Comparison

SpamShield vs 123Filtering

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

Head to head
About

SpamShield

Block over 99% of spam and unwanted text messages automatically. This app offers customizable filters, block and allow lists, and privacy-focused features to ensure you only see important messages.

Highlights
  • Blocks over 99% of spam texts
  • Customizable block and allow lists
  • Keyword and phone number filtering
  • Privacy-first design with local data storage
  • 24/7 background protection
Features
Read full description

Stop 99% of spam texts before they reach your inbox. MessageShield is your personal shield against unwanted texts, spam, and scams. Every day, millions of users are bombarded with annoying or even dangerous messages. With MessageShield, you can finally reclaim your inbox. Fast, smart, and privacy-first, MessageShield ensures you only see the messages that matter. Block spam instantly Stop over 99% of unwanted texts automatically. Our predictive filtering works in real time, keeping your inbox safe without you lifting a finger. Take control of who can reach you With customizable Block and Allow lists, you decide exactly which contacts can message you. No more accidental spam interruptions. Protect your money and privacy Text scams cost people hundreds of dollars annually. MessageShield keeps you safe while ensuring your personal messages stay private. Fully customizable filtering Keyword filters, phone number ranges, and contact-based settings give you precise control over your message flow. MessageShield is built for people who value their time, their safety, and their privacy. It’s the smarter, faster, and more intuitive way to stop spam before it reaches you. Easy to use, safe by design: • Name-based filters are stored locally — nothing is sent to servers. • Minimal permissions required, ensuring your personal data stays in your hands. • Works seamlessly in the background, protecting you 24/7 without interruptions. Terms Of Service: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://vinxsolutions.com/messageshield/privacy.html

About

123Filtering

Features
Read full description

123Filtering is a DNS-based internet security service that helps protect your devices from unwanted content and online threats. It filters what reaches your device so you can enjoy a cleaner, safer and more focused internet experience. Whether you are protecting your family, your business or yourself, 123Filtering works quietly in the background to block harmful content and let through what matters most. Key features • Content filtering: block unwanted and harmful domains (e.g. explicit content, malware, phishing). • Device-wide protection: filtering applies across all apps and browsers, not just inside a single browser. • DNS-level security: block unwanted domains before they load, for a faster and more consistent experience. • Simple setup: quick configuration, then 123Filtering runs automatically in the background. • Light and efficient: DNS-based protection designed to have minimal impact on performance and battery. How 123Filtering works When your device looks up a website (a DNS query), 123Filtering checks whether that domain is allowed. Blocked domains are stopped before a connection is made, which helps keep apps and browsers aligned with your preferences. 123Filtering focuses on DNS-level decisions and does not inspect the full content of your web pages, messages or files. It controls which domains can be reached, helping create a more focused, distraction-free and safer environment. Use of VPN / Network Extension (required disclosure) 123Filtering uses Apple’s Network Extension capabilities to provide system-wide DNS filtering and protection on iOS: • 123Filtering can create an on-device “VPN-like” configuration (such as a DNS Proxy or DNS Settings configuration) so it can securely handle DNS queries from all apps and browsers. • Only DNS queries are processed for filtering and policy enforcement. The rest of your internet traffic (the actual content of websites, videos, messages, etc.) continues to use your normal network connection unless your configuration explicitly routes traffic through a tunnel. • 123Filtering is not a general-purpose VPN. It does not aim to change your IP address, hide your location, bypass geo-restrictions or provide anonymous browsing. • These permissions are required so 123Filtering can apply DNS-based filtering consistently across the entire device, rather than only inside a single app. • DNS requests handled by 123Filtering can be encrypted between your device and our filtering service (where supported by your selected configuration), in line with Apple platform requirements. In short, 123Filtering uses Network Extension only as a technical mechanism to enable DNS filtering and device-wide internet protection. Learn more at 123filtering.com

Screenshots

SpamShield4 screens
123Filtering3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: 123Filtering at none against SpamShield's 2. 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. SpamShield sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $14.99 per month. 123Filtering asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard1 real difference · 8 level
SpamShield versus 123Filtering: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSpamShield123Filtering
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 4 weeks—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS18.017.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size6 MB8 MB
Age rating9+4+
DeveloperVinx SolutionsKonibit

In-app purchases

2 purchases

SpamShield

Subscriptions2
  • MessageShield Pro7 Days trial$14.991 Month
  • MessageShield Pro7 Days trial$39.991 Year
None

123Filtering

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is SpamShield free?
SpamShield is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is 123Filtering free?
123Filtering is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do SpamShield or 123Filtering have ads?
Neither SpamShield nor 123Filtering shows ads.

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