MARLVEL

Outline-Secure internet access vs its rivals

Side-by-side comparison against Outline-Secure internet access's closest competitors — identity, store metrics, ratings & sentiment, and strategic intel.

Outline-Secure internet access
This App
OpenVPN Connect
Nemesis
ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN
Contender
NordVPN: VPN Fast & Secure
Contender
1.1.1.1: Faster Internet
Contender
Opera: AI browser with VPN
Peer
DuckDuckGo, Duck.ai, & VPN
Peer
GearUP: Lower Lag Game Booster
New Kid
Core Identity
DeveloperOutline FoundationOpenVPN Inc.Express VPNNordvpn S.A.CloudflareOpera Norway ASDuckDuckGo, Inc.GearUP Portal PTE. LTD.
CategoryUtilitiesUtilitiesUtilitiesUtilitiesUtilitiesUtilitiesUtilitiesUtilities
PlatformAndroid, iOSAndroid, iOSiOSiOSiOSiOSAndroid, iOSiOS, Android
Store Metrics
Rating0.0 / 54.8 / 54.7 / 54.7 / 54.5 / 54.7 / 54.8 / 54.0 / 5
Ratings Count040,286414,849669,578215,361238,4862,325,6998,815
PriceFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFree
Release DateApr 3, 2018Jan 17, 2013Aug 11, 2014Dec 9, 2014Nov 11, 2018Oct 2, 2018Jun 27, 2013Dec 1, 2022
Last UpdatedFeb 24, 2026Jun 26, 2025May 19, 2026Apr 8, 2026Apr 14, 2026Apr 1, 2026May 11, 2026Apr 17, 2026
Sentiment & Reviews
Sentimentterrible-positivenegativemixed-positive-
Score25/100-85/10025/10045/100-75/100-
Praises
  • Reliable connectivity and server switching capabilities remain the primary value for power users
-
  • Reliable connection stability across international travel and diverse network environments
  • Reliable VPN connection speeds allow for consistent streaming and browsing on high-bandwidth home networks
  • Free access to the network service provides reliable connectivity for users in restricted regions
-
  • Privacy-focused browsing experience effectively blocks trackers and intrusive advertisements for users
-
Complaints
  • Recent interface changes force a windowed experience that disrupts the previous menu bar workflow
  • Critical application failures prevent server management and connectivity on modern desktop operating systems
-
  • Authentication loop errors preventing new account access after subscription purchase
  • Post-update performance regressions cause significant app unresponsiveness and slow connection times on mobile devices
  • Frequent connection drops and unstable network performance following the latest update on mobile devices
-
  • Screen flickering during page loads and tracker blocking animations disrupts the browsing flow
-
Requests
  • Reversion to the previous menu bar integration to restore quick access and minimal footprint
--
  • Granular connection pause options beyond the current one-hour or twenty-four-hour duration settings
  • Home screen widget integration to allow for faster toggling of the network connection
-
  • Background video playback support allows users to listen to media while using other apps
-
Strategic Intel
Strengths
  • Open-source audit builds trust in a privacy-focused category
  • Shadowsocks protocol provides technical resilience against censorship
-
  • Proprietary Lightway protocol creates performance-based switching costs
  • RAM-only server infrastructure functions as a verifiable privacy moat
  • High-frequency global server availability sustains organic install velocity
  • NordLynx protocol sustains high-speed encrypted connections
  • Meshnet utility creates high switching costs for multi-device users
  • Threat Protection Pro bundles security tools for subscription value
  • Global network backbone provides superior latency [Performance Metric]
  • One-touch interface minimizes onboarding friction [User Experience]
-
  • Editors' Choice badge across five markets sustains organic install velocity
  • Local-device tracker blocking functions as a privacy-first distribution moat
-
Weaknesses
  • Windowed UI regression on desktop disrupts workflow
  • Unresponsive server-add buttons prevent core management tasks
-
  • Authentication loop errors post-purchase create immediate churn
  • Lack of a permanent free tier limits top-of-funnel acquisition
  • Premium pricing sits above the category median
  • Post-update UI unresponsiveness on mobile devices
  • VPN tunnel interference with cellular data and SMS
  • Obstructive refund process creates user distrust
  • High battery consumption during background use [User Sentiment]
  • Unstable connection performance post-update [User Sentiment]
  • Fragmented subscription management across platforms [User Sentiment]
-
  • 0.7★ Android-iOS rating gap on majority Android base
  • Screen flickering and navigation regressions post-update
  • No cloud-save functionality despite user requests
-
Pricingfreefreesubscriptionsubscriptionfreemiumfreesubscriptionfree
MomentumActiveMaintenanceMaintenanceActiveMaintenanceIntenseActiveIntense
Update Cadence5 versions5 versions5 versions, 1 majors/6mo, ~21d avg5 versions, 2 majors/6mo, ~10d avg2 versions, 1 majors/6mo, ~26d avg5 versions5 versions, ~9d avg5 versions

Compare Outline-Secure internet access head-to-head

Disclosure: Independent intel to help mobile builders succeed.

AI-powered analysis with editorial review, built from publicly available sources. Marlvel.ai is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Outline-Secure internet access, its developer, the app publisher, Apple, or Google Play. All trademarks, logos, and screenshots referenced remain the property of their respective owners.

See methodologyContact support

Data licensed under CC-BY-NC 4.0