# TheBrain vs Shadow Security

The clearest difference is update cadence: TheBrain at every 3 weeks against Shadow Security's every 5 months. TheBrain also leads on iOS requirement (15.0 vs 18.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. TheBrain sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $17.99 per month and Shadow Security sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $0.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

TheBrain ships an update every 3 weeks, Shadow Security every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on October 22, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | TheBrain | Shadow Security |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (167 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thebrain-smart-notes-and-links/id835873357/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **167** | — |
| Positive reviews | 44.3% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 5 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 252 MB | 5 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [TheBrain Technologies LP](https://appshunter.io/developer/579909034) | [Stephen Luadzers](https://appshunter.io/developer/1867049030) |

## What reviewers say

### TheBrain

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thebrain-smart-notes-and-links/id835873357)

This app helps you capture, connect, and visualize all your ideas, notes, and files across devices. It acts as a digital memory, showing related items and allowing for dynamic mind mapping and powerful search to help you recall information instantly.

**Highlights:** Award-winning visualization, Networked notes with backlinks, Dynamic mind mapping, Easy idea capture, Cross-device sync, Powerful search, Visual file management

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| TheBrain Pro Monthly | $17.99 | per month |
| TheBrain Pro Annual | $189.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Seamless navigation
- 🔒 Secure cloud sync
- 👍 Intuitive interface
- 🚀 Powerful features
- 👍 Excellent for knowledge management

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes and freezes
- 🐛 Buggy on iOS 9
- 💰 Expensive subscription
- 🐛 Limited functionality on mobile
- 🐛 Confusing UI and navigation

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes on iOS 9
- Inability to open brains
- Freezing after each action
- Login and account issues
- Sync problems

**Requested features**

- Offline mode
- Improved mobile UI and UX
- Better integration with other apps
- More affordable pricing options
- Enhanced search and filtering


### Shadow Security

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shadow-security/id6759615832)

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Shadow Security Monthly | $0.99 | per month |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is TheBrain free?

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

### Is Shadow Security free?

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

### Do TheBrain or Shadow Security have ads?

Neither TheBrain nor Shadow Security shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, TheBrain or Shadow Security?

TheBrain ships an update every 3 weeks, and Shadow Security every 5 months. Most recently, TheBrain was updated on October 22, 2026 and Shadow Security on October 12, 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.*