Alternatives
HeirVault and Killswitch both encrypt content and deliver after missed check-ins. Public Killswitch docs describe different key-custody models for private storage versus switch delivery, so treat delivery as mode-dependent. HeirVault keeps the live vault encrypted in your browser. Free HeirVault-assisted delivery stores a protected handoff key; Pro and Shield can keep that handoff key off our servers.
HeirVault
Best when you need an encrypted vault, check-ins, and named beneficiaries who claim access only after your rules are met.
Killswitch
People who want encrypted notes and files that deliver if a check-in schedule is missed.
Focus on the differences that matter for leave, check-in, waiting period, and claim.
| Feature | HeirVault | Killswitch |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy and encryption | ||
| End-to-end (live vault) | End-to-end (live vault) | |
| Included | Included | |
| Included | Included | |
| Shield only | Not included | |
| Timed release and people | ||
| Included | Included | |
| Included | Included | |
| Included | Included | |
| Included | Delivery links | |
| Pro and Shield | Not included | |
| Vault controls | ||
| Included | Not included | |
| Included | Included | |
| Included | Not included | |
| 25 / 100 / 250 MB; docs, images, media, ZIP | Up to 200 MB per file | |
| Product focus | ||
| Included | Included | |
| Not included | Not included | |
| Not included | Not included | |
Last verified 2026-07-23
Other products change. Every vendor page lists official sources and a last-verified date. Confirm details on each vendor site before you decide. We acknowledge competitor strengths where they fit a different job.
Both use encryption plus a check-in dead man's switch. Killswitch's public materials describe a server-controlled delivery path for switch content in some pages and a hashed browser token model in others, so do not treat every Killswitch claim as one architecture. HeirVault cannot decrypt your live vault. Free HeirVault-assisted delivery stores a protected handoff key; Pro and Shield can keep the handoff key off our servers. HeirVault also adds a waiting period, optional witnesses, a free plan, Shield duress passphrase, and lower Pro pricing.
Killswitch publicly describes a server-controlled delivery path for switch content. That is an additional access path, not proof that any breach exposes plaintext, and their technical deep dive also describes a hashed browser token model. Compare delivery modes carefully. HeirVault cannot decrypt your live vault. Beneficiaries open a handoff in the browser. Free HeirVault-assisted delivery stores a protected handoff key; Pro and Shield can keep that handoff key off our servers.
On Shield, yes. A duress passphrase is a second passphrase for when you are forced to unlock. It opens a decoy vault, alerts a trusted contact, and locks primary access. It is for device-level coercion, not a fake identity, and cannot help if the real passphrase was already captured. See the Duress passphrase page for the full threat model.
HeirVault uses a waiting period after missed check-ins so a short absence does not unlock access overnight. It is 14 days on Free and Pro; Shield can tune it from 3 to 14 days. Pro and Shield can add witnesses as a second confirmation. Always confirm how each product handles false triggers.
HeirVault Free is $0 with the same live-vault encryption model. Pro is $49.99/yr or $4.99/mo. Shield is $129.99/yr or $12.99/mo with a device check-in API and duress passphrase. Killswitch plans start around $8/mo with a trial. Confirm current Killswitch prices on their site.
No. Your live vault is protected by end-to-end encryption. It encrypts in your browser before upload, so HeirVault cannot decrypt it. HeirVault-assisted delivery stores a protected key for that beneficiary handoff only and transfers it to the beneficiary account after claim. That means assisted handoffs are not end-to-end to the beneficiary alone. Invite now and shared beneficiary passphrase delivery keep the handoff key off HeirVault servers.