Comparison

AES Crypt vs SmartDecrypt PDF ZIP

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

Head to head
About

AES Crypt

Securely decrypt and encrypt files on your iPhone or iPad using the industry-standard AES encryption. Access encrypted files from cloud storage and email, and protect your sensitive documents and photos with robust, cross-platform security.

Highlights
  • Decrypt AESCrypt.com encrypted files
  • Encrypt files directly on device
  • Open files from cloud storage
  • Securely share encrypted files
  • Preview common file types
  • Touch ID/Face ID protection
Features
Read full description

AESCrypt for iOS lets you decrypt and preview files encrypted with AESCrypt.com on your iPhone or iPad. Open encrypted files from Dropbox, Drive, Email, and other apps with ease. An in-app upgrade enables encryption directly from your device — protect documents, photos, and more, then share securely to your favorite cloud service. AESCrypt uses the industry-standard Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) to provide strong, cross-platform file security across Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile devices. Whether you’re backing up sensitive files to the cloud or storing private documents locally, AESCrypt gives you simple, powerful protection. Free Features (Decryption) • Adds AESCrypt as an “Open In…” option for .aes files, allowing you to decrypt files stored in Dropbox, Drive, Email, and other apps • Saves decrypted files in the app for preview or export to other apps • Supports quick actions: rename or swipe to delete • Performs DoD 5220.22-M secure wipe before deleting files • Previews most major file types (PDF, JPG, MOV, PNG, TXT, and more) • Displays decryption date and file size for each file In-App Upgrade Features (Encryption) • Encrypt files directly on your iOS device and store them securely within the app • Take a photo with the camera and immediately encrypt it for safe storage • Adds AESCrypt as an “Open In…” option for all file types, enabling encryption from other apps (Pages, Numbers, Keynote, etc.) • Export encrypted files and photos to your installed cloud apps (Dropbox, Drive, iCloud, etc.) • Touch ID / Face ID support to keep in-app files protected Notes • This app decrypts files encrypted with AESCrypt.com or by this app only • Encryption in this app requires the in-app upgrade • Supports the standard AES Crypt file format across desktop and mobile. Files encrypted outside the AES Crypt ecosystem are not supported • For support or feature requests, visit the Discussion Forum at AESCrypt.com LEGAL The duration and price of each subscription are displayed in the AES Crypt app under Settings → “AES Crypt (Paid Full Version)” at the time of purchase. Payment will be charged to your Apple ID account upon confirmation of purchase. Subscriptions automatically renew unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current billing period. You can manage or cancel your subscription at any time in your Apple ID account settings after purchase. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://aescrypt.datafromthings.com/privacy.html

About

SmartDecrypt PDF ZIP

Features
Read full description

SmartDecrypt helps you unlock password-protected PDFs and archives without hunting through notes, messages, or old emails for the right password. Save a pattern once, such as a bank statement or invoice filename format, and SmartDecrypt can match future files automatically. Passwords with Chinese, Japanese, and Korean characters are now fully supported. On iPhone and iPad, open files from the app or send them through the iOS Share Sheet from Files, Mail, or other apps. Features: - Unlock password-protected PDF files. - Extract ZIP and 7z archives. - Save password patterns for recurring files. - Share files directly to SmartDecrypt from iOS. - Supports UTF-8 passwords including CJK characters. - Process one file at a time for free. - Upgrade once to unlock batch file loading and automatic password cycling. - Keep passwords in the system Keychain. - Interface available in 11 languages. SmartDecrypt is designed for files you already have permission to access. It does not bypass unknown passwords. SmartDecrypt Pro is a one-time universal purchase. Buy once and unlock Pro on both iOS and macOS with the same Apple ID.

Screenshots

AES Crypt4 screens
SmartDecrypt PDF ZIP4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: SmartDecrypt PDF ZIP at every 4 weeks against AES Crypt's every 9 months. On price, ads, in-app purchases 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. AES Crypt sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per year and SmartDecrypt PDF ZIP sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

AES Crypt ships an update every 9 months, SmartDecrypt PDF ZIP every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on August 27, 2026 and September 14, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
AES Crypt versus SmartDecrypt PDF ZIP: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAES CryptSmartDecrypt PDF ZIP
PriceFreeFree
Rating2.8 (28 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews42.2% of reviews—
Number of ratings28 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 9 monthsEvery 4 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, Mac
Requires iOS15.1 — better16.0
Further details — not scored
Size20 MB8 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperIsland Time InnovationsKIEN WEI CHOO

In-app purchases

2 purchases

AES Crypt

Subscriptions1
  • 1-Year Ability to Encrypt Files$0.991 Year
One-time1
  • Lifetime Ability to Encrypt Files$5.99
2 purchases

SmartDecrypt PDF ZIP

One-time2
  • 7-Days TrialFree
  • SmartDecrypt Premium$9.99

Questions

Is AES Crypt free?
AES Crypt is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is SmartDecrypt PDF ZIP free?
SmartDecrypt PDF ZIP is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do AES Crypt or SmartDecrypt PDF ZIP have ads?
Neither AES Crypt nor SmartDecrypt PDF ZIP shows ads.
Which is updated more often, AES Crypt or SmartDecrypt PDF ZIP?
AES Crypt ships an update every 9 months, and SmartDecrypt PDF ZIP every 4 weeks. Most recently, AES Crypt was updated on August 27, 2026 and SmartDecrypt PDF ZIP on September 14, 2026.

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