Protecting our data in the cloud and locally It's no longer optional: malware, account takeovers, and social engineering attacks are commonplace. If you're planning to encrypt your files or communications, it's a good idea to know what real alternatives to Boxcryptor exist and what other security add-ons boost your privacy.
In this guide we gather and reorganize all the key information of the best-positioned resources on the topic: comparisons of Cryptomator vs. Boxcryptor, selections of alternatives such as NordLocker, AxCrypt, BitLocker, or VeraCrypt, lesser-known options (Cloudfogger, Viivo, SafeMonk), more recent proposals such as Peergos, and also related tools (password managers, email encryption, secure messaging, HTTPS extensions, and privacy-focused browsers). The goal: for you to choose wisely and leave no loose ends.
What happened to Boxcryptor and why look for alternatives?
Boxcryptor has stopped accepting new registrations. After Dropbox acquired some of its technology and other assets to bring end-to-end encryption to its own service, the company maintains support for existing customers but isn't creating new accounts or selling new licenses, forcing new customers to consider viable replacements.
His original proposal was clear: AES-256 and RSA encryption, integration with over 30 providers (Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive/Skydrive, Box, SugarSync, etc.), personal and business plans, and the promise of being locked out of your files. With this change of direction, it's time to explore options with similar or equivalent features.
How to choose an alternative to Boxcryptor
Ease of use and breadth of functions These were two of Boxcryptor's biggest strengths. Therefore, when evaluating alternatives, it's worth considering: multi-cloud compatibility, sharing options, free plan limits, quality of support, and, of course, the level of encryption security and software transparency.
For those who prioritize transparencyOpen source software with audits and active communities is a huge asset. If, on the other hand, you're looking for direct integration with services and a guided experience, you might prefer commercial solutions with a highly polished interface and integrated cloud plans.
Cryptomator: The most popular open (and free) alternative
Cryptomator is free and open source software It creates encrypted "vaults" as virtual drives on your device. Once you save your files there, the client automatically encrypts the content, and if you place the vault inside your cloud sync folder, everything is uploaded already protected.
Highlighted advantages of the open approach: Being open source, many eyes scrutinize the heart of the program; this validates that the code does exactly what the cryptographic scheme promises, and errors are quickly detected. Furthermore, its open-source nature makes it impossible to "audit only a portion for marketing purposes" or hide critical flaws, something that cannot be guaranteed in the same way with closed-source software.
What you can expect on a daily basisSimple setup, a well-designed interface, extensive documentation, and an active community. It doesn't have native cloud integration or its own "direct" sharing system, so you'll still need to use your provider's folder or share via your usual channels. Still, for reliable, free personal encryption, it's top of the line.
Cryptomator vs. Boxcryptor: Key Similarities and Differences
Visible functionsBoth encrypt file content and offer tools for conveniently working with your data. Cryptomator doesn't require an account and allows for an unlimited number of devices; Boxcryptor, depending on the plan, had restrictions (for example, the free plan: two devices and only one cloud provider), and did require an account.
“Invisible” security featuresCryptomator really steps up the ante here. In addition to encrypting content, it offers filename encryption and directory structure obfuscation, protecting metadata so an observer can't deduce the data type from extensions or the shape of the folder tree. It also implements integrity verification, "memory-hard" KDF to thwart brute force attacks with specialized hardware, and embraces FOSS with code audits.
Conceptual comparisonBoth protect content and maintain integrity, but Cryptomator's code transparency and focus on preventing metadata leaks give it an advantage for those who value auditability. Boxcryptor, meanwhile, added integration with Secomba ecosystem services and flexible sharing to its plans, which was popular in corporate environments.
Other well-positioned alternatives
North LockerNord Security's encrypted storage service. It offers a very intuitive interface, with a tutorial and PDF guide for a smooth start-up, ideal if you're looking for simplicity. It offers a free plan with 3 GB and an annual 500 GB plan for $2,99/month. As points for improvement, sharing is limited to NordLocker users, and support lacks a dedicated chat (the account area chat refers to NordVPN), with email responses taking about a day.
AxCrypt: An affordable option with a generous free plan. The free version uses AES-128, while the paid version goes up to AES-256; both are robust in real-world scenarios. It works offline, has an active community, and allows right-click encryption. Note one detail: subfolder encryption must be activated manually if you want to cover the entire tree. Its annual Premium plan is around $4,75/month and adds encrypted filenames, public key sharing, and an online password manager.
BitLockerIf you use Windows Pro, Enterprise, or Education, you get it as standard. It features full-disk encryption with AES and TPM support, is easy to activate, and offers good options for copying and saving recovery keys. Its limitations: it doesn't encrypt individual files or folders, and whether the computer is on or off, the keys reside in memory, opening the door to DMA or cold boot attacks if an attacker gains physical access.
VeraCryptTrueCrypt: The heir to TrueCrypt, free and very flexible. It allows you to encrypt volumes, partitions, entire disks, and even the operating system, with "hidden volumes" and "hidden OS" for plausible deniability. The interface isn't the most user-friendly and lacks cloud sharing or integration, but for robust, low-level encryption, few can compare it.
Historical tools and other proposals
CloudfoggerA practical utility with AES-256 that, once installed, encrypted files without the need to create an account, although you could open one to use multiple devices and the associated mobile apps. It stood out for making encrypted email sending easy.
I liveViivo: Designed to add a layer of security to Dropbox without "shocking" the user. Free for personal use on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android; paid versions extended compatibility to Skydrive/OneDrive, Google Drive, and Box. If you knew how to use Dropbox, Viivo promised not to change your workflow.
SafeMonk: A business-oriented approach to Dropbox with useful extras, such as "Remote Kill" for remotely deleting files from a lost or stolen device, and sharing without having to exchange passwords. It was especially attractive to SMEs due to its price and control.
Peergos: P2P platform with end-to-end encryption and user control. It offers complete privacy (client-side encryption), a decentralized architecture with no single points of failure, granular sharing permissions, version and copy control, an open codebase, cross-platform apps, unlimited file size, and offline access. A different philosophy than the traditional "encryption layer on top of the cloud."
Beyond Files: Encryption in Messaging
Signal: A benchmark in message encryption. It uses its own open and auditable protocol, with E2EE by default, metadata encryption, and local passcode locking. It includes extras such as face blurring, message self-destruction, and discreet notifications. Its cryptographic stack combines Double Ratchet, Diffie-Hellman, prekeys, Curve25519, AES-256, and HMAC-SHA256, with a policy of not storing user data or metadata.
Telegram: offers cloud encryption for regular chats and E2EE via "secret chats." It allows a self-destruct timer and files up to 2 GB. It supports RSA-2048, AES-256, and DH encryption. Its drawbacks: E2EE is not enabled by default (you must open a secret chat), it notifies your contacts when you join, and it collects certain linkable data (contacts, user ID).
WhatsApp: Widely used and with E2EE by default thanks to the Signal protocol. It encrypts messages, photos, videos, documents, and calls, and includes 2FA and biometric lock. It's easy to use and you probably already have it installed, but being owned by Facebook/Meta, its data policy raises questions: it collects multiple usage signals, and there have been controversies regarding data sharing with the parent company.
Email Encryption: When Email Isn't So Private
Encrypto: A free app for macOS and Windows that encrypts any file or folder with AES-256 before sending it. It's very agile and supports drag and drop, and integrates with the macOS Share menu (Mail, Messages, AirDrop, etc.) to send encrypted packets.
GnuPG (GNU Privacy Guard): free implementation of OpenPGP based on the famous PGP. Supports symmetric and public key encryption (RSA, DSA, AES, Blowfish, etc.), works on Windows, macOS, and Linux, and allows you to encrypt files and volumes. Signing keys can expire, adding additional control to the lifecycle.
Web and password reinforcements
HTTPS Everywhere: An EFF and Tor Project extension that forces HTTPS when available and can block unencrypted requests. Compatible with Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera, and more. On some sites, it may break features if they rely on insecure traffic, and only works if the site supports HTTPS.
LastPassPassword manager with AES-256 encryption, autofill, generator, security audit, alerts for weak passwords and dark web leaks, 2FA, and emergency access to your vault. Works on most devices and browsers and also stores notes, addresses, and cards.
Bitwarden: Open-source credential manager with E2EE, regular audits, and compliance with frameworks such as Privacy Shield, HIPAA, GDPR, CCPA, and SOC 2. The free plan includes unlimited credential storage and multi-device syncing. Available on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and major browsers, with support for over 40 languages.
VPN and connection encryption: when to use it and when not to use it
A VPN encrypts all traffic And it's super easy to set up, but it's best to avoid free VPNs. While they prevent third parties from snooping, the provider itself could log activity and monetize it with ads or data sales. Plus, operating a quality VPN is expensive, and many free ones suffer from privacy leaks.
Business exampleAvast SecureLine VPN claims to use AES-256, not log apps, websites, or content, and includes DNS leak protection, around 700 servers in 34 countries, and streaming optimization, with a free trial. It's a reminder that if you want a VPN, you're better off with a paid service with solid guarantees.
Secure Browsers and Extensions: Easy Encryption for Everyday Use
Avast Secure Browser Automatically enforces encryption on compatible websites, masks fingerprinting, and blocks malicious sites and dangerous downloads. The idea is to add a layer of security that reduces risks without effort or advanced knowledge: just open your browser and you're done.
Advanced built-in features: ad blocking, anti-tracking, fingerprint resistance, and, on mobile devices, even a free built-in VPN to protect your entire device. In real-world scenarios, a hardened browser can stop many threats before they escalate.
Clarification: VPNs do not replace file encryption.
Some guides confuse “encryption services” with VPNs and recommend CyberGhost, NordVPN or ExpressVPN as if they were direct alternatives to Boxcryptor. Although a VPN encrypts the connection, it doesn't offer per-file encryption or control metadata or names at rest in your cloud. They are distinct categories that complement each other, not replace each other.
If your goal is to protect files in the cloud, you need file- or volume-oriented encryption at the source (Cryptomator, NordLocker, AxCrypt, VeraCrypt, BitLocker, etc.). Leaving a VPN active adds privacy in transit, but it doesn't encrypt what's already stored on your provider.
Other general-purpose encryption tools (useful context)
VeraCrypt (reminder)Free and cross-platform (Windows, macOS, Linux). It offers military-grade encryption, hidden volumes, and on-the-fly encryption (files are encrypted except when you need them). It requires some expertise to get started, and while it supports external media, full-disk encryption on macOS requires other methods.
AxCrypt (reminder): Compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS; right-click encryption/decryption/secure deletion; and a paid version with automatic integration with cloud services like Google Drive and Dropbox. Remember to enable subfolder encryption to avoid any gaps.
BitLocker and FileVault 2If you prefer native full-disk encryption, BitLocker (Windows Pro/Enterprise/Education) and FileVault 2 (macOS) are solid options. FileVault 2 uses XTS‑AES‑128 with a 256-bit key and allows remote drive erasing if you have Find My Mac enabled. Both share one caveat: if you lose your recovery keys, there’s no going back.
Safer browsingExtensions like HTTPS Everywhere and privacy-focused browsers strengthen security in transit. They don't replace file encryption, but they do reduce the attack surface and prevent silly leaks.
Note on large platformsCommunity pages like Reddit with prominent cookie/privacy notices appear in the research. They're useful for discussion, but their threads aren't always accessible without accepting everything; it's better to rely on direct technical sources and structured comparisons like those included here.
If you are looking to replace BoxcryptorCryptomator stands out for its transparency, NordLocker for its guided ease, AxCrypt for its price, BitLocker/FileVault for its native nature, and VeraCrypt for its absolute control. For environments with different needs, offerings like Peergos offer a very interesting decentralized approach. Complement it with password managers, encrypted messaging, and a robust browser, and your perimeter will be much more secure.