Vaulted vs OneTimeSecret
Both let you share self-destructing secrets. The key difference: Vaulted encrypts in your browser before anything reaches the server. OneTimeSecret encrypts server-side — meaning the server sees your plaintext.
| Feature | Vaulted | OneTimeSecret |
|---|---|---|
| Client-side encryption | ||
| Zero-knowledge architecture | ||
| Encryption algorithm disclosed | AES-256-GCM | Not specified |
| Key never sent to server | ||
| Self-destructing links | ||
| Configurable view limit | Unlimited or 1–10 views | 1 view |
| Passphrase protection | ||
| Custom expiration | Up to 30 days | Up to 14 days |
| No account required | ||
| Free to use | ||
| Open source | ||
| Custom branding | Paid plan |
Key Differences
Vaulted encrypts in the browser using Web Crypto API, so the server never touches plaintext. OneTimeSecret encrypts server-side, meaning the service sees your data briefly before encrypting it. This matters if you want true zero-knowledge security.
Vaulted offers unlimited views or 1-10 configurable views, giving you flexibility for team sharing or reusable links. OneTimeSecret enforces single-view only — stricter burn-after-reading, but less practical for multi-person access.
OneTimeSecret is open source and self-hostable, which matters for compliance or regional data requirements. Vaulted prioritizes zero-knowledge encryption over self-hosting — you gain stronger privacy guarantees but lose the ability to run it on your own infrastructure.
Choose Vaulted if
- You need true zero-knowledge encryption — the server never sees plaintext
- You want unlimited views or a configurable view limit (up to 10)
- You want a longer expiration window (up to 30 days)
- Transparent cryptography matters to you (AES-256-GCM, documented)
Choose OneTimeSecret if
- You need email read receipts — notifications when a secret is viewed
- You need custom branding on shared links
- You prefer an open-source solution you can self-host
- Regional data storage is a compliance requirement