# App Vault vs App lock

App Vault and App lock both sit at 4.0 stars, but that hides the real split: 38% of App Vault's written reviews are positive against 13% of App lock's. On price, rating, ratings volume and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. App Vault sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days 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.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.0 for App Vault against 4.0 for App lock. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 298 and 757 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 38% of App Vault's written reviews are positive against 13% of App lock's.

App Vault ships an update every 3 weeks, App lock every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 8, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | App Vault | App lock |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (298 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/app-vault-lock-private-photo/id1589919997/reviews) | **[4.0 (757 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/app-lock-passcode-lock-apps/id1592938462/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 298 | **757** |
| Positive reviews | **38.0% of reviews** | 12.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 61 MB | 35 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.0** | 14.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Madduck](https://appshunter.io/developer/1435773822) | [Changsha baixing Network Technology Co., Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1588591156) |

## What reviewers say

### App Vault

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/app-vault-lock-private-photo/id1589919997)

Secure your personal data and enhance productivity with this app. It offers app locking with passwords or Face ID, an encrypted vault for photos and videos, and features to delay or block app access for focused usage.

**Highlights:** App Lock with Password/Face ID, Encrypted Photo and Video Vault, Delay App Access, Block Specific Apps, Customizable Focus Mode

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| App Vault Premium Subscription | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Premium | $8.99 | per month |
| App Vault Monthly Subscription | $8.99 | per month |
| Hide Apps, Keep them private | $29.99 | per year |
| App Vault Premium Subscription | $29.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Access | $54.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🔒 Effective app locking and privacy protection
- 📸 Successfully hides photo albums
- 👍 Easy to use with clear instructions
- 💰 Good value for money
- 🎯 Works well when instructions are followed properly

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 App frequently crashes or shows black screen
- ❌ Limited app compatibility - only works with pre-approved apps
- 😤 Difficult setup process and unclear instructions
- 💸 Paid app with subscription model despite misleading advertising
- 🚫 Non-functional locking feature for many users

**Reported bugs**

- Black screen on app launch
- Error message: 'App not found' when attempting to lock apps
- Error message: 'Could not run lock app; an error has occurred'
- Automation errors during setup
- App stops working after initial period

**Requested features**

- Support for more third-party apps (Discord, Safari, etc.)
- Ability to lock downloaded apps, not just native apps
- Password protection feature
- Logo customization options
- Better error handling and user guidance


### 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 App Vault free?

App Vault 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, App Vault or App lock?

App lock is rated higher. App Vault averages 4.0 out of 5 from 298 ratings, while App lock averages 4.0 from 757 ratings.

### Do App Vault or App lock have ads?

Neither App Vault nor App lock shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, App Vault or App lock?

App Vault ships an update every 3 weeks, and App lock every 2 weeks. Most recently, App Vault was updated on October 8, 2026 and App lock on October 16, 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.*