Mavaul vs Privault
Privault hides photos, videos and voice memos behind a keypad, with a second passcode that opens a different folder and an erase-all passcode for emergencies. It plays around 150 video formats. Mavaul keeps it simpler: AES-256 on the iPhone, a calculator decoy, no ads and no tracking, and a viewer, slideshow and Wi-Fi Share built for looking at your photos.
At a glance
| Mavaul | Privault | |
|---|---|---|
| Built for | Keeping photos private and enjoying them | Hiding photos, videos and voice memos behind a keypad |
| Encryption on the phone | AES-256-GCM for every photo and video | "Encrypted storage", not named |
| Account | None | None listed |
| Unlock | Face ID, Touch ID or a 4-digit vault passcode | Digit passcode on a locker keypad |
| Decoy and disguise | Decoy mode: a working calculator in place of the lock screen. Calculator, cat or hot sauce icons | Secondary passcode opens a second folder. Erase-all passcode |
| Viewing | Tap the edges to flick through, pinch to zoom, timed slideshow with a progress hint | 3D photo browser. Plays about 150 media formats |
| Big screen | Wi-Fi Share: QR code, then the vault opens in a browser on a TV, laptop or any device on the same Wi-Fi, with slideshow | Wi-Fi server for import and export |
| Backup | Encrypted on the phone, to your Dropbox, Nextcloud or Files (Premium). Mavaul hosts nothing | Not listed |
| Also stores | Photos and videos | Photos, videos, files, voice memos |
| Ads | None | Yes. A $2.99 purchase removes them |
| App Store privacy label | Data not linked to you: analytics and crash data. No tracking | Data used to track you: usage data. Linked to you: data for third-party advertising |
| Free version | 20 photos and videos, all the locks, Wi-Fi Share | Yes, with ads |
| Premium | 1,99 € a month, 17,99 € a year, or 49,99 € once | Pro $3.49 a month, $24.99 a year, or $45.99 once (US) |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone and iPad |
| On the App Store since | 2026 | 2017, 4.7 stars from about 77,000 ratings (US). Last updated February 2025 |
Made to look at your photos, not just hide them
A vault is also where you go back to the photos. In Mavaul you tap the edges to flick through, pinch to zoom, or start a slideshow. A thin progress hint shows when the next photo is due, and if you swipe away, the show carries on from there. With Wi-Fi Share you scan a QR code and the vault opens on a TV, laptop or any device with a browser on the same Wi-Fi, with a slideshow and a full-screen viewer. Nothing leaves your Wi-Fi.
Privacy and encryption
Privault's App Store label lists usage data that may be used to track you, and advertising data linked to you. The app shows ads unless you pay to remove them, and its listing doesn't name its encryption. Mavaul names AES-256-GCM, has no ads, and its label lists no tracking. How Mavaul's encryption works.
Where Privault wins
- A secondary passcode that opens a different folder, and an erase-all passcode.
- Plays almost any video format, including MKV, AVI and FLV.
- A built-in voice recorder.
- An iPad app.
Which one to pick
Pick Privault if you need a second passcode that opens a different folder, an erase-all code, or unusual video formats.
Pick Mavaul if you want your photos encrypted on the phone, no tracking, a calculator decoy, and an app that makes your photos nice to look at again, on the phone or on the TV.
Questions
Is Mavaul a good alternative to Privault?
Yes, if you want named encryption, no ads and no tracking, and a vault built for looking at photos. Stay with Privault if you need its second passcode, erase-all code or video formats.
Does Privault have a decoy?
Yes. A secondary passcode opens a different folder. Mavaul's decoy mode is a working calculator in place of the lock screen.
Does Privault track you?
Its App Store privacy label lists usage data that may be used to track you. Mavaul's lists no tracking.
Sources
Privault facts come from its US App Store listing and privacy label, checked on October 6, 2026. Privacy labels are filled in by each developer, who is responsible for keeping them accurate. Prices and features change, so check the listing before you buy. Mavaul facts come from features, pricing and privacy. App names and icons belong to their owners. Spot something out of date? hello@mavaul.com.