100 Best Encryption Apps for Privacy, Files, Messages, and Devices
Encryption tools address different risks, from securing a laptop to sharing confidential files. This first group covers 25 established options across communication, storage, passwords, and device protection.
Signal
Signal provides end-to-end encrypted messaging and calling, including encrypted group conversations and disappearing messages. It helps teams keep routine chats and calls from being readable by service providers or interceptors.
Proton Mail
Proton Mail provides encrypted email accounts, encrypted mailbox storage, and end-to-end encryption between Proton Mail users. It helps founders reduce exposure of sensitive email contents stored with a conventional email provider.
Tuta Mail
Tuta Mail offers encrypted email, calendars, contacts, and end-to-end encrypted messages between Tuta users. It helps small teams protect business correspondence and scheduling data from unauthorized mailbox access.
VeraCrypt
VeraCrypt creates encrypted file containers, partitions, and full-disk volumes for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It helps protect files on lost or stolen computers by requiring credentials before encrypted data opens.
BitLocker
BitLocker encrypts Windows drives and can use hardware security features to protect device data. It helps organizations secure laptop data if a Windows device is misplaced, stolen, or decommissioned.
FileVault
FileVault encrypts the startup disk on supported Macs, protecting data stored on the computer. It helps Mac users prevent someone with physical access from reading files without authorized login credentials.
1Password
1Password stores passwords, passkeys, secure notes, and other secrets inside encrypted vaults. It helps founders avoid unsafe password reuse and scattered credentials across documents, browsers, and chat threads.
Bitwarden
Bitwarden is a password manager that encrypts stored passwords, passkeys, notes, and identity information. It helps teams securely share access credentials without sending passwords through email or messaging platforms.
KeePassXC
KeePassXC is an offline password manager that stores credentials in an encrypted local database. It helps users manage strong unique passwords while retaining local control over their credential database.
NordLocker
NordLocker encrypts files locally and supports secure cloud storage and encrypted file sharing. It helps users protect confidential documents before syncing them or sharing them with collaborators.
Cryptomator
Cryptomator encrypts files client-side in vaults stored within supported cloud storage folders. It helps cloud-storage users keep file contents private from providers while preserving normal synchronization workflows.
Tresorit
Tresorit provides encrypted cloud storage, file sharing, and collaboration features for business documents. It helps teams share sensitive files with controlled access instead of relying on unprotected email attachments.
Sync.com
Sync.com offers cloud storage and file sharing with end-to-end encryption for stored data. It helps businesses back up and share sensitive files while limiting provider access to file contents.
MEGA
MEGA provides cloud storage, file sharing, and messaging with user-controlled encryption for stored content. It helps users store large collections of files without leaving ordinary cloud folders completely exposed.
Proton Drive
Proton Drive provides end-to-end encrypted cloud storage, file synchronization, sharing, and document collaboration. It helps teams centralize sensitive working files while reducing reliance on unencrypted cloud storage accounts.
SpiderOak One Backup
SpiderOak One Backup backs up files with client-side encryption and supports restoring protected data. It helps users create recoverable backups without handing a backup provider unrestricted access to contents.
Boxcryptor
Boxcryptor encrypts files before they are stored in supported cloud storage services and shared folders. It helps teams add encryption to existing cloud-storage workflows without moving every file elsewhere.
WhatsApp
WhatsApp provides end-to-end encrypted personal and group messaging, voice calls, video calls, and media sharing. It helps distributed teams discuss time-sensitive matters without sending message contents as plain text.
Threema
Threema offers end-to-end encrypted messaging, calling, groups, polls, and file sharing with minimal registration data. It helps privacy-conscious users communicate without linking every conversation to a phone number or public profile.
Wire
Wire provides end-to-end encrypted messaging, voice calls, video meetings, and file sharing for teams. It helps remote teams protect meeting and chat contents when discussing confidential projects or client work.
Element
Element is a Matrix client offering encrypted messaging, rooms, voice calls, and video conferencing. It helps organizations use encrypted collaboration while retaining options for self-hosted communications infrastructure.
Session
Session provides encrypted messaging designed to minimize metadata collection and avoid requiring phone numbers. It helps users communicate privately when they prefer not to disclose a personal phone number.
Standard Notes
Standard Notes stores notes in encrypted accounts and offers synchronization across supported devices. It helps founders keep private ideas, operating notes, and credentials out of ordinary unprotected note apps.
Notesnook
Notesnook provides end-to-end encrypted note taking, syncing, organization, and cross-device access. It helps users capture sensitive meeting notes without exposing their contents to a standard notes provider.
Ente Photos
Ente Photos backs up and organizes photos with end-to-end encryption and shared album options. It helps teams preserve sensitive visual records without placing unencrypted originals in conventional photo clouds.
Telegram
Telegram provides cloud-based messaging plus optional end-to-end encrypted Secret Chats for private conversations. It helps users separate highly sensitive conversations from everyday chats that need cross-device cloud access.
iMessage
iMessage encrypts messages, photos, and calls end-to-end between compatible Apple devices. It helps Apple users protect personal communications without installing a separate messaging application.
Google Messages
Google Messages supports end-to-end encryption for eligible one-to-one and group RCS conversations. It helps Android users secure modern text conversations that would otherwise rely on standard carrier messaging.
Viber
Viber provides end-to-end encrypted messaging, voice calls, video calls, and group conversations. It helps contacts communicate privately across phones and desktops using a familiar chat interface.
Olvid
Olvid is an encrypted messenger designed to let people communicate without exposing a central contact directory. It helps privacy-conscious users avoid tying private conversations to a broadly discoverable social graph.
SimpleX Chat
SimpleX Chat provides end-to-end encrypted messaging without requiring users to create persistent platform identities. It helps users chat privately when they do not want accounts or usernames linked together.
Briar
Briar is a peer-to-peer encrypted messenger that can connect through Tor, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth. It helps people maintain private communications during unreliable internet access or network disruptions.
Skred
Skred offers encrypted messaging and calling with privacy-focused accounts that do not require phone numbers. It helps users communicate without sharing a personal phone number with every new contact.
Dust
Dust provides encrypted messaging with disappearing messages and tools for controlling conversation retention. It helps users limit the lasting exposure of sensitive chats after a conversation ends.
AWS Wickr
AWS Wickr provides end-to-end encrypted messaging, calling, file sharing, and collaboration for organizations. It helps teams discuss sensitive work while reducing exposure to unauthorized message access.
Proton VPN
Proton VPN encrypts internet traffic through VPN servers and offers privacy-oriented connection controls. It helps users protect browsing traffic on untrusted networks and reduce local network surveillance.
Mullvad VPN
Mullvad VPN encrypts device traffic through VPN tunnels and emphasizes minimal account information. It helps users reduce exposure when browsing on public Wi-Fi or restrictive networks.
IVPN
IVPN routes internet traffic through encrypted VPN connections with privacy and connection-management features. It helps remote workers secure traffic when using networks they do not control.
NordVPN
NordVPN encrypts internet traffic through VPN servers and provides applications for major operating systems. It helps users protect network activity from interception on shared or public connections.
Surfshark
Surfshark provides encrypted VPN connections that route device traffic through its server network. It helps distributed teams secure routine browsing and work sessions outside trusted offices.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN encrypts internet traffic between a device and its VPN server network. It helps travelers reduce risks from snooping on hotel, airport, and café Wi-Fi.
Windscribe
Windscribe provides VPN applications that encrypt internet traffic and offer configurable connection settings. It helps users add an encrypted layer when working through unfamiliar internet service providers.
Tailscale
Tailscale creates encrypted private networks between devices using the WireGuard protocol. It helps small teams securely reach internal devices without exposing services directly to the internet.
ZeroTier
ZeroTier creates software-defined virtual networks with encrypted connections between authorized devices. It helps distributed systems communicate privately across locations without complex traditional networking hardware.
Proton Pass
Proton Pass stores passwords, passkeys, notes, and aliases in an end-to-end encrypted vault. It helps users replace reused credentials with securely generated and organized login information.
Dashlane
Dashlane manages passwords, passkeys, and payment details in an encrypted digital vault. It helps busy founders avoid unsafe spreadsheets, memorized passwords, and repetitive login recovery.
Keeper
Keeper stores passwords, passkeys, files, and secure records in an encrypted vault. It helps teams control credential sharing without sending sensitive logins through chat or email.
Enpass
Enpass manages passwords and other credentials in encrypted vaults stored locally or synchronized through chosen storage. It helps users retain control over where their encrypted credential vault data is stored.
Strongbox
Strongbox opens and manages encrypted KeePass password databases on Apple devices. It helps Apple users access self-managed KeePass credentials without moving them into another vendor's vault.
pCloud Crypto
pCloud Crypto adds a client-side encrypted folder for files stored through pCloud. It helps users keep selected cloud files encrypted before they are uploaded to storage.
GnuPG
GnuPG creates and verifies OpenPGP encryption and signatures for files, emails, and other data. It helps people protect shared files when they need interoperable public-key encryption without a proprietary service.
Kleopatra
Kleopatra provides a graphical interface for managing OpenPGP certificates and encrypting or signing files. It reduces command-line complexity for users who need to manage keys and securely exchange documents.
OpenKeychain
OpenKeychain brings OpenPGP key management, message encryption, and signature verification to Android devices. It helps Android users handle encrypted communications without moving sensitive messages onto a desktop computer.
Mailvelope
Mailvelope is a browser extension that adds OpenPGP encryption and decryption to compatible webmail services. It protects email content for people who prefer webmail but need control over encryption keys.
age
age is a command-line tool that encrypts files using simple public-key or passphrase workflows. It simplifies secure file encryption for technical teams that find traditional PGP tooling unnecessarily complicated.
Picocrypt
Picocrypt encrypts individual files with authenticated encryption and produces portable encrypted file containers. It helps users securely send sensitive files without encrypting an entire drive or archive.
AxCrypt
AxCrypt encrypts files with passwords or public-key sharing options across desktop and mobile platforms. It addresses the risk of exposed documents by protecting individual files before cloud syncing or sharing.
AES Crypt
AES Crypt encrypts files using AES and integrates with desktop applications and command-line workflows. It gives teams a straightforward way to encrypt files before sending them through ordinary channels.
7-Zip
7-Zip creates compressed archives and supports AES-256 encryption for password-protected archive files. It helps users bundle and protect multiple files when sharing them through email or storage services.
PeaZip
PeaZip creates, extracts, and encrypts archives using numerous compression formats and encryption options. It reduces the hassle of managing varied archive formats while adding password protection to sensitive bundles.
Keka
Keka is a macOS archiving application that creates compressed archives with password-based encryption. It helps Mac users securely package folders for transfer without installing separate command-line utilities.
WinRAR
WinRAR creates and extracts RAR and ZIP archives with optional AES-256 password encryption. It protects compressed document collections from casual access when they are stored or transmitted externally.
DiskCryptor
DiskCryptor encrypts entire disk volumes on Windows using supported encryption algorithms and preboot authentication. It protects data on lost or stolen Windows computers by making entire volumes inaccessible without authorization.
cryptsetup
cryptsetup configures and manages LUKS-encrypted storage volumes on Linux systems. It helps Linux administrators protect disks and partitions using a standard, widely supported encryption format.
gocryptfs
gocryptfs creates encrypted filesystems that mount as ordinary directories on supported operating systems. It lets users encrypt cloud-synced folders while retaining normal file access through a mounted directory.
SiriKali
SiriKali provides a graphical interface for creating and mounting encrypted filesystem volumes. It makes encrypted folder tools more approachable for users who do not want terminal-based setup.
DroidFS
DroidFS creates and accesses encrypted virtual filesystems on Android using gocryptfs-compatible formats. It helps Android users keep private files encrypted while still accessing them through a file manager.
EDS NG
EDS NG mounts encrypted containers and encrypted folders on Android for protected local file access. It addresses the lack of native encrypted-container access when users carry sensitive files on Android devices.
Joplin
Joplin is a note-taking application that offers end-to-end encryption for synchronized notebooks. It helps teams synchronize notes across devices without leaving readable note content on sync providers.
CryptPad
CryptPad provides collaborative documents, spreadsheets, forms, and storage with end-to-end encryption. It gives small teams a way to collaborate on documents while limiting provider access to content.
Nextcloud
Nextcloud provides file synchronization and optional end-to-end encrypted folders through desktop and mobile clients. It helps organizations retain control of file infrastructure while adding stronger protection for selected folders.
Seafile
Seafile synchronizes files through libraries that can be encrypted client-side with user-controlled passwords. It protects synced project files when teams need encryption alongside self-hosted or managed file collaboration.
Filen
Filen provides end-to-end encrypted cloud storage, file synchronization, sharing, and document backup. It helps users store cloud files while reducing exposure of file contents to the storage provider.
Internxt Drive
Internxt Drive provides encrypted cloud file storage, synchronization, backup, and sharing across devices. It addresses concerns about cloud-provider visibility by encrypting files before they are stored remotely.
Arq Backup
Arq Backup encrypts backup data locally before sending it to user-selected cloud storage destinations. It helps protect recoverable backups when founders use third-party storage for critical company data.
Duplicati
Duplicati creates encrypted, compressed backups and stores them with local or remote storage providers. It helps users protect backup contents when copies must reside on third-party cloud storage.
restic
restic is a command-line backup tool that encrypts, deduplicates, and verifies backup repositories. It reduces the risk of exposing sensitive backup data across storage destinations and retention periods.
BorgBackup
BorgBackup creates deduplicated archives with authenticated encryption for efficient, encrypted backup storage. It helps administrators keep repeated backups smaller without leaving archived files readable to storage providers.
Kopia
Kopia backs up files into encrypted snapshots that can be stored locally or remotely. It gives teams recoverable file history while protecting backup contents from unauthorized storage access.
rclone
rclone transfers and manages cloud files, including encrypted remotes through its crypt backend. It helps users use cloud storage while obscuring filenames and file contents from providers.
Backblaze
Backblaze provides computer backup with options for private encryption keys during backup protection. It helps users recover lost computer files while adding stronger control over backup decryption access.
IDrive
IDrive backs up devices and supports private-key encryption for protected backup data. It helps small teams centralize device backups without relying solely on provider-managed encryption keys.
Duplicacy
Duplicacy performs deduplicated backups with encryption across local disks and supported cloud storage. It helps users retain multiple protected backup copies without repeatedly storing identical file blocks.
UrBackup
UrBackup is a client-server backup system that supports encrypted backups and file restoration. It helps organizations recover endpoint data while limiting exposure of backup archives in transit.
OpenVPN Connect
OpenVPN Connect is a VPN client that encrypts network traffic through OpenVPN server connections. It helps remote workers protect traffic on untrusted networks by routing it through a secure tunnel.
WireGuard
WireGuard is a VPN protocol and application suite for creating encrypted network tunnels. It helps teams securely reach private services without exposing internal traffic on public networks.
Outline
Outline provides tools for deploying and connecting to a self-managed encrypted proxy server. It helps users secure browsing traffic when they need control over the server handling connections.
Tor Browser
Tor Browser routes web traffic through the Tor network and encrypts connections within it. It helps users reduce network tracking and conceal browsing origins from the websites they visit.
OnionShare
OnionShare shares files, hosts sites, and receives data through Tor-based temporary services. It helps users send sensitive files without uploading them to a conventional centralized file host.
Magic Wormhole
Magic Wormhole transfers files directly between devices using short codes and encrypted connections. It helps users move files securely between devices without configuring accounts, servers, or shared folders.
Conversations
Conversations is an Android XMPP client that supports OMEMO end-to-end encrypted messaging. It helps Android users keep compatible XMPP conversations private from intermediary messaging servers.
Zom
Zom is a mobile XMPP messenger that supports encrypted chats using the OMEMO protocol. It helps users communicate through XMPP while protecting message content from server operators.
Delta Chat
Delta Chat is an email-based messenger that uses Autocrypt for end-to-end encrypted conversations. It helps people use existing email infrastructure for messaging while adding accessible encryption workflows.
Silence
Silence is an Android messaging app that encrypts SMS and MMS messages between compatible users. It helps users protect text-message content when conventional carrier messaging lacks end-to-end encryption.
Status
Status is a mobile app combining encrypted messaging, a crypto wallet, and Web3 access. It helps users consolidate private chats and wallet interactions without using separate mobile applications.
Jami
Jami is a peer-to-peer communication app offering encrypted messaging, calls, and file sharing. It helps teams communicate directly without depending on a central service to relay every conversation.
Ricochet Refresh
Ricochet Refresh is a Tor-based messenger designed for anonymous, end-to-end encrypted direct chats. It helps users avoid revealing network addresses while exchanging private messages through Tor.
KeePassDX
KeePassDX is an Android password manager that opens and manages encrypted KeePass databases. It helps Android users carry a locally controlled password vault rather than storing credentials unprotected.
Passbolt
Passbolt is a password manager for teams that uses OpenPGP encryption for credential sharing. It helps teams share business credentials while maintaining encrypted access controls and audit-friendly organization.
Buttercup
Buttercup is a password manager that stores credentials in encrypted vaults across supported devices. It helps users replace reused or scattered passwords with a protected, synchronized credential collection.
The right encryption app depends on what needs protection: conversations, credentials, files, backups, or entire devices. Combining tools thoughtfully can provide stronger coverage than relying on one product alone.