Best Free Encryption Software: Top 11 Tools for Sensitive Data

By Kate Hawkins

Last update: December 7, 2025

I’ve spent the last couple weeks trying out free encryption apps; turns out, most aren’t worth it. A bunch still have that ancient vibe from way back when, while some act like securing a file needs expert-level skills.

It’s vital for encryption tools to lock down your info so tight, even spies quit trying to break into your vaults. Surprisingly, a few no-cost apps actually nail it just right.

This guide covers eight solid free encryption tools that actually work, and three decent alternatives if your needs are different. I sorted them based on their strongest use case, since picking up NordLocker or VeraCrypt just to lock down a single file is kind of like grabbing a sledgehammer to crack an egg; sure, it works, but smarter choices are out there.

Are Free Encryption Tools Safe? 

Some free encryption apps can protect your info; it just depends on which one you pick. A lot of well-known options are open-source, so folks can see what’s going on inside or dig into old security reviews. With pricier encryption software, that level of honesty is rare; because of this, most tend to trust open-code apps instead.

Even when something’s free and open-source, you’re not automatically safe. Some people snag sketchy files hoping for security and end up installing harmful software by mistake. Stick to familiar tools from reliable sources instead; these have stood the test of time, come recommended by actual users, plus get reviewed independently.

My Methodology: How to Choose the Best Free Encryption Software

Most people won’t use every single tool, they just want solid encryption that doesn’t drive them crazy. Here’s what caught my eye, and what you can check out yourself:

• Encryption strength: Stick to AES-128 or stronger, and skip weaker options. Doesn’t matter if it’s free or open-source; old methods drag you backward.
• Ease of use: Using it should feel natural. While trying Gpg4win, I had to study tutorials for twenty minutes just to secure a single file. That’s okay if you enjoy tinkering or happen to geek out like me, but it’s not for everyone.
• Platform support: I went through each app on Windows and jotted down which ones work on macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
• Active development: Staying fresh matters, and software left untouched since 2018 is likely outdated. I checked every app’s update date, just to confirm they hadn’t gone stale. Recent changes mean better reliability.
• Transparency: Open-source software scores points because everyone can look at the code if they want. When it comes to closed systems, you’ve got no choice but to trust what they say.
• Performance impact: Some apps slow down your device a lot when they encrypt files, so I ran checks to drop any that hog battery or feel sluggish.

The 8 Top Free Encryption Tools

Before we dive into each tool, take a look at this quick comparison to help you narrow down your options:

1. NordLocker — Best for User-Friendly Cloud Vaults

After wrestling with VeraCrypt’s dated UI and Gpg4win’s certificate hurdles, NordLocker feels refreshingly modern. Instead of fumbling through menus, you simply set up secure lockers and add files. I added 2GB of family photos that were encrypted and synced to Nord’s cloud storage servers automatically, then decrypted seamlessly on my laptop later.

My Experience With NordLocker: Hands-On Performance

I spent an afternoon shifting personal stuff into protected folders, and it went smoothly as uploading files took almost no effort. Encrypting them happened in a flash, while the mobile apps ran without hiccups so I could unlock whatever I needed while out. Only snag? That 3GB of free storage disappeared fast.

NordLocker Pricing and Value

NordLocker offers 3GB of secure online space at no cost; with bundled subscriptions starting under $5 monthly for 1TB storage and access to other Nord products like NordVPN, backed by a month-long refund promise.

2. AxCrypt — Best for Quick File Encryption

AxCrypt is designed for regular people, not just tech-focused folks. Once set up, encrypting a file was as easy as right-clicking and picking ‘Encrypt’ from the menu. Its free plan runs on AES-128 and fits naturally into how you already work.

My Experience With AxCrypt: Hands-On Performance

During tests with AxCrypt, I encrypted about fifty separate files and every file only needed a few seconds. After securing my income documents and saving them online using Dropbox, the app spotted changes on its own, then automatically protected those updated files again.

The biggest hassle? Sending encrypted files using secure keys isn’t allowed on the free version. It works okay just for you, but if you want to share with others, you’re stuck needing the paid upgrade.

AxCrypt Pricing and Value

AxCrypt Free is always free; no pop-up prompts to upgrade, no artificial restrictions. It gives solid encryption plus simple tools. For about $4 a month, the Premium version brings password handling and safe key exchange.

3. VeraCrypt — Best for Maximum Security and Control

VeraCrypt follows TrueCrypt’s footsteps, keeping that top-tier encryption. It feels clunky to use, but during testing, I liked how it handled a 10GB encrypted space like a real drive. It auto-encrypted every file I dropped inside through AES-256 in XTS setup with almost no performance hit on my SSD.

My Experience With VeraCrypt: Hands-On Performance

Setting up my first drive lasted around half an hour, mostly because VeraCrypt made me wiggle the mouse like crazy to generate entropy. Even so, the thing that caught my eye was the secret volume trick. It lets you stash fake files inside an encrypted space while tucking the actual data beneath a second unseen level. Smart move or overkill? Depends on just how paranoid you feel.

VeraCrypt Pricing and Value

VeraCrypt costs nothing; never has, never will. Being open source, no company can slap a price tag on it or fill it with ads. But there’s a catch: you’re on your own for support beyond the guides and user-run forums. Security-wise, it’s on par with corporate tools. You’re just paying with your time rather than your money.

4. 7-Zip — Best for Quick Archive Encryption

7-Zip isn’t built just for encrypting files. It’s a file archiver that also happens to include encryption. Just like how a Swiss Army tool has a toothpick, but it’s not a dental tool.

When I had to share private files with my accountant, I skipped complex key setups or showing him VeraCrypt tricks. Instead, I packed everything into an encrypted 7z file, shot it over by email, then texted the password moments later. In all of five minutes, it was done.

My Experience With 7-Zip: Hands-On Performance

While testing, I compressed and zipped a 2GB folder. It only needed around three minutes, and the output ended up more compact while using AES-256 encryption. Later, when opening it on another computer (this one didn’t have 7-Zip installed) Windows asked me to grab the software before continuing.

The truth? 7-Zip’s security depends totally on your password. That means you need tough, one-of-a-kind passwords every time. I ran my own check and made archives using flimsy passwords, then hit them with John the Ripper. Those weak passwords broke open fast, like under ten minutes.

7-Zip Pricing and Value

7-Zip is completely free with no strings attached. No premium tiers, no feature gates, and no prompts to subscribe. It does compression and encryption, and it does them well.

5. BitLocker — Best for Windows Full Disk Encryption

BitLocker comes free with Windows Pro and higher plans, keeping your data safe by locking up the whole drive using strong AES-128 or AES-256 encryption; once set up, it unlocks itself quietly each time you sign in.

My Experience With BitLocker: Hands-On Performance

While testing, BitLocker hardly slowed down my Windows 11 machine. I ran encryption in the background during regular tasks and performance stayed smooth. Setting it up is straightforward; open Start, look up BitLocker, then turn it on. Keep your recovery key separate from your Microsoft account to stay safer.

BitLocker Pricing and Value

If you’re running Windows Pro or above, you already have BitLocker built in. If you’re on the Home edition, it’s possible to upgrade for around $100; worth it if you’re serious about easy-to-use security (otherwise, VeraCrypt is completely free for all editions).

6. Cryptomator — Best for Cloud Storage Encryption

Cryptomator tackles an issue many encryption apps skip: securing files in the cloud without needing a full reupload when edits happen. Putting a vault right into my Dropbox sync folder made it save all data as scrambled chunks under random labels, each locked separately. Adding a new file meant only that one encrypted block uploaded for fast, efficient syncing.

My Experience With Cryptomator: Hands-On Performance

I tried Cryptomator by tossing 5GB of photos and documents into a brand-new vault. The files were secured right away, and opening that vault later on my phone was still quick and smooth using the app.

Here’s why it’s clever: your files stay hidden from the cloud. No one can scan your documents, employees can’t sneak a look, and intruders find nothing useful even if they manage to crack your password.

Cryptomator Pricing and Value

For desktop use, Cryptomator is free (with optional donations to support development). The mobile apps cost around $10; it’s a one-time payment that seems fair, given how convenient it is to use.

7. Gpg4win — Best for Email and File Signing

Gpg4win brings GnuPG to Windows, a free version of OpenPGP that runs on public key crypto: lock data with a person’s public key, unlock it with their private one. To check how secure Outlook emails are, I made my keys and shared the public key with a coworker. His encrypted email arrived fully encrypted, and Kleopatra (the certificate manager and frontend for GnuPG) decrypted it instantly.

My Experience With Gpg4win: Hands-On Performance

Setting up Gpg4win took about 45 minutes, and I could check the documents while they were encrypting. Kleopatra assumes you already know stuff like key signing or revocation files, and doesn’t explain the basics. If your only goal is locking down a single document, this feels way too heavy-duty.

Gpg4win Pricing and Value

Gpg4win costs nothing, but picking it up takes time. Its security never fails, but using it? Imagine trying to shift gears blindfolded, while a stranger yells directions in a language you don’t know. It’s difficult, but worth it for the security it provides.

8. DiskCryptor — Best Lightweight Full Disk Encryption

DiskCryptor flies under the radar, yet packs a serious punch when it comes to encrypting your entire disk. Security is on par with VeraCrypt but it’s easier to use. During testing, encrypting a 250GB chunk of drive took roughly 2 hours. Starting encryption felt smooth because all I had to do was pick a volume, type a passcode, then hit “Encrypt.”

My Experience With DiskCryptor: Hands-On Performance

I fired up an ancient laptop to test full-disk encryption. Instead of loading Windows right away, a prompt popped up demanding a password thanks to DiskCryptor’s pre-boot setup. Once encryption wrapped up, device speed didn’t drop much at all. For a no-cost, community-driven app, that kind of efficiency feels rare.

DiskCryptor Pricing and Value

DiskCryptor’s completely free, plus it’s open-source; it stands out as a solid BitLocker substitute for folks using Windows Home who want full drive protection. Development has slowed a little recently, which is mildly concerning long-term, but it still gets updates and actually works like it should.

Honorable Mentions

These tools didn’t quite make my top eight, but they’re still worth a look:

• FileVault: Apple’s go-to disk encryption for Macs, running on AES-256 XTS while linking decryption to your login password. It runs smoothly with nearly zero effort needed. The sole downside is that it only works on Macs. If you’re using macOS, this one’s your best bet.
• GoCryptFS: A fast and actively maintained tool for creating encrypted folders on Linux. It encrypts every file in a selected directory, much like Cryptomator, and performed well during my tests on Ubuntu. It focuses on the command line, yet it is much more modern and secure compared to older options like EncFS.
• AES Crypt: Great if you want to encrypt a single file with no extra tools and no hassle. On Windows, Mac, or Linux, it drops an “AES Encrypt” choice into your right-click menu. When I tried it, my tax document was secured in seconds. After encryption, the file shows a .aes ending. Anyone with AES Crypt and the password can decrypt it.

Free vs Paid Encryption Software: Which Is Best for Me? 

Paid encryption tools rarely do a better job than the ones you get for free. The truth is, AES-256 works just the same if you spent $100 on it or downloaded it from GitHub.

With paid encryption, you get ease of use, along with help when things go wrong, as well as business features. Take a look at the key differences between the two:

If you’re just protecting your own stuff, free apps often do the job fine; I’ve stuck with VeraCrypt forever without paying anything, and even though it felt tricky at first, it didn’t take long to get comfortable using it.

But for companies, shelling out cash for encryption might make sense; for a small law firm needing a tool their admin staff can use without constant help, a paid option that included live support plus unified key control would absolutely be worth the cost.

Conclusion

For most people NordLocker is the best free encryption software, especially if you’re also in the market for a VPN. AxCrypt Free gives solid safety without hassle when locking regular files, whereas BitLocker or DiskCryptor handle whole drives better on Windows machines. When it comes to cloud storage, go with Cryptomator; it’s free and plays well on most platforms.

The tools exist, they’re free, and they work. You just have to use them.

Over to you now. Which info will you protect first, and which tools have worked well for you? Still torn between VeraCrypt’s strength and AxCrypt’s ease? Drop your thoughts or questions below, and thank you for reading.

FAQ: Top Free Encryption Tools

• What Is the Best Free File Encryption Software? 

  Nordlocker is the best free file encryption software as it bundles free cloud storage with encryption capabilities.

• Is BitLocker Free?

  Yes, BitLocker is free. It comes at no cost on Windows 10/11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education versions. However, folks using Windows Home can’t use it for free, you have to pay to upgrade your edition.

• Is VeraCrypt Free?

  Yes, VeraCrypt is free; it’s open-source software without any premium versions, so it stands out as a top-tier pick for locking down your entire drive at zero expense.