# Message Lock vs App lock

The clearest difference is rating: App lock at 4.0 against Message Lock's 2.1. App lock also leads on ratings volume (757 vs 50). Message Lock's advantage is update cadence (every 5 days vs every 2 weeks) and iOS requirement (8.0 vs 14.1). On price, review sentiment, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Message Lock sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $2.99 per month and App lock sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

App lock holds the better App Store score, 4.0 against 2.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: App lock has 757 ratings behind it against 50, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 8% of Message Lock's written reviews are positive against 13% of App lock's.

Message Lock ships an update every 5 days, App lock every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 16, 2026 and September 18, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Message Lock | App lock |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.1 (50 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/message-lock-hide-messages/id1303088165/reviews) | **[4.0 (757 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/app-lock-passcode-lock-apps/id1592938462/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 50 | **757** |
| Positive reviews | 8.3% of reviews | **12.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 days** | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 35 MB | 35 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 14.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [国媚 张](https://appshunter.io/developer/1504191475) | [Changsha baixing Network Technology Co., Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1588591156) |

## What reviewers say

### Message Lock

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/message-lock-hide-messages/id1303088165)

Secure your private conversations by locking them with a password or fingerprint. Easily export and back up chats to keep them hidden. Access archived conversations only after authentication.

**Highlights:** Lock messages with password, Fingerprint authentication, Export chats, Backup conversations, Archive chats, Ad-free experience

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Chat Locker With Free Trial | $2.99 | per month |


### App lock

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/app-lock-passcode-lock-apps/id1592938462)

Secure your apps with custom passwords and personalized icons. This utility allows you to hide apps, change their appearance, and set up biometric unlocking for enhanced privacy and a unique device aesthetic.

**Highlights:** Lock and hide apps, Customize app icons with photos or built-in library, Personalize app names, Set passcode locks, Support TouchID/FaceID unlocking, Batch customization of icons and names

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 应用图标锁高级版月订阅 | $3.99 | per month |
| 应用图标锁高级版包季订阅 | $5.99 | per 3 months |
| 应用图标锁一次性购买永久解锁划算 | $14.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🔒 Secure app locking
- 💡 Customization options

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🚫 Requires subscription for basic features
- 🌐 Non-English interface
- ⚠️ Unreliable functionality
- 💰 Expensive pricing

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes frequently
- Locked apps can still be accessed
- Subscription issues

**Requested features**

- Add English language support
- Improve user interface
- Provide free trial option


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Message Lock free?

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

### Is App lock free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Message Lock or App lock?

App lock is rated higher. Message Lock averages 2.1 out of 5 from 50 ratings, while App lock averages 4.0 from 757 ratings.

### Do Message Lock or App lock have ads?

Neither Message Lock nor App lock shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Message Lock or App lock?

Message Lock ships an update every 5 days, and App lock every 2 weeks. Most recently, Message Lock was updated on September 16, 2026 and App lock on September 18, 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.*