Comparison

Private Vault vs Buddy

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

Head to head
About

Private Vault

Securely store and encrypt your photos, videos, files, contacts, and passwords locally. Protect your sensitive data with military-grade encryption and auto-lock features. Back up your information via encrypted iCloud sync.

Highlights
  • Local-only storage
  • Military-grade encryption
  • Passcode, Face ID, Touch ID lock
  • Photo and video vault
  • Password manager
  • Encrypted contacts and notes
  • Secure file storage
  • Encrypted iCloud sync
Features
Read full description

Protect your most sensitive data with Private Vault — the all-in-one privacy safe that keeps your information 100% private and secure. • No Internet Required – Local-only storage, no data uploaded to third-party servers • Military-Grade Encryption – Advanced encryption for photos, videos, files and accounts • Auto-Lock Protection – Secure access with Passcode, Face ID or Touch ID • Private Photo & Video Vault – Hide and encrypt unlimited photos and videos • Password Manager – Store accounts safely with built-in strong password generator • Encrypted Contacts & Notes – Protect important contacts, diaries and private notes • Secure File Folder – Encrypted file storage with fast in-app preview • iCloud Sync Only – Automatic backup and restore via encrypted iCloud sync Everything stays under your control. Keep your privacy private. ======================================== 【 Technical Support 】 Email: appshui2023@163.com ======================================== [Membership Subscription Plan] 1. Join the membership subscription plan and enjoy free access to all functions. 2. iCloud automatic data backup and restoration 3. Photo encryption, video encryption, file encryption 4. Password lock protection 5. Unlimited storage 6. WiFi backup 7. Password generator, randomly generating various passwords The subscription members offer different plans, which are either charged monthly or annually. If needed, we also provide a one-time payment service. - Subscription payments will be collected from the iTunes account when the purchase is confirmed. - The subscription will automatically renew unless the automatic renewal is turned off 24 hours before the end of the current period. - A renewal fee will be charged to the account 24 hours before the end of the current period, and the renewal cost will be determined. - Users can manage the subscription and turn off the automatic renewal in the iTunes account settings after the purchase. ======================================== -Terms of Use:https://doc-hosting.flycricket.io/secbox-terms/96993e08-f2d6-43a5-a68a-3d34f755a396/privacy -Privacy Policy: https://doc-hosting.flycricket.io/secbox/d9986bde-45ff-4a92-87f9-6eafebe7e310/privacy

About

Buddy

This app helps users break down large tasks into smaller, manageable steps. It features timed focus sessions and scheduled breaks to prevent burnout, with visual progress tracking and positive reinforcement to build confidence and healthy habits.

Highlights
  • Simple task breakdown
  • Customized focus system
  • Timed focus periods
  • Scheduled breaks
  • Visual progress tracking
  • Positive reinforcement
  • Clean, calming interface
Read full description

Break tasks down and build focus with Buddy, a smart study app designed by a neurodivergent dad with ADHD for his neurodivergent daughter. Buddy helps users overcome overwhelm by breaking tasks into manageable blocks without adding complexity. Perfect for those with ADHD, autism, and other neurodivergent minds, but beneficial for all students and adults who struggle with focus. How Buddy Works: Simple Task Breakdown • Divide any task into small, achievable blocks • No need to spend time detailing each block • Quickly create manageable sections that feel doable • Adjust the number of blocks anytime during a session Customized Focus System • Short, timed focus periods reduce the pressure of long work sessions • Scheduled breaks prevent burnout and mental fatigue • Personalised timing settings fit your unique concentration abilities • Build healthy study habits with balanced work/rest intervals Visual Progress & Positive Reinforcement • Track progress with a simple, satisfying grid system • "Click the tick" to mark completed blocks • Celebrate small wins with confetti and visual rewards • Experience the motivation of seeing progress accumulate Clean, Calming Interface • Bright and engaging design with soft, blended tones • Distraction-free environment optimised for focus • Simple, intuitive controls reduce cognitive load • Friendly Buddy character provides gentle guidance Unlike apps that add distractions through excessive gamification, Buddy balances engagement with proven productivity methods that translate to real-life skills. Whether you're tackling homework questions, reading assignments, study sessions or any challenging task, Buddy helps you build confidence through consistent progress. Download Buddy today and transform overwhelming tasks into achievable victories, one block at a time.

Screenshots

Private Vault4 screens
Buddy4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Buddy at none against Private Vault's 3. Buddy also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 76%). Private Vault's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 2 months) and iOS requirement (14.0 vs 18.0). On price, ads and device support 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. Private Vault sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Buddy asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Private Vault ships an update every 2 weeks, Buddy every 2 months. Both last shipped on October 30, 2026.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Private Vault versus Buddy: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPrivate VaultBuddy
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.3 (52 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews75.7% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings52 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeks — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFreemiumFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS14.0 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size65 MB5 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developer辉 孙Mark Searle

Customer experience

Private Vault

All ratings46 ratings
Positive84.8%
Neutral4.3%
Negative10.9%
Written reviews37 reviews
Positive75.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative24.3%

Buddy

Written reviews4 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Private Vault

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly subscription3 Days trial$4.991 Month
  • Yearly subscription7 Days trial$29.991 Year
One-time1
  • Permanent member$44.99
None

Buddy

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Private Vault free?
Private Vault is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Buddy free?
Buddy is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Private Vault or Buddy have ads?
Neither Private Vault nor Buddy shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Private Vault or Buddy?
Private Vault ships an update every 2 weeks, and Buddy every 2 months. Most recently, Private Vault was updated on October 30, 2026 and Buddy on October 30, 2026.

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