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.
Choose GnuPG if you want
OpenPGP encryption for files and email.
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.
Side by side
 age |  GnuPG | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 87.0 | 88.5 |
| Rank in list | #4 of 6 | #3 of 6 |
| Price | Free and open sourceFree software under the BSD 3-Clause license | Free and open sourceFree software under the GNU General Public License |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | WindowsmacOSLinuxCommand lineWindows, macOS, Linux, Command line | WindowsmacOSLinuxCommand lineWindows, macOS, Linux, Command line |
| Made by | Not stated | Not stated |
| Protects | Files, scriptable | Files and email (OpenPGP) |
| Interface | Command line | Command line, GUI via Gpg4win |
| Best for | Scripted file encryption from the command line | OpenPGP encryption for files and email |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about age vs GnuPG
- Is GnuPG better than age?
- GnuPG ranks higher in our list of file encryption software (#3 against #4, score 88.5 against 87.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. age is best for: scripted file encryption from the command line. GnuPG is best for: openPGP encryption for files and email.
- Which is cheaper, age or GnuPG?
- age: Free software under the BSD 3-Clause license. GnuPG: Free software under the GNU General Public License.
- Do age and GnuPG run on the same platforms?
- age supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Command line. GnuPG supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Command line.