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Sealed vs Private Photo Vault: An Honest Comparison
Checked November 9, 2026
Short answer
Private Photo Vault offers an optional encrypted Cloud Vault backup with its own password, a decoy password, a break-in report and a private browser. Sealed offers none of those extras. It offers no account, no cloud copy and no ads. Pick by whether you want cloud backup and extras, or nothing leaving the phone.
Side by side
| Point | Sealed | Private Photo Vault |
|---|---|---|
| Where files live | On the iPhone only. Nothing is uploaded. | On the device, with optional Cloud Vault backup in the paid version. |
| Cloud backup | None. The vault is kept out of iCloud backups. | Encrypted Cloud Vault backup that needs its own Cloud Vault password. Its listing says its employees cannot view your photos or videos. |
| Decoy and alerts | Not in the current version. | A decoy password and a break-in report (photo and GPS). |
| Extras | Folders, search, in-app viewer, export, auto-lock, Erase all. | A private web browser. |
| Privacy label | Purchase history only, not linked to you. No tracking. | Lists usage data used to track you, and data linked to you for purposes including third-party advertising and analytics. |
| Devices | iPhone only. | iPhone and iPad, and Macs with Apple silicon. |
| Price | $1.49 per week or $49.99 once. | Free to download; in-app purchases from $6.99 to $39.99, with Premium described as an auto-renewing subscription. |
| If you forget your passphrase | Optional printable 24-word recovery key. No reset, no back door. | Check the app's current recovery options. |
US prices. Sealed's local price is shown in the app.
When Private Photo Vault is the better fit
- You want an encrypted cloud backup as an option.
- You want iPad or Mac support, a decoy password or a built-in private browser.
- You want to try it free before paying.
When Sealed is the better fit
- You want nothing uploaded, no account and no ads.
- You want documents and IDs stored next to photos.
- You want a recovery key that only you hold, and no server in the picture.
- You prefer a one-time purchase to a recurring bill.
Also see the comparison with the built-in option: Sealed vs the Hidden album.
Private Photo Vault details come from its US App Store page (Private Photo Vault - Pic Safe, by Legendary Software Labs LLC), read on November 9, 2026. App Store privacy labels are the developer's own statements. We cannot verify how any other app implements encryption, and prices and features change, so check the App Store before you decide. Private Photo Vault is a trademark of its owner. Sealed is not affiliated with Private Photo Vault.