# Google Smart Lock vs AppLock

The clearest difference is rating: AppLock at 4.5 against Google Smart Lock's 2.5. AppLock also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months) and review sentiment (21% vs 10%). Google Smart Lock's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 7) and ads (none vs shown). On price, ratings volume, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. AppLock sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Google Smart Lock asks for nothing beyond the download.

AppLock holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 2.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 635 and 1.4K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 10% of Google Smart Lock's written reviews are positive against 21% of AppLock's.

Google Smart Lock ships an update every 2 months, AppLock every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Google Smart Lock | AppLock |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.5 (635 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/google-smart-lock/id1152066360/reviews) | **[4.5 (1.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/applock-lock-and-guard-private/id6450743069/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 635 | **1.4K** |
| Positive reviews | 10.3% of reviews | **21.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#146** | — |
| Size | 56 MB | 264 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Google LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/281956209) | [CEM SOFTWARE LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1664408786) |

## What reviewers say

### Google Smart Lock

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

**Currently charting:** #146 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


### AppLock

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/applock-lock-and-guard-private/id6450743069)

Secure your apps, photos, and notes with advanced locking mechanisms. Block distractions, customize themes, and catch intruders to protect your personal data and enhance productivity.

**Highlights:** Lock all apps, Distraction blocking, Scheduled blocking, Customizable themes, Intruder selfie, Private web browser, Hide photos, contacts, notes

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

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| AppLock Premium | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| AppLock Premium | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Lock Apps Premium | $9.99 | per month |
| AppLock - Lock Premium | $9.99 | per month |
| AppLock Yearly Subscription | $29.99 | per year |
| Sale Off | $29.99 | per year |
| App Lock Yearly  Discount | $79.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🔒 Safe and secure
- 🔒 Private browsing and app locking
- 👍 Easy to use

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Difficult to follow instructions
- 🐛 App doesn't work as expected
- 💰 Requires payment to unlock full functionality

**Reported bugs**

- App doesn't lock all apps as promised
- App caused loss of contacts

**Requested features**

- Make the app free to use
- Improve instructions and user interface


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Google Smart Lock free?

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

### Is AppLock free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Google Smart Lock or AppLock?

AppLock is rated higher. Google Smart Lock averages 2.5 out of 5 from 635 ratings, while AppLock averages 4.5 from 1.4K ratings.

### Do Google Smart Lock or AppLock have ads?

AppLock shows ads; Google Smart Lock does not.

### Which is updated more often, Google Smart Lock or AppLock?

Google Smart Lock ships an update every 2 months, and AppLock every 3 weeks. Most recently, Google Smart Lock was updated on October 26, 2026 and AppLock on October 22, 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.*