# Startpage vs JPDBreader+α (Plus Alpha)

The clearest difference is ratings volume: Startpage at 7.2K against JPDBreader+α (Plus Alpha)'s 2. JPDBreader+α (Plus Alpha)'s advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.8) and update cadence (fortnightly vs monthly). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

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

JPDBreader+α (Plus Alpha) holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Startpage has 7.2K ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Startpage ships an update monthly, JPDBreader+α (Plus Alpha) fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and September 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Startpage | JPDBreader+α (Plus Alpha) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (7.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/startpage-private-browser/id6478921430/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/jpdbreader-plus-plus-alpha/id6738365000/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **7.2K** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 70.5% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 242 MB | 2 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Startpage BV](https://appshunter.io/developer/632832985) | [Franklin Fanelli](https://appshunter.io/developer/1495259800) |

## 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


### JPDBreader+α (Plus Alpha)

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/jpdbreader-plus-plus-alpha/id6738365000)

This Safari extension allows users to parse Japanese text on websites, access a dictionary, and identify unknown words. It also enables adding and reviewing flashcards, with unique 2D review modes for vocabulary learning at your own pace. Requires a JPDB.io account.

**Highlights:** Parse Japanese text on websites, Access Japanese dictionary, Identify unknown words, Add and review flashcards, 2D SRS vocabulary review, Learn words at your own pace

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Safari Extension

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Startpage free?

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

### Is JPDBreader+α (Plus Alpha) free?

JPDBreader+α (Plus Alpha) is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Startpage or JPDBreader+α (Plus Alpha)?

JPDBreader+α (Plus Alpha) is rated higher. Startpage averages 4.8 out of 5 from 7.2K ratings, while JPDBreader+α (Plus Alpha) averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do Startpage or JPDBreader+α (Plus Alpha) have ads?

Neither Startpage nor JPDBreader+α (Plus Alpha) shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Startpage or JPDBreader+α (Plus Alpha)?

Startpage ships an update monthly, and JPDBreader+α (Plus Alpha) fortnightly. Most recently, Startpage was updated on October 3, 2026 and JPDBreader+α (Plus Alpha) on September 30, 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.*