Obscura Photo Vault review
A feature-rich iPhone vault with strong organization and flexible Pro pricing.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Obscura Photo Vault is an iPhone app for storing private photos and videos in encrypted, password-protected vaults. It encrypts photos, videos, and databases on the device with AES-256-GCM, works without an account or required network connection, and supports Face ID and Touch ID. It is aimed at iPhone users who want more than basic hiding, particularly people who need separate vaults, folder-level passwords, private camera capture, and detailed photo organization.
The free plan includes AES-256 encryption, biometric unlock, editing and collages, Calculator Mode, and encrypted vault export and import. It supports up to 50 photos in one vault. Pro adds unlimited photos and videos, unlimited vaults, and Hidden Vaults. The published paid options are $6.99 per month, $29.99 per year, or $39.99 as a one-time lifetime purchase, with a 7-day free trial. The lifetime option is the clearest fit for long-term use, while the annual plan lowers the ongoing cost compared with monthly billing.
Organization is a central strength: users can apply tags, mark favorites, detect duplicates, and arrange items manually. Automatic local backups with snapshot history add a recovery layer, while encrypted export and import support controlled movement of vault data. The app can also work with iCloud Backup, Files, and AirDrop, although it does not provide vendor-operated cloud sync. Choose Obscura Photo Vault if you use an iPhone and want encryption paired with advanced organization and multiple privacy controls. It is less suitable for Android users, people who need cross-platform access, or anyone whose library exceeds the free limit without upgrading.
Obscura Photo Vault pros and cons
- Where it wins
- AES-256-GCM encryption with biometric unlock
- Hidden vaults, folder passwords, and Calculator Mode
- Tags, duplicate detection, editing, and private camera capture
- Where it doesn't
- iOS-only availability
- Free plan is limited to 50 photos in one vault
- No vendor-operated cloud sync
Obscura Photo Vault fact sheet, pricing and score →
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