Hidden Folder vs Cryptomator
Cryptomator is open source software that encrypts files and file names in a folder inside your cloud storage, and it opens as a virtual drive. Hidden Folder is planned as a vault with an image viewer, hidden vaults and a recovery phrase, and it is not released. Cryptomator is available now.
Cryptomator is a general, open source file encryptor. This is a planned photo and file vault.
Verdict. Cryptomator is released and open source. This vault is planned as open source, with a gallery-style design and a pattern lock, and it is not released.
Pick Cryptomator if
- You want a released, open source tool today.
- You want to encrypt files in your own cloud storage.
- You also use Windows, Linux or a phone.
Pick Hidden Folder if
- You want a photo gallery and viewer inside the vault.
- You want hidden vaults and a pattern lock.
- You want a Mac-native interface.
| Feature | Hidden Folder | Cryptomator |
|---|---|---|
| Native Mac app | ✓native macOS app, planned. Needs macOS 14 Sonoma or later | ◐a desktop app. Its downloads page lists macOS, Windows and Linux |
| Encrypts file contents | ✓AES-256-GCM, planned. Not yet audited | ✓AES with a 256-bit key length, per its home page |
| Encrypts file names | ✓planned. Files get random names on disk, and metadata is encrypted | ✓its home page says it encrypts both files and filenames |
| Works without an account | ✓planned. No account | ✓its home page says "no registration" |
| Source code is open | ◐planned as open source (GPL-3.0). The source is not public yet | ✓its home page says it is open source software |
| Pattern unlock | ✓planned. 5×5 pattern | ✕its home page describes unlocking a vault with a password |
| Several hidden vaults, no list | ✓planned. Each pattern opens its own vault, with no vault list | –not stated on its site |
| Duress mode | ◐planned for v1.1, paid plan | –not stated on its site |
| Encrypted cloud backup | ◐encrypted iCloud backup, planned for v1.0 | ◐its home page describes encrypting data in your own cloud storage. It does not describe a backup service |
| Analytics off by default | ✓planned. Off by default, opt-in | –its privacy policy describes update checks and error reports that need your permission. It does not describe app analytics |
| Free to use | ◐a free tier and a paid plan are planned. Prices not final | ◐its pricing page lists the desktop app as free for personal use. The iOS and Android apps are free to download, with a separate one-time purchase for write access |
Hidden Folder describes planned behaviour from its public spec. The app is not released. Facts about Cryptomator were checked on Oct 30, 2026 against its own page. Not affiliated with Cryptomator. Marks: yes, no, partly, not stated.
How Cryptomator works
Its home page says you assign a password to a folder within your cloud, which it calls a vault. To open the vault you enter the password again, and you get a virtual encrypted drive to move your data into. Its home page links to a community forum thread under the text "independent security audits". We have not reviewed it.
Where they differ
- Purpose. Cryptomator encrypts personal documents, photos and work files in a cloud folder. This vault is planned around photos, with a grid, viewer and thumbnails.
- Hidden vaults. The Cryptomator pages we read do not describe hidden vaults. This vault is planned to open its own vault for each pattern, with no vault list.
- Maturity. Cryptomator is released. This app is not.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cryptomator free?
Its pricing page lists the desktop app as free for personal use. It lists separate one-time purchases for the iOS and Android apps. Check cryptomator.org/pricing for current prices.
Does Cryptomator work on a Mac?
Yes. Its downloads page lists macOS, Windows and Linux builds.
Is Cryptomator open source?
Its home page says it is open source software.
References
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