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.
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WinZip BitLocker
Best File Encryption Software in 2026
Private alternatives to WinZip, BitLocker, vetted against our public criteria.
Showing 15 of 15
Everyday Anyone should use these
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.
Hardened If you will trade some convenience
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.
VeraCrypt
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…
Cryptomator
Cryptomator encrypts your data quickly and easily. Afterwards you upload them protected to a cloud service.
LUKS
LUKS (Linux Unified Key Setup) is the standard disk-encryption specification for Linux, implemented by the cryptsetup utility. It provides a header format and key-slot system on top of the dm-crypt kernel module, supporting multiple decryption passphrases per volume.
GnuPG
GnuPG (GNU Privacy Guard) is the free, GPL-licensed implementation of the OpenPGP standard. A command-line tool for Linux, macOS, and Windows, it encrypts and signs files and email, and manages public-key directories.
OpenKeychain
OpenKeychain is an OpenPGP implementation for Android. It manages your keys and those of your contacts, and integrates with K-9 Mail and FairEmail for end-to-end encrypted email on Android devices.
Gpg4win
Gpg4win is the official Windows installer for GnuPG, bundling the Kleopatra certificate manager and GpgOL for Outlook integration. It provides OpenPGP and S/MIME encryption for files and email on Windows.
Kryptor
Kryptor is a free, open-source file encryption and signing CLI for Windows, Linux, and macOS. It uses modern primitives via libsodium (XChaCha20-Poly1305, Argon2id, Ed25519) with no configuration options and encrypts file names optionally.
Tomb
Tomb is an open-source Linux CLI tool that creates and manages encrypted volumes using dm-crypt and LUKS. It wraps the standard kernel encryption stack in a simple shell script, with optional steganographic key hiding and FIDO2 support.
GPG Suite
GPG Suite brings OpenPGP encryption to macOS through a unified package: GPG Keychain for key management, GPG Mail for Apple Mail integration, GPG Services for system-wide encrypt/sign actions, and MacGPG as the underlying engine.
Email Encryption
GnuPG allows you to encrypt and sign your data and communications. Following are download links for different platforms. Mac: GPG Suite . OpenKeychain for Android: Google Play…
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Encryption is what turns a stolen laptop or a breached cloud account into a pile of useless gibberish. These tools let you encrypt files and folders yourself, so the protection travels with the data wherever it goes. From full-volume encryption to single-file lockers, pick the one that fits.
Match the tool to the job
Different needs call for different tools. Whole-volume encryption protects an entire disk or container, ideal for a laptop that could be lost or seized. File-level tools encrypt individual files or folders, perfect for adding a layer before something hits the cloud, which is exactly what Cryptomator is built for. Lightweight single-file encryptors are best for sending one protected file to someone. Use the one that matches what you are protecting.
What to look for
Open-source code that has been independently reviewed, strong modern algorithms, and a clear, documented format so your files are never hostage to one app. Be cautious with closed “military-grade” encryption products; with cryptography, code you cannot inspect is code you cannot trust.
A free in-browser option
If you just need to lock a single file quickly, our own Encrypt tool runs entirely in your browser, encrypts with modern primitives, and never uploads anything. It is a fast way to protect a file without installing software, and the code is open for anyone to check.
Frequently asked
- Whole disk or single files?
- Whole-volume encryption protects everything on a disk or container at once and is ideal for a laptop. File-level encryption locks individual files or folders, which is better for adding a layer before something goes to the cloud or to someone else. Many people use both.
- Is open-source encryption actually safe?
- Yes, and it is safer than the closed kind. Cryptography is only trustworthy when experts can inspect it, so open, reviewed code is a feature, not a weakness. Be wary of closed 'military-grade' products you cannot verify.
- What if I forget the password?
- With real encryption, a forgotten password means the data is gone, because there is no backdoor. That is exactly what makes it secure. Store your passphrase in a password manager and keep a backup of any recovery key.