Photok

Freemium#23 of 32 in Photo Vault Apps

Photok: A focused, open-source Android vault with strong local encryption and practical basics. Ranked #23 of 32 in Photo Vault Apps by our editors (6.8/10); pricing: Free plan; best for open-source Android basics.

6.8/10★★★☆☆Editor score

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At a glance

• Editor score
  6.8 / 10
• Pricing
  Free plan
• Best for
  Open-source Android basics
• Free plan
  Yes
• Cloud backup
  No
• Facts checked
  22 Sep 2026

• Where it wins

  • Local AES-256 encryption protects photos and videos on the device
  • Open-source, ad-free app with free FOSS distribution through F-Droid
  • Biometric unlocking, backups, icon hiding, and original deletion

• Where it doesn't

  • No cloud backup for automatic off-device storage
  • No decoy vault or private camera features
  • Limited to Android devices

Our verdict on Photok

Photok is an Android photo and video vault for people who want private media stored locally in an encrypted gallery. It combines local AES-256 encryption with album organization, fingerprint or biometric unlocking, and the option to hide its app icon. The app also supports sharing media directly into the vault, exporting files back to the device gallery, and automatically deleting originals after import. Its open-source, ad-free approach makes it a natural fit for users who prefer transparent software and local control over cloud-based storage.

Photok follows a freemium model with a free FOSS distribution available through F-Droid and an optional Pro add-on in the Google Play version. The free distribution includes the core vaulting workflow, while the Google Play edition provides a route to the optional Pro add-on. Across its Android footprint, the product focuses on device-based privacy rather than a broader cross-platform ecosystem. Encrypted backup creation and restoration add a practical way to preserve a vault, while gallery import and export help it fit into an existing Android media workflow.

The main trade-off is its narrow local-storage focus. Photok does not provide cloud backup, so users who want automatic off-device syncing will need a different approach. It also lacks decoy vaults and a private camera, which may matter to buyers seeking more specialized privacy controls. Choose Photok for open-source Android basics, local encryption, biometric access, and straightforward media management. Consider an alternative if cloud backup, multiple mobile platforms, or those additional concealment and capture features are central requirements.

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Photok pricing

Photok fact sheet

Alternatives to Photok

• Quantum Media VaultA cross-platform vault with strong local privacy controls and flexible cloud sync.9.4
• Keepsafe Photo VaultA feature-rich mobile vault with cloud backup, recovery, decoy access and intruder evidence.9.1
• Private Photo VaultAn affordable mobile vault with strong privacy controls, decoy access, and cloud backup.8.9

See all Photok alternatives →

Featured on iTechGuides

Photok is listed in our Photo Vault Apps directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update