Mavaul vs SPV
SPV locks photos, videos, passwords and contacts behind a PIN, and adds a private browser. Its listing says data stays on the device, but it doesn't mention encryption, and its privacy label lists tracking. Mavaul encrypts every photo with AES-256 on the iPhone, has no tracking, and spends its effort on the part you do every day: opening the vault and looking at your photos.
At a glance
| Mavaul | SPV | |
|---|---|---|
| Built for | Keeping photos private and enjoying them | Locking photos, passwords and contacts behind a PIN |
| Encryption on the phone | AES-256-GCM for every photo and video | Not mentioned. Data stays on the device |
| Account | None | None listed |
| Unlock | Face ID, Touch ID or a 4-digit vault passcode | PIN |
| Decoy and disguise | Decoy mode: a working calculator in place of the lock screen. Calculator, cat or hot sauce icons | Not listed |
| Viewing | Tap the edges to flick through, pinch to zoom, timed slideshow with a progress hint | Albums |
| 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 | Not listed |
| Backup | Encrypted on the phone, to your Dropbox, Nextcloud or Files (Premium). Mavaul hosts nothing | None. Deleting the app deletes the photos |
| Also stores | Photos and videos | Photos, videos, passwords, contacts. Private browser |
| Ads | None | Not stated |
| App Store privacy label | Data not linked to you: analytics and crash data. No tracking | Data used to track you: identifiers, usage data, diagnostics. Not linked to you: data for third-party advertising |
| Free version | 20 photos and videos, all the locks, Wi-Fi Share | Yes |
| Premium | 1,99 € a month, 17,99 € a year, or 49,99 € once | Weekly, monthly and yearly plans from $2.99. Purchases up to $39.99 (US) |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone and iPad |
| On the App Store since | 2026 | 2019, 4.6 stars from about 70,000 ratings (US) |
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
SPV's App Store label lists identifiers, usage data and diagnostics that may be used to track you, and data for third-party advertising. Its listing says data stays on the device but doesn't say it's encrypted. Mavaul encrypts every photo with AES-256 and its label lists no tracking. How Mavaul's encryption works.
Where SPV wins
- Stores passwords and contacts as well as photos.
- A private browser.
- An iPad app.
Which one to pick
Pick SPV if you want photos, passwords and contacts in one PIN-locked app.
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 SPV?
Yes, if your vault is for photos and videos and you want them encrypted, without tracking. Stay with SPV if you also store passwords and contacts.
Does SPV encrypt photos?
Its listing says data stays on the device but doesn't mention encryption. Mavaul encrypts every photo and video with AES-256.
Does SPV track you?
Its privacy label lists identifiers, usage data and diagnostics that may be used to track you. Mavaul's lists no tracking.
Sources
SPV 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.