Hidden Folder vs FileVault
Apple says FileVault keeps someone from getting access to your data without your login password, and that users unlock the encrypted disk with their login password. Apple's page does not describe a separate lock for chosen files. Hidden Folder is planned to lock chosen files separately, and it is not released. They solve different problems.
FileVault protects the startup disk. A vault app is planned to lock chosen files separately.
Verdict. FileVault and a vault app do different jobs. FileVault protects the startup disk. A vault is planned to lock chosen files separately.
Pick FileVault if
- You want your startup disk protected by your login password.
- You want a built-in setting with no extra software.
Pick Hidden Folder if
- You share an unlocked Mac or leave it open at times.
- You want some files locked separately from your login.
| Feature | Hidden Folder | FileVault |
|---|---|---|
| Native Mac app | ✓native macOS app, planned. Needs macOS 14 Sonoma or later | ✓part of macOS, per Apple |
| Encrypts file contents | ✓AES-256-GCM, planned. Not yet audited | ✓Apple describes an encrypted startup disk |
| Encrypts file names | ✓planned. Files get random names on disk, and metadata is encrypted | –not described on Apple's FileVault page |
| Works without an account | ✓planned. No account | ◐you unlock with your login password. If you forget it, you choose your iCloud account or a recovery key to unlock, per Apple |
| Source code is open | ◐planned as open source (GPL-3.0). The source is not public yet | –not stated on Apple's FileVault page |
| Pattern unlock | ✓planned. 5×5 pattern | ✕Apple says users unlock the encrypted disk with their login password |
| Several hidden vaults, no list | ✓planned. Each pattern opens its own vault, with no vault list | –not described on Apple's FileVault page |
| Duress mode | ◐planned for v1.1, paid plan | –not described on Apple's FileVault page |
| Encrypted cloud backup | ◐encrypted iCloud backup, planned for v1.0 | –not described on Apple's FileVault page |
| Analytics off by default | ✓planned. Off by default, opt-in | –not applicable |
| Free to use | ◐a free tier and a paid plan are planned. Prices not final | ✓part of macOS. Apple's page lists no separate price |
Hidden Folder describes planned behaviour from its public spec. The app is not released. Facts about FileVault were checked on Oct 30, 2026 against its own page. Not affiliated with FileVault. Marks: yes, no, partly, not stated.
What FileVault protects
Apple says that on a Mac with Apple silicon or an Apple T2 Security Chip, your data is encrypted automatically. Apple says turning on FileVault adds a layer of security by keeping someone from decrypting or getting access to your data without your login password. When you turn it on, you choose how to unlock the startup disk if you forget your password: your iCloud account or a recovery key.
What the page does not describe
- Apple says users unlock the encrypted disk with their login password. The page does not describe a separate lock for individual files or folders.
- The page does not say whether file names are encrypted.
- Apple warns that if you forget your login password and cannot reset it, and you also forget your recovery key, you will not be able to log in and your files and settings will be lost forever.
More: lock a folder on Mac.
Frequently asked questions
Do I still need a vault if I use FileVault?
That depends on your needs. Apple's page describes unlocking the encrypted disk with your login password. It does not describe a separate lock for chosen files, which is what a vault is planned to add.
How do I turn on FileVault?
Per Apple: you must be an administrator. Open System Settings, go to Privacy & Security, click FileVault, then turn it on and choose how to unlock your disk.
Does FileVault slow my Mac?
Apple's FileVault page does not discuss speed, and we have not measured it.
References
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