Stacks vs Nova Browser
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Stacks
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Stacks - Ultimate Stackable Web Browser Pinch from the corners of a window to resize it Description Stacks is a revolutionary SwiftUI-based web browser that reimagines how we interact with multiple web pages. Unlike traditional browsers with static tabs, Stacks presents each webpage as an independent, floating window that can be freely moved, resized, and stacked in three-dimensional space. Core Innovation The browser treats each tab as a draggable, resizable window that exists in a shared workspace. Users can organize their browsing experience spatially - stacking related pages, spreading out research materials, or creating custom layouts that match their workflow. Key Features Advanced Window Management • Drag & Drop: Move windows anywhere by dragging title bars • Pinch-to-Zoom: Scale windows from 50% to 200% with gesture support • Resize Handles: Precise window sizing with corner drag controls • Layer Management: Bring windows to front with a single click Professional Web Browsing • Full WebKit Integration: Complete web browsing with modern standards support • Smart Navigation: Back/Forward buttons with real-time state management • URL Synchronization: Address bars automatically update when clicking links • Loading Optimization: 15-second timeouts prevent hanging pages Rich Customization • 6 Beautiful Themes: Default, Dark, Blue, Green, Purple, and Red color schemes • Dynamic Theming: Each window can have its own visual identity • Animated Backgrounds: Flowing gradients that respond to user interaction • Visual Feedback: Smooth animations for all interactions Privacy & Security • Private Browsing: True private mode with non-persistent data stores • Isolated Sessions: Private and regular browsing completely separated • Visual Indicators: Clear privacy status with lock-shield icons Enhanced User Experience • Grid/Stack Modes: Toggle between organized grid and free-form layouts • Magic Organization: Auto-arrange windows in perfect layouts • Search Integration: Create tabs from search queries or direct URLs • Bookmark Management: Integrated bookmark system with quick access Browser Tab Model: Each tab (BrowserTab) acts as an independent window with position, size, theme, history, and states (minimized/maximized). Supports private browsing, bookmarking, loading progress, and animations (scale/rotation/opacity). UI Components: Draggable Windows: Tabs can be moved, resized, minimized, or maximized. Theming: 6 color themes (default, dark, blue, green, purple, red) with gradient accents. Title Bar: Shows favicons, titles, loading progress, and window controls. URL Bar: Smart URL handling (auto-adds https://). Animated Background: Dynamic gradient effects. Advanced Features: Tab Organization: Grid/stack layout toggling. Tab Overview: Grid view of all open tabs. Bookmarks: Save/load frequently visited sites. Floating Action Menu: Quick actions (new tab, private tab, randomize themes, animations). Visual Effects: Smooth animations for opening/closing tabs, scaling, and rotation. State Management: Tabs maintain navigation history, loading progress, and interaction states. Z-index handling ensures focused windows stay on top. Summary Dynamic Tab Management: Tabs support dragging, resizing, minimizing, theming, and visual effects (e.g., "magic" animations). Rich Web Experience: Robust WebView with history tracking, loading states, and gesture-based navigation. User-Centric Tools: Tab overview for quick navigation. Bookmarks manager. Theming and layout customization. Floating action menu for common tasks. Aesthetic Polish: Animated gradients, smooth transitions, and tactile feedback for interactions. Use Case: Ideal for demonstrating advanced SwiftUI capabilities in building complex, interactive multi-window UIs with real-world browser functionality. Enjoy today!
Nova Browser
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Nova Browser: Your Minimalist Link Opener Nova Browser is designed for people who've removed browsers from their phones to stay focused, but still need occasional web access. WHY NOVA BROWSER? You've taken the brave step of deleting Safari and other browsers to avoid mindless scrolling and social media rabbit holes. But sometimes you need to open a link someone sent you, access a web page in an emergency, or check something important online. Nova Browser solves this without compromising your digital minimalism. RADICALLY SIMPLE Nova Browser has exactly two things: a text box and a "Go" button. That's it. No tabs, no bookmarks, no suggestions, no endless features trying to keep you engaged. ZERO TRACKING, ZERO TEMPTATION Every time you close Nova Browser, everything disappears. No browsing history. No saved passwords. No cookies. No cache. No autofill data. You can't accidentally stay logged into social media. You can't mindlessly check sites. You simply can't build browsing habits. HOW IT WORKS Open Nova Browser. Paste or type a URL. Tap "Go". View the page. Close the app when done. Everything is erased. PERFECT FOR Digital minimalists who removed their browsers. People recovering from social media addiction. Anyone practicing intentional phone usage. Parents who want kids to have emergency web access only. People doing a digital detox but need basic connectivity. WHAT NOVA BROWSER DOESN'T HAVE No tabs or windows. No bookmarks or favorites. No browsing history. No saved passwords. No news feed or suggestions. No analytics or tracking. No ads or monetization. PRIVACY FIRST We don't collect, store, or transmit any data about your browsing. We don't even have servers. What you view in Nova Browser stays on your device until you close the app, then it's gone forever. JOIN THE MINIMALIST MOVEMENT Nova Browser isn't trying to compete with full-featured browsers. We're doing the opposite. We're helping you stay free from the attention economy while maintaining the practical ability to access the web when truly needed. Download Nova Browser and keep your digital minimalism intact.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: Stacks at daily against Nova Browser's every 5 days. Stacks also leads on device support (4 vs 2). On price, ads, in-app purchases and iOS requirement 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
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Stacks ships an update daily, Nova Browser every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on September 20, 2026 and September 25, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Stacks | Nova Browser |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Update frequency | Daily — better | Every 5 days |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch — better | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 — better | 15.1 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 8 MB | 34 MB |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | Elliot Williams | Adrian Patterson |
In-app purchases
Stacks
No in-app purchases
Nova Browser
No in-app purchases









