Comparison

Shadowrocket vs Loon

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

Head to head
About

Shadowrocket

This utility client captures and redirects all device traffic to a proxy server. It records requests, allows rule-based configuration, and measures network performance. It also supports ad blocking, local DNS mapping, and advanced proxy features.

Highlights
  • Capture and redirect all device traffic
  • Record HTTP, HTTPS, and DNS requests
  • Configure rules by domain, IP, and GeoIP
  • Measure traffic usage and network speed
  • Import rule files from URL or iCloud
  • Block ads by domain and user agent
  • Local DNS Mapping
Features
Read full description

Rule based proxy utility client for iPhone/iPad. - Capture all HTTP/HTTPS/TCP traffic from any applications on your device, and redirect to the proxy server. - Record and display HTTP, HTTPS, DNS requests from your iOS devices. - Configure rules using domain match, domain suffix, domain keyword, CIDR IP range, and/or GeoIP lookup. - Measure traffic usage and network speed on WiFi, cellular, direct and proxy connections. - Import rule files from URL or iCloud Drive. - Block ads by domain, user agent rules. - Local DNS Mapping. - Work on cellular networks. - Decrypt HTTPS traffic. - Perform URL rewrite. - Fully IPv6 supports. - Script filter supports. - Multi-level forward proxy. - Support kcptun, cloak, gost, v2ray plugins. - Support DNS over HTTPS, DNS over TLS, DNS over QUIC.

About

Loon

This app is a powerful network tool for debugging and optimizing connections. It offers comprehensive traffic capture, detailed record-keeping, and advanced routing options. Features include robust ad-blocking and cutting-edge DNS capabilities.

Highlights
  • Wide protocol support (ss, vmess, trojan, etc.)
  • Comprehensive traffic capture (HTTP, HTTPS, TCP, UDP)
  • Detailed request/response header and body recording
  • MITM functionality over HTTP2
  • Advanced domain-based routing
  • Robust ad-blocking with custom rules
  • Traffic usage monitoring
  • Advanced DNS features (IPv6, DoH, DoQ, DoH3)
Features
Currently charting
Read full description

Loon is not just another network tool—it's a powerhouse for debugging and optimizing your network connections. With Loon, you're in command, equipped with an array of features to streamline your network troubleshooting experience. Here's what sets Loon apart: Protocol Support: Loon supports a wide range of protocols including ss, ssr, vmess, trojan, vless, HTTP/S, SOCKS5, hysteria2,Shadow-TLS, and WireGuard. No matter your preferred protocol, Loon has you covered. Comprehensive Traffic Capture: Capture all HTTP, HTTPS, TCP, and UDP traffic on your device effortlessly and redirect it to your proxy server for thorough analysis and debugging. Detailed Record-Keeping: Gain insights into your network activity with Loon's ability to record HTTP and HTTPS request and response headers and bodies. With this level of detail, troubleshooting becomes a breeze. MITM Capabilities: Loon offers Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) functionality over HTTP2 connections, allowing you to intercept and analyze encrypted traffic for deeper debugging insights. Advanced Routing Options: Take control of your network traffic with Loon's powerful router, which can be configured based on domain, URL, IP, Protocol, Port, and HTTP headers. This granular control ensures that your traffic flows exactly where you need it to go. Robust Ad-blocking: Loon's ad-blocking capabilities are second to none. Develop custom rules, rewriting, and scripting to effectively block unwanted ads and streamline your browsing experience. Traffic Usage Monitoring: Stay informed about your data usage with Loon's built-in traffic measurement tools, giving you valuable insights into your network activity. Cutting-edge DNS Features: Loon boasts full IPv6 support, asynchronous DNS requests, and the ability to query DNS over HTTPS, QUIC, and HTTP3. Record DNS results and ensure a seamless DNS resolution experience. Extendable Functionality: Unlock limitless possibilities with Loon's support for using JavaScripts to extend proxy functionality. Customize and tailor Loon to meet your specific needs and preferences. Experience the next level of network debugging with Loon. Download now and take control of your network connections like never before. For more about proxy: https://nsloon.app/docs/intro Join our telegram group: https://t.me/Loon0x00 Contact us loon0x00@gmail.com

Screenshots

Shadowrocket4 screens
Loon4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Shadowrocket at 4.5 against Loon's 3.9. Shadowrocket also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 5 weeks) and price ($2.99 vs $7.99). On review sentiment, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Shadowrocket costs $2.99 and Loon $7.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Shadowrocket holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Shadowrocket has 12K ratings behind it against 506, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 57% of Shadowrocket's written reviews are positive against 53% of Loon's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Shadowrocket ships an update weekly, Loon every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 4 level
Shadowrocket versus Loon: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterShadowrocketLoon
Price$2.99 — better$7.99
Rating4.5 (12K ratings) — better3.9 (506 ratings)
Positive reviews57.5% of reviews — better53.4% of reviews
Number of ratings12K — better506
Update frequencyWeekly — betterEvery 5 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidFree — better
Best chart rank#1 — better#16
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple TV — betteriPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV
Requires iOS13.0 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size53 MB65 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperShadow Launch Technology LimitedLoon Lab Limited

Customer experience

Shadowrocket

All ratings11,998 ratings
Positive86.6%
Neutral3.5%
Negative9.9%
Written reviews1,416 reviews
Positive57.5%
Neutral10.0%
Negative32.5%

Loon

All ratings506 ratings
Positive72.7%
Neutral5.1%
Negative22.1%
Written reviews234 reviews
Positive53.4%
Neutral7.7%
Negative38.9%

User reviews

Shadowrocket

From 12K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Excellent VPN performance
  • 👍 User-friendly interface
  • 🔒 Robust security features
  • 💡 Useful customization options

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Connectivity issues after updates
  • 🔋 High battery consumption
  • 🤔 Confusing setup process for some users

Loon

From 506 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Good for ad blocking
  • 🚀 Faster than Quantumult X
  • 🔒 Secure and reliable
  • 👍 Simple and user-friendly
  • 👍 Frequent updates

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Unstable connection
  • 🐛 Frequent crashes
  • 🔋 High battery consumption
  • 🤔 Limited protocol support
  • 💸 Expensive compared to alternatives

Bugs and requests

Shadowrocket

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Incompatibility with newer iOS versions
  • Unreliable server connections leading to timeouts
  • Subscription management and customer support issues

Requested features

3 requests
  • Add support for more protocols (e.g. SSTP, L2TP)
  • Implement auto-connect and load balancing features
  • Develop a native macOS version

Loon

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Nodes not working after iOS 16 update
  • Subscription issues and inability to refund
  • Mitm and script features not functioning properly
  • Incompatibility with certain games and apps

Requested features

6 requests
  • Support for Reality protocol
  • Support for gRPC protocol
  • Proxy sharing feature
  • Improved DNS hijacking protection
  • Better widget and shortcut support
Show 1 more
  • macOS and Windows versions

In-app purchases

None

Shadowrocket

No in-app purchases

None

Loon

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Shadowrocket free?
Shadowrocket costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Loon free?
Loon costs $7.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Shadowrocket or Loon?
Shadowrocket is rated higher. Shadowrocket averages 4.5 out of 5 from 12K ratings, while Loon averages 3.9 from 506 ratings.
Do Shadowrocket or Loon have ads?
Neither Shadowrocket nor Loon shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Shadowrocket or Loon?
Shadowrocket ships an update weekly, and Loon every 5 weeks. Most recently, Shadowrocket was updated on September 24, 2026 and Loon on September 23, 2026.
Which is more popular, Shadowrocket or Loon?
Shadowrocket currently peaks at #1 in the App Store charts, and Loon at #16. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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