GuardVault vs Private Photo Vault

Both offer local storage without an account. Cloud backup is a key distinction.

Feature sources checked on October 30, 2026

The key difference

Private Photo Vault does describe local AES encryption. Its Cloud Vault is an optional Premium service requiring an account; GuardVault includes encrypted iCloud backup in its free tier.

01 / Features

The differences, side by side.

Storage, access and recovery differences to consider before choosing.

Features described in official sources; apps have not been independently tested.

GuardVault vs Private Photo Vault — Features
What matters	GuardVault	Private Photo Vault
File encryption	YesOn device[1]	YesAES stated[2]
Pattern unlock	YesOne pattern per vault[1]	Yes[2]
Use without a developer account	YesApple Account for iCloud[1]	YesOn device[2]
Multiple separate vaults	Yes3 free vaults[1]	VariesAlbums[2]
Photos and videos	Yes[1]	Yes[2]
Document import	Yes[1]	Not specifiedNot specified[2]
Cloud backup	YesiCloud, opt-in[1]	PaidDeveloper’s cloud[2]
Recovery phrase	Yes24 words + backup[1]	VariesApp code ≠ cloud password[3]
Vault or album sharing	PaidRead-only · Premium[1]	Not specifiedNot specified[2]
Duress mode	PaidPremium[1]	VariesDecoy code described[4]
Free download	Yes3 free vaults[1]	YesLimits vary by plan[2]

YesNoPaidVariesNot specified

A check means the developer describes the feature. “Not specified” does not mean “unavailable”. Words restore a key, not lost files. A copy of the files is still needed.

02 / Compare prices

Pricing, clearly explained.

U.S. prices checked on October 31, 2026. Selected public offers, excluding personalized promotions. Prices and eligibility may vary; check Apple’s purchase screen.

GuardVault

United States · USD

Free

3 vaults; per vault: 100 photos, 10 videos and 50 documents.

Encrypted backup included

No app-imposed vault or file quotas, read-only sharing, iCloud sync and duress mode. Device and iCloud storage limits still apply.

Weekly Premium

$1.99/ week

Yearly Premium

$19.99/ year

Lifetime

$39.99one-time payment

See official offers

Private Photo Vault

United States · USD

Free

Free download; paid Cloud Vault. Local quotas unspecified in these sources.

Optional Cloud Vault requires Premium.

Listed Premium purchases

$6.99 – $39.99

Durations are not specified on the public listing. Several offers share a name; check availability in the app.

“Private Photo Vault Upgrade”

$39.99

App Store label. The listing does not specify this purchase’s duration or scope.

See official offers

Subscriptions renew unless canceled. Lifetime purchases do not renew.

Read the details and sources

Vault access

GuardVaultA pattern per vault; no global list on the unlock screen.[1]

Private Photo VaultSeparate vault code; Face ID + PIN setting available.[2]

Account requirement

GuardVaultNo GuardVault account. Apple Account for iCloud.[1]

Private Photo VaultNo account locally; account required for Cloud Vault.[2]

Stated protection

GuardVaultEncrypted vaults on the device, per the App Store listing.[1]

Private Photo VaultStates local AES and encryption before Cloud Vault upload.[2]

Backup and cloud

GuardVaultOpt-in encrypted iCloud backup or exported archive. Included free.[1]

Private Photo VaultOptional Cloud Vault, part of Premium.[2]

Recovery

GuardVault24 words. After uninstalling, a saved copy is also required.[1]

Private Photo VaultApp code recovery email if configured. Cloud Vault password cannot be recovered.[3]

Free tier and limits

GuardVault3 vaults; per vault: 100 photos, 10 videos and 50 documents.[1]

Private Photo VaultFree download; paid Cloud Vault. Local quotas unspecified in these sources.[2][3]

The right choice depends on your needs.

Why consider GuardVault

To keep photos, videos, documents and notes in pattern-accessed vaults without a GuardVault account. Encrypted backup is included free and you choose whether to enable it.

Read our security approach

Also consider : Private Photo Vault

Consider Private Photo Vault for password-protected albums and Cloud Vault across iPhone and Android. Keep the app passcode distinct from the Cloud Vault password.

Official sources

GuardVault · 2026-10-30

Sources. Clear limits.

These comparisons are published by Dealing With, the publisher of GuardVault. They use developers’ public descriptions, not independent audits or security testing of the apps.

Unspecified information does not mean a feature is absent. Versions, plans and prices can change; check your local purchase screen before paying. Referenced trademarks belong to their owners.

Our editorial approach

Choose with a method

Use a few disposable files to check importing, exporting and recovery before moving your originals.

How to choose an iPhone photo vault: 6 checks

Your private space starts here.

Start free with 3 vaults. Premium is optional.

Download on the App Store

Try the pattern