VaultBolt vs HiddenVault
VaultBolt vs HiddenVault
An honest look at where HiddenVault shines and where VaultBolt is different, using HiddenVault's own App Store listing.
Feature comparison
VaultBolt next to HiddenVault, with Vaultaire and Keepsafe for context.
| Feature | VaultBoltiPhone & iPad | HiddenVault★ 4.6 · 2,104 ratings | Vaultaire★ 4.7 · 55 ratings | Keepsafe★ 4.8 · 385,432 ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| File encryption describedWhat the listing says about how files are protected | ✓Yes: AES-256-GCM, on device | ?Not listed: "Zero-knowledge", no detail | ✓Yes: AES-256-GCM | ~Partly: "Military-grade", no detail |
| Works without an accountNo email or sign-up to use the vault | ✓Yes: No account, ever | ✓Yes: No personal data | ✓Yes: No account | ~Partly: Sync across installs |
| No adsOn the free tier | ✓Yes: Never | ?Not listed: Not listed | ✓Yes: No ads | ✕No: Basic is ad supported |
| Finds private photos for youOn-device scan of your camera roll | ✓Yes: On-device, offline | ✕No: Manual import | ✕No: Manual import | ✕No: Manual import |
| Removes the originalsDeletes camera-roll copies and guides Recently Deleted | ✓Yes: Zero-copies clean-up | ?Not listed: Not listed | ~Partly: Original clean-up after import | ?Not listed: Not listed |
| Decoy vault or fake PINA second code that opens harmless content | ✓Yes: Pro | ?Not listed: Not listed | ✓Yes: Separate patterns | ?Not listed: Not listed |
| Duress or emergency-erase codeA code that removes access under pressure | ✓Yes: Pro | ?Not listed: Not listed | ✓Yes: Pro | ?Not listed: Not listed |
| Intruder photoSnaps whoever enters a wrong code | ✓Yes: Pro | ?Not listed: Not listed | ?Not listed: Not listed | ?Not listed: Not listed |
| Encrypted cloud backupWhere backups go and whether they are encrypted first | ✓Yes: Encrypted iCloud, all plans | ?Not listed: Not listed | ✓Yes: Encrypted iCloud | ✓Yes: Private Cloud (Keepsafe) |
| Recovery phraseA way back in that does not depend on the developer | ✓Yes: 12-word phrase | ?Not listed: Not listed | ✓Yes: Nine-word phrase | ?Not listed: Not listed |
| Face ID / Touch ID | ✓Yes: Optional | ✓Yes: Face ID | ✕No: Pattern only, by design | ✓Yes: Touch ID |
| Pattern unlock | ✓Yes: Plus PIN and passphrase | ✕No: PIN | ✓Yes: 5×5 pattern | ?Not listed: PIN pad |
| iPhone and iPad | ✓Yes: Sync on Pro | ?Not listed: Not listed | ✓Yes: Sync on Pro | ✓Yes: Phone and tablet |
| One-time purchase optionPay once instead of subscribing | ✓Yes: $37.99 once | ✕No: Subscription | ✓Yes: $39.99 | ?Not listed: Subscription |
| Controlled sharingExpiry, open limits or view-once | ◷On the roadmap: View-once, expiry | ?Not listed: Not listed | ✓Yes: Shared vaults | ✓Yes: Safe Send, time-limited |
Competitor details from each app's US App Store listing, checked 2026-11-01. "Not listed" means the listing does not mention it, not that the feature is missing. VaultBolt items marked ◷ are on the roadmap.
Where HiddenVault is strong
- Photo vault, password manager and private browser in one app
- Says it does not collect personal data
Where VaultBolt is different
- VaultBolt documents per-file AES-256-GCM encryption
- VaultBolt adds decoy and duress vaults and intruder photos
- VaultBolt finds private photos for you and removes the originals
- VaultBolt has a free plan and a one-time lifetime price
Switching
Switching from HiddenVault to VaultBolt
Takes about ten minutes for a typical library. Keep your old app until everything opens in VaultBolt.
- In HiddenVault, export the items you want to keep to Photos or Files.
- Install VaultBolt, set your unlock and write down your recovery phrase.
- Import from Photos or Files, or let the private photo scan find them.
- Run the zero-copies clean-up to delete the exported originals and empty Recently Deleted.
- Once everything opens in VaultBolt, remove HiddenVault from your phone.
Sources: HiddenVault Secret Photo Vault on the App Store. Checked 2026-11-01. Ratings and features change; check the listing before you decide.
FAQ
VaultBolt vs HiddenVault: FAQ
Does VaultBolt include a password manager?
No. VaultBolt focuses on photos, videos and files. Use a dedicated password manager or Apple Passwords for logins.
More comparisons
VaultBolt vs Vaultaire
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VaultBolt
Your stuff. Locked in.
Get VaultBolt for iPhone and iPad, or see exactly how it works in the interactive demo vault.
