Folder Lock vs. VeraCrypt: Which Encryption Tool Should You Use?

Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.

Choose VeraCrypt for free, open-source desktop encryption, portable encrypted volumes, and advanced controls. Choose Folder Lock for a simpler consumer interface, mobile vaults, cloud lockers, and bundled privacy tools. For whole-device protection, evaluate Windows BitLocker or macOS FileVault before either product.

The short answer

What Folder Lock actually does

Folder Lock is a proprietary privacy suite built around encrypted “lockers” that the vendor says can be stored locally, on USB devices, or through Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive. Its current site lists Version 10 for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, alongside file and folder locking, AES-256 encryption, secure shredding, secure notes, wallets, photo and video hiding, app locking, a secure browser, and privacy cleaning (official product page).

#	Preview	Product	Price
1		WD 12TB My Book Desktop External Hard Drive, USB 3.0, External HDD with Password Protection and Auto...	$521.18	Buy on Amazon
2		WD 22TB My Book External Hard Drive, Desktop HDD with Password Protection, USB 3.0, SuperSpeed USB,...	$634.14	Buy on Amazon
3		Apricorn 2TB Aegis Padlock Fortress FIPS 140-2 Level 2 Validated 256-Bit Encrypted USB 3.0 Hard...	$331.83	Buy on Amazon
4		iStorage diskAshur2 HDD 1TB Black - Secure portable hard drive - Password protected - Dust & water...	$294.95	Buy on Amazon

An encrypted locker is the feature most directly comparable with a VeraCrypt container. Other tools solve different problems:

• File or folder lock and hiding: may restrict access through the application or operating-system integration, but should not automatically be treated as encryption of the underlying data.
• Shredder: attempts secure deletion; it does not encrypt files.
• Privacy cleaner: removes selected histories or temporary files, not an attacker’s access to an unlocked computer.
• Cloud synchronization: can encrypt data before upload, but account security, metadata, local caches, versioning, and plaintext copies still matter.

The page displays a free tier with a 1 GB locker and two-device synchronization, and a subscribed tier with unlimited locker size and five-device synchronization. It displays $0 and $39.95 respectively, but the fetched page does not clearly state whether $39.95 is monthly, annual, or lifetime pricing. Treat it as a displayed price checked August 18, 2026, not a confirmed billing interval.

#1 Best Overall

Sale

WD 12TB My Book Desktop External Hard Drive, USB 3.0, External HDD with Password Protection and Auto Backup Software - WDBBGB0120HBK-NESN

• Massive capacity, up to 18TB capacity (1 1TB = one trillion bytes. Actual user capacity may be less depending on operating environment.).Specific uses: Business, personal
• Includes software for device management and backup with password protection (Download and installation required. Terms and conditions apply. User account registration may be required.)
• 256-bit AES hardware encryption
• SuperSpeed USB (5 Gbps); USB 2.0 compatible

$521.18

Buy on Amazon

What VeraCrypt actually does

VeraCrypt creates encrypted file containers, partitions, and removable-device volumes. It encrypts data on the fly before writing it and decrypts it in memory while a volume is mounted. After dismounting or shutting down, the protected filesystem is inaccessible without the password and, where used, a keyfile (VeraCrypt introduction).

The stable release listed by VeraCrypt is 1.26.29, dated June 9, 2026. The official download page provides Windows, macOS, Linux, and Raspberry Pi packages, source code, signatures, and checksums (downloads). Documented features include keyfiles, custom PIM settings, hidden volumes, hardware acceleration, rescue disks, and supported Windows system encryption.

VeraCrypt is not primarily an “encrypt this one arbitrary file” utility. Normally you create or open a volume, mount it as a drive, work with the files, and dismount it.

Encryption is more than the AES-256 label

Both products advertise AES-256, but the cipher name alone cannot establish equal security. Password-based key derivation, authentication, volume-header protection, implementation quality, update delivery, recovery design, and the surrounding operating system all affect risk.

VeraCrypt publishes source code and uses a focused volume-encryption model. Folder Lock is proprietary; its public materials emphasize features and vendor claims rather than the same publicly inspectable project model. Open source improves inspectability, but it is not an automatic security guarantee, and proprietary software is not automatically insecure.

Rank #2

WD 22TB My Book External Hard Drive, Desktop HDD with Password Protection, USB 3.0, SuperSpeed USB, Software for Device Management, Backup, Hardware encryption, Works with PC and Mac, Black

• The My Book is a proven USB 3.0 memory to back up your creations. Reliable desktop storage in an attractive design and proven WD quality secures your data easily and securely
• The external storage includes backup software to back up your important data. Simply set up automatic data backup by determining the time and frequency
• My Book's built-in 256-bit AES hardware encryption with password protection ensures that your content remains confidential and protected at all times
• The My Book external hard drive 22 TB offers you a large amount of storage. Whether to expand your current PC memory or to back up your data, the My Book Destop storage is ideally suited
• Box contents: WD My Book desktop storage 22 TB, USB 3.0 cable, power supply, software for management, backup and password protection of devices, quick installation guide

$634.14

Buy on Amazon

A mounted VeraCrypt volume behaves like an ordinary accessible filesystem. Encryption primarily protects data while the volume is unmounted or the device is powered off. VeraCrypt documents limitations involving mounted volumes, permissions, RAM, hardware, and compromised operating systems (security model). The same practical rule applies to Folder Lock: when a locker is open or files are decrypted, malware or an account with sufficient permissions may read them.

Plaintext can escape either product

• Office programs can create temporary files.
• Image viewers can create thumbnails and previews.
• Search indexing can expose names or content.
• Cloud applications and backup tools can cache plaintext.
• Clipboard data, swap, page files, and hibernation files may retain sensitive material.
• A compromised device can capture a password while a vault is unlocked.

Ease of use versus control

Folder Lock is positioned around one-click encryption, virtual lockers, mobile access, and a simplified interface. That is a vendor positioning claim, not independent usability testing. Its convenience is valuable if the alternative is leaving files unprotected.

VeraCrypt requires decisions about container size, volume type, filesystem, passwords or keyfiles, mounting, dismounting, backups, and recovery. The extra complexity provides control over partitions, devices, system encryption, PIM, and hidden volumes, but also creates more opportunities for user error. Its workflow is deliberate rather than a single “lock folder” button.

Platform and feature comparison

Which protects a folder better?

For a large working archive

Use a VeraCrypt container or encrypted partition when you need filenames, directory structure, and filesystem data protected together. Mount it only when working, then dismount it before shutdown, removal, or backup.

For selected folders with minimal setup

Folder Lock is the more approachable fit, provided you choose its encrypted-locker function rather than assuming every “lock” or “hide” feature encrypts the source data.

Rank #3

Apricorn 2TB Aegis Padlock Fortress FIPS 140-2 Level 2 Validated 256-Bit Encrypted USB 3.0 Hard Drive with PIN Access (A25-3PL256-2000F)

• Apricorn 2TB Aegis Padlock Fortress FIPS 140-2 Level 2 Validated 256-Bit Encrypted USB 3.0 Hard Drive with PIN Access (A25-3PL256-2000F)
• FIPS 140-2 Level 2 Validated
• 256-bit AES XTS Hardware Encryption
• USB 3.0
• Made in USA

$331.83

Buy on Amazon

For cloud-stored files

Folder Lock has the clearer consumer workflow because it specifically markets encrypted lockers synchronized through major cloud providers. Cloud encryption does not remove the need for strong cloud-account authentication, endpoint security, restore testing, and attention to local decrypted copies.

For secure deletion

Folder Lock’s shredder may overwrite filesystem-accessible space, but SSD and flash wear-leveling, snapshots, backups, and controller behavior can preserve historical data beyond software control. No shredder can guarantee every NAND cell is erased on every device.

VeraCrypt container setup and safe operation

The labels below follow the documented VeraCrypt workflow; check the installed 1.26.29 interface if a wording detail differs (documentation index).

1. Open VeraCrypt and select Create Volume.
2. Choose Create an encrypted file container, then usually Standard VeraCrypt volume.
3. Choose the container filename and location, and set its size.
4. Select encryption and hash options.
5. Set a long, unique password. Add keyfiles only if you can back them up separately.
6. Choose a filesystem and move the mouse as instructed by the wizard.
7. In the main window, select an unused drive letter, choose the container, and select Mount.
8. Enter the password and any keyfile or PIM details, then use the mounted drive normally.
9. Select Dismount before unplugging, shutting down, or copying the container for backup.

Recovery and backup checklist

• Keep at least one tested backup, preferably with multiple generations.
• Store passwords and keyfiles separately from the encrypted data; never keep the only keyfile inside the volume it unlocks.
• Test opening a backup on another machine before deleting the original.
• Do not initialize or format a removable drive merely because Windows reports an unmounted VeraCrypt volume as unformatted.
• Create and safely store the VeraCrypt Rescue Disk when using system encryption.
• Treat header-backup files as sensitive recovery material.
• Do not casually live-sync an actively mounted container. Close and dismount it, copy it, and verify cloud synchronization and restoration.

Password loss, permissions, and hidden volumes

Assume a forgotten password cannot be recovered unless a current, product-specific recovery mechanism is verified. VeraCrypt requires the correct password and/or keyfile. Folder Lock’s FAQ says passwords are not saved on the user’s computer or the vendor’s server and warns users not to forget them; that is a vendor statement, not an independent audit (Folder Lock).

Use long, unique passphrases stored in a password manager. A strong cipher cannot compensate for a short or reused password. A mounted volume may also be readable by other accounts unless filesystem permissions restrict access.

Rank #4

iStorage diskAshur2 HDD 1TB Black - Secure portable hard drive - Password protected - Dust & water resistant - Hardware Encryption

• Easy to use: Perfect solution to protect your digital assets. Simply enter a 7-15 digit PIN to authenticate and use as a normal portable HDD. When the drive is disconnected, all data is encrypted using AES-XTS 256-bit hardware encryption (no software required).
• The diskAshur2 helps you ensure compliance with data regulations such as GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA.
• The diskAshur2 is the perfect solution for storing your personal or company data. Carry the diskAshur2 with you wherever you go. Portable, rugged, dust & splashproof (IP56 certified) Without the PIN, there’s no way IN! All data transferred to the drive is encrypted in real time and is protected from unauthorised access even if the device is lost or stolen! The diskAshur2 incorporates a Common Criteria EAL 5+ (Hardware Certified) secure microprocessor.
• The diskAshur2 will work on any device with a USB port, no software is required. Compatible with: MS Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome, Android, Thin Clients, Zero Clients, Embedded Systems, Citrix and VMware.
• Transfer your files in seconds Lightning fast backwards compatible USB 3.2 data transfer speeds. Up to 160MB/s Read speeds Up to 143MB/s Write speeds.

$294.95

Buy on Amazon

Hidden volumes are an advanced VeraCrypt feature, not a magic invisibility cloak. Accidental overwriting, operating-system traces, application behavior, and backups can undermine deniability. Use them only when you understand the operational discipline required.

When neither product is the best first choice

Windows: BitLocker

For supported Windows systems where the goal is full-device or fixed-drive encryption, start with Microsoft’s integrated BitLocker and its recovery-key management (Microsoft BitLocker guidance). VeraCrypt is preferable when you need cross-platform containers, hidden volumes, or its other advanced controls.

Mac: FileVault

For a Mac startup disk, FileVault is more natural than either product (Apple FileVault guide). It is not a substitute for a portable cross-platform container or mobile vault.

Cloud folders: Cryptomator

Cryptomator is worth considering when client-side encryption of cloud-storage folders is the main requirement (Cryptomator). It is not a whole-device encryption tool or a bundled privacy suite.

Small transfers: 7-Zip

An encrypted 7-Zip archive is useful for a small group of files or a transfer, but archives are less convenient for frequently edited working data (7-Zip).

Final recommendation

Pick VeraCrypt when transparency, no license cost, desktop and removable-drive encryption, and granular controls matter most. Pick Folder Lock when the decisive requirements are a simpler consumer workflow, first-party phone access, cloud lockers, or bundled privacy utilities—and verify that the feature you select is encryption rather than hiding or application locking. For full-device protection, use BitLocker or FileVault where appropriate. In every case, protect the endpoint, dismount volumes, maintain tested backups, and plan for password loss before storing irreplaceable data.

Quick Recap

SaleBestseller No. 1

WD 12TB My Book Desktop External Hard Drive, USB 3.0, External HDD with Password Protection and Auto Backup Software - WDBBGB0120HBK-NESN

256-bit AES hardware encryption; SuperSpeed USB (5 Gbps); USB 2.0 compatible

$521.18

Bestseller No. 2

WD 22TB My Book External Hard Drive, Desktop HDD with Password Protection, USB 3.0, SuperSpeed USB, Software for Device Management, Backup, Hardware encryption, Works with PC and Mac, Black

$634.14

Bestseller No. 3

Apricorn 2TB Aegis Padlock Fortress FIPS 140-2 Level 2 Validated 256-Bit Encrypted USB 3.0 Hard Drive with PIN Access (A25-3PL256-2000F)

FIPS 140-2 Level 2 Validated; 256-bit AES XTS Hardware Encryption; USB 3.0; Made in USA; Key Pad Pin access

$331.83

Bestseller No. 4

iStorage diskAshur2 HDD 1TB Black - Secure portable hard drive - Password protected - Dust & water resistant - Hardware Encryption

$294.95

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.