Ranked 4 of 6 in best file encryption software
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.
Best for Scripted file encryption from the command line
About age
age encrypts files with small, explicit keys and has no configuration options, so it fits into scripts and UNIX-style command pipelines. The project also ships as a Go library, which developers can use inside their own programs.
Installation paths listed on the project page include Homebrew for macOS and Linux, winget for Windows, and packages for several Linux distributions and BSD systems. Because it is a deliberately small tool with no graphical app, it suits developers and system administrators more than everyday users who want a visual interface.
Key features
- Small explicit keys
- UNIX-style composability
- BSD-3-Clause license
- Go library included
- Homebrew, winget and package installs
Strengths
- Small, simple format with explicit keys
- Designed for scripts and UNIX-style pipelines
- BSD-3-Clause license and a published Go library
Limits
- Command-line only, with no graphical app
- Needs scripting for routine use
Where age ranks
| List | Rank | Score | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best File encryption software | 4 of 6 | 87.0 | Scripted file encryption from the command line |
Alternatives to age
All 5 alternatives
Questions about age
- Is age free?
- age can be used without paying: Free software under the BSD 3-Clause license. Check the vendor’s pricing page for current limits.
- Is age open source?
- Yes. age publishes its source code under the BSD-3-Clause license.
- Which platforms does age support?
- age is available on: Windows, macOS, Linux, Command line.
- What is age best for?
- Scripted file encryption from the command line. In our ranking of file encryption software it is number 4 of 6 with a score of 87.0.
- What are the best alternatives to age?
- The highest-ranked alternatives on listme.name are VeraCrypt, Cryptomator, GnuPG, AxCrypt.