Comparison

DNS Shield vs Cipher

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

DNS Shield

Encrypt your DNS queries and use no-logging servers to safeguard your online presence across all your Apple devices. Easily configure settings, switch servers, and benefit from system-wide protection without needing a VPN. It helps minimize contact with harmful sites and updates DNS providers automatically.

Highlights
  • Encrypts DNS queries
  • No-logging DNS servers
  • Ease of configuration
  • Effortless DNS server switching
  • System-wide protection
  • Minimizes harmful site contact
  • Automatic DNS provider updates
Read full description

Protect yourself on all your Apple devices by encrypting DNS queries and using no-logging DNS servers. Safeguard your online presence. Key features: - Ease of configuration. - Effortlessly switch DNS servers. - No vendor lock in. - No need for VPN. - Minimise or completely eliminate, in some cases, the amount of harmful sites contacted by your device. - Works System wide (not only in the browser). - Extensive In-App Help system. - We don't collect any data and we don't track your activities. - Automatic updates of the DNS providers collection. Your feedback and reviews will be highly appreciated!

About

Cipher

Read full description

Cipher is an advanced AI-powered translation app designed for fast, accurate, and context-aware language conversion. Whether you’re traveling, working, or communicating across borders, Cipher ensures that language is never a barrier. 1. Real-Time Translations – Instantly translate text, speech, and even images. 2. AI-Powered Accuracy – Understands context, slang, and industry-specific jargon. 3. Auto-Detect Languages – Automatically suggests the most accurate language for your region. Cipher goes beyond word-for-word translation, offering natural and nuanced communication across languages. Whether you’re a global traveler, business professional, or language enthusiast, Cipher is your ultimate translation companion. Break the language barrier. Speak the world with Cipher.

Screenshots

DNS Shield4 screens
Cipher4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Cipher at Free against DNS Shield's $1.99. DNS Shield's advantage is update cadence (monthly vs every 11 months) and iOS requirement (18.4 vs 26.0). On ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Cipher is free to download; DNS Shield costs $1.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

DNS Shield ships an update monthly, Cipher every 11 months. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 28, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
DNS Shield versus Cipher: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDNS ShieldCipher
Price$1.99Free — better
Rating4.0 (4 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews0.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings4 — better—
Update frequencyMonthly — betterEvery 11 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaid—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS18.4 — better26.0
Further details — not scored
Size3 MB22 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperARETORI SOLUTIONS LTDApp4Life Sweden AB

In-app purchases

None

DNS Shield

No in-app purchases

None

Cipher

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is DNS Shield free?
DNS Shield costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Cipher free?
Cipher is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do DNS Shield or Cipher have ads?
Neither DNS Shield nor Cipher shows ads.
Which is updated more often, DNS Shield or Cipher?
DNS Shield ships an update monthly, and Cipher every 11 months. Most recently, DNS Shield was updated on October 24, 2026 and Cipher on October 28, 2026.

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