Comparison

Stacks vs Private Browser

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

Head to head
About

Stacks

Features
Read full description

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!

About

Private Browser

Features
Read full description

Private Browser is the fast, private way to browse the web — with a powerful ad blocker built in. NO ADS, NO POPUPS, NO TRACKERS • Blocks banner ads, popups and popunders automatically • Skips pre-roll video ads so content plays instantly • Stops redirect “hijack” clicks that hijack your taps • Blocks trackers and third-party cookies that follow you TRULY PRIVATE • Private browsing — no history, no cookies, nothing saved • Lock the app and your private tabs with Face ID / Touch ID • HTTPS-only mode for secure connections • Unlimited private tabs BUILT FOR SPEED • Pages load faster with ads and trackers stripped out • Clean, simple design that stays out of your way • Desktop mode, reader mode and a smart search bar Private Browser Pro unlocks the full ad-blocking shield and every Pro feature. Try it free, then subscribe — cancel anytime. Browse freely. Browse privately. ———————————— Subscription Information • Payment is charged to your Apple ID account at confirmation of purchase. • Subscription renews automatically unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. • You can manage or cancel subscriptions in your App Store account settings. PRIVACY We do not collect, store, or share your personal browsing data. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Support: developer.nasar416@gmail.com

Screenshots

Stacks4 screens
Private Browser4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Stacks at none against Private Browser's 4. Stacks also leads on update cadence (daily vs every 9 days). On price, ads, device support 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Private Browser sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Stacks asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Stacks ships an update daily, Private Browser every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 4 level
Stacks versus Private Browser: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterStacksPrivate Browser
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyDaily — betterEvery 9 days
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch — betteriPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.0 — better15.1
Further details — not scored
Size8 MB60 MB
Age rating17+17+
DeveloperElliot WilliamsMD. NASAR UDDIN REDOY

In-app purchases

None

Stacks

No in-app purchases

4 purchases

Private Browser

Subscriptions3
  • Private Browser Pro - Weekly3 Days trial$2.997 Days
  • Private Browser Pro - Monthly$6.991 Month
  • Private Browser Pro - Yearly3 Days trial$59.991 Year
One-time1
  • One-time Purchase$149.99

Questions

Is Stacks free?
Stacks is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Private Browser free?
Private Browser is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Stacks or Private Browser have ads?
Neither Stacks nor Private Browser shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Stacks or Private Browser?
Stacks ships an update daily, and Private Browser every 9 days. Most recently, Stacks was updated on October 7, 2026 and Private Browser on October 10, 2026.

Other comparisons