Comparison

MsgSecret vs Shady Encoding

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

Head to head
About

MsgSecret

Securely encode and decode messages to protect your privacy from message providers and prying eyes. Share your ciphered messages via email, SMS, social media, and more. Offers multiple ciphering methods for varying security levels.

Highlights
  • Encode and decode messages
  • Multiple ciphering methods
  • Share via email, SMS, social media
  • Passcode/fingerprint authentication
  • Save ciphering settings for quick access
  • Shake gesture for encoding/decoding
Features
Read full description

Turn everyday text into coded messages for puzzles, playful exchanges, and learning about classic ciphers. Choose a method, set a key when needed, and encrypt or decrypt on your device. MsgSecret includes classic ciphers, word transformations, and text encodings such as Base64. These methods do not provide secure encryption and must not be used to protect passwords, personal records, financial information, or other sensitive data. Base64 is encoding, not secrecy. Get started with a fixed interactive sample that shows a message being encoded and decoded back to its original text without spending credits. Use separate encrypt and decrypt input fields to work without overwriting what you entered. Method notes explain how each transform works and its limitations. Share the coded result through the iOS share sheet, or copy and paste it into your messaging app. Optionally share decoding instructions too. Recipients select the same method and paste only the coded message into MsgSecret. When a method needs a key, share it separately; keys are not automatically included in shared messages. Free access includes 3 successful encrypt or decrypt operations each day. This allowance resets at midnight UTC and does not accumulate. After using your daily allowance, each successful operation uses 1 saved credit. A completed optional rewarded ad adds 5 credits. A one-time in-app purchase provides unlimited transformations without rewarded ads. Previously purchased unlimited access can be restored. Features Classic ciphers, word puzzles, and text encodings in one place Fixed interactive sample with an encrypt-and-decrypt round trip Separate encrypt and decrypt input fields Native sharing, optional recipient instructions, and clipboard tools Method explanations with clear security limitations Exact key adjustment and accessible controls 3 free successful transformations per day Optional rewarded ads for 5 saved credits One-time unlimited access and Restore Purchases Designed for iPhone and iPad with a focused dark interface

About

Shady Encoding

Features
Read full description

Shady Encoding turns plain text into fun coded messages using simple, key-based transformations (think classic Caesar-style ciphers). Create a custom key, encode a message, and share it. To make sharing easy, you can export and import keys using QR codes. FEATURES • Encode and decode text with your own keys • Save and manage multiple keys (name them, reuse them) • Export keys as a QR code • Import keys by scanning a QR code • Copy or share encoded text via the iOS Share Sheet • Works offline — no account required IMPORTANT Shady Encoding is for puzzles, learning, and light obfuscation. It is not secure encryption and should not be used to protect sensitive information. “What’s New” (Version Notes) Initial release. Encode/decode messages with custom keys and share keys via QR codes.

Screenshots

MsgSecret4 screens
Shady Encoding4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Shady Encoding at none against MsgSecret's 1. On price, 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

Both are free to download. MsgSecret sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Shady Encoding asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
MsgSecret versus Shady Encoding: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMsgSecretShady Encoding
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.2 (5 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews83.3% of reviews—
Number of ratings5 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 6 months—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationPaid—
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS17.0 — better18.2
Further details — not scored
Size8 MB2 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperHassan ChizariSergey Tereshkin

In-app purchases

1 purchases

MsgSecret

One-time1
  • Unlimited Encryption without Adv$0.99
None

Shady Encoding

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is MsgSecret free?
MsgSecret is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Shady Encoding free?
Shady Encoding is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do MsgSecret or Shady Encoding have ads?
Neither MsgSecret nor Shady Encoding shows ads.

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