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Best age alternatives in 2026

age is small, modern command-line tool for encrypting files. These 5 alternatives come from the same rankings, ordered by editorial score. Connected products carry a small, disclosed lift.

5 alternatives From best file encryption software How we rank

Ranked alternatives

  1. 1

    VeraCrypt

    Free, open-source encryption for whole disks and encrypted volumes on Windows, macOS and Linux, with PGP-signed installers. It is disk-focused, so it is less convenient than Cryptomator for files in cloud folders.

    Best for Encrypted disks and volumes on desktops

    WindowsmacOSLinuxFree and open sourceOpen source

    92.5of 100
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  2. 2

    Cryptomator

    Also runs on Android, iOS. Encrypts files before they reach Dropbox, Google Drive or OneDrive, under GPL-3.0, with free desktop use for personal users. Mobile apps need a paid upgrade, and the free mobile versions are read-only.

    Best for Encrypting files in cloud storage folders

    WindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidiOSFree plan, paid upgradesOpen source

    91.0of 100
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  3. 3

    GnuPG

    The main free OpenPGP implementation, under GPL-3.0, for files and email on Windows, macOS and Linux. Setup is technical, and most use needs the command line or a front end such as Gpg4win.

    Best for OpenPGP encryption for files and email

    WindowsmacOSLinuxCommand lineFree and open sourceOpen source

    88.5of 100
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  4. 4

    AxCrypt

    Also runs on Android, iOS. Encrypts single files with AES-256 across desktop and mobile, with a free plan for two encryptions a month. Only part of its code is published, and full use needs a paid Premium plan.

    Best for Encrypting single files with a small free plan

    WindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidiOSFree plan, paid upgrades

    83.5of 100
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  5. 5

    7-Zip

    Free, open-source archiver with AES-256 encryption for 7z and ZIP files, plus a command-line version. It is listed for Windows only and protects archives rather than a live vault.

    Best for Password-protected archives on Windows

    WindowsFree and open sourceOpen source

    81.0of 100
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About age alternatives

What is the best alternative to age?
On listme.name the highest-scored alternative is VeraCrypt, followed by Cryptomator. The right choice depends on price, platform and whether you need open source.
Is there a free alternative to age?
Yes. Free options include VeraCrypt, Cryptomator, GnuPG.