Comparison

AirLock vs Encrypted Messenger

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

Encrypted Messenger

This app offers a secure, peer-to-peer messaging experience with no servers or registration required. It utilizes end-to-end encryption and features like self-destructing messages and a panic mode for enhanced privacy and security.

Highlights
  • True Peer-to-Peer (P2P) architecture
  • Zero registration required
  • Double Ratchet Encryption (E2EE)
  • Standalone lock screen
  • Self-destruct protocol
  • Panic remove password
  • Full media support
Features
Read full description

No Servers. No Registration. No Metadata. Just Pure Privacy. Encrypted Messenger is not just another "secure" app, itis a digital fortress built for those who demand absolute sovereignty over their communication. Designed for high-stakes privacy, it bypasses central servers entirely using a true Peer-to-Peer (P2P) architecture. If you are tired of "big tech" harvesting your metadata, Encrypted Messenger is your solution. ENGINEERED FOR TOTAL ANONYMITY Zero Registration: No phone numbers, no emails, no linked accounts. Your identity remains yours alone. True P2P Connectivity: Powered by WebRTC, your data moves directly from your device to your contact. We use a signaling server only for the initial "handshake". Once connected, you are off the grid. Double Ratchet Encryption (E2EE): We implement the industry-gold-standard Double Ratchet protocol over a dedicated Data Channel. Every message is re-keyed, ensuring that even if one key is compromised, the rest of your history remains safe. PHYSICAL SECURITY & ANTI-COERCION In the real world, your greatest threat is physical access to your device. We’ve built the app to protect you even then: Standalone Lock Screen: An independent security layer that triggers after 3 minutes of inactivity. Self-Destruct Protocol: Three failed password attempts trigger a permanent, military-grade wipe of the local database. "Panic" Remove Password: If you are ever forced to unlock the app, enter your secret Remove Password. The app will instantly and irretrievably wipe all chats and data, leaving no trace behind. SMART & RELIABLE COMMUNICATION You Are in Control: We never send your data through a server without your permission. Priority is always given to a direct P2P link. If a direct connection isn't possible, the app won't "auto-fail" to a relay. Instead, it offers you a choice: wait for a direct path or manually authorize a one-time encrypted relay transfer. Auto-Switching: Once a direct P2P path becomes available, the app immediately suggests switching back to ensure maximum privacy and speed. Visual Transparency: Intuitive status icons show you exactly how your message was delivered. Know at a glance if you are "Direct" (P2P) or "Relayed." Full Media Support: Send high-res photos, videos, files, and voice notes without compression. Every bit of data is protected by the same E2EE Double Ratchet protocol, regardless of the delivery method. HOW IT WORKS: Generate a one-time Invite Code. Share it via a trusted channel (Code expires in 5 minutes). Once your contact joins, the code is burned, and a secure, direct tunnel is established. Local Storage Only: All data lives in an encrypted SQL database on your phone. No backups in the cloud. No logs on a server. If you lose your password, the data is gone forever. Exactly as it should be. Take back your right to be private. Go Direct. SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION Encrypted Messenger offers auto-renewable subscriptions: 1 Week – $2.99 1 Month – $7.99 1 Year – $49.99 Prices may vary by country and include applicable taxes. Payment will be charged to your Apple ID account at purchase. Subscription automatically renews unless turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. You can manage or cancel your subscription anytime in App Store > Account > Subscriptions. Unused portions of a free trial (if offered) are forfeited upon purchase. Terms: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy: https://artemsudakov.github.io/policies/p2p-messenger-privacy-policy.html

Screenshots

AirLock4 screens
Encrypted Messenger4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Encrypted Messenger at Free against AirLock's $3.99. Encrypted Messenger also leads on rating (5.0 vs 3.7). AirLock's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and update cadence (every 3 days vs every 3 weeks). On ads, device support and iOS requirement 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

Encrypted Messenger is free to download; AirLock costs $3.99 up front. Encrypted Messenger sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. AirLock asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Encrypted Messenger holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 1 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

AirLock ships an update every 3 days, Encrypted Messenger every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 28, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
AirLock versus Encrypted Messenger: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAirLockEncrypted Messenger
Price$3.99Free — better
Rating3.7 (3 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews0.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings3 — better1
Update frequencyEvery 3 days — betterEvery 3 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaid — betterSubscription
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS17.6 — better18.5
Further details — not scored
Size2 MB34 MB
Age rating4+12+
DeveloperSergey GrigorevArtem Sudakov

In-app purchases

None

AirLock

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

Encrypted Messenger

Subscriptions3
  • Full Access$2.997 Days
  • Full Access$6.991 Month
  • Full Access$39.991 Year

Questions

Is AirLock free?
AirLock costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Encrypted Messenger free?
Encrypted Messenger is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, AirLock or Encrypted Messenger?
Encrypted Messenger is rated higher. AirLock averages 3.7 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while Encrypted Messenger averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.
Do AirLock or Encrypted Messenger have ads?
Neither AirLock nor Encrypted Messenger shows ads.
Which is updated more often, AirLock or Encrypted Messenger?
AirLock ships an update every 3 days, and Encrypted Messenger every 3 weeks. Most recently, AirLock was updated on October 24, 2026 and Encrypted Messenger on October 28, 2026.

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