Hidegrid vs Calculator#
An honest look at how Hidegrid and Calculator# differ, so you can pick the right one for you.
The short answer
Calculator# looks and works like a calculator and opens a hidden vault when you type a code. Hidegrid does not pretend to be a calculator; it can use a neutral icon (Pro), and it focuses on published encryption, pattern-based keys and no account.
Hidegrid and Calculator# side by side
| Feature | Hidegrid | Calculator# |
|---|---|---|
| How you unlock | Pattern on a 5×5 grid | Calculator code, PIN, password or pattern; Face ID |
| Encryption details published | Yes: AES-256-GCM, key from PBKDF2 with 600,000 iterations | Not stated in the listing |
| Account needed | No | Check listing; registration may be asked |
| Backup and sync | Encrypted backup to your own iCloud; iPhone and iPad sync (Pro, coming in a free update) | Backup to your own iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive or OneDrive |
| Decoy or duress option | Duress pattern that silently erases a vault (Pro) | Panic switch; fake crash screen |
| Break-in photo alerts | No | Logs wrong attempts |
| Disguised app icon | Yes (Pro) | Works as a real calculator |
| Private in-app camera | Yes | Yes |
| Separate vaults with separate keys | Yes, each with its own pattern | Not stated in the listing |
| Platforms | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad, Mac, Vision Pro |
| Pricing model | Free plan; Pro as subscription or one-time purchase | Free with ads; subscription |
We checked Calculator# against its public App Store listing, website or support pages on 28 October 2026. Features and prices change, so check the current listing. If something here is out of date, tell us and we will fix it.
Sources: apps.apple.com
Where Calculator# is strong
Calculator# offers a full working calculator as cover, many unlock options and backups to several cloud services.
Where Hidegrid is different
Hidegrid publishes its encryption design, never asks for an email, and has no ads. The pattern is part of the key rather than a code typed into a disguise.
Which one should you choose?
- Choose Calculator# if a working calculator disguise matters most to you.
- Choose Hidegrid if documented encryption, no account and no ads matter more than a fake calculator.
Questions
Can Hidegrid look like a calculator?
Hidegrid Pro can change its Home Screen icon to a calculator-style design. Opening it shows Hidegrid's unlock screen, not a working calculator.
Which keeps photos safer?
Hidegrid publishes how its encryption works. Calculator#'s listing does not state its encryption method, so we cannot compare them directly.
Does Hidegrid show ads?
No.
Keep private things private
Download Hidegrid and set up your first vault in under a minute.
Coming soon to the App StoreFree to start. No account needed.