| Core Identity |
| Developer | Shadow Launch Technology Limited | STASH NETWORKS LIMITED | Surge Networks Inc. | Cross Utility Ltd | Cloudflare | Nordvpn S.A. | Loon Lab Limited |
| Category | Utilities | Utilities | Developer Tools | Utilities | Utilities | Utilities | Utilities |
| Platform | iOS, Android | iOS | iOS | iOS | iOS | iOS | iOS, Android |
| Store Metrics |
| Rating | 4.5 / 5 | 4.3 / 5 | 4.2 / 5 | 3.8 / 5 | 4.5 / 5 | 4.7 / 5 | 4.0 / 5 |
| Ratings Count | 11,980 | 1,118 | 938 | 1,656 | 215,361 | 669,578 | 492 |
| Price | USD2.99 | $5.99 | Free | $9.99 | Free | Free | $7.99 |
| Release Date | Apr 14, 2015 | Dec 10, 2021 | Nov 17, 2018 | Oct 11, 2019 | Nov 11, 2018 | Dec 9, 2014 | May 9, 2018 |
| Last Updated | Jun 10, 2026 | Apr 1, 2026 | Mar 14, 2026 | May 21, 2026 | Apr 14, 2026 | Apr 8, 2026 | Mar 31, 2026 |
| Sentiment & Reviews |
| Sentiment | mixed | - | mixed | - | mixed | negative | - |
| Score | 45/100 | - | 42/100 | - | 45/100 | 25/100 | - |
| Praises | - Cross-protocol support and protocol variety keep power users engaged in restricted network environments
| - | - Advanced Networking Capabilities
| - | - Free access to the network service provides reliable connectivity for users in restricted regions
| - Reliable VPN connection speeds allow for consistent streaming and browsing on high-bandwidth home networks
| - |
| Complaints | - Frequent connection drops and sudden VPN termination occur following the latest series of updates
| - | - Missing Protocol Support
- Pricing Friction
| - | - Frequent connection drops and unstable network performance following the latest update on mobile devices
| - Post-update performance regressions cause significant app unresponsiveness and slow connection times on mobile devices
| - |
| Requests | - Compact widget design options are requested to reduce the screen real estate occupied on home screens
| - | - | - | - Home screen widget integration to allow for faster toggling of the network connection
| - Granular connection pause options beyond the current one-hour or twenty-four-hour duration settings
| - |
| Strategic Intel |
| Strengths | - Editors' Choice badge across five markets sustains organic install velocity
- Rule-based engine functions as a technical barrier for casual VPN alternatives
| - | - Virtual NIC takeover for system-wide interception
- Extensible JavaScript engine for traffic manipulation
- Strong grossing performance (#7 in category)
| - MitM decryption functions as a technical barrier for non-specialized proxy tools
- One-time purchase model creates a lower long-term cost of ownership
| - Global network backbone provides superior latency [Performance Metric]
- One-touch interface minimizes onboarding friction [User Experience]
| - 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
| - |
| Weaknesses | - Premium tier lacks cloud-sync for configurations
- 1.48★ rating gap between iOS and Android versions indicates platform-specific stability issues
| - | - Lags behind competitors in modern protocol support (VLESS, Hysteria2)
- High upgrade cost ($49.99) causing user churn
- Stability issues reported on iOS 26
| - Manual file handling for configuration profiles creates high friction
- 3.81 rating indicates significant user frustration with setup
| - High battery consumption during background use [User Sentiment]
- Unstable connection performance post-update [User Sentiment]
- Fragmented subscription management across platforms [User Sentiment]
| - Post-update UI unresponsiveness on mobile devices
- VPN tunnel interference with cellular data and SMS
- Obstructive refund process creates user distrust
| - |
| Pricing | paid | paid | paid | paid | freemium | subscription | paid |
| Momentum | Intense | Intense | Active | - | Maintenance | Active | Intense |
| Update Cadence | 5 versions, 4 majors/6mo, ~5d avg | 5 versions | 1 versions, 1 majors/6mo | - | 2 versions, 1 majors/6mo, ~26d avg | 5 versions, 2 majors/6mo, ~10d avg | 5 versions |
