Comparison

Hidegrid vs Keepsafe

An honest look at how Hidegrid and Keepsafe differ, so you can pick the right one for you.

Written by The Hidegrid team Last updated:

The short answer

Keepsafe is a popular photo vault for iPhone and Android with PIN or Face ID unlock, a fake PIN, break-in alerts and its own Private Cloud. Hidegrid is iPhone and iPad only, unlocks with a 5×5 pattern that derives its encryption key, needs no account, and backs up to your own iCloud.

Hidegrid and Keepsafe side by side

Hidegrid and Keepsafe side by side
FeatureHidegridKeepsafe
How you unlockPattern on a 5×5 gridPIN; Face ID or Touch ID
Encryption details publishedYes: AES-256-GCM, key from PBKDF2 with 600,000 iterationsSays "military-grade encryption"; algorithm not named
Account neededNoNeeded for Private Cloud
Backup and syncEncrypted backup to your own iCloud; iPhone and iPad sync (Pro, coming in a free update)Own Private Cloud (Premium)
Decoy or duress optionDuress pattern that silently erases a vault (Pro)Fake PIN
Break-in photo alertsNoYes
Disguised app iconYes (Pro)Not stated in the listing
Private in-app cameraYesYes
Separate vaults with separate keysYes, each with its own patternSeparate PINs per album
PlatformsiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, Android
Pricing modelFree plan; Pro as subscription or one-time purchaseFree with ads; Premium subscription

We checked Keepsafe against its public App Store listing, website or support pages on 28 October 2026. Features and prices change, so check the current listing. If something here is out of date, tell us and we will fix it.

Sources: apps.apple.com · www.getkeepsafe.com

Where Keepsafe is strong

Keepsafe is well known, works on Android as well as iOS, and has a fake PIN, break-in alerts and its own cloud with cross-device sync.

Where Hidegrid is different

Hidegrid documents its exact algorithms, makes the pattern part of the key, has no ads and does not need an account for any feature. Instead of a fake PIN, Pro offers a duress pattern that silently erases a vault.

Which one should you choose?

  • Choose Keepsafe if you need Android support or break-in alerts.
  • Choose Hidegrid if you use iPhone or iPad, want no account and no ads, and prefer backups in your own iCloud.
Coming soon to the App Store

Questions

Is Hidegrid free like Keepsafe?

Both have a free plan. Hidegrid's free plan has no ads and includes 3 vaults, each with up to 100 photos and 10 videos.

Does Hidegrid work on Android?

No. Hidegrid is for iPhone and iPad.

Does Hidegrid have a fake PIN?

Hidegrid Pro has a duress pattern. Instead of opening a fake vault, it silently erases the real one.

Keep private things private

Download Hidegrid and set up your first vault in under a minute.

Coming soon to the App Store

Free to start. No account needed.