Filtered ranking
Best File Encryption Software for Linux in 2026
5 of the 6 file encryption software ranked on listme.name match: they officially support Linux. The order uses the same scores as the full ranking.
The ranking
- 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
- 2
Cryptomator
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
- 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
- 4
age
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
WindowsmacOSLinuxCommand lineFree and open sourceOpen source
- 5
AxCrypt
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
At a glance
| Product | Score | Price | Platforms | Protects | Interface |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 VeraCrypt | 92.5 | Free and open source | WindowsmacOSLinux | Whole disks and encrypted volumes | Graphical app |
 Cryptomator | 91.0 | Free plan, paid upgrades | WindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidiOS | Files in cloud storage folders | Graphical app |
 GnuPG | 88.5 | Free and open source | WindowsmacOSLinuxCommand line | Files and email (OpenPGP) | Command line, GUI via Gpg4win |
 age | 87.0 | Free and open source | WindowsmacOSLinuxCommand line | Files, scriptable | Command line |
 AxCrypt | 83.5 | Free plan, paid upgrades | WindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidiOS | Individual files | Graphical app |
