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Best File encryption software in 2026

File encryption tools encrypt files so they can be stored or shared. This list is for people choosing a tool on a budget and comparing free options with paid plans or trials.

  1. 1

    7-Zip

    Free plan LinuxMacWindows

    7-Zip covers archive creation and extraction across three desktop platforms, with encryption and command-line support. RAR is extract-only, and some listed features are specific to Windows.

    7.6 Free plan Visit site
  2. 2

    Cryptomator

    Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+4

    Cryptomator provides device-side encryption and supports a range of cloud storage options, with separate Hub capabilities for teams.

    7.5 Free plan · paid from €29.99 · 30-day trial Visit site
  3. 3

    NordLocker

    by NordLocker
    Free plan AndroidiPhoneWeb+1

    Choose NordLocker if you want zero-knowledge encrypted storage with Windows, mobile, and browser access, and its 3 GB free plan or larger storage options fit your needs.

    7.1 Free plan · 14-day trial Visit site
  4. 4

    PeaZip

    Free plan LinuxMacWindows

    PeaZip combines broad archive extraction with file management, encryption, and scripting in a free package. Note the extra requirements for RAR creation and ACE extraction.

    6.9 Free plan Visit site
  5. 5

    AxCrypt

    by AxCrypt AB
    Free plan WindowsLinuxAndroid+1
    6.8 Visit site
  6. 6

    Gpg4win

    Free plan Windows

    Choose Gpg4win if you use Windows and want file or email encryption with Outlook integration and administrator access controls.

    6.8 Free plan Visit site
  7. 7

    Encrypto

    by MacPaw
    Free plan WindowsMac
    6.3 Visit site
  8. 8

    EDS Lite

    by sovworks
    Free plan Android
    5.9 Visit site
  9. 9

    VeraCrypt

    by IDRIX
    Free plan WindowsLinux
    5.8 Visit site
  10. 10

    GNU Privacy Guard (GnuPG)

    by The GnuPG Project
    Free plan
    5.6 Visit site
  11. 11

    Rohos Disk Encryption

    by Rohos
    Paid Android
    4.1 Visit site

#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price

Compare the pricing model, supported platform and trial terms. If reading or changing source code matters, check the tool's licence before choosing it.

Questions

Which file encryption tools have free plans?

Free-plan entries include 7-Zip, AgentBench, AxCrypt, Cryptomator, EDS Lite, Encrypto, GnuPG, Gpg4win, PeaZip and VeraCrypt.

Are free trials available?

Yes. Both Cryptomator and Rohos Disk Encryption list trials lasting 30 days.

Which platforms are covered?

Tools in this category run on Windows, Linux, Android, macOS and self-hosted setups. AxCrypt also lists iOS support.

What should I check before choosing?

Compare the pricing model, trial terms, supported platform and software licence. Check the licence if you need to read or change the code.

Does a free plan mean the software is open source?

Not necessarily. Check the individual tool's licence to see whether its source code can be read or changed.

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