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Comparison · File encryption software

BitLocker vs VeraCrypt: which is better in 2026?

BitLocker84.0#6 in best file encryption softwareVeraCrypt92.5#1 in best file encryption software

VeraCrypt ranks higher in our list of file encryption software (#1 against #6, score 92.5 against 84.0).

How we rank Share

  • 84.0
    Editorial score
    92.5
  • 1
    Platforms
    3
  • Yes
    Free to use
    Yes
  • No
    Open source
    Yes

Which should you choose?

Choose BitLocker if you want

Windows Pro users who want built-in disk encryption.

Built-in full-disk encryption at no extra cost on Windows Pro, Enterprise and Education. It covers the system and fixed drives but not USB drives, and its source is not published.

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.
  • VeraCrypt is open source; BitLocker is not.

Side by side

BitLockerVeraCrypt
Score84.092.5
Rank in list#6 of 10#1 of 10
PriceFreeIncluded with Windows Pro, Enterprise and Education editionsFree and open sourceFree and open source; no paid edition listed
Free to useYesYes
Open sourceNoYes
PlatformsWindowsWindowsWindowsmacOSLinuxWindows, macOS, Linux
Made byMicrosoftNot stated
ProtectsSystem and fixed drivesWhole disks and encrypted volumes
InterfaceWindows settingsGraphical app
Best forWindows Pro users who want built-in disk encryptionEncrypted disks and volumes on desktops
Strengths
  • Built into Windows Pro, Enterprise and Education
  • Encrypts the system drive and fixed drives
  • 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
  • Not included in every Windows edition
  • Encrypts system and fixed drives, not USB drives
  • Mac builds rely on macFUSE or FUSE-T
  • Less suited to sharing single files than cloud-focused tools
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about BitLocker vs VeraCrypt

Is VeraCrypt better than BitLocker?
VeraCrypt ranks higher in our list of file encryption software (#1 against #6, score 92.5 against 84.0). BitLocker is best for: Windows Pro users who want built-in disk encryption. VeraCrypt is best for: encrypted disks and volumes on desktops.
Which is cheaper, BitLocker or VeraCrypt?
BitLocker: Included with Windows Pro, Enterprise and Education editions. VeraCrypt: Free and open source; no paid edition listed.
Do BitLocker and VeraCrypt run on the same platforms?
BitLocker supports Windows. VeraCrypt supports Windows, macOS, Linux.

Choosing between the two

Learning Center
1:17Beginner · 4 min readHow to decide between two good optionsSettle a close call by sorting it by how hard it is to undo, setting a deadline, scoring the criteria as a tie-breaker and writing down why you chose.1:20Beginner · 6 min readHow to compare products fairly: what to keep in mindDefine the job, cap the must-haves, compare like with like, count total cost over one period and weigh the criteria. Includes a worked example.