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If unauthorized parties have ever accessed or stolen your sensitive files, you’ve likely searched for ways to tighten security. If you’ve never been a victim of breached privacy, however, you still need the best encryption software to keep things that way.

Regardless of your reason, your quest for a competent encryption program requires a bit of learning. Knowing how encryption software works, what various programs offer, and how these details apply to the type of files you want to protect are prerequisites for spotting the right application.

This article will cover those areas but focus on the best security programs for various needs to help you identify the right option.

What Is Encryption Software?

Data encryption software is any tool or application designed to make information unreadable using cryptographic algorithms. Scrambled data, in such cases, can only be readable when specific decryption keys are provided.

Each encryption tool protects your data using different methods and features. We’ll review the types of encryption and the features you should expect.

How Does Encryption Work?

Whenever you think about encryption, imagine a process that turns data into meaningless digital material. Only parties with the correct decryption keys can piece the data together to make it decipherable.

The process involves the data, an encryption engine, and a key manager. The engine uses cryptographic mathematical formulas called algorithms to convert protected information from its readable state (plaintext) into unreadable data (ciphertext). The key manager supplies the cryptographic keys (cipher) required to read the scrambled data.

Encryption can be deployed when data is stationary (at rest) or in transit (in motion). At-rest or stationary data indicates files and information stored in one place, such as disk drives on computers, network drives, cloud servers, or databases.

Encryption in transit secures data, such as emails, flowing between two or more devices.

Types of Encryption

Types of encryption refer to how encryption keys are applied to protect data. There are two major types:

Symmetric encryption

Symmetric encryption involves encrypting and decrypting data using the same key. Most algorithms, such as AES and Blowfish, use this type of encryption. It is mainly deployed for personal at-rest data, but files encrypted with this technology can also be shared.

However, users must be careful to transmit the keys securely.

Pros:
  • Faster for encrypting large amounts of data
  • Uses less memory, processing power, and time to encrypt data, unlike asymmetric encryption
Cons:
  • The use of one key for encryption and decryption introduces a significant weakness, as one must securely transmit decryption keys separately when sharing encrypted files
  • Future communications will become vulnerable if the same encryption key is used and its keys are compromised
  • Managing multiple users can become complex

Asymmetric encryption

This type of encryption is also called Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and public-key cryptography. It employs private and public keys to eliminate the weakness of using one key for encryption and decryption.

With PKI, you can use a person’s public key to encrypt data, which can only be decrypted by the individual using their private key. On the flip side, you can encrypt data using your private key to allow others to decrypt it with your public key if you want to prove you own a file.

Pros:
  • Using two separate keys makes for better security
  • It’s more scalable than symmetric encryption since one public key can be shared with multiple users
  • Using a private key means the recipient can validate the origin of the file or message
Cons:
  • Requires more computational power than symmetric encryption
  • More complex and involves a learning curve for non-technical users

Methods of Encryption

Methods of encryption indicate how symmetric or asymmetric encryption is applied to data. They include the following:

File encryption Secures at-rest files and folders that reside within storage devices and platforms
Disk encryption Encrypts the entire drive and requires passwords or keys to gain access.
End-to-end encryption (E2EE) Data is encrypted on the sender’s device and decrypted on the recipient’s device. It combines symmetric and asymmetric encryption because the recipient’s public key is used to encrypt the data before transmission.
Email encryption Ensures that emails are only readable by intended recipients. Employs the same principle as E2EE.
Database encryption Used to secure data stored on databases. It could be customer or student information.
Network encryption Involves encrypting data moving between devices on a network (including the Internet) to avoid interception by malicious third parties. Uses protocols like Transport Layer Security (TLS)

How Does Data Encryption Software Work?

Encryption software allows users to input the data they intend to protect, deploys the encryption algorithm to scramble the data, and generates the encryption key required to read the data.

Not all data encryption software applications offer the same type of encryption, as some work better than others in specific use cases. For example, cloud or email encryption tools may not be needed to encrypt data stored on local computers. However, some tools are sold as all-in-one packages that offer a bit of everything.

Many programs also provide more advanced features to help users improve security and conveniently encrypt and decrypt data.

These could include password and key management, file-sharing, and end-to-end encryption.

Best Encryption Software

The following are the best data encryption software for different categories. I picked these tools by weighing use cases, price, compatibility, encryption standards, and support.

AxCrypt: Best general-purpose encryption tool

AxCrypt - Best general-purpose encryption tool
Image credit: AxCrypt

Key features

Two-factor authentication 🔴
On-the-fly encryption 🟢
Check password strength 🔴
Public key cryptography 🟢
Encrypt text 🔴
Encrypt files or folders 🟢
Securely delete originals 🟢
Create self-decrypting executable 🔴
Create encrypted storage 🔴
Password management 🟢

Price

  • Monthly plan: $5.00/month
  • Annual plan: $3.92/month (billed annually)

Supported platforms: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS

Algorithm: AES-256 encryption

Pros:
  • Intuitive user interface
  • Editing encrypted files is easy
  • Supports Windows, Android, iOS, and macOS
  • Deletes original files securely
  • Secure file sharing with public key cryptography
Cons:
  • Lacks two-factor authentication
  • Cannot create encrypted storage
  • Local account security is vital to keep files secure
  • Free version can only decrypt files

⇢ Why you should get it

  • You need an easy-to-use encryption tool without complicated instructions.
  • You want to easily edit encrypted files without dealing with password prompts.

⇢ Why you should avoid it

  • You want a more affordable encryption program.
  • You want missing features like two-factor authentication, encrypted storage creation, and self-decrypting EXEs.

⇢ Why I picked it

AxCrypt is one of the many encryption software programs on this list that uses the US government-approved AES algorithm. 

Encrypting an app is as easy as dragging and dropping a file to the main window. It automatically overwrites the encrypted file on your drive instead of leaving the unencrypted original copy for you to delete. This feature is called secure deletion.

Another nifty capability that AxCrypt possesses is on-the-fly encryption, which is something you should look for in other apps. You can open encrypted files in their native programs and modify them without having to decrypt, edit, and encrypt again.

However, that feature means people with physical access to your logged-in device can use your encrypted files. Just don’t forget to press Windows + L when leaving your computer. You should also use shorter wake or time-out periods.

You need an account to use the program, which involves providing (and verifying) an email address. You will also be prompted to create a master password, which serves as the key to everything. Losing the master password means you’ve lost access to your account and encrypted files. So, keep it safe.

Xecrets Ez: Cheaper AxCrypt alternative

Xecrets Ez - Cheaper AxCrypt alternative
Image credit: Xantium

Key features

Two-factor authentication 🟢
On-the-fly encryption 🟢
Check password strength 🔴
Public key cryptography 🟢
Encrypt text 🔴
Encrypt files or folders 🟢
Securely delete originals 🟢
Create self-decrypting executable 🔴
Create encrypted storage 🔴
Password management 🔴
Price: 
  • Free
  • Xecrets Ez Premium: $15/year

Supported operating systems: Windows, macOS, Linux

Algorithm: AES-256 encryption

Pros:
  • Runs on macOS, Windows, and Linux
  • A portable program that doesn’t require installation
  • No Internet, cloud, or remote servers required
  • The premium version is relatively cheap
  • Secure sharing
  • Secure delete
  • The free version offers most advanced features, including temporary file passwords
Cons:
  • Cannot create encrypted storage
  • Lacks text encryption
  • Sensitive data will be exposed to unauthorized users if computer is not physically secure

⇢ Why you should use it 

  • You want a cheaper version of AxCrypt.
  • You need two-factor authentication.
  • You want a portable program.

⇢ Why you should avoid it

  • You need other features like whole drive and text encryption.
  • You don’t need a subscription package.

⇢ Why I picked it

Xecrets Ez is AxCrypt’s capable sibling. They share the same founder, codebase, encryption algorithm, and numerous other features. They are even compatible with each other. However, there are differences that make Xecrets a worthy alternative.

One of those differences is the gamut of features available to users on the free tier. You can encrypt and decrypt files without limitations, except that you cannot use on-the-fly encryption unless you’re on the premium plan.

Only premium users can also decrypt files by dragging and dropping to the main window.

But you can do pretty much everything else with the free version, even create separate passwords for single files you intend to share.

There’s no setup process for Xecrets Ez. All that’s involved is downloading the program to your PC or Mac. You could save it to a portable USB and use it on any other system. While it requires an internet connection to create an account and master password, you can use it completely offline.

Like AxCrypt, you also need to lock your computer frequently, as Xecrets also saves your password to memory after you log in.

Folder Lock: Best feature-rich encryption software

Folder Lock - Best Feature-rich encryption software

Key features

Two-factor authentication 🔴
On-the-fly encryption 🟢
Check password strength 🟢
Public key cryptography 🔴
Encrypt text 🔴
Encrypt files or folders 🟢
Securely delete originals 🟢
Create self-decrypting executable 🟢
Create encrypted storage 🟢
Password management 🟢

Price: $39.95/year

Supported operating systems: Windows, iOS, Android

Algorithm: AES-256 Encryption

Pros:
  • Easily drag-and-drop files and folders to encrypted locker
  • Secure online backup feature
  • Cloud storage integration
  • Self-decrypting files
  • Can make files and folders invisible within Windows
  • Comes with a password manager
Cons:
  • Quite pricey
  • Hidden files and folders are not encrypted
  • Free tier is too limited
  • Locking up files and folders does not automatically delete or overwrite unencrypted original files by default

⇢ Why you should use it

  • You intend to use self-decrypting EXEs.
  • You want a password manager alongside the encryption tool.
  • You want to sync files across devices and utilizes cloud storage encryption.
  • You want to create encrypted drives.
  • You intend to hide files and folders without encrypting them.

⇢ Why you should avoid it

  • Your budget is low.
  • You want to use public key cryptography not asymmetric encryption that is limited to Folder Lock users.
  • You want text encryption.

⇢ Why I picked it

Folder Lock offers services to people who need encryption and those who want to just hide their files and folders from prying eyes. It is a full-fledged data encryption software application with all the features you need to keep your files private.

Folder Lock’s trademark protection feature is geared towards users who want to keep their files and folders hidden without encrypting the data. The feature is exclusive to paid users and removes selected folders from File Explorer at the kernel level. That means you won’t see the protected data even if you select the “View hidden items option” in the View ribbon

The program also uses the 256-bit AES encryption algorithm like the AxCrypt and Xecrets Ez. However, it offers even more features, from cloud storage encryption and encrypted storage creation to syncing across multiple operating systems.

Once you open Folder Lock, you should see a virtual drive called Desktop Locker (Z:). You can drag files and folders to the locker and click the Lock icon in the Folder Lock app to encrypt. 

The program does not automatically delete original files like AxCrypt or Xecrets Ez. Instead, you must go to the Safeguard section, navigate to the Shared files tab, and choose the files you need to shred and securely delete.

You can install the Dropbox and Google Drive lockers to use the app’s cloud feature. OneDrive requires logging into your Microsoft account.

You will be prompted to sign up the first time you open the app if you don’t have an account. The process requires a password and verified email address.

You should keep the password to your free account safe as Folder Lock lacks any backdoor that can help you recover lost passwords. However, if you go for the paid version, you can use your serial number to recover your master password. As such, the number should be stored securely.

Proton Mail: Best option for email encryption

Proton Mail - Best option for email encryption

Key features

Two-factor authentication 🟢
On-the-fly encryption 🟢
Check password strength 🟢
Public key cryptography 🔴
Encrypt text 🔴
Encrypt files or folders 🔴
Securely delete originals 🔴
Create self-decrypting executable 🔴
Create encrypted storage 🔴
Password management 🟢

Price: 

  • Free
  • Mail Plus: €3.99/month (billed annually)
  • Proton Unlimited: €9.99/month (billed annually)
  • Proton Duo: €14.99/month (billed annually)

Supported operating systems: Web, Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, iOS

Algorithm: Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) – specifically Curve25519

Pros:
  • Robust email security
  • Free option available
  • End-to-end encryption
Cons:
  • The free tier lacks customer support
  • End-to-end encryption does not work with emails with third-party providers like Gmail and Outlook

⇢ Why you should use it

  • You want to encrypt communication between you and your team.
  • You are a Proton Mail user.

⇢ Why you should use another option 

  • You rely on another email client and don’t want to migrate to Proton Mail.
  • You are looking for local file and folder encryption.

⇢ Why I picked it

You can encrypt files that you send via email if you encrypt them locally before transmitting. However, the contents of your mail will remain unencrypted at rest even though most clients use encryption-in-motion. Proton Mail is the best option for full email encryption, as the client is built on OpenGPG’s end-to-end encryption standard.

Emails you send to other Proton Mail users are encrypted by default. However, sending an encrypted email to someone outside the Proton Mail ecosystem is different. The recipient gets a link that takes them back to the Proton environment, where they must provide a password to access the message.

Emails you send to other Proton Mail users are encrypted by default

To send such a message, click the padlock icon at the bottom of the message window and set a password and hint. The hint will be displayed to the recipient.

Messages also expire at a specific date which is displayed in the message.

The only setup required is to create a new account with Proton. If you don’t want to miss your old emails, the platform allows you to transfer emails from your old clients. You can also choose a subscription package while you’re at it if you want advanced features.

Cryptomator: Best straightforward local and cloud encryption software

Cryptomator - Best straightforward local and cloud encryption software

Key features

Two-factor authentication 🔴
On-the-fly encryption 🟢
Check password strength 🟢
Public key cryptography 🟢
Encrypt text 🔴
Encrypt files or folders 🟢
Securely delete originals 🔴
Create self-decrypting executable 🔴
Create encrypted storage 🟢
Password management 🔴

Price: Free

Supported operating systems: Windows, Linux, Android, macOS

Algorithm: AES-SIV encryption and WebDAV

Pros:
  • Simple and straightforward interface
  • Cloud sharing available
  • Windows, Linux and macOS versions are completely free to use
Cons:
  • Does not securely delete unencrypted original files and folders
  • Lacks two-factor authentication

⇢ Why you should use it

  • You want to securely share files with team members.
  • You want a free local encryption tool.

⇢ Why should use another option

  • You want whole disk encryption.
  • You want an app that securely deletes or overwrites original files automatically.

⇢ Why I picked it

Cryptomator is one of the best free encryption software options for cloud and local storage protection. It is straightforward and requires no payment for basic operations. The program also works with vaults (virtual disks) that act like regular hard drives.

You can click the Add new button in the app’s first page to create a new vault or add an existing one. Creating a new vault involves selecting a name for the vault, choosing a location, selecting a password, and backing up a recovery key. If you have synced cloud folders like Google Drive, iCloud, DropBox, and OneDrive, you can easily save to those locations.

You can also open existing vaults from any folder, including synced cloud drives, when you choose the Existing vault option.

Installing Cryptomator is as easy as downloading the setup file and running it.

BitLocker: Best for whole disk encryption on Windows

BitLocker - Best for whole disk encryption on Windows

Key features

Two-factor authentication 🔴
On-the-fly encryption 🟢
Check password strength 🔴
Public key cryptography 🔴
Encrypt text 🔴
Encrypt files or folders 🔴
Securely delete originals 🔴
Create self-decrypting executable 🔴
Create encrypted storage 🟢
Password management 🔴
Whole disk encryption 🟢

Price: Free

Supported operating systems: Windows 

Algorithm: AES-128 and AES-256 encryption

Pros:
  • Provides whole disk encryption
  • Employs the use of Trusted Platform Modules (TPMs) to increase security and withstand brute force attacks
  • Easy encryption key management and helpful backup options
Cons:
  • Does not provide file and folder-based encryption
  • Unauthorized parties with physical access to logged-in computers can view and manage files

⇢ Why you should use it

  • Recommended for Windows users generally.
  • You want your external hard drive to prompt a password whenever it is connected to another computer.

⇢ Why you should avoid it

  • You only want to use a local account with Windows and don’t trust yourself to safely back up your encryption keys.

⇢ Why I picked it

BitLocker may not be a standalone app that allows you to encrypt individual files and folders, but it is an important and effective utility for whole-drive security. Its job is to encrypt your entire hard drive, so no one except you will have access. 

You will be required to provide your encryption key, PIN, or password to access the drive, depending on your preference. The feature can save your BitLocker recovery keys to your computer’s TPM for hardware-level security if you lock your internal drive.

Important!
Using BitLocker to unlock any drive on other operating systems means you may have to follow extra steps. While most Linux distros have native support for BitLocker, macOS users may need to use utilities like UUByte Bitlocker Geeker and BitLocker Reader. Remember that you have to supply your encryption keys to open the drive.

Here are the steps you can follow to use BitLocker:

  1. Right-click the drive and select Turn on BitLocker.
  2. If you want to encrypt a removable drive or another internal hard drive, you will be required to provide an unlock password or use a smart card for decryption. Select an option and click Next.
  3. If you’re encrypting the hard drive where Windows is installed, you should see the backup wizard straightaway. 
  4. You can print the key, save it to a file, or save it to your Microsoft account (if you’re logged in). 
  5. Click the Next button.
  6. The next page will ask whether you want to encrypt the entire drive or used disk space. Encrypting the entire drive can be quite slow, but it’s the best option if you’re already using the drive.
  7. Choose encryption mode. The new mode is recommended if you don’t intend to use the drive on Windows versions older than Windows 10 version 1511.
  8. Click the Next button.

There are really no reasons to avoid BitLocker. You can keep it turned on or use it for removable drives while using other encryption programs for file, folder, and cloud encryption.

Apple FileVault: Best for whole drive encryption on macOS

Apple FileVault - Best for whole drive encryption on macOS
Image credit: Moonlock

Key features

Two-factor authentication 🔴
On-the-fly encryption 🟢
Check password strength 🔴
Public key cryptography 🔴
Encrypt text 🔴
Encrypt files or folders 🔴
Securely delete originals 🔴
Create self-decrypting executable 🔴
Create encrypted storage 🟢

Price: Free

Supported operating systems: macOS

Algorithm: AES-XTS encryption

Pros:
  • Free
  • One of the best encryption features for macOS users
  • Works on removable drives
Cons:
  • Not cross-compatible
  • Does not offer file and folder encryption

⇢ Why you should use it

  • You want to increase your drive’s security.

⇢ Why you should avoid it

  • You intend to use the removable drive in another operating system.

⇢ Why I picked it

FileVault is the Apple version of BitLocker. It is used to encrypt macOS drives to prevent unauthorized access. 

While macOS devices with T2 security chips and Apple silicon are encrypted by default, users can turn on FileVault for extra security. Once turned on, the device will ask for a user’s password before the boot process begins.

You can also use FileVault to encrypt your removable storage devices.

While some utilities promise they can help you unlock FileVault-encrypted removable drives on Windows, the best option is unlocking the drive on your Mac before using it on Windows or Linux.

Here’s how to turn on the feature for your internal drive:

  • Click the Apple menu.
  • Select System Settings.
  •  Go to the sidebar and click Privacy & Security.
  • Locate and select FileVault.
  • Click Turn On and enter your password if prompted.
  • Next, choose whether you want to provide a recovery or use your iCloud account to recover your password if you forget it.
Note
Ensure you write down your recovery key, as losing it after forgetting your password means you won’t ever have access to your drive.
  • Click the Continue button.

To encrypt a removable drive, first ensure it is formatted with the Apple File System (APFS) or macOS extended file system. If not, go to disk utility and format your drive to encrypt it. This process will erase your data.

If the drive has the right file system, go to the Finder window, right-click the drive, and select Encrypt. Provide a password and hint. Click Encrypt Disk. You’ll be prompted to provide that password whenever you come to the USB drive.

7-Zip: Best free option for file encryption

7-Zip - Best free option for file encryption

Key features

Two-factor authentication 🔴
On-the-fly encryption 🔴
Check password strength 🔴
Public key cryptography 🟢
Encrypt text 🔴
Encrypt files or folders 🟢
Securely delete originals 🔴
Create self-decrypting executable 🔴
Create encrypted storage 🔴
Password management 🔴

Price: Free

Supported operating systems: Windows and Linux

Algorithm: AES-256 encryption

Pros:
  • Completely free
  • Offers basic file and folder encryption without issues
  • Integrates with Windows’ context menu
  • Uses the AES encryption algorithm
Cons:
  • Only offers file and folder encryption
  • Does not offer added encryption security
  • Does not support macOS

⇢ Why should use it

  • You only want to perform basic file and folder encryption.
  • You already use 7-Zip for compression and don’t need additional bloatware on your system.

⇢ Why should avoid it

  • You want to use different encryption standards.
  • You want more encryption features like text encryption, encrypted storage creation, and PKI.

⇢ Why I picked it

7-Zip is one of the most powerful and competent compression and archival software programs around. Many might not see it as an encryption application, but you’ll be surprised how well it can keep your files private.

The setup process is easy. Download the tool’s installation package and run it. You can choose to use it as a portable package if you like. 

You don’t have to create an account or login credentials to use 7-Zip. Just compress your files or folders and lock them with passwords. Whoever wants to open your files must supply their passwords.

The process becomes tricky when you realize people can still see the file names within the protected ZIP files. They just can’t access the file.

If you don’t want unauthorized parties to see file names, compress the files you intend to protect into a ZIP file. After that, compress that ZIP file again and protect it with a password.

But that’s where 7-Zip’s security options start and stop. You have to look elsewhere if you need features like self-decrypting EXEs, two-factor authentication, password management, and public key cryptography.

Advanced Encryption Package: Best with multiple encryption algorithms

Advanced Encryption Package - Best with multiple encryption algorithms

Key features

Two-factor authentication 🟢
On-the-fly encryption 🔴
Check password strength 🟢
Public key cryptography 🟢
Encrypt text 🟢
Encrypt files or folders 🟢
Securely delete originals 🟢
Create self-decrypting executable 🟢
Create encrypted storage 🔴
Password management 🟢

Price:

  • 1 PC: $49.95 (perpetual license)
  • 2 PCs: $78 (perpetual license)

Supported operating systems: Windows

Algorithm: AES, Blowfish, GOST and 14 others

Pros:
  • Offers password generator, text encryption, and secure deletion
  • Performs public key cryptography
  • Command-line operation is available
Cons:
  • Password generator maybe glitchy
  • Old-looking user interface
  • Poor updates

⇢ Why you should use it

  • You want to use different encryption standards.
  • You rely on PKI.
  • You want a perpetual license.

⇢ Why you should avoid it

  • You need a better interface.
  • You want an app that receives regular updates and refreshes.
  • You want to created encrypted storage.

⇢ Why I picked it

Advanced Encryption Package’s interface may not look the part, but it’s one of the most feature-rich programs you’ll find on this list. It allows you to choose from 17 different algorithms, unlike others that stick to the 256-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES).

The installation process involves downloading the package, accepting the license terms, and selecting Install. You have to open the app through the Start menu as it doesn’t create a Desktop shortcut by default.

After activating your package, the app’s dated design should pop up and display a folder/file tree. The right side of the program shows the Encrypt, SFX, ZIP, Delete, and E-mail buttons. You’ll see the Algorithm drop-down at the bottom, where you can choose from 17 different algorithms. Clicking the Encrypt Now! button starts the process.

You can check the Delete after encryption box to automatically delete the source file.

You’ll have access to other features, such as encrypting and decrypting clipboard contents, password generation, and public key cryptography.

VeraCrypt: Best free encryption software

Key features

Two-factor authentication 🔴
On-the-fly encryption 🟢
Check password strength 🟢
Public key cryptography 🔴
Encrypt text 🔴
Encrypt files or folders 🟢
Securely delete originals 🔴
Create self-decrypting executable 🔴
Create encrypted storage 🟢
Password management 🔴
Whole disk encryption 🟢

Price: Free

Supported operating systems: macOS, Linux, Windows, Raspberry Pi OS, FreeBSD

Algorithm: It supports 5 different encryption algorithms and employs 4 hash algorithms. Users can deploy a combination of multiple algorithms when encrypting data.

Pros:
  • Completely free
  • Offers many encryption algorithms
  • On-the-fly encryption
  • Whole disk encryption
  • Hidden containers
Cons:
  • Lacks cloud storage
  • Does not securely delete unencrypted original files

⇢ Why you should use it

  • It provides all the basic encryption features you need for free.
  • You want to encrypt internal and removable drives.
  • You need a program that works across different platforms.

⇢ Why you should look elsewhere

  • You need to create self-decrypting executables.
  • You need a program that securely deletes unencrypted originals.
  • You want cloud encryption.

⇢ Why I picked it

VeraCrypt is one of the most popular and robust free encryption programs around. It is based on the now-abandoned TrueCrypt program but comes with numerous improvements and fixes. The app is feature-rich and provides various types of encryption algorithms. It even allows you to use a combination of about 15 algorithms to improve security.

Like many other encryption tools, VeraCrypt uses file containers, usually called vaults or virtual disks, to encrypt files and folders. You will move the files and folders you want to encrypt to the virtual disk (which is a regular file). 

Whenever you want to view or access the file, you must mount the virtual disk in the VeraCrypt app and use your files like you’re working from another hard drive within your computer.

You can also encrypt whole disk drives or partitions, including the volume or drive that houses your operating system.

The entire process starts with clicking the Create Volume button when you open VeraCrypt.

Warning!
Creating a new container involves creating a file. However, you are allowed to select an existing file. The file you select will not be encrypted. Instead, it will be overwritten and used as the container.

You can install VeraCrypt just like you would any other program. However, the developers also provide a portable version that does not require encryption. You can access different packages on the download webpage.

The application will bring up a warning that Windows Fast Startup causes issues and you might have to turn it off.

VeraCrypt’s hidden volume feature

VeraCrypt allows you to create a hidden volume within a container. It involves setting up an outer volume that works as a false container and another hidden one you don’t want to divulge. The hidden volume only shows up if you input the password allocated to it after mounting the file you created.

That way, even if you’re held at gunpoint and forced to decrypt your files, you can provide the password to the outer volume.

VeraCrypt provides in-depth tutorials that can guide you through any process within the app. You’ll also find detailed explanations for various advanced features.

Key Features to Look For in Encryption Software

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Strong encryption standards

The algorithm an encryption software uses determines how well it can withstand attacks. Most programs employ AES, which is formidable enough to protect your data. Programs that support public-key cryptography combine other standards, such as Elliptic-curve cryptography (ECDH, ECDSA, and EdDSA) and RSA.

If you want to use different algorithms, go for options like Advanced Encryption Package and VeraCrypt that let you choose encryption standards.

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Multi-platform support

Use a program that supports all the operating systems and devices you intend to use.

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User-friendliness

Some programs have better interfaces than others. Options like GnuPG are reserved for advanced users, while AEP’s GUI may be too dated. VeraCrypt, AxCrypt, and Cryptomator are examples of user-friendly applications.

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File shredding and deletion

Automatic secure deletion means you don’t have to worry about the program leaving the unencrypted original file behind. If you must go for an app without the feature (like VeraCrypt), you should download another free tool that can help you delete files securely.

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Two-factor authentication

Having multiple login fronts is a nice-to-have feature. That’s because hackers can access your encrypted data if they get a hold of your password, and you don’t have an extra layer of protection.

If your preferred app doesn’t offer two-factor authentication, ensure you always use strong passwords. Also, consider going for encryption software programs that rate your passwords.

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Cost and licensing

Some encryption programs are not cheap. While many offer lifetime licenses, some, like AxCrypt, require monthly and annual subscriptions. If free encryption software packages do not offer the features you need, check the paid products that fit into your budget.

Try the Best Encryption Software That Works for You

Before picking data encryption software, assess your requirements and your budget to confirm whether the app meets your needs. For example, there’s no point going for a free option that does not support macOS if you frequently move files between a PC and a Macbook. You should also consider discount offers for paid products if you can’t afford their regular prices since some of these programs offer more robust options than free alternatives.

FAQ

Is free encryption software safe?
Yes. The free encryption software programs featured in this article are safe and effective tools for protecting your data.
Is encryption enough to protect my data?
While data encryption software has the tech to protect your data from unauthorized entities, you still need to take extra measures. For example, you should always lock your computer after opening encrypted lockers in tools like AxCrypt, Secrets, VeraCrypt, and Cryptomator. Additionally, avoid saving your passwords where other people can access them.
Does Windows 11 have encryption software?
Yes. Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise editions have BitLocker built in. However, Windows 10 home users can only use a similar feature called Device Encryption (only if they have TPM enabled).
What is the best way to encrypt files on my computer?
It is best to first use your operating system’s encryption utility, such as BitLocker for Windows and FileVault for macOS if you want to encrypt your internal drive. You can also use third-party programs like VeraCrypt and AxCrypt alongside these built-in options. But your choice should depend on the specific features you want and your budget.
Is there better encryption than AES?
While there are alternatives like GOST and Blowfish, AES is as powerful as symmetric encryption standards come. If you prefer asymmetric encryption, go for programs like Advanced Encryption Package.