Choose 7-Zip if you want
Password-protected archives on Windows.
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.
Choose age if you want
Scripted file encryption from the command line.
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.
The main differences
- Only age runs on Linux.
- Only age runs on macOS.
Side by side
 7-Zip |  age | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 81.0 | 87.0 |
| Rank in list | #6 of 6 | #4 of 6 |
| Price | Free and open sourceFree to use, including in commercial organizations | Free and open sourceFree software under the BSD 3-Clause license |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | WindowsWindows | WindowsmacOSLinuxCommand lineWindows, macOS, Linux, Command line |
| Made by | Igor Pavlov | Not stated |
| Protects | Archives in 7z and ZIP | Files, scriptable |
| Interface | Graphical app and command line | Command line |
| Best for | Password-protected archives on Windows | Scripted file encryption from the command line |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about 7-Zip vs age
- Is age better than 7-Zip?
- age ranks higher in our list of file encryption software (#4 against #6, score 87.0 against 81.0). 7-Zip is best for: password-protected archives on Windows. age is best for: scripted file encryption from the command line.
- Which is cheaper, 7-Zip or age?
- 7-Zip: Free to use, including in commercial organizations. age: Free software under the BSD 3-Clause license.
- Do 7-Zip and age run on the same platforms?
- 7-Zip supports Windows. age supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Command line.