4 Encryption Software Tools That'll Actually Keep Your Data Private (2025 Guide)

Let's be honest—when was the last time you thought about who could potentially access your files? Your private photos syncing to the cloud, those work documents sitting in Dropbox, that financial spreadsheet you've been meaning to encrypt "someday"?

The truth is, most cloud providers can technically peek at your data whenever they want. Sure, they promise they won't, but when major corporations comply with government requests and data breaches make headlines every few months, maybe it's time to stop trusting and start actually securing your stuff.

That's where encryption software comes in. But here's the catch: not all encryption tools are created equal. Some are complicated enough to make your head spin, while others are so basic they might as well be digital locks made of paper.

I've spent weeks testing different encryption solutions, and I'm about to share four tools that strike the perfect balance between bulletproof security and actual usability. No massive listicles with 15+ half-baked recommendations—just four solid options that real people can actually use.

Ready to take control of your digital privacy? Let's dive in.

Here's a scenario: you're using Dropbox or Google Drive because, well, everyone does. Your files are "safe" in the cloud, right?

Wrong.

Encryption software has become increasingly important, as it's become easier than ever for hackers, rogue apps, and even media giants to be able to access your personal details, and even your data.

For businesses it's even more serious, as they have a legal duty to protect customer records, and if hacked the exposure of any sensitive or confidential information can result in steep fines, brand damage, and long-term financial loss.

Think about what you have stored digitally:

• Tax documents with your social security number

• Photos you'd rather keep private

• Business contracts and client data

• Medical records

• Banking information

• Literally anything you wouldn't want a stranger reading

Most cloud services encrypt data during transmission, but they hold the keys to decrypt everything. Most cloud providers encrypt data only during transmission or they keep the keys for decryption for themselves. These keys can be stolen, copied, or misused.

With proper encryption software, you become the only person who can unlock your files. Even if someone breaks into your cloud account or steals your laptop, they're looking at gibberish without your encryption key.

Before we get to the tools, let's talk about what actually matters:

You want AES-256 encryption at minimum—the same standard governments use for top-secret files. Anything less is like locking your front door but leaving a window wide open.

This fancy term means even the software company can't see your data. Zero-knowledge architecture combines encryption algorithms to optimize file security and privacy, ensuring that nobody except you can decrypt your files.

Your security should work everywhere—Windows, Mac, Linux, and ideally mobile devices too. Data doesn't stay put anymore, and neither should your encryption.

Let's face it: if the software requires a PhD in cryptography to operate, you're probably not going to use it consistently. The best encryption tools disappear into the background while keeping you protected.

Now, let's look at four tools that check these boxes.

If you're serious about security and don't mind a slight learning curve, VeraCrypt is the gold standard.

VeraCrypt is a free and open-source utility for on-the-fly encryption (OTFE). The software can create a virtual encrypted disk that works just like a regular disk but within a file. It can also encrypt a partition or (in Windows) the entire storage device with pre-boot authentication.

Let me break down what that actually means: VeraCrypt can encrypt individual files, entire hard drives, or even your operating system. When you boot up your computer, you'll need to enter a password before Windows even loads—talk about serious security.

Here's where VeraCrypt gets genuinely clever. VeraCrypt supports plausible deniability by allowing a single "hidden volume" to be created within another volume. The Windows versions of VeraCrypt can create and run a hidden encrypted operating system whose existence may be denied.

Picture this: you have an encrypted drive. Someone forces you to reveal your password (hopefully this never happens, but bear with me). You give them the password to the outer volume that contains some innocuous files. They have no way of knowing there's a second hidden volume inside containing your actually sensitive data. That's some spy-level security right there.

VeraCrypt employs AES, Serpent, Twofish, Camellia, and Kuznyechik as ciphers.

You can even use cascaded algorithms—meaning your data gets encrypted multiple times with different algorithms. It's overkill for most people, but available if you need it.

VeraCrypt uses either 200,000 iterations (SHA-256, BLAKE2s-256, Streebog) or 500,000 iterations (SHA-512, Whirlpool) by default, which makes password-guessing attacks slower.

Yes, this means it takes a few seconds longer to open encrypted volumes, but that's a small price for exponentially better security.

• Tech-savvy users who want complete control

• Anyone encrypting entire system drives

• People who need cross-platform support (Windows, Mac, Linux)

• Privacy advocates who prefer open-source solutions

The honest drawback: The interface looks like it's from 2005 (because the original TrueCrypt was from that era). It's functional but not pretty. You'll also need to read some documentation to use advanced features properly.

Pricing: Completely free, forever.

If you're like most people, your files live in the cloud—Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, you name it. Cryptomator was built specifically for this use case.

Cryptomator is an open-source encryption tool for secure cloud storage that protects your privacy for free on Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, and more.

Here's the beautiful simplicity: You assign a password for a folder - called a vault - within your cloud, and every time you store something on this drive, Cryptomator encrypts the data automatically.

No manual encryption steps. No complicated processes. Just drag, drop, done.

Cryptomator's technology meets the latest standards and encrypts both files and filenames with AES and 256 bit key length.

Even your file names are encrypted, so if someone looks into the folder in your cloud, they cannot draw any conclusions about your data.

The software encrypts each file separately.

This means you're not creating one giant encrypted blob—each file is independently secured, which is more efficient when syncing changes to the cloud.

1. Install Cryptomator on your computer

2. Create a "vault" inside your cloud-synced folder

3. Set a password for that vault

4. You will be provided with a virtual encrypted drive to which you can move your data - just like a USB flash drive.

5. Work with files normally—Cryptomator handles encryption/decryption automatically

Your cloud service only sees encrypted gibberish. You see your files normally. Perfect.

You don't have to trust Cryptomator blindly, because it is open source software. For you as a user, this means that everyone can see the code, and the software is continuously and publicly tested with measurable code quality and test coverage that is far above the industry average.

In 2017, Cure53 audited the software.

Independent security researchers have poked and prodded at the code, which is exactly what you want for encryption software.

• Cloud storage users who want to keep using their existing services

• People wanting simple, automatic encryption

• Anyone valuing open-source transparency

• Users needing cross-platform access (Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android)

The honest drawback: It's specifically designed for cloud storage. If you need full-disk encryption or want to encrypt files that never touch the cloud, look elsewhere.

Pricing: Free for desktop (Windows, Mac, Linux). Mobile apps cost around $8-12 (one-time purchase) to unlock all features.

Not everyone wants to manage encrypted volumes or virtual drives. Sometimes you just want to right-click a file and make it secure. That's AxCrypt's specialty.

AxCrypt ensures private, secure communication across devices with AES-256 encryption for intended recipients.

But unlike more technical tools, AxCrypt is known for its user-friendly interface, allowing users to encrypt, decrypt, and securely share files with others using just a few clicks.

The software integrates directly into Windows Explorer (and macOS Finder), so encrypting a file is literally as easy as right-clicking it. No separate application to open, no virtual drives to mount—just straightforward file encryption.

AxCrypt automatically secures your files in Dropbox, Google Drive and OneDrive.

You can set up "watched folders" where anything you save gets encrypted automatically. Perfect for that "Documents/Sensitive" folder you've been meaning to secure.

AxCrypt comes with Mobile Encryption, Automatic Cloud Encryption, Password Manager, Automatic Encryption, and Encrypted File Sharing features. AxCrypt has been consistently awarded as the 'Best Encryption Software' by PC Mag for 7 years in a row, starting in 2016.

Here's a genuinely useful feature: AxCrypt Premium allows users to share encrypted files with its key-sharing option. The solution protects classified and sensitive information and provides access to a master password generator.

You can send someone an encrypted file, and they can open it with AxCrypt (even the free version) if you share access with them. No fumbling with separate passwords or complicated key exchanges.

The software integrates with popular cloud storage services like Google Drive and Dropbox, offering seamless protection for files across platforms.

AxCrypt allows double-click editing/viewing with any application and automatically will re-encrypt after any modifications are made.

This means you can edit an encrypted Word document, and when you save it, AxCrypt automatically re-encrypts it. No extra steps required.

• Windows and Mac users wanting simple file encryption

• People who need to share encrypted files with others

• Anyone wanting automatic folder encryption

• Users who prefer software that integrates with their existing workflow

The honest drawback: There is a free version of AxCrypt but this will only decrypt files. You need to get the Premium plan or the Business edition in order to encrypt files.

After a 30-day trial, you'll need to pay for the encryption features.

Also, This is a necessary step to clear the activity of the AxCrypt system out of memory, where encryption keys are held while the tool is active.

You need to fully exit the program when you're done, or your encryption keys remain in memory.

Pricing:

• Free (decryption only)

• Premium: Around $35-40/year for personal use

• Business: Higher tier with additional features

What if you want cloud storage that's actually private from day one? Enter NordLocker, from the people behind NordVPN.

NordLocker uses zero-knowledge architecture for secure storage. It combines AES-256, xChaCha20-Poly1305, and Ed25519 algorithms to optimize file security and privacy. All your items are protected by end-to-end encryption as you add them to the vault.

Let me decode that: It's a zero-knowledge encryption system, where the developers have no data about users' files.

In theory this means no one, not even Nord Security employees, can decrypt your stored files.

Unlike Dropbox or Google Drive—where the company could theoretically access your files—NordLocker literally cannot. They don't have your decryption keys. Period.

The software uses so called "lockers" - encrypted folders to encrypt and store user files. Users can create an unlimited number of lockers, drop files in to encrypt them, and transfer lockers separately. The app uses client-side encryption to secure files on the user's device first.

Think of lockers as separate encrypted vaults. You might have one for work documents, another for personal photos, another for financial records. Upload files to the cloud storage and sync it across your devices and platforms.

The program uses AES-256 and 4096-bit RSA encryption algorithms as well as Argon2 and ECC (with XChaCha20, EdDSA, and Poly1305).

That's a lot of technical jargon, but basically: military-grade encryption using multiple cutting-edge algorithms working together.

For example, AES-256 handles encrypted files and filenames, cipher suite xChaCha20 protects keychain and identity data, while Ed25519 ensures the security of your digital signatures.

This feature enables users to grant file or folder access to friends, family, or colleagues while maintaining end-to-end encryption. From directly within the NordLocker app, users can invite users to access a folder via their email address.

Share your encrypted files via email or a link with anyone. A unique code adds an extra layer of security to your items, ensuring private file sharing with a few clicks.

Here's something cool: NordLocker allows local storage of encrypted files. This local encryption means files are encrypted but remain stored on your device's hard drive.

You don't have to use their cloud if you don't want to.

But if you do use the cloud, NordLocker syncs files via a private cloud, so they can be accessed from any computer with the NordLocker app installed.

Such is Nord Security's confidence in its encryption protocols that in 2022 they offered $10,000 to anyone who could break into an encrypted locker, which they offered for download.

There were over 600 attempts to break the locker but no one has claimed the bounty as of December 2020.

That's some serious confidence in their encryption.

• Users wanting encrypted cloud storage from scratch

• People already using NordVPN or NordPass (shared account access)

• Anyone needing secure file sharing with collaborators

• Users wanting a simple, polished interface

The honest drawback: It's not open-source, so you're trusting Nord Security's implementation. However, their reputation in the cybersecurity space is solid. Also, PCMagazine review noted that NordLocker lacked features like secure file deletion and two-factor authentication.

Pricing:

• The local encryption is free—the service monetizes cloud storage space beyond the 3 GB provided with the free plan.

• Personal: $7.99/month or around $36/year for 500GB

• Personal Plus: Higher storage tiers available

Still not sure which tool fits your needs? Here's a quick decision tree:

• You want to encrypt your entire computer

• You need maximum security and don't mind a learning curve

• You prefer open-source software

• You're comfortable with technical tools

• Budget: Free

• You store files in Dropbox, Google Drive, or OneDrive

• You want automatic encryption that just works

• You value open-source transparency

• You need encryption on mobile devices too

• Budget: Free (desktop), ~$10 (mobile, one-time)

• You want to encrypt individual files easily

• You need to share encrypted files with others

• You prefer software that integrates with Windows/Mac

• You want automatic folder encryption

• Budget: ~$35-40/year (after free trial)

• You want encrypted cloud storage built-in

• You prefer a polished, modern interface

• You already use other Nord products

• You need to collaborate on encrypted files

• Budget: Free (3GB), paid plans from ~$36/year

Regardless of which tool you choose, here's the basic process:

1. Download from the official website (never use third-party downloads for security software)

2. Install the application and create your account (if required)

3. Create a master password—make it strong, unique, and write it down somewhere safe

4. Set up your recovery key (if offered)—this is your backup if you forget your password

5. Create your first encrypted vault/locker

6. Start adding files to protect

Critical reminder: If you lose your password, you will not be able to decrypt your files. Cryptomator does not offer traditional password recovery for security reasons. It is strongly recommended that you store your password securely. If you're unsure, keep the recovery key safe.

This applies to all encryption software—there's no "forgot password" option that works like regular websites.

Your encryption is only as strong as your password. "Password123" defeats the purpose of military-grade encryption. Use a password manager and create something genuinely random.

If you leave your encrypted drive mounted or your vault unlocked, anyone with physical access to your computer can see everything. Always lock up when you're done.

Don't keep a text file named "passwords.txt" in the same folder as your encrypted vault. That's like hiding your house key under the doormat.

Create a test vault and make sure you can actually decrypt it later. Verify your recovery key works before you need it in an emergency.

End-to-end encryption has its flaws, as well. Since encryption software doesn't collect your data or know your encryption keys, you must ensure the safety of your master password and the recovery key. If you lose both, nobody can help you recover your files.

Here's the real talk: any encryption is better than no encryption.

If you're storing sensitive data unprotected right now, pick one of these tools and start using it today. Don't let perfect be the enemy of good.

For most people, I'd recommend starting with Cryptomator if you use cloud storage—it's free, open-source, and incredibly easy to use. The learning curve is minimal, and it integrates seamlessly with the cloud services you're already using.

If you need full-disk encryption or want maximum security regardless of complexity, VeraCrypt is the industry standard for good reason. Yes, it takes some time to learn, but the security is unmatched.

AxCrypt hits the sweet spot for Windows/Mac users who want something simple and integrated, though you'll need to pay after the trial period.

NordLocker is perfect if you want a polished, modern experience and don't mind proprietary software from a reputable security company.

The most important thing? Actually use the software you choose. The best encryption tool in the world is useless if it sits installed but never activated.

Your data deserves better than default security. Pick a tool from this list, spend 15 minutes setting it up, and sleep better knowing your private files are actually private.

Now stop reading and go encrypt something. Your future self will thank you.