Cryptile vs HiddenVault
Cryptile and HiddenVault both keep photos and videos behind a lock on iPhone. HiddenVault adds a password manager and a private browser. Cryptile uses a drawn pattern, adds decoy vaults and names its encryption.
Try Cryptile free: join the beta on TestFlight
How do Cryptile and HiddenVault compare?
| Question | Cryptile | HiddenVault |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Plus: $19.99 a year (7-day free trial), $39.99 once | The description lists Premium at $34.99 a year, $7.99 a month or $2.99 a week, after a 30-day free trial. In-app purchases are listed from $2.99 to $119.99 |
| Free tier | Up to 2 vaults, 100 photos and 10 videos in total. Files, notes and folders unlimited | Free download. Premium gives unlimited photos, videos and passwords. Free limits not stated |
| Unlock method | A pattern drawn on a grid. Use 8 or more cells | A PIN passcode and Face ID |
| Decoy or fake vault | A different pattern opens a different vault. No vault list | Not stated |
| Encryption as published | AES-256-GCM on every file, thumbnail and index. Core published for audit | Cipher not stated. The listing describes a "Zero-Knowledge security architecture" |
| Cloud backup | Encrypted iCloud backup. 9-word recovery phrase, no reset | Not stated. The listing says photos are stored on your phone |
| Account required | No | Not stated |
| In-app camera | Yes | Not stated |
| Notes and files | Photos, videos, files, folders and secure notes | Photos, videos and passwords, with password autofill and a private browser |
| Platforms | iPhone and iPad | iPhone and iPod touch |
| Search inside the vault | Yes, in Plus. Text is read from photos and PDFs on the device | Not stated |
| Sharing | Shared vaults are coming, not available yet | Not stated |
Checked 2026-10-26. HiddenVault facts come from its App Store listing, by Kyle Allen. Check it for current terms.
When should I choose HiddenVault?
- You want a password manager with autofill in the same app as your photos.
- You want a private browser with saved bookmarks.
- You want a month to try every feature before you pay.
When should I choose Cryptile?
- You want the cipher named, and the encryption core published for audit.
- You want decoy vaults and a panic pattern in one plan.
- You use an iPad as well as an iPhone.
- You want two simple prices: $19.99 a year or $39.99 once.
What are the limits of Cryptile?
These apply to any pattern-based vault, ours included.
- Short patterns are weak. A pattern is weaker than a passphrase. Use 8 or more cells.
- Screenshots win. View-once cannot stop a screenshot.
- No reset. Lose the pattern and the recovery phrase, and the vault is gone.
Read the full security page and the Plus page.