# Photo/Message Lock vs App lock

The clearest difference is monetization model: App lock at free with in-app purchases against Photo/Message Lock's subscription. App lock also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs monthly). Photo/Message Lock's advantage is review sentiment (43% vs 13%) and rating (4.4 vs 4.1). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Photo/Message Lock sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 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.

Photo/Message Lock holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 4.1. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 796 and 763 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 43% of Photo/Message Lock's written reviews are positive against 13% of App lock's.

Photo/Message Lock ships an update monthly, App lock every 2 weeks. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Photo/Message Lock | App lock |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.4 (796 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/photomessage-lock-safecloud/id1339555230/reviews)** | [4.1 (763 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/app-lock-passcode-lock-apps/id1592938462/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **796** | 763 |
| Positive reviews | **43.2% of reviews** | 12.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 54 MB | 35 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **14.1** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Shesek LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1339555229) | [Changsha baixing Network Technology Co., Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1588591156) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### 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 Photo/Message Lock free?

Photo/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, Photo/Message Lock or App lock?

Photo/Message Lock is rated higher. Photo/Message Lock averages 4.4 out of 5 from 796 ratings, while App lock averages 4.1 from 763 ratings.

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

Neither Photo/Message Lock nor App lock shows ads.

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

Photo/Message Lock ships an update monthly, and App lock every 2 weeks. Most recently, Photo/Message Lock was updated on October 24, 2026 and App lock on October 24, 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.*