# Xessages vs Photo/Message Lock

The clearest difference is rating: Photo/Message Lock at 4.4 against Xessages's 3.6. Photo/Message Lock also leads on ratings volume (796 vs 22) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 18.0). Xessages's advantage is monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs subscription). On price, review sentiment, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Xessages sells 6 one-off in-app purchases and Photo/Message Lock sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Photo/Message Lock holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 3.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Photo/Message Lock has 796 ratings behind it against 22, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 50% of Xessages's written reviews are positive against 43% of Photo/Message Lock's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Xessages ships an update every 2 months, Photo/Message Lock monthly. Both last shipped on November 2, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Xessages | Photo/Message Lock |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.6 (22 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/xessages/id1154245080/reviews) | **[4.4 (796 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/photomessage-lock-safecloud/id1339555230/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 22 | **796** |
| Positive reviews | **50.0% of reviews** | 43.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 10 MB | 54 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Mansa Me Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/573811820) | [Shesek LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1339555229) |

## What reviewers say

### Xessages

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/xessages/id1154245080)

This app allows you to send private text and photo messages that automatically self-destruct after a set time. Nothing is stored or saved, ensuring your conversations remain confidential. Enjoy secure and ephemeral communication.

**Highlights:** Self-destructing messages, Send photos and text, No storage or saving, Private chat, Ephemeral communication

**Features:** Apple Wallet, iMessage stickers

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pictures | $0.99 | one-time |
| Read Authentication | $0.99 | one-time |
| Write Authentication | $0.99 | one-time |
| Destruction Time | $1.99 | one-time |
| Time Validation | $1.99 | one-time |
| Unlimited One Time Pad Codes | $9.99 | one-time |


### Photo/Message Lock

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/photomessage-lock-safecloud/id1339555230)

Securely store private photos, videos, and messages in a personal cloud vault. Protect your sensitive data with multi-factor authentication and biometric unlock options. Easily import chats from popular messaging apps.

**Highlights:** Multi-factor authentication, Cloud storage for private data, Import chats from WhatsApp and Line, Biometric unlock (TouchID, FaceID), Optional cloud syncing, Password recovery via multi-factor authentication

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Subscription | $9.99 | per month |
| Premium subscription | $59.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🔒 Secure data protection
- 💡 Innovative features

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Unreliable app performance
- 💔 Password recovery issues
- 🚫 Doesn't work as advertised

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes on launch
- Data loss issues
- Subscription management problems

**Requested features**

- Expand chat app support beyond WhatsApp
- Add password recovery option


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Xessages free?

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

### Is Photo/Message Lock free?

Photo/Message Lock is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Xessages or Photo/Message Lock?

Photo/Message Lock is rated higher. Xessages averages 3.6 out of 5 from 22 ratings, while Photo/Message Lock averages 4.4 from 796 ratings.

### Do Xessages or Photo/Message Lock have ads?

Neither Xessages nor Photo/Message Lock shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Xessages or Photo/Message Lock?

Xessages ships an update every 2 months, and Photo/Message Lock monthly. Most recently, Xessages was updated on November 2, 2026 and Photo/Message Lock on November 2, 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.*