# Best File Encryption Software for Linux in 2026

Source: https://listme.name/best/file-encryption-software/linux

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.

## 1. VeraCrypt (score 92.5)

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
- Free and open source | Windows, macOS, Linux | open source (Apache-2.0 and TrueCrypt License 3.0)
- Website: https://veracrypt.io/
- Page: https://listme.name/software/veracrypt

## 2. Cryptomator (score 91.0)

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
- Free plan, paid upgrades | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | open source (GPL-3.0)
- Website: https://cryptomator.org/
- Page: https://listme.name/software/cryptomator

## 3. GnuPG (score 88.5)

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
- Free and open source | Windows, macOS, Linux, Command line | open source (GPL-3.0)
- Website: https://gnupg.org/
- Page: https://listme.name/software/gnupg

## 4. age (score 87.0)

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
- Free and open source | Windows, macOS, Linux, Command line | open source (BSD-3-Clause)
- Website: https://age-encryption.org/
- Page: https://listme.name/software/age

## 5. gocryptfs (score 86.5)

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
- Free and open source | Linux, Command line | open source (MIT)
- Website: https://nuetzlich.net/gocryptfs/
- Page: https://listme.name/software/gocryptfs

## 6. AxCrypt (score 83.5)

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
- Free plan, paid upgrades | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
- Website: https://axcrypt.net/
- Page: https://listme.name/software/axcrypt

## 7. Picocrypt (score 79.5)

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
- Free and open source | Windows, macOS, Linux | open source (GPL-3.0)
- Website: https://github.com/Picocrypt/Picocrypt
- Page: https://listme.name/software/picocrypt