K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/startpage-private-browser/id6478921430/reviews)** | [4.2 (152 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/norton-private-browser/id6670603868/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **6.9K** | 152 |
| Positive reviews | **70.2% of reviews** | 38.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 5 weeks |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 237 MB | 87 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Startpage BV](https://appshunter.io/developer/632832985) | [Gen Digital Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/355033599) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### Norton Private Browser

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/norton-private-browser/id6670603868)

Experience a secure and private browsing experience with built-in ad blocking and advanced protection against malicious websites and trackers. Encrypt your downloaded files and lock your browser for ultimate peace of mind.

**Highlights:** Built-in AdBlocker, Web Shield protection, Secure File Vault, Private Mode, Browser Lock, Privacy Cleaner

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Startpage free?

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

### Is Norton Private Browser free?

Norton Private Browser is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Startpage or Norton Private Browser?

Startpage is rated higher. Startpage averages 4.8 out of 5 from 6.9K ratings, while Norton Private Browser averages 4.2 from 152 ratings.

### Do Startpage or Norton Private Browser have ads?

Neither Startpage nor Norton Private Browser shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Startpage or Norton Private Browser?

Startpage ships an update monthly, and Norton Private Browser every 5 weeks. Most recently, Startpage was updated on September 24, 2026 and Norton Private Browser on September 21, 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.*