Backroom vs Privault

Privault has secondary and erase-all passcodes, a voice recorder and Wi-Fi transfer. Backroom has a pattern per vault, locked notes and a recovery phrase.

Privault opens behind a keypad with a digit passcode and adds a secondary passcode for pressure situations and an erase-all passcode. Its listing describes encrypted storage without naming a cipher. Backroom, coming soon to the App Store, opens with a drawn pattern, names AES-256-GCM and has no ads.

Side by side

BackroomPrivault

AvailabilityComing soon to the App Store. iPhone.On the App Store. Last updated February 2025.

What opens itA pattern of at least 6 dots on a 5 by 5 grid.A digit passcode on a keypad.

EncryptionAES-256-GCM on each file, with a random key for each vault."Encrypted storage," per its listing. No cipher named.

Where files liveOn your iPhone, and in your device backups in encrypted form if you make them. No cloud sync.On the device, with import and export through the camera roll or a Wi-Fi server.

AccountNone.The listing does not mention one.

Forgotten codeA 12-word recovery phrase for each vault. Lose the pattern and the phrase, and nobody can open that vault.The listing does not say.

If someone pressures youA different pattern opens a different vault, and the app shows no list of vaults. No duress mode.Secondary passcode opening another folder, and an erase-all passcode.

DisguisePaid plan: alternate icons and a working calculator screen. The name under the icon stays Backroom.A locker keypad interface.

Ads and dataNo ads and no analytics.Sells a Remove Ads purchase. Apple label: usage data used to track you and linked to you. Usage data and user content not linked.

Code and reviewSource code is unpublished. No outside review has been completed.No published source or audit is mentioned on its listing.

PriceFree: 50 photos and files, 5 videos and 10 notes in each vault. Paid: $1.99 a week, $19.99 a year or $39.99 once.Free app. Pro: $3.49 monthly, $24.99 yearly or $45.99 permanent. Remove Ads: $2.99.

Privault facts checked October 31, 2026 against its own listing or site, US prices. See Sources below. Apps change, so check before you buy.

Privault’s pressure features

Privault uses separate codes for separate jobs. The primary opens your main space. The secondary opens another folder, which its listing suggests disclosing if you are threatened. The third erases all secret files. Backroom has no erase code, and we do not claim a duress mode.

If someone is threatening you, deleting or hiding things can raise the stakes. Our page on a partner monitoring your phone lists confidential help.

Media and transfer

Privault leans toward media handling, with a large format list, a 3D photo browser, a voice recorder and an embedded Wi-Fi server for moving files. Backroom imports from Photos or Files and has an in-app camera for photos.

Lock and encryption

A digit passcode and a drawn pattern each depend on how well you choose. Backroom requires at least 6 dots and shows a strength rating when you make a vault. It encrypts each file with AES-256-GCM, with a random key for each vault. Privault’s listing says “encrypted storage” and gives no more detail.

Cost and ads

Privault sells a $2.99 Remove Ads option and Pro plans up to $45.99. Backroom shows no ads on any plan, and its paid plan is $19.99 a year or $39.99 once.

Frequently asked questions

Does Backroom have an erase-all passcode?

No. Backroom has no duress mode or remote wipe. Privault offers this, though erasing data in front of someone could also carry risk in some situations.

Which supports more media?

Privault says its player handles up to 150 media formats and includes a voice recorder. Backroom stores photos, videos, files and notes, with no recorder.

Is Privault still maintained?

It is on the App Store. Its most recent version we saw was released in February 2025, so check the version history before relying on it.