# NordLocker vs Sandbar

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: NordLocker at none against Sandbar's 18. Sandbar's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 4 weeks). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Sandbar sells 18 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. NordLocker asks for nothing beyond the download.

NordLocker ships an update every 4 weeks, Sandbar weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 22, 2026 and November 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | NordLocker | Sandbar |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.7 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nordlocker-private-cloud/id1582765682/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **13** | — |
| Positive reviews | 9.6% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 weeks | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 67 MB | 16 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **16.4** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Nordvpn S.A.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1548694093) | [Xavier Joseph Haas](https://appshunter.io/developer/6816002596) |

## What reviewers say

### NordLocker

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nordlocker-private-cloud/id1582765682)

Securely store and encrypt your photos, videos, and files in the cloud or locally. This app offers end-to-end encryption and zero-knowledge architecture, ensuring only you have access to your data. Share files securely with others while maintaining complete control.

**Highlights:** End-to-end file encryption, Zero-knowledge cloud storage, Local encryption tool, Secure file sharing, Cross-device syncing, Access control

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🔒 Secure encryption
- 👍 Decent free storage plan
- 🚀 Improving with updates

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes and freezes
- 👎 Clunky and unintuitive UI
- 🕰️ Slow file uploads/downloads
- 🔒 Excessive password requirements

**Reported bugs**

- Login issues and recovery key problems
- Compatibility problems on newer devices
- Inconsistent file sync and upload failures

**Requested features**

- Add thumbnail previews for files
- Allow batch/folder uploads
- Implement biometric login
- Integrate with native Files app
- Add dark mode option


### Sandbar

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sandbar-adhd-focus-timer/id6816002594)

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

**In-app purchases (18)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Sandbar Plus (monthly) | $3.99 | per month |
| Sandbar Plus (yearly) | $24.99 | per year |
| River Life | $1.99 | one-time |
| Christmas Bakery | $1.99 | one-time |
| Evening at the Hut | $1.99 | one-time |
| Teahouse | $1.99 | one-time |
| Jungle Camp | $1.99 | one-time |
| Dive Center | $1.99 | one-time |
| Northern Lights Night | $1.99 | one-time |
| Moon Leisure | $1.99 | one-time |
| Surf Morning | $1.99 | one-time |
| Dolce Vita | $1.99 | one-time |
| Tea Party | $1.99 | one-time |
| Hytte | $1.99 | one-time |
| Rice Terraces | $2.99 | one-time |
| Mangrove Delta | $2.99 | one-time |
| Christmas Village | $3.99 | one-time |
| Cloud Peak | $3.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is NordLocker free?

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

### Is Sandbar free?

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

### Do NordLocker or Sandbar have ads?

Neither NordLocker nor Sandbar shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, NordLocker or Sandbar?

NordLocker ships an update every 4 weeks, and Sandbar weekly. Most recently, NordLocker was updated on October 22, 2026 and Sandbar on November 1, 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.*