Comparison

PDF Key vs PDF Lock

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

Head to head
About

PDF Key

Features
Read full description

PDF Key is a simple app for adding an open password to PDF files. Choose a PDF, enter a new password, and save it as a password-protected PDF. If the selected PDF is already password-protected, you can unlock it with the current password first. Leave the new password blank to export a PDF without a password. PDF Key does not include editing, merging, splitting, OCR, scanning, cloud sync, or password recovery features. It is focused on one job: protecting PDFs with a password. Features: ・Add an open password to PDFs ・Open password-protected PDFs ・Export without a password by leaving the new password blank ・Save as a new file without overwriting the original ・On-device processing ・No account

About

PDF Lock

Features
Read full description

Forgot the password on an important PDF? Need to secure a document before sharing? PDF Lock: Unlock & Protect makes it simple — unlock or password-protect any PDF right on your iPhone or iPad, in just a few taps. Your files never leave your device. Everything is processed locally using Apple's built-in PDF engine. No uploads. No cloud. No account required. No ads. Just fast, private PDF security whenever you need it. UNLOCK PDFs IN SECONDS
Remove password protection from any PDF and get back to reading, editing, or sharing. Enter the current password, and your unlocked file is ready to export — to Files, Mail, WhatsApp, or any app you use. LOCK PDFs WITH A PASSWORD
Keep sensitive documents safe before you send them. Add strong password protection to any PDF so only the right people can open it. (PDF Lock is included with PDF Lock: Unlock & Protect Pro.) BUILT-IN PDF VIEWER
Preview your unlocked or locked PDF inside the app before you export. Scroll through every page with a clean, full-screen viewer — no extra apps needed. EASY EXPORT & SHARE
Save processed PDFs to the Files app or share them instantly with the native iOS share sheet. Your workflow stays simple and familiar. PDF HISTORY
Revisit your recently processed files without hunting through folders. Open past PDFs directly from your history list and pick up where you left off. HOW IT WORKS 1. Select a PDF from Files, Mail, or any app 2. Unlock it (enter the password) or lock it (set a new one) 3. Preview, export, or share — done PRIVACY YOU CAN TRUST * 100% on-device processing — files are never sent to a server * No account or sign-up required * No ads, ever * Your passwords and documents stay on your device FREE TO START
Get 2 free PDF unlocks every day — no credit card, no commitment. Perfect for occasional use. UPGRADE TO PRO
Go unlimited with PDF Lock: Unlock & Protect Pro: * Unlimited PDF unlocks — no daily limits * Lock PDFs with password protection * Extended PDF history (last 20 files) * Priority support Download PDF Lock: Unlock & Protect today and take control of your PDF security — privately, quickly, and right from your pocket. Subscription automatically renews unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Manage or cancel anytime in your App Store account settings. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

PDF Key2 screens
PDF Lock4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: PDF Key at none against PDF Lock's 2. PDF Lock's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (fortnightly vs monthly). On price, 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

Both are free to download. PDF Lock sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. PDF Key asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

PDF Key ships an update monthly, PDF Lock fortnightly. Both last shipped on October 25, 2026.

Scorecard3 real differences · 3 level
PDF Key versus PDF Lock: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPDF KeyPDF Lock
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyMonthlyFortnightly — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS16.0 — better17.6
Further details — not scored
Size5 MB17 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperRiku KanaiNikunj Gondaliya

In-app purchases

None

PDF Key

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

PDF Lock

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly - PDF Lock & Unlock Pro$0.991 Month
  • Yearly - PDF Lock & Unlock Pro$7.991 Year

Questions

Is PDF Key free?
PDF Key is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is PDF Lock free?
PDF Lock is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do PDF Key or PDF Lock have ads?
PDF Key shows ads; PDF Lock does not.
Which is updated more often, PDF Key or PDF Lock?
PDF Key ships an update monthly, and PDF Lock fortnightly. Most recently, PDF Key was updated on October 25, 2026 and PDF Lock on October 25, 2026.

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