# Startpage vs Proof

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Startpage at none against Proof's 8. Startpage also leads on iOS requirement (15.0 vs 26.0). Proof's advantage is update cadence (daily vs monthly). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Proof sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $14.99 per year. Startpage asks for nothing beyond the download.

Startpage ships an update monthly, Proof daily. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Startpage | Proof |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (7.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/startpage-private-browser/id6478921430/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **7.4K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 70.7% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Daily** |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 240 MB | 6 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 26.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Startpage BV](https://appshunter.io/developer/632832985) | [Alex Le bolc'h](https://appshunter.io/developer/6795992550) |

## 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


### Proof

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/proof-rental-protector/id6816422795)

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Annual Pass Proof | $14.99 | per year |
| 1 credit | $1.99 | one-time |
| Coffee | $1.99 | one-time |
| Croissant | $3.99 | one-time |
| 5 credits | $4.99 | one-time |
| Super Tip | $9.99 | one-time |
| Proof Pro Lifetime | $19.99 | one-time |
| VIP support | $19.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Startpage free?

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

### Is Proof free?

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

### Do Startpage or Proof have ads?

Neither Startpage nor Proof shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Startpage or Proof?

Startpage ships an update monthly, and Proof daily. Most recently, Startpage was updated on November 3, 2026 and Proof on October 10, 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.*