GPG Suite

What GPG Suite is

GPG Suite is a macOS collection for encrypting and decrypting, signing and verifying files and email. Its tools cover Apple Mail, OpenPGP key management and actions in the macOS Services menu. GPG Mail brings encryption, decryption, signing and verification into Apple Mail, and automatically decrypts and verifies encrypted or signed attachments. GPG Keychain lets users create or modify OpenPGP keys and import keys from key servers or contacts. It provides default settings for new keys and an advanced view for selecting key size, expiration date and algorithm. GPG Services adds the same cryptographic actions to the Services menu for selected text, files and folders. MacGPG is the underlying encryption engine and is based on GnuPG. GPGTools says the suite, including GPG Mail, is released under open source licenses, and users may compile their own version under the GPL. GPG Mail can be used free for 30 days by someone who has not previously started a trial. After the trial, encrypted email remains accessible, but encrypting, signing or verifying email requires a support plan for the current available major version. An active plan includes professional help for GPG Mail, the suite’s tools and GnuPG.

Who it suits

GPG Suite suits macOS users who want OpenPGP key management and encryption, signing and verification tools for email, files or selected text. It may also suit users who value open-source licensing and are prepared to obtain a GPG Mail support plan for ongoing use of its email functions.

Limits

GPG Mail’s free trial lasts 30 days and is available to users who have not started one before. After expiry, encrypted emails remain accessible, but encrypting, signing and verifying emails requires a support plan; GPG Mail 7 may be used on macOS Ventura but not on other or future macOS or Mail versions under the maker’s terms.

Getting started

1. Visit the GPG Suite website.
2. Install the macOS suite and use GPG Keychain to create or import OpenPGP keys.
3. Use GPG Mail in Apple Mail during its 30-day trial if you have not started a trial before.
4. Choose a GPG Mail Support Plan for permanent use of GPG Mail.
5. Use GPG Services for cryptographic actions on selected text, files or folders.

Verdict

Choose GPG Suite if you use macOS and want integrated Apple Mail tools alongside key management and Services menu actions. Look elsewhere if you need ongoing GPG Mail use without a support plan, or need GPG Mail 7 on a macOS or Mail version outside the stated compatibility terms.