Comparison

Paranoia Text Encryption PRO vs MSR Reader

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

Head to head
About

Paranoia Text Encryption PRO

Securely encrypt and decrypt sensitive text data using a wide range of advanced algorithms. Protect notes, messages, and cryptocurrency keys. Features steganography to hide data within images and post-quantum key exchange.

Highlights
  • Multiple strong encryption algorithms
  • Steganography for image data hiding
  • Post-quantum key encapsulation (KEM)
  • Unlimited password management
  • Cross-platform compatibility (iOS, macOS)
  • Copy/paste and file saving
Features
Read full description

• Paranoia Text Encryption PRO is a universal text encryption application for iOS (iPhone/iPad/iPod) and macOS by Paranoia Works. • Paranoia Text Encryption ensures the safety of your notes, SMS messages, emails, social networking posts, cryptocurrency keys (seeds, mnemonics), and any other text from all unwanted readers. • The app offers true security, encrypting data using the strongest encryption algorithms available: Threefish 1024-bit, SHACAL-2 512-bit, Paranoia C4 2048-bit (a cascade of Threefish, Serpent, AES, and SHACAL-2), Blowfish 448-bit, AES 256-bit, RC6 256-bit, Serpent 256-bit, and Twofish 256-bit ciphers. • Simply copy and paste text to and from your favorite applications, or save it to a file for future use. • This app does not function as a "Vault application." Instead, a password is set for the current encryption/decryption session, not for entering the app itself. You may have an unlimited number of passwords for any purpose—different files, tasks, people, etc. • Steganography: The application offers steganographic features, allowing you to conceal text or files within a JPEG image. Two algorithms are available: J-UNIWARD (content-adaptive, minimizes visual distortion, harder to detect) and F5 (matrix encoding, efficient embedding). The selected algorithm works with your chosen symmetric cipher to create the final steganogram. • Key Encapsulation (KEM): Securely exchange encryption passwords using the post-quantum ML-KEM mechanism (NIST FIPS 203). Two parties can establish a shared password without ever transmitting it directly, with protection against future quantum computer attacks. ◆ Differences between Free and PRO versions: The PRO version offers additional encryption algorithms, specifically Threefish 1024-bit, SHACAL-2 512-bit, and Paranoia C4 2048-bit (a cascade of Threefish–Serpent–AES–SHACAL-2). While the free version can decrypt data encrypted by these advanced algorithms, the ability to encrypt data using them is exclusive to the PRO version. The PRO version also provides a key to activate the PRO versions of our desktop applications: Paranoia File & Text Encryption for PC, Paranoia Text Encryption for PC, and S.S.E. File Encryptor for PC. • The application is directly compatible with macOS (10.15 and later). Versions for other systems and platforms are available on the application's homepage (download section - https://paranoiaworks.mobi/download/). • An online (web-based) version, utilizing AES and client-side JavaScript, and other utilities are available at https://pteo.paranoiaworks.mobi

About

MSR Reader

Features
Read full description

Read, parse, and export magnetic stripe data on iPhone and iPad. MSR Reader works with MSR90 and compatible keyboard-emulation magstripe readers. Capture up to three tracks, convert supported card data into structured fields, and export your results as CSV. KEY FEATURES • Automatic 3-track capture Read Track 1, Track 2, and Track 3 data without manual entry. • Smart field parsing Extract supported fields such as cardholder name, card number, and expiration date. • Custom parsing patterns Create reusable rules for proprietary card formats and specialized workflows. • Continuous card reading Process multiple cards in sequence for faster data-entry tasks. • CSV export Open exported files in Excel, Numbers, Google Sheets, or other spreadsheet tools. • Private by design MSR Reader does not collect app data. IDEAL FOR Authorized membership, access-control, loyalty, identification, event, inventory, and data-entry workflows. COMPATIBILITY Designed for MSR90 readers and compatible magnetic-stripe readers that operate as keyboard input devices. Hardware, connection adapters, and supported card formats may vary. MSR Reader reads and organizes card data; it does not write or encode magnetic stripe cards. Use it only with cards and data you are authorized to access.

Screenshots

Paranoia Text Encryption PRO4 screens
MSR Reader4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Paranoia Text Encryption PRO at every 2 months against MSR Reader's every 7 months. Paranoia Text Encryption PRO also leads on device support (4 vs 2) and iOS requirement (14.5 vs 17.0). On price, 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

Paranoia Text Encryption PRO costs $3.99 and MSR Reader $3.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Paranoia Text Encryption PRO ships an update every 2 months, MSR Reader every 7 months. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Paranoia Text Encryption PRO versus MSR Reader: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterParanoia Text Encryption PROMSR Reader
Price$3.99$3.99
Rating4.7 (52 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews83.6% of reviews—
Number of ratings52 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 months — betterEvery 7 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaid—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS14.5 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size18 MB1 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperFrantisek DvorakTCool LTD.

In-app purchases

None

Paranoia Text Encryption PRO

No in-app purchases

None

MSR Reader

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Paranoia Text Encryption PRO free?
Paranoia Text Encryption PRO costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is MSR Reader free?
MSR Reader costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do Paranoia Text Encryption PRO or MSR Reader have ads?
Neither Paranoia Text Encryption PRO nor MSR Reader shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Paranoia Text Encryption PRO or MSR Reader?
Paranoia Text Encryption PRO ships an update every 2 months, and MSR Reader every 7 months. Most recently, Paranoia Text Encryption PRO was updated on October 15, 2026 and MSR Reader on October 6, 2026.

Other comparisons