# Security Camera vs App Lock

Security Camera and App Lock both sit at 4.5 stars, but that hides the real split: 74% of Security Camera's written reviews are positive against 33% of App Lock's. Security Camera also leads on ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (159 vs 5). App Lock's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 2 months). On price, rating, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Security Camera sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $8.99 per month and App Lock sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $2.99 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 — 4.5 for Security Camera against 4.6 for App Lock. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Security Camera has 159 ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 74% of Security Camera's written reviews are positive against 33% of App Lock's.

Security Camera ships an update every 2 months, App Lock weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 27, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Security Camera | App Lock |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (159 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/security-camera-watchful-cam/id6451049580/reviews) | **[4.6 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/app-lock-lock-apps-app-locker/id6467732552/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **159** | 5 |
| Positive reviews | **73.7% of reviews** | 33.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 21 MB | 53 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **16.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Anthony R. DePasquale](https://appshunter.io/developer/1696305034) | [小玲 黄](https://appshunter.io/developer/1651234772) |

## What reviewers say

### Security Camera

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/security-camera-watchful-cam/id6451049580)

Transform your old Apple devices into a powerful security camera system. Stream live video, capture snapshots, and receive motion detection alerts remotely. Footage is securely stored on your device or in your private iCloud.

**Highlights:** Live video feed, Video and snapshot recording, Time-lapse videos, Motion detection with notifications, Adjustable storage duration, Secure iCloud storage

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Watchful Pro (monthly) | $8.99 | per month |
| Watchful Pro (annual) | $39.99 | per year |
| Watchful Pro (lifetime) | $99.99 | one-time |


### App Lock

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/app-lock-lock-apps-app-locker/id6467732552)

This app offers robust privacy and protection features for your device. Secure your applications with password or face unlock, prevent unwanted installations and deletions, and block in-app purchases. Customize restriction modes for different activities to manage screen time effectively.

**Highlights:** Password protection for apps, Prevent app installation, Prevent app deletion, Block in-app purchases, Customizable restriction modes, Face unlock support

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro | $2.99 | per month |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Security Camera free?

Security Camera 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, Security Camera or App Lock?

App Lock is rated higher. Security Camera averages 4.5 out of 5 from 159 ratings, while App Lock averages 4.6 from 5 ratings.

### Do Security Camera or App Lock have ads?

App Lock shows ads; Security Camera does not.

### Which is updated more often, Security Camera or App Lock?

Security Camera ships an update every 2 months, and App Lock weekly. Most recently, Security Camera was updated on October 27, 2026 and App Lock on October 24, 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.*