# Folder Lock vs Photo/Message Lock

The clearest difference is monetization model: Folder Lock at free with in-app purchases against Photo/Message Lock's subscription. Photo/Message Lock's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and rating (4.4 vs 4.2). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Folder Lock sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days and Photo/Message Lock sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Photo/Message Lock holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 4.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1.8K and 787 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 34% of Folder Lock's written reviews are positive against 43% of Photo/Message Lock's.

Folder Lock ships an update every 2 months, Photo/Message Lock monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 27, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Folder Lock | Photo/Message Lock |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.2 (1.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/folder-lock/id372925917/reviews) | **[4.4 (787 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/photomessage-lock-safecloud/id1339555230/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **1.8K** | 787 |
| Positive reviews | 33.8% of reviews | **43.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 67 MB | 54 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [NewSoftwares.net](https://appshunter.io/developer/372925920) | [Shesek LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1339555229) |

## What reviewers say

### Folder Lock

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/folder-lock/id372925917)

Secure your private files, photos, videos, and sensitive information with password protection and encryption. This app also functions as a file manager, allowing wireless transfers and secure browsing, acting as a comprehensive tool for smartphone data security and privacy.

**Highlights:** Password-protect files and folders, Encrypt sensitive data, Secure private photos and videos, Wireless file transfer (PC/Mac), Password manager, Secure notes and wallet cards, Secure browser

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Folder Lock Weekly | $0.99 | per 7 days |
| Folder Lock Subscription | $39.99 | per year |
| Unlocked Feature Pack | $3.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🔒 Secure file storage
- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Fast file transfers

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes and freezes
- 💥 Data loss after updates
- 📢 Excessive ads and pop-ups
- 🔑 Password/login issues
- 🤯 Unreliable app performance

**Reported bugs**

- Photos and videos becoming corrupted or lost
- App crashing on launch or during use
- Login/password reset functionality not working
- Inability to access or transfer stored files

**Requested features**

- Ability to recover lost data
- Improved file management options
- Cross-device syncing capabilities
- Better customer support responsiveness


### Photo/Message Lock

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/photomessage-lock-safecloud/id1339555230)

Securely store private photos, videos, and messages in a personal cloud vault. Protect your sensitive data with multi-factor authentication and biometric unlock options. Easily import chats from popular messaging apps.

**Highlights:** Multi-factor authentication, Cloud storage for private data, Import chats from WhatsApp and Line, Biometric unlock (TouchID, FaceID), Optional cloud syncing, Password recovery via multi-factor authentication

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Subscription | $9.99 | per month |
| Premium subscription | $59.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🔒 Secure data protection
- 💡 Innovative features

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Unreliable app performance
- 💔 Password recovery issues
- 🚫 Doesn't work as advertised

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes on launch
- Data loss issues
- Subscription management problems

**Requested features**

- Expand chat app support beyond WhatsApp
- Add password recovery option


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Folder Lock free?

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

### Is Photo/Message Lock free?

Photo/Message Lock is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Folder Lock or Photo/Message Lock?

Photo/Message Lock is rated higher. Folder Lock averages 4.2 out of 5 from 1.8K ratings, while Photo/Message Lock averages 4.4 from 787 ratings.

### Do Folder Lock or Photo/Message Lock have ads?

Folder Lock shows ads; Photo/Message Lock does not.

### Which is updated more often, Folder Lock or Photo/Message Lock?

Folder Lock ships an update every 2 months, and Photo/Message Lock monthly. Most recently, Folder Lock was updated on September 27, 2026 and Photo/Message Lock on September 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.*