# Private Vault vs Buddy

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.

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.

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

## The numbers

| Metric | Private Vault | Buddy |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.3 (52 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/private-vaultlock-photos/id6469342311/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **52** | — |
| Positive reviews | 75.7% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Freemium | **Free** |
| Size | 65 MB | 5 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [辉 孙](https://appshunter.io/developer/1711709744) | [Mark Searle](https://appshunter.io/developer/1789787599) |

## What reviewers say

### Private Vault

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/private-vaultlock-photos/id6469342311)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly subscription | $4.99 | per month |
| Yearly subscription | $29.99 | per year |
| Permanent member | $44.99 | one-time |


### Buddy

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/buddy-adhd-study-assistant/id6740407251)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked 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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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*