{ "slug": "file-encryption-software", "name": "File encryption software", "title": "Best File Encryption Software in 2026", "category": "security-privacy", "filter": null, "available_filters": [ "open-source", "windows", "macos", "linux" ], "page": "https://listme.name/best/file-encryption-software", "json": "https://listme.name/api/v1/lists/file-encryption-software.json", "updated": "2026-10-10", "intro": "File encryption tools differ in what they protect, from whole disks to single files and archives, and in how much setup they need. This ranking weighs encryption design and openness first, then the kind of data each tool protects, platform reach and price.", "criteria": [ "Strength and design of encryption", "Open source and license", "Kind of data protected", "Platform and interface", "Free plan and price" ], "specs": [ { "key": "protects", "label": "Protects", "type": "text" }, { "key": "platforms", "label": "Platforms", "type": "text" }, { "key": "interface", "label": "Interface", "type": "text" }, { "key": "open_source", "label": "Open source", "type": "bool" } ], "how_to_choose": [ { "point": "What you protect", "detail": "Whole disks and volumes suit VeraCrypt, BitLocker and FileVault; files in cloud folders suit Cryptomator; single files and archives suit AxCrypt or 7-Zip." }, { "point": "Open source", "detail": "VeraCrypt, Cryptomator, GnuPG, age and 7-Zip publish their source; AxCrypt publishes only part of its desktop code." }, { "point": "Command line or app", "detail": "GnuPG and age are command-line tools at heart, while VeraCrypt, Cryptomator and AxCrypt are graphical apps." }, { "point": "Platforms", "detail": "7-Zip is listed for Windows only, while Cryptomator and AxCrypt also cover Android and iOS." } ], "faq": [ { "q": "What is the best free file encryption software?", "a": "VeraCrypt is free and open source for disks and encrypted volumes, and Cryptomator is free for personal use on desktop for files in cloud folders. Pick by what you need to protect." }, { "q": "Which file encryption tools are open source?", "a": "VeraCrypt (Apache 2.0 and TrueCrypt License 3.0), Cryptomator (GPL-3.0), GnuPG (GPL-3.0), age (BSD-3-Clause) and 7-Zip (LGPL and BSD) publish open-source code. AxCrypt publishes only part of its desktop code." }, { "q": "Is 7-Zip good for encrypting files?", "a": "7-Zip encrypts 7z and ZIP archives with AES-256, which protects a set of files with one password. Its download page lists Windows builds only, and it works on archives rather than a live encrypted vault." }, { "q": "Which tool encrypts files for email?", "a": "GnuPG implements OpenPGP for encrypting and signing email and files, and Mailfence and Runbox offer OpenPGP in the browser. Setup means managing keys, so expect some learning." } ], "entries": [ { "rank": 1, "score": 92.5, "verdict": "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", "spec": { "protects": "Whole disks and encrypted volumes", "platforms": "Windows, macOS, Linux", "interface": "Graphical app", "open_source": true }, "product": { "slug": "veracrypt", "name": "VeraCrypt", "kind": "app", "website": "https://veracrypt.io/", "page": "https://listme.name/software/veracrypt", "tagline": "Free, open-source encryption for disks and encrypted volumes", "summary": "VeraCrypt is free, open-source disk and volume encryption software for Windows, macOS and Linux. It is based on TrueCrypt and multi-licensed under the Apache License 2.0 and the TrueCrypt License 3.0, and its installers are published with PGP signatures.", "platforms": [ "windows", "macos", "linux" ], "pricing": "open-source", "price_note": "Free and open source; no paid edition listed", "free_to_use": true, "open_source": true, "license": "Apache-2.0 and TrueCrypt License 3.0", "source": "https://github.com/veracrypt/VeraCrypt", "strengths": [ "Free and open source under Apache 2.0 and TrueCrypt License 3.0", "Encrypts whole disks and encrypted volumes", "Installers published with PGP signatures" ], "limits": [ "Mac builds rely on macFUSE or FUSE-T", "Less suited to sharing single files than cloud-focused tools" ], "checked": "2026-10-10", "connected_to_publisher": false } }, { "rank": 2, "score": 91, "verdict": "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", "spec": { "protects": "Files in cloud storage folders", "platforms": "Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS", "interface": "Graphical app", "open_source": true }, "product": { "slug": "cryptomator", "name": "Cryptomator", "kind": "app", "website": "https://cryptomator.org/", "page": "https://listme.name/software/cryptomator", "tagline": "Open-source encryption for files in Dropbox, Google Drive and OneDrive", "summary": "Cryptomator is an open-source encryption tool from Skymatic GmbH that encrypts files in cloud storage folders. Its desktop apps are free for personal use on Windows, macOS and Linux, and its mobile apps need a paid upgrade for full access.", "developer": "Skymatic GmbH", "platforms": [ "windows", "macos", "linux", "android", "ios" ], "pricing": "freemium", "price_note": "Free for personal use on desktop; paid mobile upgrades", "free_to_use": true, "open_source": true, "license": "GPL-3.0", "source": "https://github.com/Cryptomator/cryptomator", "strengths": [ "Open source under GPL-3.0", "Encrypts files before they reach cloud storage", "Free for personal use on desktop with unlimited vaults" ], "limits": [ "Free mobile versions are read-only", "Cloud service support varies by platform" ], "checked": "2026-10-10", "connected_to_publisher": false } }, { "rank": 3, "score": 88.5, "verdict": "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", "spec": { "protects": "Files and email (OpenPGP)", "platforms": "Windows, macOS, Linux, command line", "interface": "Command line, GUI via Gpg4win", "open_source": true }, "product": { "slug": "gnupg", "name": "GnuPG", "kind": "app", "website": "https://gnupg.org/", "page": "https://listme.name/software/gnupg", "tagline": "Free OpenPGP implementation for encrypting files and email", "summary": "GnuPG is a free implementation of the OpenPGP standard for encrypting files and email on Windows, macOS and Linux. It is free software under the GNU General Public License, runs mainly from the command line, and has graphical front ends such as Gpg4win.", "platforms": [ "windows", "macos", "linux", "cli" ], "pricing": "open-source", "price_note": "Free software under the GNU General Public License", "free_to_use": true, "open_source": true, "license": "GPL-3.0", "strengths": [ "Free software under GPL version 3", "Interoperates with other OpenPGP software", "Installers for Windows and macOS, and Linux packages" ], "limits": [ "Command-line setup is more technical than consumer tools", "Key management falls to the user" ], "checked": "2026-10-10", "connected_to_publisher": false } }, { "rank": 4, "score": 87, "verdict": "A small, scriptable file encryption tool under BSD-3-Clause, with a Go library and installs for macOS, Linux and Windows. It is command-line only, so it suits developers rather than everyday users.", "best_for": "Scripted file encryption from the command line", "spec": { "protects": "Files, scriptable", "platforms": "Windows, macOS, Linux, command line", "interface": "Command line", "open_source": true }, "product": { "slug": "age", "name": "age", "kind": "app", "website": "https://age-encryption.org/", "page": "https://listme.name/software/age", "tagline": "Small, modern command-line tool for encrypting files", "summary": "age is a small, open-source command-line tool for encrypting files, released under the BSD 3-Clause license. It uses small explicit keys and has no configuration options, and it can be installed with Homebrew, winget and several Linux and BSD package managers.", "platforms": [ "windows", "macos", "linux", "cli" ], "pricing": "open-source", "price_note": "Free software under the BSD 3-Clause license", "free_to_use": true, "open_source": true, "license": "BSD-3-Clause", "source": "https://github.com/FiloSottile/age", "strengths": [ "Small, simple format with explicit keys", "Designed for scripts and UNIX-style pipelines", "BSD-3-Clause license and a published Go library" ], "limits": [ "Command-line only, with no graphical app", "Needs scripting for routine use" ], "checked": "2026-10-10", "connected_to_publisher": false } }, { "rank": 5, "score": 86.5, "verdict": "Encrypts each file as its own encrypted file inside a mountable folder, so encrypted data syncs with Dropbox or rsync. It is MIT licensed and command-line driven, with Linux fully supported and macOS in beta.", "best_for": "Developers who sync encrypted folders from a terminal", "spec": { "protects": "Folders, one encrypted file per file", "platforms": "Linux; macOS in beta", "interface": "Command line", "open_source": true }, "product": { "slug": "gocryptfs", "name": "gocryptfs", "kind": "app", "website": "https://nuetzlich.net/gocryptfs/", "page": "https://listme.name/software/gocryptfs", "tagline": "Open-source encrypted overlay filesystem written in Go", "summary": "gocryptfs is a free encrypted overlay filesystem that stores each file as one encrypted file on the disk, so encrypted folders can be synced with tools like Dropbox or rsync. It is MIT licensed and runs on Linux, with beta macOS support.", "platforms": [ "linux", "cli" ], "pricing": "open-source", "price_note": "Free MIT-licensed software; beta macOS support", "free_to_use": true, "open_source": true, "license": "MIT", "source": "https://github.com/rfjakob/gocryptfs", "strengths": [ "MIT licensed, with source on GitHub", "Encrypted files sync with standard tools" ], "limits": [ "Command-line tool with a FUSE mount step", "macOS support is beta quality" ], "checked": "2026-10-10", "connected_to_publisher": false } }, { "rank": 6, "score": 84, "verdict": "Built-in full-disk encryption at no extra cost on Windows Pro, Enterprise and Education. It covers the system and fixed drives but not USB drives, and its source is not published.", "best_for": "Windows Pro users who want built-in disk encryption", "spec": { "protects": "System and fixed drives", "platforms": "Windows Pro, Enterprise, Education", "interface": "Windows settings", "open_source": false }, "product": { "slug": "bitlocker", "name": "BitLocker", "kind": "app", "website": "https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/operating-system-security/data-protection/bitlocker/", "page": "https://listme.name/software/bitlocker", "tagline": "Built-in Windows disk encryption for Pro and Enterprise editions", "summary": "BitLocker is Microsoft's disk encryption feature for Windows, built into Windows Pro, Enterprise and Education editions. It encrypts the operating system drive and fixed drives, and Windows 11 can turn on device encryption automatically on some devices.", "developer": "Microsoft", "platforms": [ "windows" ], "pricing": "free", "price_note": "Included with Windows Pro, Enterprise and Education editions", "free_to_use": true, "open_source": false, "strengths": [ "Built into Windows Pro, Enterprise and Education", "Encrypts the system drive and fixed drives" ], "limits": [ "Not included in every Windows edition", "Encrypts system and fixed drives, not USB drives" ], "checked": "2026-10-10", "connected_to_publisher": false } }, { "rank": 7, "score": 83.5, "verdict": "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", "spec": { "protects": "Individual files", "platforms": "Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS", "interface": "Graphical app", "open_source": false }, "product": { "slug": "axcrypt", "name": "AxCrypt", "kind": "app", "website": "https://axcrypt.net/", "page": "https://listme.name/software/axcrypt", "tagline": "File encryption app with a limited free plan and paid Premium", "summary": "AxCrypt is a file encryption app from AxCrypt that uses AES-256 on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS. It offers a limited free plan and paid Premium and Business plans, and it publishes part of its desktop code on GitHub.", "platforms": [ "windows", "macos", "linux", "android", "ios" ], "pricing": "freemium", "price_note": "Free plan for two file encryptions a month; Premium is paid", "free_to_use": true, "open_source": false, "strengths": [ "AES-256 encryption for individual files", "Free plan available", "Apps for desktop and mobile platforms" ], "limits": [ "Free plan is limited to two file encryptions a month", "Only parts of the code are published" ], "checked": "2026-10-10", "connected_to_publisher": false } }, { "rank": 8, "score": 83, "verdict": "Built-in macOS disk encryption that Apple turns on automatically on Apple silicon and T2 Macs. It protects the startup disk rather than single files, and it comes with macOS at no extra cost.", "best_for": "Mac users who want the startup disk encrypted", "spec": { "protects": "Startup disk", "platforms": "macOS", "interface": "macOS settings", "open_source": false }, "product": { "slug": "filevault", "name": "FileVault", "kind": "app", "website": "https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/protect-data-on-your-mac-with-filevault-mh11785/mac", "page": "https://listme.name/software/filevault", "tagline": "Built-in macOS disk encryption for the startup disk", "summary": "FileVault is Apple's built-in disk encryption for macOS. On Macs with Apple silicon or an Apple T2 Security Chip, the data is encrypted automatically, and turning FileVault on adds a login-password requirement before the startup disk opens.", "developer": "Apple", "platforms": [ "macos" ], "pricing": "free", "price_note": "Included with macOS; no separate purchase", "free_to_use": true, "open_source": false, "strengths": [ "Built into macOS with no separate purchase", "Encrypts automatically on Apple silicon and T2 Macs" ], "limits": [ "Protects the startup disk, not individual files", "Recovery depends on the option the user picks" ], "checked": "2026-10-10", "connected_to_publisher": false } }, { "rank": 9, "score": 81, "verdict": "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", "spec": { "protects": "Archives in 7z and ZIP", "platforms": "Windows", "interface": "Graphical app and command line", "open_source": true }, "product": { "slug": "7-zip", "name": "7-Zip", "kind": "app", "website": "https://www.7-zip.org/", "page": "https://listme.name/software/7-zip", "tagline": "Free open-source archiver with a high compression ratio for Windows", "summary": "7-Zip is a free, open-source file archiver for Windows with a high compression ratio. It packs 7z, ZIP, GZIP, TAR and WIM archives and unpacks many more formats, including RAR and ISO.", "developer": "Igor Pavlov", "platforms": [ "windows" ], "pricing": "open-source", "price_note": "Free to use, including in commercial organizations", "free_to_use": true, "open_source": true, "license": "LGPL", "strengths": [ "Free and open source under the LGPL", "High compression ratio in the 7z format" ], "limits": [ "Official builds are for Windows only", "Creates 7z, ZIP, GZIP, TAR, XZ and WIM but not RAR" ], "checked": "2026-10-10", "connected_to_publisher": false } }, { "rank": 10, "score": 79.5, "verdict": "A GPL-3.0 tool for Windows, macOS and Linux that encrypts files and folders, with downloads linked from its GitHub repository. Its README warns about a fake website that posed as the official one, so use the repository link.", "best_for": "Users who want an open-source desktop encryption app", "spec": { "protects": "Files and folders", "platforms": "Windows, macOS, Linux", "interface": "Desktop GUI; command line also described", "open_source": true }, "product": { "slug": "picocrypt", "name": "Picocrypt", "kind": "app", "website": "https://github.com/Picocrypt/Picocrypt", "page": "https://listme.name/software/picocrypt", "tagline": "Open-source file encryption app for Windows, macOS and Linux", "summary": "Picocrypt is a free, open-source file encryption app for Windows, macOS and Linux, published under GPL-3.0. Its source is on GitHub, and downloads for each system are linked from the project's repository.", "platforms": [ "windows", "macos", "linux" ], "pricing": "open-source", "price_note": "Free under GPL-3.0; downloads linked from GitHub", "free_to_use": true, "open_source": true, "license": "GPL-3.0", "source": "https://github.com/Picocrypt/Picocrypt", "strengths": [ "GPL-3.0 licensed, with source on GitHub", "Covers Windows, macOS and Linux" ], "limits": [ "Single-purpose tool, not a full security suite", "Use the GitHub link, not third-party download sites" ], "checked": "2026-10-10", "connected_to_publisher": false } } ], "notes": [ "Scores are editorial, 0 to 100. Entries with product.connected_to_publisher true are made by or connected to the publisher and receive a disclosed ranking lift: https://listme.name/methodology" ], "source": "https://listme.name", "license": "Free to read and cite with attribution to listme.name.", "docs": "https://listme.name/developers" }