HeirLock vs Vault12
Both apps split a secret into pieces and require several to bring it back. They make very different choices about where that happens and what it costs.
Vault12 helped bring this kind of crypto inheritance mainstream, and it is a capable product. The difference comes down to architecture. Vault12 is built around its own guardian network and servers, with paid plans for inheritance. HeirLock is built to run on your device with no account and no fee. The comparison below is based on each product’s public materials, which can change over time.
Where HeirLock is the better fit
If you want the smallest possible attack surface and the fewest moving parts, an offline design is hard to beat. There is no server to breach, no account to phish, and no subscription that has to keep being paid for your plan to stay valid. Handing someone a piece does not ask them to sign up for anything, which makes it far easier to involve the people who actually matter, like an older relative who will not install and learn a new app.
The offline argument in one line
A scheme designed to remove single points of failure should not add a new one in the form of a company you have to trust and outlive.
Where a service like Vault12 may appeal
A managed network can offer guided flows, reminders, and a guardian experience that some people find reassuring. If you prefer a hosted product with a support team and do not mind a subscription or an account, that model has real conveniences. The trade is that you take on a dependency on that company and its infrastructure.
The bottom line
Same proven math, different philosophy. HeirLock keeps it free, on your device, and out of any company’s hands. If that matches how you think about your own keys, see exactly how HeirLock works or read about crypto inheritance.
HeirLock vs Vault12 questions
Is HeirLock a good Vault12 alternative?
If your priorities are offline operation, no subscription, and no account, then yes. Both apps split a secret into pieces and require several of them to bring it back. HeirLock keeps everything on your device and is free, while Vault12 runs through its own network and charges a subscription.
Does HeirLock cost money like Vault12?
No. HeirLock is free on the App Store with no subscription. Vault12 markets paid plans for its inheritance product.
Do the people holding my pieces need to install an app?
This is a key difference. Vault12 asks each guardian to run the Vault12 app and connect to its network. HeirLock is designed so a share is a self contained piece you can hand to someone you trust.
What happens to my secret if the company goes away?
With a server based service, a shutdown can put recovery at risk because the infrastructure is part of the process. HeirLock runs the split and the recovery on your own device, so there is no company in the loop that you need to outlive.
Try the offline, no subscription approach
HeirLock gives you the same split secret protection with no account and no fee. Free on the App Store.
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