Comparison

VPN vs SocksSSH

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

Head to head
About

VPN

This app provides intelligent network management for iOS devices. It allows users to easily import server nodes, switch proxy modes, and capture all network traffic. Advanced rule management enables precise control over connections and ad blocking.

Highlights
  • One-click server node import
  • Multiple proxy modes
  • HTTP, HTTPS, and TCP traffic capture
  • Advanced rule configuration
  • Traffic usage monitoring
  • Ad blocking
  • Local DNS mapping
Features
Read full description

English (Polished Promotional Version) FlyShadow – Your Smart Rule-Based Proxy Solution FlyShadow is a powerful, rule-based proxy client for iPhone and iPad, designed for seamless and intelligent network management. One-click import of server nodes for instant setup. Switch effortlessly between different proxy modes. Start your proxy connection with a single tap. Simple, intuitive interface – easy for anyone to use. Advanced Traffic Control & Rule Management Capture all HTTP, HTTPS, and TCP traffic from any app on your device, and redirect it to your proxy server. Configure precise rules using domain matches, domain suffixes, keywords, CIDR IP ranges, or GeoIP lookup. Monitor traffic usage and network speed across WiFi, cellular, direct, and proxy connections. Import rule files from URLs or iCloud Drive. Block ads efficiently using domain and user-agent rules. Local DNS mapping for faster and more reliable connections.

About

SocksSSH

Features
Read full description

SocksSSH is a tool for creating secure SSH tunnels with SOCKS5 proxy support, specifically designed for system administrators and developers. The app allows you to: - Establish stable SSH connections to your servers with an intuitive interface. - Configure a local SOCKS5 proxy to route network traffic through the SSH tunnel. - Maintain detailed logs of requests and connections, helping to quickly identify and resolve network issues. - Monitor traffic activity and perform thorough debugging of network connections.

Screenshots

VPN4 screens
SocksSSH3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is iOS requirement: VPN at 14 against SocksSSH's 16.0. On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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

Both are free to download. VPN sells 10 one-off in-app purchases and SocksSSH sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

VPN ships an update weekly, SocksSSH every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on September 14, 2026 and September 20, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 8 level
VPN versus SocksSSH: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterVPNSocksSSH
PriceFreeFree
Rating1.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyWeeklyEvery 6 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS14 — better16.0
Further details — not scored
Size28 MB12 MB
Age rating9+4+
DeveloperOrangePlusZero LLCMAKING-APP, TOO

In-app purchases

10 purchases

VPN

One-time10
  • Monthly Light Plan$2.99
  • Semi-Annual Light Plan$17.99
  • Semi-Annual Standard Plan$23.49
Show 7 more
  • Quarterly Premium Plan$24.99
  • Annual Light Plan$35.49
  • Lifetime Plan V2$42.49
  • Annual Standard Plan$46.49
  • Semi-Annual Premium Plan$48.49
  • Lifetime Plan V3$94.99
  • Annual Premium Plan$96.99
1 purchases

SocksSSH

One-time1
  • Pro Version$24.99

Questions

Is VPN free?
VPN is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is SocksSSH free?
SocksSSH is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do VPN or SocksSSH have ads?
Neither VPN nor SocksSSH shows ads.
Which is updated more often, VPN or SocksSSH?
VPN ships an update weekly, and SocksSSH every 6 days. Most recently, VPN was updated on September 14, 2026 and SocksSSH on September 20, 2026.

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