Comparison · File encryption software

AxCrypt vs VeraCrypt: which is better in 2026?

VeraCrypt ranks higher in our list of file encryption software (#1 against #5, score 92.5 against 83.5).

  • 83.5
    Editorial score
    92.5
  • 5
    Platforms
    3
  • Yes
    Free to use
    Yes
  • No
    Open source
    Yes

Which should you choose?

Choose AxCrypt if you want

Encrypting single files with a small free plan.

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.

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 AxCrypt runs on iOS.
  • Only AxCrypt runs on Android.
  • VeraCrypt is open source; AxCrypt is not.

Side by side

AxCryptVeraCrypt
Score83.592.5
Rank in list#5 of 6#1 of 6
PriceFree plan, paid upgradesFree plan for two file encryptions a month; Premium is paidFree and open sourceFree and open source; no paid edition listed
Free to useYesYes
Open sourceNoYes
PlatformsWindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidiOSWindows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOSWindowsmacOSLinuxWindows, macOS, Linux
Made byNot statedNot stated
ProtectsIndividual filesWhole disks and encrypted volumes
InterfaceGraphical appGraphical app
Best forEncrypting single files with a small free planEncrypted disks and volumes on desktops
Strengths
  • AES-256 encryption for individual files
  • Free plan available
  • Apps for desktop and mobile platforms
  • Free and open source under Apache 2.0 and TrueCrypt License 3.0
  • Encrypts whole disks and encrypted volumes
  • Installers published with PGP signatures
Limits
  • Free plan is limited to two file encryptions a month
  • Only parts of the code are published
  • Mac builds rely on macFUSE or FUSE-T
  • Less suited to sharing single files than cloud-focused tools
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about AxCrypt vs VeraCrypt

Is VeraCrypt better than AxCrypt?
VeraCrypt ranks higher in our list of file encryption software (#1 against #5, score 92.5 against 83.5). AxCrypt is best for: encrypting single files with a small free plan. VeraCrypt is best for: encrypted disks and volumes on desktops.
Which is cheaper, AxCrypt or VeraCrypt?
AxCrypt: Free plan for two file encryptions a month; Premium is paid. VeraCrypt: Free and open source; no paid edition listed.
Do AxCrypt and VeraCrypt run on the same platforms?
AxCrypt supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS. VeraCrypt supports Windows, macOS, Linux.