# Google Smart Lock vs App Lock, Hide App & Lock Apps

The clearest difference is rating: App Lock, Hide App & Lock Apps at 4.4 against Google Smart Lock's 2.5. App Lock, Hide App & Lock Apps also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs every 2 months) and review sentiment (39% vs 9%). Google Smart Lock's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and chart position (#134 vs unranked). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. App Lock, Hide App & Lock Apps sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month. Google Smart Lock asks for nothing beyond the download.

App Lock, Hide App & Lock Apps holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 2.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: App Lock, Hide App & Lock Apps has 12K ratings behind it against 614, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 9% of Google Smart Lock's written reviews are positive against 39% of App Lock, Hide App & Lock Apps's.

Google Smart Lock ships an update every 2 months, App Lock, Hide App & Lock Apps every 5 days. Both last shipped on September 25, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Google Smart Lock | App Lock, Hide App & Lock Apps |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.5 (614 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/google-smart-lock/id1152066360/reviews) | **[4.4 (12K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/app-lock-hide-app-and-lock-apps/id1616433953/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 614 | **12K** |
| Positive reviews | 9.4% of reviews | **38.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Best chart rank | **#134** | — |
| Size | 56 MB | 124 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **11.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Google](https://appshunter.io/developer/281956209) | [KINGSMEN VIETNAM COMPANY LIMITED](https://appshunter.io/developer/1615149387) |

## What reviewers say

### Google Smart Lock

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/google-smart-lock/id1152066360)

**Currently charting:** #134 Top Free · Utilities (US App Store)

Securely log in to websites and apps using your phone's built-in security key or a physical Bluetooth key. It simplifies access by remembering your passwords and offering a more convenient sign-in experience.

**Highlights:** Use phone as security key, Use Bluetooth security key, Password saving, Simplified sign-in, Secure access

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Works fine
- 🔒 Adds extra security layer
- 👍 Useful app

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes on iOS 18 update
- 🐛 Doesn't work with Yubikey
- 🐛 Doesn't work with child accounts
- 🐛 Unreliable, constant issues
- 🐛 Locked out of accounts

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes on launch
- Doesn't detect nearby devices
- Endless login loop
- Incompatible with latest iOS

**Requested features**

- Support for NFC security keys
- Easier setup and usage
- Better compatibility with other devices


### App Lock, Hide App & Lock Apps

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/app-lock-hide-app-and-lock-apps/id1616433953)

Secure your digital life with this app that locks your applications, hides sensitive files like photos and videos, and manages your passwords. Protect your confidential information with a unique password and generate strong, random passwords for enhanced security.

**Highlights:** App Lock, Hide Apps, Photos Lock, Videos Lock, Secret Password Manager, Confidential Information Management, Generate Random Password

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| App Lock Premium Membership | $6.99 | per month |
| App Locker Yearly Premium | $19.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Premium Membership | $29.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 User-friendly interface
- 🔒 Effective app locking
- 🚀 Stable performance
- 💡 Separate security password
- 🔒 Ability to hide apps

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Doesn't actually hide apps
- 🐛 Doesn't work as advertised
- 💰 Expensive subscription
- 🐛 Crashes and bugs
- 🤖 Automated customer support responses

**Reported bugs**

- Apps still visible in App Library
- Stuck in tutorial mode
- Subscription issues after device reset

**Requested features**

- Trial period for app
- Ability to change app icon and name
- Option to recover deleted photos


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Google Smart Lock free?

Google Smart Lock is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is App Lock, Hide App & Lock Apps free?

App Lock, Hide App & Lock Apps is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Google Smart Lock or App Lock, Hide App & Lock Apps?

App Lock, Hide App & Lock Apps is rated higher. Google Smart Lock averages 2.5 out of 5 from 614 ratings, while App Lock, Hide App & Lock Apps averages 4.4 from 12K ratings.

### Do Google Smart Lock or App Lock, Hide App & Lock Apps have ads?

Neither Google Smart Lock nor App Lock, Hide App & Lock Apps shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Google Smart Lock or App Lock, Hide App & Lock Apps?

Google Smart Lock ships an update every 2 months, and App Lock, Hide App & Lock Apps every 5 days. Most recently, Google Smart Lock was updated on September 25, 2026 and App Lock, Hide App & Lock Apps on September 25, 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.*