Encryption secures information by translating it into computer code that’s unreadable to those who don’t have the means to access the information. These means of access can include passwords, credentials, and authentication of some form. Though encryption could still be broken or cracked, strong encryption is nearly impenetrable.
SEE: Best Encryption Key Management Software (TechRepublic)
Securing data both stored and in-transit through encryption is essential as part of an organization’s cybersecurity strategy. There are various encryption options out there. Here are our top picks.
Top encryption software: Comparison table
| Product Name | Price | Offers Support | Offers Password Manager | On-the-Fly Decryption | Enterprise-Grade Encryption |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VeraCrypt | Free | No | No | Yes | No |
| BitLocker | Free with Windows OS | Yes | Unknown | No | Yes |
| AxCrypt Premium | $12.00 per month, per user for AxCrypt Business plan | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Trend Micro Endpoint Encryption | Contact vendor but a license supporting 251 to 500 endpoints averages about $77-$83 per month | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| NordLocker | NordLocker Business for 1-year 2TB is priced at $29.99 per month | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Advanced Encryption Package | Fully unlocked version: one-time fee of $49.95 | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| ESET PROTECT Complete | Contact vendor but can start at $462.16 for 5 devices, 1 year. | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
Top encryption software
VeraCrypt: Best overall
VeraCrypt is my pick as my best overall encryption solution. It’s a free disk encryption software that you can use on Linux, macOS, and Windows systems. It’s also an open-source service, which forks off the TrueCrypt project, adding features to help with secrecy.
VeraCrypt is my prime recommendation for privacy enthusiasts and tech-savvy consumers. I particularly like VeraCrypt due to it being open-source, wherein its source code is publicly available for easy spotting of vulnerabilities and points for improvement. Businesses that prioritize transparency and regular code audits in an encryption solution should have VeraCrypt high on its list.
Why I picked VeraCrypt
I chose VeraCrypt as my top solution for its easy hiding of encrypted data in sight, making internal resources more secure against prying eyes. In addition, it utilizes popular encryption algorithms and has wide support for multiple platforms.
Pricing
Free.
Features
- Offers the ability to create encrypted containers.
- Can create hidden volumes.
- Supports nested encryption.
- Automatically protects files.
VeraCrypt pros and cons
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BitLocker: Best for Windows environments
For Windows-centric businesses, I recommend BitLocker. BitLocker is available on server and business editions and contains various encryption tools. The Redmond solution focuses on encrypting files and drives on a device right out of the box. I appreciate how you can set up recovery keys to retrieve data if you get firmware problems or errors. Personally, I think it’s an excellent choice for encryption software for Windows.
As a Microsoft product, you’ll typically need a Microsoft account or will need to link a device to a Windows domain to use it. You can also configure it for a corporate environment using Group Policy. The settings help you decide which drives you want to encrypt and how to distribute your keys (certificates).
Additionally, the computer must have a Trusted Platform Module that can support the encryption process.
Why I picked BitLocker
I chose BitLocker for its easy integration with Windows environments. This is on top of a user-friendly interface and full disk encryption. For users that are already deep into the Windows ecosystem or are planning to adopt a Windows-centered environment, BitLocker is my top recommendation.
Pricing
Free as part of Windows software.
Features
- Encrypts full drives and other media.
- Supports Microsoft account-linking and domain-linking.
- Built into Windows software.
BitLocker pros and cons
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AxCrypt Premium: Best for local storage encryption
If you plan to encrypt locally, I encourage you to try AxCrypt Premium. AxCrypt Premium allows users to encrypt files locally using the AES-256 encryption algorithm. Sharing is possible with its key-sharing option. The solution protects classified and sensitive information and provides access to a master password generator.
SEE: Asymmetric vs Symmetric Encryption: What’s the Difference? (TechRepublic)
Why I picked AxCrypt
I selected AxCrypt for users that want to prioritize local storage encryption above all else. I also like that it uses the gold standard AES-256 encryption, has file and key-sharing support, and works well with the most popular operating systems and platforms.
Pricing
There’s a one-month trial period across its Password Manager, Premium, and Business subscriptions. But for organizations and businesses, AxCrypt’s Business plan is priced at $12.00 per month, per user. However, customers can get 20% off, or $10.42 per month per user, if they choose annual billing.
Features
- Allows file and key sharing.
- Supports encryption and decryption of files on Android and iOS devices.
- Offers master password management.
AxCrypt pros and cons
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Pricing
A license supporting 251 to up to 500 endpoints averages about $77-$83 per month.
Features
- Folder Lock allows for remote locking in case of stolen or lost devices.
- Provides transparent key management.
- Centralized encryption management.
- Automated enforcement of policy-based encryption.
Trend Micro Endpoint Encryption pros and cons
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NordLocker: Best for all-in-one encrypted data
For businesses looking at an all-around encryption solution, I recommend NordLocker. From popular security provider Nord Security, NordLocker is their take on encrypted file storage. Aside from file encryption, it offers data syncing, secure file-sharing, and file management across numerous devices.
As a cloud-based solution, I envision businesses will find it convenient that they can easily access their files on their computers or mobile devices. Fans of Nord’s other security products, such as NordVPN and NordPass, should definitely consider NordLocker as a possible encryption solution.
Why I picked NordLocker
NordLocker got its name on this list for being an all-in-one encryption storage solution. Both businesses and individual users looking for a secure and intuitive way to secure their data will find NordLocker as a fine choice.
Pricing
NordLocker has two tiers: Personal and Business. For Personal, we get three subscription options with a monthly and annual plan. Here’s a rundown of the 1-year plans:
- Personal 1-year 3GB: Free.
- Personal 1-year 500GB: $2.99 per month.
- Personal 1-year 2TB: $6.99 per month.
For NordLocker Business, we only get one plan option that lasts a year:
- Business 1-year 2TB: $29.99 per month.
Features
- Zero-knowledge architecture.
- Supports folder locking.
- Offers drag-and-drop auto encryption.
- Supports secure file sharing.
- On-the-go decryption and updates.
NordLocker pros and cons
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Advanced Encryption Package: Best for easy encryption
For simple encryption tasks and less tech-savvy users, Advanced Encryption Package is a good option. It offers a choice between 20 proven encryption algorithms to protect user data. This includes the industry standard AES encryption, Blowfish, Serpent, GOST, Twofish, and many others.
SEE: Why Your Business Needs Cybersecurity Awareness Training (TechRepublic Premium)
It’s an easy-to-use data encryption solution that enables users to create a password to access files and choose their own encryption algorithm. Decryption is easy as well. Right now, AEP is available for Windows 10 and 11.
Why I picked Advanced Encryption Package
I chose Advanced Encryption Package for its ease of use in terms of selecting an encryption algorithm for specific files and folders. The fact that it puts an emphasis on user-friendliness is a big plus for encryption software — a product category that may be intimidating for some users to tackle.=
Pricing
- Fully unlocked version: one-time fee of $49.95.
- License pack for 2 PCs: $39 for each machine, $78 in total.
- License pack for 3 PCs: $39 for each machine, $117 in total.
Features
- Offers secure file deletion.
- Supports 20 encryption algorithms.
- Encrypts text to and from the clipboard.
- Has command-line management.
Advanced Encryption Package pros and cons
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ESET PROTECT Complete: Best for bundled endpoint protection
For users that want an endpoint security solution alongside encryption, I recommend ESET PROTECT Complete. It’s a multilayered service that provides endpoint protection, a centralized console, and vulnerability and patch management.
For encryption, ESET offers full disk encryption that can easily encrypt system disks, partitions, and devices. This can prove essential for businesses that want to pass compliance requirements. I especially appreciate how ESET allows for encryption and deployment in a single action.
Why I picked ESET PROTECT
I have ESET PROTECT on this list for being a full-fledged security solution that can handle full disk encryption, endpoint protection, and advanced threat defense — in one service. I also like how it has fairly wide platform support, being compatible with Windows, macOS, Ubuntu, Android, iOS, mail and file servers, among others.
Pricing
ESET PROTECT Complete’s pricing is dependent on your contract length and number of devices covered. Below is a brief summary of pricing:
- 1 year; 5 devices: $462.16 per year.
- 1 year; 10 devices: $924.32 per year.
- 2 years; 5 devices: $813.67 per year.
- 2 years; 10 devices: $1,663 per year.
Features
- Centralized management within the ESET PROTECT console.
- IPS 140-2 validated with 256 bit AES encryption.
- Protects endpoints, cloud apps, and email.
ESET pros and cons
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More cloud security coverage
Key features of encryption tools
When choosing encryption software, I recommend you focus on these key features:
User Interface
You want an easy-to-use interface so that you can manage and access the encrypted data easily. With encryption software, more novice users may find it daunting to implement and use. But an intuitive and user-friendly software experience will encourage users to encrypt more of their data, and in turn, increase their data’s security.
Automatic Backup
Ideally, an encryption tool should automatically backup encrypted files. I personally find there’s no point in encrypting data that’s at risk of being lost after a single wipe or crash. Having automatic backup functionality provides another layer of protection in case important user or business data is damaged or lost.
Encryption Algorithms
At the very least, I feel that encryption software should support the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) 256-bit algorithm, which is military-grade security. This is the standard encryption algorithm that’s widely recognized as the strongest in the world, with many banks and government agencies utilizing it for added protection. Other algorithms include RSA, Blowfish, Twofish, and DES.
SEE: Data Encryption Policy (TechRepublic Premium)
Diverse device support
For me, encryption software should accommodate a wide range of devices and platforms. Organizations with hundreds to thousands of users may use their own devices to work or have their own operating system (OS) preferences, which means that encryption should support as many devices as possible.
Having wide device support will allow higher adoption of encryption software, and consequently, a higher level of security being implemented in a business.
Customer Support
Solid and multiple support options are ideal. Encryption software providers should have quality customer support in place to help users that may not be familiar with how to implement such products.
This can come in a variety of forms: online guides and tutorials, community forums, support tickets, email and phone correspondence, and many more. The more options an individual user or business has for customer support, the better.
Methodology
I used market research to determine the top encryption software. This research involved studying industry rankings, discussions, and product reviews. Finally, we narrowed the list to the most appropriate candidates, choosing based on features like how well the software protects sensitive data, its integration capabilities, and the pricing in comparison to the features each offer.
How do I choose the best encryption software for my business?
Looking at the list of products above, you’ll find bundles, free options, and some with trial versions. So it’s easy to try them all out and choose the right file encryption program that meets your needs.
BitLocker could be ideal for those who want files encrypted throughout their network and don’t want a huge learning curve to use. However, VeraCrypt and AxCrypt may be better if the focus is on protecting individual files without sharing.
Trend Micro is more of an enterprise focused tool because of its business-focused feature set. Meanwhile, NordLocker and AEP may benefit less tech-savvy users or organizations.
Additionally, you should look for vendors with free product trials and transparent pricing.