Comparison

Strongbox Zero vs StartMail

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Strongbox Zero

This app securely stores and protects your passwords with a master password. It supports open-source formats and offers advanced security features like biometric unlock and hardware token protection. It's designed for users who prefer a local-only password management solution.

Highlights
  • Local-only password storage
  • Biometric and PIN unlock
  • YubiKey hardware token protection
  • Military-grade cryptography
  • Password auditing for weak passwords
  • Secure document attachment viewer
  • Import/Export via Files app and Email
Features
Read full description

Strongbox Zero is a version of the well known and loved Strongbox with all of the networking code and as many third party libraries stripped out as we could! Think of it as the Drag Racer version of Strongbox! If you're a fan of Local Only password managers this could be the right choice for you. We recommend you get to know (and love!) the regular Strongbox first through the Freemium app. Once you're happy and sure you want to go local only, go for Strongbox Zero... Strongbox Zero is an application for keeping all your passwords safely stored and protected by one master password. Supporting the open source Password Safe and KeePass formats. *** Features *** - Face ID/Touch ID Unlock for the ultimate in convenience, security and speed. - PIN Code Unlock with a Duress PIN option for those tricky situations. - YubiKey protection - secure your databases with a hardware token. - Secure - protected by time tested military grade cryptography. - Private - Isolated In-App attachments viewer for your sensitive documents, photos & videos. - Audit your passwords - Automatically check your database for weak passwords - Search your entire set of passwords and secrets instantly and powerfully, with deep search. Autocomplete new entries, and auto generate secure passwords. - Compatible - Import/Export by Files app, Email, CSV, iTunes File Sharing - Standards compliant - using the time tested Password Safe and KeePass formats so you can import any existing password safe you have. - Features galore - Incredibly configurable password generation including Diceware (XKCD) & regular passwords. - Timed Auto Clear Clipboard. - Entry History. - KeePass Field References, Tags & Custom Icons. - Two Factor Authentication codes (TOTP) - QR Code, Steam & Manual. --------------------------------------------------------------------- • Payment will be charged to iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase • Strongbox Privacy Policy may be found here: https://strongboxsafe.com/privacy-policy/ • Strongbox Terms of Use may be found here: https://strongboxsafe.com/terms/

About

StartMail

Secure your inbox with private email, offering unlimited aliases to protect your real address. Send encrypted messages and manage your mail offline, ensuring your communications remain yours without ads or tracking.

Highlights
  • Unlimited email aliases
  • Encrypted messaging
  • Offline email access
  • No ads or tracking
  • Customizable appearance
  • IMAP support
Features
Read full description

StartMail is private email from the Netherlands, built for people who want an inbox that stays theirs. Protect your real address with unlimited aliases, send encrypted messages, and keep working offline when your connection is unreliable. With the StartMail app, you can • Keep your inbox private without ads, tracking, or profiling • Protect your real address with unlimited aliases • Send encrypted messages, even to people who do not use encryption • Read, draft, and queue emails offline • Attach files, preview documents, and manage mail with swipe actions Stay private • No ads, tracking, profiling, or data selling • Aliases help keep your main email address private • Encryption helps protect sensitive messages Stay productive anywhere • Read cached mail offline • Keep writing drafts without a connection • Queue messages to send later Stay in control • Delete aliases you no longer need • Use the mobile app, webmail, or IMAP • Choose light, dark, or system appearance Why choose StartMail? StartMail is based in the Netherlands. Your email and data are protected by Dutch privacy law and GDPR. StartMail was built by privacy pioneers who previously founded Startpage, the world’s most private search engine. StartMail is a separate company with its own team, infrastructure, and privacy policies. Follow StartMail Website: https://www.startmail.com Blog: https://www.startmail.com/blog Support: https://support.startmail.com Facebook: /MyStartMail X: @mystartmail Instagram: @mystartmail LinkedIn: /company/startmail-bv

Screenshots

Strongbox Zero4 screens
StartMail4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: StartMail at Free against Strongbox Zero's $99.99. Strongbox Zero's advantage is rating (4.3 vs 3.3) and ratings volume (21 vs 4). On ads, in-app purchases and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

StartMail is free to download; Strongbox Zero costs $99.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Strongbox Zero holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 3.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Strongbox Zero has 21 ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Strongbox Zero versus StartMail: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterStrongbox ZeroStartMail
Price$99.99Free — better
Rating4.3 (21 ratings) — better3.3 (4 ratings)
Positive reviews75.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings21 — better4
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeks—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple Watch — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS15.0 — better15.1
Further details — not scored
Size96 MB35 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperPhoebe Code LimitedStartMail

In-app purchases

None

Strongbox Zero

No in-app purchases

None

StartMail

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Strongbox Zero free?
Strongbox Zero costs $99.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is StartMail free?
StartMail is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Strongbox Zero or StartMail?
Strongbox Zero is rated higher. Strongbox Zero averages 4.3 out of 5 from 21 ratings, while StartMail averages 3.3 from 4 ratings.
Do Strongbox Zero or StartMail have ads?
Neither Strongbox Zero nor StartMail shows ads.

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