# DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai vs SBrowser

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: SBrowser at none against DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai's 7. DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (weekly vs every 2 months). On price and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. SBrowser asks for nothing beyond the download.

DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai has 2.4M ratings behind it against 1.2K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 65% of DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai's written reviews are positive against 53% of SBrowser's.

DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai ships an update weekly, SBrowser every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai | SBrowser |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (2.4M ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/duckduckgo-optional-duckai/id663592361/reviews)** | [4.5 (1.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sbrowser-secure-browser/id1641634987/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **2.4M** | 1.2K |
| Positive reviews | **65.5% of reviews** | 52.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Best chart rank | **#14** | — |
| Size | 240 MB | 13 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 15.1 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | +17 | 17+ |
| Developer | [DuckDuckGo, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/479988139) | [MITONOPTIMAL PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT (UK) LIMITED](https://appshunter.io/developer/1641634989) |

## What reviewers say

### DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/duckduckgo-optional-duckai/id663592361)

**Currently charting:** #14 Top Free · Utilities, #27 Top Grossing · Utilities (US App Store)

This app offers a private search engine and browser that blocks trackers and cookies by default. It includes AI chat features and optional tools like a VPN and email protection to safeguard your online activity and personal information.

**Highlights:** Private search engine, Tracker and cookie blocking, Private AI chat, Optional VPN, Email protection, Encryption enforcement, Fingerprinting escape

**Features:** Apple Wallet

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| DuckDuckGo (Plus, Monthly) | $9.99 | per month |
| DuckDuckGo monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| DuckDuckGo (Pro, Monthly) | $19.99 | per month |
| DuckDuckGo (Pro, Monthly) | $19.99 | per month |
| DuckDuckGo (Plus, Yearly) | $99.99 | per year |
| DuckDuckGo annual | $99.99 | per year |
| DuckDuckGo (Pro, Yearly) | $199.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and efficient
- 🔒 Excellent privacy protection
- 👍 Clean and intuitive interface
- 🔥 Effective ad and tracker blocking

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes and glitches
- 🔍 Slower page load times compared to other browsers
- 🔍 Inconsistent search quality compared to Google

**Reported bugs**

- Inability to set DuckDuckGo as default browser on iOS
- Refresh button hidden in menu instead of standalone

**Requested features**

- Add support for voice search
- Improve tab management and history navigation
- Introduce customizable font and theme options


### SBrowser

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sbrowser-secure-browser/id1641634987)

Browse the internet privately and securely with an ad-free experience. This app reduces data usage, extends battery life, and protects your privacy with advanced measures. Enjoy a customizable start page and secure browsing history.

**Highlights:** Night mode for websites, Adblock smart filters, Reduced data usage, Tracking protection, Secure browsing history, Customizable search engines

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast and efficient
- 🔒 Decent privacy features
- 👍 Great for music and offline listening
- 👍 Clean and user-friendly interface

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Bugs and glitches after updates
- 🔥 Lost downloaded files and data
- 🚫 Removal of key features like downloads
- ⚠️ Unreliable search engine and YouTube integration

**Reported bugs**

- Documents and downloads disappearing after updates
- YouTube video downloads not working
- Search engine not functioning as expected
- Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions

**Requested features**

- Add download option for videos and songs
- Implement playlist and favorites management
- Provide HD download quality options
- Add support for iPad and tablet devices


## Frequently asked questions

### Is DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai free?

DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is SBrowser free?

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

### Which has better reviews, DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai or SBrowser?

DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai is rated higher. DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai averages 4.8 out of 5 from 2.4M ratings, while SBrowser averages 4.5 from 1.2K ratings.

### Do DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai or SBrowser have ads?

SBrowser shows ads; DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai does not.

### Which is updated more often, DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai or SBrowser?

DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai ships an update weekly, and SBrowser every 2 months. Most recently, DuckDuckGo, optional Duck.ai was updated on September 25, 2026 and SBrowser on September 24, 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.*