---
title: Mavaul vs SPV - Secret Photo Vault
canonical: https://mavaul.com/compare/spv-secret-photo-vault/
description: SPV locks photos, passwords and contacts behind a PIN, with a private browser. Mavaul encrypts photos with AES-256 on the iPhone, doesn't track you, and is built for looking at them.
format: text/markdown
generator: scripts/generate-llms.js
---
# Mavaul vs SPV

_By [Diogo Ferreira](/about/), founder & engineer_

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](/features/on-device-encryption/).

## 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](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/spv-secret-photo-vault/id1449239240) and privacy label, checked on October 6, 2026. Privacy labels are filled in by each developer, who is [responsible for keeping them accurate](https://developer.apple.com/app-store/app-privacy-details/). Prices and features change, so check the listing before you buy. Mavaul facts come from [features](/features/), [pricing](/pricing/) and [privacy](/privacy/). App names and icons belong to their owners. Spot something out of date? [hello@mavaul.com](mailto:hello@mavaul.com).

## Try Mavaul
[Download Mavaul on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/pt/app/mavaul-photo-video-vault/id6759567727?l=en-GB)