Revault vs. Private Photo Vault
Both apps support on-device use without an account. Private Photo Vault offers an optional Cloud Vault service that syncs between iPhone and Android. Revault uses native platform clouds for sync and independent encrypted transfers between platforms.
Reviewed October 28, 2026 · Sources belowThe feature breakdown
| What matters | Revault | Private Photo Vault |
|---|---|---|
| Account requirements | Local-first iOS and Android apps with no Revault account or sign-up. | The on-device vault works offline without an account on iPhone and Android. [1] |
| Unlocking and recovery | A device-bound pattern opens one vault. A separate recovery key restores access; Revault cannot reset it. | Optional recovery email can recover app or album passwords. The separate Cloud Vault password cannot be recovered. [1] |
| Published cryptography | AES-256-GCM; device pattern plus a random device secret; PBKDF2-SHA-256 wrapping and HKDF-SHA-256 streaming file encryption. | AES-256 encryption, an additional on-device encryption layer for Cloud Vault, and Argon2id password hashing are documented. [2] |
| Cloud setup | Local storage by default. Optional private iCloud on iOS or Google Drive appDataFolder on Android. The web cloud is separate. | Cloud Vault is optional and requires Premium, an account, internet and a separate cloud password. [2] |
| Switching platforms | A verified encrypted transfer package uses fresh keys on import between iOS and Android. Native clouds remain separate. | Cloud Vault supports backup and sync between iPhone and Android after upload completes. [2] |
| Saving device space | Original, Balanced and Smaller modes for newly imported photos and videos, configured per vault on this device. | Cloud Vault’s Space Saver retains originals in encrypted cloud storage to help free local space. [2] |
| Browser access | A separate passkey-protected web app. Native vaults are not automatically linked to a web account. | Cloud Vault is accessed through the mobile app; its guide states there is no browser login. [2] |
| After a paid plan ends | Existing vault unlock, recovery and export stay available. Higher file and vault limits require a valid entitlement. | The FAQ says local photos remain accessible in Basic, while Cloud Backup is deleted when switching to Basic. [1] |
A vault that starts on your device.
You want independent patterns and recovery keys for each vault, encrypted tags and search after unlock, plus sharing that uses a separate key for every operation.
A different workflow fits better.
You want a photo-focused app with app and album passcodes and a single optional cloud service for iPhone and Android.
Know the tradeoffs.
Revault does not offer automatic iCloud-to-Drive sync, recovery by email, or a way to reset a lost vault key. Private Photo Vault’s Cloud Vault requires its separate unrecoverable cloud password; recovering an app passcode does not recover that password.
No app can protect unlocked files from a compromised device. Exporting a decrypted file creates a copy outside the vault; deleting access cannot recall copies someone already saved. Keep recovery secrets and tested backups separately.
Revault’s security modelSources & scope
Primary documentation checked on October 28, 2026. Comparisons describe the documented personal product, not every enterprise plan or add-on. No price ranking is included because pricing varies by region and store.
- Private Photo Vault: local use, password recovery and subscription FAQ
- Private Photo Vault: Cloud Vault encryption, requirements and platform sync
Revault statements describe the implementation in this project; native store availability depends on release. Revault has not undergone an independent security audit. Private Photo Vault is a trademark of its respective owner. No affiliation or endorsement is implied.