# Microscope vs Hidden Photo Vault

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Hidden Photo Vault at 90% against Microscope's 4%. Hidden Photo Vault also leads on rating (4.7 vs 2.0) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 10 months). Microscope's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and ads (none vs shown). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Hidden Photo Vault sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Microscope asks for nothing beyond the download.

Hidden Photo Vault holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 2.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Hidden Photo Vault has 1.9K ratings behind it against 223, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 4% of Microscope's written reviews are positive against 90% of Hidden Photo Vault's.

Microscope ships an update every 10 months, Hidden Photo Vault every 2 months. Both last shipped on October 23, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Microscope | Hidden Photo Vault |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.0 (223 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/microscope/id334954274/reviews) | **[4.7 (1.9K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hidden-photo-vault-hide-app-ls/id638301139/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 223 | **1.9K** |
| Positive reviews | 4.3% of reviews | **89.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 10 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Subscription |
| Size | 8 MB | 30 MB |
| Requires iOS | **3.1** | 12.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [LogSat LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1699285728) | [Universum Multimedia OOD](https://appshunter.io/developer/638301142) |

## What reviewers say

### Microscope

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/microscope/id334954274)

Transform your iPhone into a high-magnification microscope. Explore the intricate details of everyday objects like skin, eyes, and hair with impressive digital zoom. Amaze others by revealing hidden cellular structures and fine particles.

**Highlights:** High-magnification digital zoom, Magnify skin and reveal cell structure, View inner eye details, Examine hair particles, Impress friends with detailed views

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 😄 Fun prank app to trick friends
- ✨ Crisp and beautifully magnified images
- 📱 Doesn't crash
- 🎯 Realistic camera integration at start

**What reviewers complain about**

- 😞 Displays same pre-loaded images regardless of input
- 🚫 Misleading as fake microscope
- 💾 Wastes storage and data
- 🎬 Only shows pre-recorded videos
- 😤 Repetitive content after first use

**Reported bugs**

- Information screen goes black and unresponsive
- Cannot return to main screen from info screen
- Camera recognition fails for non-hand/eye/hair objects
- App shows same image even with camera covered
- Works only once then requires app restart

**Requested features**

- Show actual magnified images of scanned objects
- Real microscope functionality
- Ability to take multiple different pictures
- Clearer description that app is a prank/gag
- Update for iPod Touch with camera compatibility


### Hidden Photo Vault

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hidden-photo-vault-hide-app-ls/id638301139)

Securely store passwords, notes, photos, videos, contacts, and financial information. Features hardware encryption, biometric login, and local storage for ultimate privacy. Offers unlimited import/export and an in-app camera.

**Highlights:** Hardware encrypted data storage, Biometric login (Touch ID/Face ID), Local data storage only, Unlimited media import/export, In-app camera for discreet capture, Secure storage for passwords and notes

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 Month Full Access + No Ads | $1.99 | per month |
| 1 Year Full Access + No Ads | $17.99 | per year |
| Hide Fullscreen Ads | Free | one-time |
| Permanent Full Access + No Ads | $29.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🔒 Secure storage
- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Effective at keeping files private
- 💡 Useful for storing passwords, photos, and other sensitive data
- 👍 Reliable and stable

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Issues with video playback and file retrieval after updates
- 🔒 Concerns about data security and lack of cloud backup
- 💰 Complaints about paywall and forced subscriptions

**Reported bugs**

- Videos not playing after app updates
- Inability to retrieve or download stored files
- App crashing or becoming unresponsive

**Requested features**

- Ability to create sub-folders
- Failsafe for deleting all content after multiple incorrect password attempts
- Decoy password option to protect sensitive data
- Full-screen mode for better viewing of notes and documents


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Microscope free?

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

### Is Hidden Photo Vault free?

Hidden Photo Vault is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Microscope or Hidden Photo Vault?

Hidden Photo Vault is rated higher. Microscope averages 2.0 out of 5 from 223 ratings, while Hidden Photo Vault averages 4.7 from 1.9K ratings.

### Do Microscope or Hidden Photo Vault have ads?

Hidden Photo Vault shows ads; Microscope does not.

### Which is updated more often, Microscope or Hidden Photo Vault?

Microscope ships an update every 10 months, and Hidden Photo Vault every 2 months. Most recently, Microscope was updated on October 23, 2026 and Hidden Photo Vault on October 23, 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.*