# Message Lock vs AppLock

The clearest difference is review sentiment: AppLock at 69% against Message Lock's 8%. AppLock also leads on rating (3.8 vs 2.1) and in-app purchases (none vs 1). Message Lock's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (8.0 vs 14.0). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Message Lock sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $2.99 per month. AppLock asks for nothing beyond the download.

AppLock holds the better App Store score, 3.8 against 2.1. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 50 and 35 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 8% of Message Lock's written reviews are positive against 69% of AppLock's.

Message Lock ships an update every 5 days, AppLock every 3 days. Both last shipped on October 21, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Message Lock | AppLock |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.1 (50 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/message-lock-hide-messages/id1303088165/reviews) | **[3.8 (35 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/applock-fingerprint-lock/id6478912899/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **50** | 35 |
| Positive reviews | 8.3% of reviews | **69.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 5 days | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 35 MB | 33 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 14.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [国媚 张](https://appshunter.io/developer/1504191475) | [Son Ngo Dinh](https://appshunter.io/developer/1294059894) |

## 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 |


### AppLock

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/applock-fingerprint-lock/id6478912899)

Secure your phone by locking individual apps with a password or fingerprint. Protect sensitive data like photos, messages, and financial information from unauthorized access. Customize your lock screen with various background options.

**Highlights:** PIN code and pattern locks, Fingerprint unlock, Lock photos and images, Lock messages and contacts, Customizable lock screen backgrounds, Prevent unauthorized app access

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Message Lock free?

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

### Is AppLock free?

AppLock is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Message Lock or AppLock?

AppLock is rated higher. Message Lock averages 2.1 out of 5 from 50 ratings, while AppLock averages 3.8 from 35 ratings.

### Do Message Lock or AppLock have ads?

AppLock shows ads; Message Lock does not.

### Which is updated more often, Message Lock or AppLock?

Message Lock ships an update every 5 days, and AppLock every 3 days. Most recently, Message Lock was updated on October 21, 2026 and AppLock on October 21, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*