Comparison

Paranoia File Encryption Lite vs AEStego

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

Head to head
About

Paranoia File Encryption Lite

Securely encrypt your private files and folders using robust algorithms. This app creates encrypted archives and offers options to delete original files automatically or manually after encryption. It supports multiple strong encryption ciphers for enhanced data protection.

Highlights
  • Encrypt files and folders
  • Create .enc archive files
  • Delete original files automatically
  • Supports Blowfish, AES, RC6, Serpent, Twofish
  • Decrypt PRO version encrypted files
Features
Read full description

• Paranoia File Encryption is a universal file encryption application for iOS (iPhone/iPad/iPod), brought to you by Paranoia Works. It securely encrypts your private and confidential files or entire folders. P.F.E. works like an archiver, creating a new .enc file after encryption. The original file(s) can be deleted or wiped after the encryption process is completed. This can be done manually or set to be done automatically. • The app guarantees real security by encrypting data using robust encryption algorithms: Blowfish 448 bits, AES 256 bits, RC6 256 bits, Serpent 256 bits, and Twofish 256 bits ciphers. • Steganography: The application offers steganographic features, allowing you to conceal files within a JPEG image. Two algorithms are available: J-UNIWARD and F5. The selected algorithm works with your chosen symmetric cipher to create the final steganogram. • Versions for other systems and platforms are available on the application's homepage (download section - https://paranoiaworks.mobi/download/). • The AES web version is available at: https://pteo.paranoiaworks.mobi/paranoia-file-encryption/ • Free / PRO version differences: The PRO version contains more algorithms - specifically, Threefish 1024bit, SHACAL-2 512bit, and Paranoia C4 2048bit (which is a cascade of Threefish–Serpent–AES–SHACAL2). The free version can decrypt data encrypted by these advanced algorithms, but encryption is exclusive to the PRO version. In addition, the PRO version allows the selection of multiple files and their batch processing. It also provides a key to activate the PRO version of the desktop application: Paranoia File & Text Encryption for PC, Paranoia Text Encryption for PC and S.S.E. File Encryptor for PC

About

AEStego

This app allows you to securely embed text or files within images using advanced steganographic techniques and AES-256 encryption. It ensures your data remains private, tamper-resistant, and visually undetectable within ordinary photos, operating entirely offline.

Highlights
  • AES-256-GCM authenticated encryption
  • Embed text, documents, PDFs, images, and files
  • Lossless PNG and TIFF support
  • Pseudorandom bit distribution
  • 100% offline operation
  • No tracking or analytics
Features
Read full description

AEStego — Secure Image Steganography AEStego allows you to securely embed data inside images using advanced steganographic techniques and AES-256 encryption. Keep sensitive information concealed within ordinary photos while maintaining image quality and full offline privacy. Unlike simple “hide text” apps, AEStego is built for serious privacy. It combines authenticated AES encryption, compression, and structured data integrity verification to ensure your embedded content remains secure and tamper-resistant. Advanced Encryption • AES-256-GCM authenticated encryption • Optional hardware-bound Secure Enclave mode • Hybrid key derivation for strong password protection • Integrity verification with SHA-256 validation Your data remains encrypted and authenticated before being embedded. Professional Steganography • Pseudorandom bit distribution • Lossless PNG and TIFF support • Automatic JPEG conversion to lossless format • Capacity validation before embedding • No visible image distortion The carrier image remains visually unchanged while securely holding your data. Smart Compression • Compression applied before embedding • Works with encrypted and unencrypted payloads • Reduces detectable patterns • Efficient storage inside images Embed Text or Files AEStego supports embedding: • Text messages • Documents • PDFs • Images • JSON • ZIP files • Any binary file Extracted payloads are restored byte-for-byte with integrity verification. Secure Extraction • Detect embedded payloads • Automatic structure validation • Password-protected extraction (if encrypted) • Save or share recovered data • Integrity and authentication verification If an image does not contain valid embedded data, AEStego safely reports it. Privacy First • 100% offline operation • No tracking • No analytics • No cloud dependency • No account required Your data never leaves your device. Designed for Professionals AEStego is ideal for: • Privacy-conscious users • Security researchers • Journalists • Developers • Digital security enthusiasts Clean interface. Technical accuracy. No gimmicks. How It Works Select an image Select text or file Enable encryption (optional) Embed data Extract when needed Simple workflow, powerful protection. AEStego combines modern encryption with advanced steganography to provide a secure, professional-grade tool for discreet data concealment. Stay private. Stay secure.

Screenshots

Paranoia File Encryption Lite4 screens
AEStego4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is monetization model: Paranoia File Encryption Lite at free against AEStego's paid. Paranoia File Encryption Lite also leads on device support (4 vs 2) and iOS requirement (14.5 vs 17.0). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads 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

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Paranoia File Encryption Lite against 5.0 for AEStego. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 1 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Paranoia File Encryption Lite versus AEStego: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterParanoia File Encryption LiteAEStego
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (2 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings)
Positive reviews71.4% of reviews—
Number of ratings2 — better1
Update frequencyEvery 2 months—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree — betterPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS14.5 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size23 MB3 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperFrantisek DvorakSeth Farrington18896201822

Customer experience

Paranoia File Encryption Lite

All ratings2 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews7 reviews
Positive71.4%
Neutral0.0%
Negative28.6%

AEStego

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

Paranoia File Encryption Lite

No in-app purchases

None

AEStego

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Paranoia File Encryption Lite free?
Paranoia File Encryption Lite is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is AEStego free?
AEStego is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Paranoia File Encryption Lite or AEStego?
Paranoia File Encryption Lite and AEStego are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 2 and 1 ratings respectively.
Do Paranoia File Encryption Lite or AEStego have ads?
Neither Paranoia File Encryption Lite nor AEStego shows ads.

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