# StarVPN vs simREF

The clearest difference is rating: simREF at 5.0 against StarVPN's 4.4. simREF also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 10 days vs every 2 months). StarVPN's advantage is ratings volume (14 vs 3) and device support (3 vs 1). On price, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. StarVPN sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month and simREF sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

simREF holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 14 and 3 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 89% of StarVPN's written reviews are positive against 100% of simREF's.

StarVPN ships an update every 2 months, simREF every 10 days. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | StarVPN | simREF |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.4 (14 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starvpn-safe-shield-vpn/id6753080024/reviews) | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simref/id6753267206/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **14** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 88.9% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 10 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 48 MB | 148 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [The Software Support LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1681415695) | [Chris-Luca Fischer](https://appshunter.io/developer/1843257076) |

## What reviewers say

### StarVPN

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starvpn-safe-shield-vpn/id6753080024)

This app provides a fast and secure way to browse privately online. It offers unlimited speed and strong protection for your internet connection, especially on public Wi-Fi. Advanced features like DNS switching and cloaking enhance your online privacy and security.

**Highlights:** Unlimited speed and strong protection, Public Wi-Fi security, IP address hiding, Fast and reliable servers, DNS switching and cloaking, Socks5 & WireGuard support, Lite and Ultra modes

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Quarterly | $14.99 | per 3 months |
| Yearly | $29.99 | per year |


### simREF

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simref/id6753267206)

This app provides quick-reference checklists and operational data for flight simulation on iPad. It features interactive normal and abnormal checklists, essential flight data, and a CG/Trim calculator for takeoff planning in a distraction-free, dark UI optimized for cockpit environments.

**Highlights:** Interactive Normal & Abnormal Checklists, Operational Data at a glance, CG/Trim calculator, Offline functionality, Dark UI for cockpit environments, iPad landscape optimized

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| IndiGo Virtual Integration | $2.99 | one-time |
| simREF Full Access | $8.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is StarVPN free?

StarVPN is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is simREF free?

simREF is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, StarVPN or simREF?

simREF is rated higher. StarVPN averages 4.4 out of 5 from 14 ratings, while simREF averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.

### Do StarVPN or simREF have ads?

StarVPN shows ads; simREF does not.

### Which is updated more often, StarVPN or simREF?

StarVPN ships an update every 2 months, and simREF every 10 days. Most recently, StarVPN was updated on October 24, 2026 and simREF on October 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.*