# VPN vs App Lock, Hide App & Lock Apps

The clearest difference is monetization model: VPN at free with in-app purchases against App Lock, Hide App & Lock Apps's subscription. VPN also leads on rating (4.6 vs 4.4). App Lock, Hide App & Lock Apps's advantage is ratings volume (12K vs 1.3K). On price, review sentiment, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. VPN sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per 7 days and App Lock, Hide App & Lock Apps sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

VPN holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: App Lock, Hide App & Lock Apps has 12K ratings behind it against 1.3K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 38% and 39% positive.

VPN ships an update weekly, App Lock, Hide App & Lock Apps every 5 days. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | VPN | App Lock, Hide App & Lock Apps |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (1.3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vpn/id1489087755/reviews)** | [4.4 (12K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/app-lock-hide-app-and-lock-apps/id1616433953/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1.3K | **12K** |
| Positive reviews | 38.2% of reviews | **38.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Weekly | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 42 MB | 124 MB |
| Requires iOS | 11.0 | 11.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [IMOFEKS, TOV](https://appshunter.io/developer/1489043647) | [KINGSMEN VIETNAM COMPANY LIMITED](https://appshunter.io/developer/1615149387) |

## What reviewers say

### VPN

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vpn/id1489087755)

This app provides a secure and private browsing experience by encrypting your network and hiding your IP address. It allows access to blocked websites and apps with high speed and anonymity, protecting your online identity on public Wi-Fi.

**Highlights:** Encrypted network for security and privacy, Hides IP address for anonymity, Access blocked websites and apps, High VPN speed, Protects online identity on public Wi-Fi, One-tap connection to VPN server

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 week (with trial) | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| 1 month (with trial) | $19.99 | per month |
| 1 year (with trial) | $99.99 | per year |


### App Lock, Hide App & Lock Apps

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/app-lock-hide-app-and-lock-apps/id1616433953)

Secure your digital life with this app that locks your applications, hides sensitive files like photos and videos, and manages your passwords. Protect your confidential information with a unique password and generate strong, random passwords for enhanced security.

**Highlights:** App Lock, Hide Apps, Photos Lock, Videos Lock, Secret Password Manager, Confidential Information Management, Generate Random Password

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| App Lock Premium Membership | $6.99 | per month |
| App Locker Yearly Premium | $19.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Premium Membership | $29.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 User-friendly interface
- 🔒 Effective app locking
- 🚀 Stable performance
- 💡 Separate security password
- 🔒 Ability to hide apps

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Doesn't actually hide apps
- 🐛 Doesn't work as advertised
- 💰 Expensive subscription
- 🐛 Crashes and bugs
- 🤖 Automated customer support responses

**Reported bugs**

- Apps still visible in App Library
- Stuck in tutorial mode
- Subscription issues after device reset

**Requested features**

- Trial period for app
- Ability to change app icon and name
- Option to recover deleted photos


## Frequently asked questions

### Is VPN free?

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

### Is App Lock, Hide App & Lock Apps free?

App Lock, Hide App & Lock Apps is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, VPN or App Lock, Hide App & Lock Apps?

VPN is rated higher. VPN averages 4.6 out of 5 from 1.3K ratings, while App Lock, Hide App & Lock Apps averages 4.4 from 12K ratings.

### Do VPN or App Lock, Hide App & Lock Apps have ads?

Neither VPN nor App Lock, Hide App & Lock Apps shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, VPN or App Lock, Hide App & Lock Apps?

VPN ships an update weekly, and App Lock, Hide App & Lock Apps every 5 days. Most recently, VPN was updated on October 24, 2026 and App Lock, Hide App & Lock Apps 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.*