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 VeraCrypt if you want
Encrypted disks and volumes on desktops.
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.
The main differences
- Only VeraCrypt runs on Linux.
- Only VeraCrypt runs on macOS.
Side by side
 7-Zip |  VeraCrypt | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 81.0 | 92.5 |
| Rank in list | #6 of 6 | #1 of 6 |
| Price | Free and open sourceFree to use, including in commercial organizations | Free and open sourceFree and open source; no paid edition listed |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | WindowsWindows | WindowsmacOSLinuxWindows, macOS, Linux |
| Made by | Igor Pavlov | Not stated |
| Protects | Archives in 7z and ZIP | Whole disks and encrypted volumes |
| Interface | Graphical app and command line | Graphical app |
| Best for | Password-protected archives on Windows | Encrypted disks and volumes on desktops |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about 7-Zip vs VeraCrypt
- Is VeraCrypt better than 7-Zip?
- VeraCrypt ranks higher in our list of file encryption software (#1 against #6, score 92.5 against 81.0). 7-Zip is best for: password-protected archives on Windows. VeraCrypt is best for: encrypted disks and volumes on desktops.
- Which is cheaper, 7-Zip or VeraCrypt?
- 7-Zip: Free to use, including in commercial organizations. VeraCrypt: Free and open source; no paid edition listed.
- Do 7-Zip and VeraCrypt run on the same platforms?
- 7-Zip supports Windows. VeraCrypt supports Windows, macOS, Linux.