Comparison

AirLock vs Cipher

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

Head to head
About

AirLock

This utility allows you to encrypt and decrypt messages directly within your favorite messaging and note-taking apps using custom AES keys. Share keys via QR code for secure, private communication without leaving your current application.

Highlights
  • Custom AES encryption keys
  • Encrypt/decrypt in any app
  • QR code key sharing
  • Fully local and private storage
  • Fast and simple interface
Features
Read full description

AirLock is the first iOS keyboard that lets you encrypt and decrypt any message using your own secret key — directly inside your favorite apps. No need to switch between apps to secure your conversations. With AirLock, you can generate AES encryption keys, share them via QR code, and protect your text instantly in iMessage, WhatsApp, Notes, and more. Key Features: Custom Encryption Keys Create and manage your own secure AES keys with labels. Encrypt and Decrypt in Any App Use the AirLock keyboard to process secure text without leaving the app you’re in. QR Code Key Sharing Easily export and import encryption keys with QR codes. Fully Local and Private All keys are stored on your device. No account required. No cloud sync. Fast and Simple Interface Designed for quick encryption and decryption during real-world use. Whether you're exchanging private messages or storing sensitive notes, AirLock keeps your communication secure, efficient, and under your control. Download AirLock today to experience secure messaging built into your keyboard. https://airlock.sedoyjan.workers.dev/terms https://airlock.sedoyjan.workers.dev/privacy

About

Cipher

Securely store and encrypt sensitive text files, passwords, and crypto keys. Access your protected information across devices with cloud sync, even when offline. Your data remains private and under your control with strong AES-based encryption.

Highlights
  • Encrypt notes, texts, passwords, crypto keys, and recovery phrases
  • Import text files for encryption
  • Search across encrypted items
  • Cloud Sync across devices
  • Offline access to encrypted content
  • AES-based encryption
Read full description

Password managers ask you to trust them with everything. One breach — and your whole digital life is exposed. Cipher works differently: you store hints, not passwords. The passwords stay in your head. HOW IT WORKS Keep two or three base patterns in your head. They are never written down anywhere. For each service, save only a hint about which pattern and which rule you used: "Bank — pattern B, caps, +2024" That hint is useless to anyone else. The password itself never leaves your head. WHAT YOU GET - Hints, notes and text files encrypted with AES, each protected by a passphrase you choose - Passphrases are never stored — not on the device, not in the cloud - Works fully offline, no account required - Optional cloud sync with your Apple or Google account, if you want your hints on every device - Import text files, search across your encrypted items - Also fits crypto seed-phrase hints and any private note WHO IT IS FOR People who do not want to hand every password to a single vault. If you have hundreds of random passwords, a password manager is the right tool. If you rely on patterns in your head and keep forgetting which rule you used where, Cipher is for you. Privacy Policy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1i8-tLk1ekAxQgjGyF6LO0mOtwo_sgI1nsi22A4v-ITo

Screenshots

AirLock4 screens
Cipher4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Cipher at 100% against AirLock's 0%. Cipher also leads on price (Free vs $3.99) and device support (4 vs 1). AirLock's advantage is update cadence (every 3 days vs every 4 months). On ads and in-app purchases 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

Cipher is free to download; AirLock costs $3.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

AirLock ships an update every 3 days, Cipher every 4 months. Both last shipped on November 5, 2026.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
AirLock versus Cipher: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAirLockCipher
Price$3.99Free — better
Rating3.7 (3 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews0.0% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings3 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 days — betterEvery 4 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidFree — better
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better
Requires iOS17.615.6 — better
Further details — not scored
Size2 MB34 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSergey GrigorevDGL Factor

Customer experience

AirLock

All ratings3 ratings
Positive33.3%
Neutral66.7%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral100.0%
Negative0.0%

Cipher

Written reviews2 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

AirLock

No in-app purchases

None

Cipher

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is AirLock free?
AirLock costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Cipher free?
Cipher is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do AirLock or Cipher have ads?
Neither AirLock nor Cipher shows ads.
Which is updated more often, AirLock or Cipher?
AirLock ships an update every 3 days, and Cipher every 4 months. Most recently, AirLock was updated on November 5, 2026 and Cipher on November 5, 2026.

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