Comparison

Need VPN vs ShieldVPN

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

Head to head
About

Need VPN

Features
Read full description

Need VPN helps protect your connection and improve your online privacy โ€” at home, while traveling, and on public Wi-Fi. Connect to a VPN server in just one tap. Need VPN encrypts traffic routed through the VPN and gives you control over how your connection is used. Key features - Simple and intuitive interface - One-tap connection and disconnection - VPN servers across multiple locations - Automatic selection of the best available server - Flexible routing โ€” choose which websites use the VPN - Connection status at a glance with Live Activities on supported iPhones Get started - Open the app and sign in or create an account. - Select a location or use automatic server selection. - Tap Connect to establish your VPN connection. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

ShieldVPN

Features
Read full description

Shield is a simple VPN with nothing extra. One button turns protection on, another picks the server. ONE-TAP PROTECTION Tap the shield and all of your device's traffic goes through an encrypted tunnel. No configs, keys or manual setup: everything works right after you sign in. EUROPE AND RUSSIA Choose a server in Europe or in Russia. Switching takes a second, and the app remembers your choice. NO PASSWORDS Sign in with your e-mail and a one-time code. There is no password to invent, remember or worry about leaking. NO TRAFFIC LOGS We do not store the sites you visit, DNS queries or traffic contents, and we do not share data with third parties. The service only needs your e-mail and a random device identifier. MODERN ENCRYPTION Shield is built on Apple's system VPN framework and a modern fast protocol with protection against traffic analysis. The connection stays stable on mobile networks and Wi-Fi. YOU ARE IN CONTROL Your device list, sign-out and full account deletion with all data are right in the app, under "Profile". ON ALL YOUR DEVICES Shield works on iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV with one account. SHIELD PREMIUM SUBSCRIPTION One subscription unlocks all servers on all your devices: monthly or yearly, with the first 3 days free. The subscription renews automatically; you can cancel it in your Apple ID settings at least 24 hours before the end of the period. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://shieldchat.fyi/vpn/privacy/

Screenshots

Need VPN3 screens
ShieldVPN4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Need VPN at every 2 days against ShieldVPN's every 4 days. Need VPN also leads on iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

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

CostPrice ยท In-app purchases ยท Ads ยท Monetization

Both are free to download. Need VPN sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month and ShieldVPN sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Need VPN ships an update every 2 days, ShieldVPN every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on November 5, 2026 and November 10, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences ยท 4 level
Need VPN versus ShieldVPN: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterNeed VPNShieldVPN
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 2 days โ€” betterEvery 4 days
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, MaciPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV
Requires iOS15.0 โ€” better17.0
Further details โ€” not scored
Size89 MB32 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperNeed ServicesAVSYRYKH S.L.

In-app purchases

4 purchases

Need VPN

Subscriptions4
  • VPN 1 month 2 devices$3.991 Month
  • VPN 3 months 2 devices$8.993 Months
  • VPN 6 month 2 devices$17.996 Months
Show 1 more
  • VPN 12 months 2 devices$29.991 Year
2 purchases

ShieldVPN

Subscriptions2
  • Shield Premium Monthly3 Days trial$1.991 Month
  • Shield Premium Yearly3 Days trial$8.991 Year

Questions

Is Need VPN free?
Need VPN is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is ShieldVPN free?
ShieldVPN is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Need VPN or ShieldVPN have ads?
Neither Need VPN nor ShieldVPN shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Need VPN or ShieldVPN?
Need VPN ships an update every 2 days, and ShieldVPN every 4 days. Most recently, Need VPN was updated on November 5, 2026 and ShieldVPN on November 10, 2026.

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