Ranked 1 of 6 in best file encryption software
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.
Best for Encrypted disks and volumes on desktops
About VeraCrypt
VeraCrypt encrypts whole disks and encrypted volumes, and its site describes it as free open-source disk encryption for Windows, macOS and Linux. It is based on the original TrueCrypt code. Builds are published for all three systems, and the Mac build relies on macFUSE, with FUSE-T recommended on Apple silicon.
The project is multi-licensed under the Apache License 2.0 and the TrueCrypt License 3.0, and its license file says so. Its downloads come with PGP signatures so you can check each installer. Because VeraCrypt works on disks and volumes, it suits full-disk and container use more than sharing single files with other people.
Key features
- Encrypted volumes and whole disks
- Apache 2.0 and TrueCrypt License
- PGP-signed installers
- Windows, macOS and Linux builds
- Based on TrueCrypt
Strengths
- 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
- Mac builds rely on macFUSE or FUSE-T
- Less suited to sharing single files than cloud-focused tools
Where VeraCrypt ranks
| List | Rank | Score | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best File encryption software | 1 of 6 | 92.5 | Encrypted disks and volumes on desktops |
Alternatives to VeraCrypt
All 5 alternatives
Questions about VeraCrypt
- Is VeraCrypt free?
- VeraCrypt can be used without paying: Free and open source; no paid edition listed. Check the vendor’s pricing page for current limits.
- Is VeraCrypt open source?
- Yes. VeraCrypt publishes its source code under the Apache-2.0 and TrueCrypt License 3.0 license.
- Which platforms does VeraCrypt support?
- VeraCrypt is available on: Windows, macOS, Linux.
- What is VeraCrypt best for?
- Encrypted disks and volumes on desktops. In our ranking of file encryption software it is number 1 of 6 with a score of 92.5.
- What are the best alternatives to VeraCrypt?
- The highest-ranked alternatives on listme.name are Cryptomator, GnuPG, age, AxCrypt.