Kryptis vs Private Photo Vault.
Private Photo Vault has been on the App Store since 2011 and leads with a decoy password, break-in reports and a private browser.
| Feature | Kryptis | Private Photo Vault |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption named | YesAES-256-GCM on the device, media and metadata | PartlyCloud Vault encrypted with your password; on-device encryption not stated |
| Works without an account | YesNo sign-up, no server | Not listed |
| Decoy vault behind a second passcode | YesA separate vault with its own albums | YesDecoy Password |
| Self-destruct passcode | YesA third passcode erases the vault | Not listed |
| Intruder alerts | YesFailed unlocks are recorded | YesPhoto and GPS |
| Facedown lock | YesLocks and shows an app you choose | Yes |
| Disguised app icon | YesCalculator, Calendar, Clock and more | Not listed |
| Private camera | YesPhotos and video straight into the vault | Yes |
| Face blur while shooting | YesBuilt into the camera | Not listed |
| Download from a link | YesPublic photos, videos and streams | YesPrivate browser downloads photos |
| Transfer from a computer | YesLocal Wi-Fi, nothing through a server | YesWireless Photo Transfer |
| Encrypted backup in your own iCloud | YesEncrypted before it leaves the phone | PartlyCloud Vault on the developer's cloud |
| Recovery key you hold | YesBIP39 recovery phrase, no company copy | Not listed |
| Burner email | YesAddresses that expire after 24 hours | Not listed |
| Private contacts | YesEncrypted, separate from the address book | Not listed |
| Sub-albums | YesAlbums inside albums | Not listed |
Where Kryptis goes further.
- Encryption named. AES-256-GCM on the device, media and metadataPrivate Photo Vault lists: Cloud Vault encrypted with your password; on-device encryption not stated
- Works without an account. No sign-up, no server
- Self-destruct passcode. A third passcode erases the vault
- Disguised app icon. Calculator, Calendar, Clock and more
- Face blur while shooting. Built into the camera
- Encrypted backup in your own iCloud. Encrypted before it leaves the phonePrivate Photo Vault lists: Cloud Vault on the developer's cloud
- Recovery key you hold. BIP39 recovery phrase, no company copy
- Burner email. Addresses that expire after 24 hours
- Private contacts. Encrypted, separate from the address book
- Sub-albums. Albums inside albums
What Private Photo Vault leads with.
- Break-in Report with a photo and GPS location
- Decoy Password and Face Down Lock
- Password-protected albums
- Private web browser and wireless photo transfer
Questions people ask.
Does Private Photo Vault encrypt photos on the device?
Private Photo Vault lists something close: Cloud Vault encrypted with your password; on-device encryption not stated. Kryptis encrypts every file and its metadata with AES-256-GCM on the iPhone before it is stored.
Does Private Photo Vault have a decoy vault?
Private Photo Vault lists it (Decoy Password). In Kryptis a second passcode opens a separate vault with its own albums, and a third passcode erases everything.
Can I download videos from a link in Private Photo Vault?
Private Photo Vault lists it (Private browser downloads photos). Kryptis downloads public photos, videos and streams from a pasted link straight into the encrypted vault, without touching the camera roll.
What happens if I forget my passcode in Private Photo Vault?
Private Photo Vault's listing does not mention it. Kryptis gives you a BIP39 recovery phrase when you set up the vault. It is the only way back in, and no one else holds a copy.
Try Kryptis for free.
Download on theApp StoreCompetitor columns reflect what each developer lists on the App Store (US) or their own website as of September 6, 2026. “Not listed” means the feature does not appear in those sources. Kryptis features are as shipped in the app. App names and marks belong to their owners.
Private Photo Vault sources: App Store listing, privatephotovault.com (listed as "Private Photo Vault - Pic Safe").