# Dark Surf vs Dark Reader Mode for Safari

The clearest difference is rating: Dark Reader Mode for Safari at 4.4 against Dark Surf's 3.0. Dark Reader Mode for Safari also leads on update cadence (every 5 weeks vs every 4 months) and ratings volume (8 vs 2). Dark Surf's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Dark Reader Mode for Safari sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Dark Surf asks for nothing beyond the download.

Dark Reader Mode for Safari holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 3.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 8 respectively.

Dark Surf ships an update every 4 months, Dark Reader Mode for Safari every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Dark Surf | Dark Reader Mode for Safari |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dark-surf/id6759101092/reviews) | **[4.4 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dark-reader-mode-for-safari/id6759532915/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 2 | **8** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 5 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 6 MB | 7 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Vali Mikayilov](https://appshunter.io/developer/1876309912) | [Storq Labs BV](https://appshunter.io/developer/1864178327) |

## What reviewers say

### Dark Surf

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dark-surf/id6759101092)

Enhance your browsing experience with a customizable dark theme for Safari. Adjust shade, contrast, saturation, and image settings. Schedule dark mode or set it per-site.

**Highlights:** Customizable dark theme, Adjustable shade and contrast, Saturation and image handling, Scheduling for dark mode, Per-site theme controls, Preset themes (Midnight, Warm, AMOLED, Gray)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Dark Reader Mode for Safari

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dark-reader-mode-for-safari/id6759532915)

Enhance your nighttime browsing experience with a true dark theme that preserves website readability and image integrity. Enjoy customizable brightness, contrast, and color temperature settings for ultimate comfort. This utility works seamlessly within Safari on your iPhone and iPad.

**Highlights:** True dark theme rendering, Preserves image and logo integrity, Smart dark theme detection, Per-site brightness and contrast control, Customizable color temperature, Global on/off toggle, Per-site enable/disable

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Dark Reader Pro | $0.99 | per month |
| Dark Reader Pro Lifetime | $4.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Dark Surf free?

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

### Is Dark Reader Mode for Safari free?

Dark Reader Mode for Safari is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Dark Surf or Dark Reader Mode for Safari?

Dark Reader Mode for Safari is rated higher. Dark Surf averages 3.0 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while Dark Reader Mode for Safari averages 4.4 from 8 ratings.

### Do Dark Surf or Dark Reader Mode for Safari have ads?

Neither Dark Surf nor Dark Reader Mode for Safari shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Dark Surf or Dark Reader Mode for Safari?

Dark Surf ships an update every 4 months, and Dark Reader Mode for Safari every 5 weeks. Most recently, Dark Surf was updated on October 13, 2026 and Dark Reader Mode for Safari on October 28, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*