# Private Core Secure VPN vs HoldUp

The clearest difference is rating: HoldUp at 5.0 against Private Core Secure VPN's 4.2. HoldUp also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 3) and ads (none vs shown). Private Core Secure VPN's advantage is ratings volume (47 vs 2) and device support (3 vs 1). On price there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Private Core Secure VPN sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $12.99 per 7 days. HoldUp asks for nothing beyond the download.

HoldUp holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Private Core Secure VPN has 47 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Private Core Secure VPN ships an update every 5 months, HoldUp every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on November 9, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Private Core Secure VPN | HoldUp |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.2 (47 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/private-core-secure-vpn/id6766424755/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/holdup-do-the-thing/id6779589834/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **47** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Every 10 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 10 MB | 3 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [The Great Station, ТОО](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896288158) | [Traid Co. LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896079823) |

## What reviewers say

### Private Core Secure VPN

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/private-core-secure-vpn/id6766424755)

This app provides robust encryption and deep-level privacy for maximum digital security. It features real-time server speed testing to ensure the fastest connection and offers private internet access without compromising speed or safety.

**Highlights:** Real-time server speed measurement, Encrypted VPN tunnels, High-speed global servers, One-tap secure activation, No logs, no tracking

**Features:** Safari Extension

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 Week Subscription | $12.99 | per 7 days |
| 1 Week Subscription | $12.99 | per 7 days |
| 1 Year Subscription | $64.99 | per year |


### HoldUp

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/holdup-do-the-thing/id6779589834)

This app helps you focus by blocking distracting applications until you complete a real-world checklist. Set timed tasks and re-lock reminders to ensure your to-do list gets done before you scroll.

**Highlights:** Block distracting apps and categories, Create unlimited checklists, Staged time-blocks with start times, Strict mode to hide skip button, Re-lock reminders, Private by design, no data collection

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Private Core Secure VPN free?

Private Core Secure VPN is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is HoldUp free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Private Core Secure VPN or HoldUp?

HoldUp is rated higher. Private Core Secure VPN averages 4.2 out of 5 from 47 ratings, while HoldUp averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do Private Core Secure VPN or HoldUp have ads?

Private Core Secure VPN shows ads; HoldUp does not.

### Which is updated more often, Private Core Secure VPN or HoldUp?

Private Core Secure VPN ships an update every 5 months, and HoldUp every 10 days. Most recently, Private Core Secure VPN was updated on November 9, 2026 and HoldUp on October 31, 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.*