Comparison

HalfMoon Browser vs Pocketop Browser

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

Head to head
About

HalfMoon Browser

Features
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A browser that lets you do everything with one hand. HalfMoon Browser is a lightweight web browser specifically designed for one-handed operation on iPhones. It consolidates operations such as back, search, and tab switching into a "dial" accessible from the edge of the screen, aiming for ultimate comfort by allowing you to complete browsing with just your thumb. β–  Unique dial operation for one-handed use Place your finger on the left or right edge of the screen, and a semi-circular dial will unfold. Simply slide your finger up or down and release to execute the desired function. β€’ Back / Forward / Home β€’ New Tab / Tab Switch / Close Tab β€’ Search / URL Input β€’ Add Bookmark β€’ Instantly jump to the top/bottom of the page β€’ Remove Ads / Share / In-page Search / Auto-scroll / Settings (submenu) Even on larger devices, there's no need to stretch your finger to the center or top of the screen. β–  Extensive customization to create your own preferences The contents of the dial can be edited at any time from the settings. β€’ Add, delete, and rearrange items β€’ Swap left and right dials (switch between dominant and non-dominant hands) β€’ Two operation modes (hold & release / tap switching) β€’ Adjust dial size from 0.8x to 1.8x β€’ Adjust haptic feedback intensity β–  Unprecedentedly powerful ad blocking HalfMoon's ad blocking operates with a three-layer structure. β€’ Layer 1: URL filtering blocks over 200 ad-delivery domains at the communication level β€’ Layer 2: CSS hiding removes ad containers from the screen β€’ Layer 3: Detection bypass (prevents "Please unblock ads" warnings and automatic ad reloads) Furthermore, ads that were not completely blocked by the filter can be manually removed with a single tap from the "Remove Ads" submenu. Hidden selectors are remembered per site, so they will be hidden from the start the next time you open the site. β–  Other Features β€’ Private Browser (Protected by Face ID / Touch ID) β€’ Forced Dark Mode (Inverts white background sites to darker display) β€’ Super Dark (Darks the entire screen, adjustable from 10-85%) β€’ Password Save (Encrypted to Keychain on your device) β€’ Site Data / Download / History Management β–  About the Pro Version Almost all features of HalfMoon Browser are available for free. If you like it, please support us by purchasing the Pro version. The following features are unlocked with a one-time purchase: β€’ Expands the number of dial items from 6 to 12 each β€’ Favorites exclusive to Private Mode β–  Privacy This app does not send user browsing data to the developer's servers. History, bookmarks, and passwords are all stored on your device. We do not use analytics tools, crash report SDKs, or collect advertising IDs (IDFA).

About

Pocketop Browser

Features
Read full description

Pocketop is a browser utility built for focused browsing on iPhone. Use it when you want a cleaner browser surface, better control, and tools that make mobile browsing feel closer to a desktop workflow. Key features: - Fullscreen browsing for a cleaner reading and viewing experience. - External display support for presenting or viewing pages on a larger screen. - One-hand scrolling tools for easier control. - Bookmark and browsing history management. - Screenshot saving for the visible webpage area. - Bookmark HTML import and export. - iCloud sync for bookmarks, history, and preferences when available. - Share Extension for opening shared links in Pocketop. - Website data tools for viewing and clearing browser site data. Pocketop Pro unlocks premium browser tools such as fullscreen browsing, external display output, screenshots, bookmark HTML transfer, iCloud sync, one-hand scrolling tools, and web console features. Subscriptions renew automatically unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current billing period. You can manage or cancel subscriptions in Apple ID settings. A lifetime purchase may also be offered. Privacy Policy: https://railgun.tech/pocketop/docs/legal/privacy.html Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

HalfMoon Browser4 screens
Pocketop Browser4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is iOS requirement: HalfMoon Browser at 16.0 against Pocketop Browser's 18.0. On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price Β· Rating Β· Positive reviews Β· Number of ratings Β· Update frequency Β· Ads Β· In-app purchases Β· Monetization Β· Best chart rank Β· Devices Β· Requires iOS

CostPrice Β· In-app purchases Β· Ads Β· Monetization

Both are free to download. HalfMoon Browser sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Pocketop Browser sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 18, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference Β· 5 level
HalfMoon Browser versus Pocketop Browser: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterHalfMoon BrowserPocketop Browser
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 10 daysEvery 10 days
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
DevicesiPhone, iPad β€” betteriPhone
Requires iOS16.0 β€” better18.0
Further details β€” not scored
Size5 MB17 MB
Age rating17+17+
DeveloperKotaro Tominagaε˜‰θΎ‰ 李

In-app purchases

1 purchases

HalfMoon Browser

One-time1
  • Pro η‰ˆγΈγ‚’γƒƒγƒ—γ‚°γƒ¬γƒΌγƒ‰$1.99
3 purchases

Pocketop Browser

Subscriptions2
  • Pocketop Pro Monthly$0.991 Month
  • Pocketop Pro Annual$9.991 Year
One-time1
  • Pocketop Pro Lifetime$24.99

Questions

Is HalfMoon Browser free?
HalfMoon Browser is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Pocketop Browser free?
Pocketop Browser is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do HalfMoon Browser or Pocketop Browser have ads?
Neither HalfMoon Browser nor Pocketop Browser shows ads.
Which is updated more often, HalfMoon Browser or Pocketop Browser?
HalfMoon Browser ships an update every 10 days, and Pocketop Browser every 10 days. Most recently, HalfMoon Browser was updated on September 23, 2026 and Pocketop Browser on September 18, 2026.

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