It can create a virtual encrypted disk that works just like a regular disk but within a file. It can also encrypt a partition or the entire storage device with pre-boot authentication.
Reviewed by Marcus Holmberg
VeraCrypt
veracrypt.fr 4.3 (6)
Rate VeraCrypt: No account needed
Threat level
Hardened
A hardened pick. Worth the effort once you have chosen to shrink your footprint on purpose. Enough for most people. Threat levels
Our take
The continuation of TrueCrypt and still the reference tool for full-disk and container encryption, with a real party trick in hidden volumes for plausible deniability. The friction is that it is dense and unforgiving: a forgotten password or a botched system-encryption setup can lock you out for good. Right for people encrypting drives and partitions who will read the documentation; overkill if you only need to protect a few files.
GitHub at a glance
veracrypt/VeraCrypt
Stars
10,759
+ 821 this week
Last commit
9d ago
healthy
Latest release
VeraCrypt_1.26.29
29d ago
Stars, last 31d
Website at a glance
veracrypt.fr
D- score 25
Weak website security headers
Graded by Mozilla HTTP Observatory, tested 14d ago
Inspect this site yourself
Measures the security configuration of the tool's own website, not the privacy of the product itself. A strong tool can still score low here.
VeraCrypt alternatives
PrivacyNotes Zero-knowledge notes, tasks, files, passwords and journal secured by a single 12-word recovery phrase, with no email or password required. The crypto core and database schema are published for audit. No subscription model.
7-Zip File archiver with a high compression ratio and built-in encryption functionality.
FileVault FileVault is the built-in full-disk encryption feature in macOS. On Macs with Apple silicon or a T2 chip, data is encrypted by hardware by default; enabling FileVault adds a login-password gate that prevents decryption without your credentials.
BitLocker BitLocker is the built-in full-disk encryption feature in Windows Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions. It encrypts the operating system drive and fixed data drives using AES-XTS, with optional TPM-backed pre-boot authentication.
VERNAM A free, fully client-side file encryptor that runs in your browser. Drop in any file, set or generate a passphrase, and it seals the result into its own .vrn format. Nothing is ever uploaded, and it works offline.
Cryptomator Cryptomator encrypts your data quickly and easily. Afterwards you upload them protected to a cloud service.