# LockDown Browser vs Elsevier eBooks on VitalSource

The clearest difference is rating: Elsevier eBooks on VitalSource at 4.7 against LockDown Browser's 1.2. Elsevier eBooks on VitalSource also leads on review sentiment (16% vs 8%). LockDown Browser's advantage is update cadence (every 5 weeks vs every 3 months) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.6). On price, ratings volume, 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.

Elsevier eBooks on VitalSource holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 1.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3.9K and 9.2K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 8% of LockDown Browser's written reviews are positive against 16% of Elsevier eBooks on VitalSource's.

LockDown Browser ships an update every 5 weeks, Elsevier eBooks on VitalSource every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 28, 2026 and September 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | LockDown Browser | Elsevier eBooks on VitalSource |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.2 (3.9K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lockdown-browser/id659101775/reviews) | **[4.7 (9.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/elsevier-ebooks-on-vitalsource/id1147791956/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 3.9K | **9.2K** |
| Positive reviews | 7.8% of reviews | **16.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 weeks** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 17 MB | 188 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.6 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Respondus Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/365544611) | [Elsevier Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/367031326) |

## What reviewers say

### LockDown Browser

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lockdown-browser/id659101775)

This application creates a secure browser environment for online exams, preventing access to other applications, websites, or device functions. It ensures the integrity of assessments by locking users into the exam until submission. It is compatible with specific learning systems and can be used with proctoring systems if enabled by an instructor.

**Highlights:** Locks down exam environment, Prevents switching applications, Blocks access to other URLs, Disables screenshots, Prohibits copying or printing, Integrates with learning systems

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Works well on iPad
- 🔒 Secures exams
- 👍 Helpful for online tests

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes and freezes frequently
- 🔒 Locks down devices too aggressively
- 👎 Unreliable and glitchy
- 💤 Slow and unresponsive
- 🔋 Drains device battery

**Reported bugs**

- Fails to load tests and quizzes
- Prevents device power off and exit
- Incompatible with other apps like Canvas
- Randomly kicks users out of exams

**Requested features**

- Improved compatibility with iPads
- Better error handling and recovery
- Streamlined setup and onboarding
- More user-friendly interface


### Elsevier eBooks on VitalSource

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/elsevier-ebooks-on-vitalsource/id1147791956)

Access and read Elsevier textbooks on your iOS device. Download books for offline study, search your entire library, and add notes and highlights. Sync your progress across devices for a seamless learning experience.

**Highlights:** Download books for offline reading, Search entire library, Create notes and highlights, Sync across devices, Pinch to zoom figures

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Convenient digital access
- 📚 Helpful study tools (e.g., flashcards)
- 👍 User-friendly interface

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent login issues
- 📱 Poor mobile app experience
- 🔍 Difficult navigation and book access
- 🔊 Subpar text-to-speech quality
- 💻 Compatibility problems across devices

**Reported bugs**

- Repeated sentence/paragraph playback
- Highlighted text disappearing across devices
- Inability to download or access purchased books

**Requested features**

- Allow handwritten notes and annotations
- Improve page-turning and scrolling functionality
- Enhance diagram and image viewing experience
- Integrate seamless cross-device synchronization
- Provide more customization options (e.g., font, layout)


## Frequently asked questions

### Is LockDown Browser free?

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

### Is Elsevier eBooks on VitalSource free?

Elsevier eBooks on VitalSource is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, LockDown Browser or Elsevier eBooks on VitalSource?

Elsevier eBooks on VitalSource is rated higher. LockDown Browser averages 1.2 out of 5 from 3.9K ratings, while Elsevier eBooks on VitalSource averages 4.7 from 9.2K ratings.

### Do LockDown Browser or Elsevier eBooks on VitalSource have ads?

Neither LockDown Browser nor Elsevier eBooks on VitalSource shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, LockDown Browser or Elsevier eBooks on VitalSource?

LockDown Browser ships an update every 5 weeks, and Elsevier eBooks on VitalSource every 3 months. Most recently, LockDown Browser was updated on September 28, 2026 and Elsevier eBooks on VitalSource on September 29, 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.*