restic
Focus: backup, snapshots and command line. Shares encryption with VeraCrypt. Same 4.7 rating.
Desktop AppFreemacOS, Windows
4.7Visit
Desktop App
VeraCrypt
Free, open-source disk encryption for Windows, macOS and Linux.
Rating
4.7 / 5
Pricing
Free
Difficulty
Advanced
Works on
Windows, macOS, Linux
Built with love by Shushant Lakhyani. Building bestproductivityresources.com
What is VeraCrypt?
VeraCrypt is free, open-source disk encryption software based on TrueCrypt 7.1a and maintained by AM Crypto. It can create an encrypted virtual disk inside a file and mount it like a real drive, encrypt whole partitions or devices such as USB sticks, and encrypt the Windows system drive with pre-boot authentication. Encryption happens automatically and in real time, with hardware acceleration on modern processors, and hidden volumes give plausible deniability. Version 1.26.31 was released on 2 November 2026.
Pros: what VeraCrypt does well
- Free and open source on Windows, macOS and Linux
- Encrypts files, USB drives or the whole system drive
- Actively maintained with recent releases
Cons: where it falls short
- Setup takes some technical care
- Forgetting your password means losing the data
Who VeraCrypt is for
People who carry sensitive files on laptops or USB drives.
Who can skip it
Those already happy with their system's built-in encryption.
VeraCrypt alternatives
Not sold on VeraCrypt? These do a similar job, and each card says what it has in common.
BorgBackup
Focus: backup, deduplication and command line. Shares encryption with VeraCrypt. Rated 4.6 (VeraCrypt: 4.7).
Desktop AppFreemacOS, Windows
4.6Visit
Cryptomator
Focus: cloud storage, privacy and open source. Shares encryption with VeraCrypt. Freemium (VeraCrypt: Free). Adds iOS and Android. Rated 4.6 (VeraCrypt: 4.7).
Desktop AppFree planWindows, macOS
4.6Visit
PeaZip
Focus: file archiver, zip and compression. Shares encryption with VeraCrypt. Rated 4.6 (VeraCrypt: 4.7).
Desktop AppFreeWindows, macOS
4.6Visit
Duplicati
Focus: backup, cloud storage and scheduler. Shares encryption with VeraCrypt. Rated 4.5 (VeraCrypt: 4.7).
Desktop AppFreemacOS, Windows
4.5Visit
1Password
Focus: passwords and autofill. Shares security with VeraCrypt. A web app, not a desktop app. Paid but Affordable (VeraCrypt: Free). Adds Web, iOS and Android. Rated 4.6 (VeraCrypt: 4.7).
Web AppPaid but AffordableWeb, macOS
4.6Visit
Free alternatives to VeraCrypt
Want to spend nothing? These free picks cover similar ground.
calibre
Focus: ebooks, ebook converter and library. Also in Organization and File Management, like VeraCrypt. Adds Offline. Same 4.7 rating.
Desktop AppFreeWindows, macOS
4.7Visit
fd
Focus: file search, command line and developer tool. Also in File Management and Organization, like VeraCrypt. Adds Offline. Same 4.7 rating.
Desktop AppFreemacOS, Windows
4.7Visit
WizTree
Focus: disk space, storage and windows. Also in File Management and Organization, like VeraCrypt. Adds Offline. Same 4.7 rating.
Desktop AppFreeWindows, Offline
4.7Visit
Yazi
Focus: file manager, terminal ui and developer tool. Also in File Management and Organization, like VeraCrypt. Adds Offline. Same 4.7 rating.
Desktop AppFreemacOS, Windows
4.7Visit
Czkawka
Focus: duplicate finder, disk cleanup and similar images. Also in File Management and Organization, like VeraCrypt. Adds Offline. Rated 4.6 (VeraCrypt: 4.7).
Desktop AppFreemacOS, Windows
4.6Visit
Etcher
Focus: usb, sd card and disk image. Also in File Management and Organization, like VeraCrypt. Rated 4.6 (VeraCrypt: 4.7).
Desktop AppFreemacOS, Windows
4.6Visit
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