August 2, 2026
by Shreya Mattoo / August 2, 2026
I tested several tools to find the best encryption software. These are Progress MOVEit, Virtru, Keeper Password Manager, Microsoft BitLocker, Signal, FlieVault, and Tresorit.
When I entered the corporate industry five years ago, I used to access the web via a local area network (LAN) server. When every website you browse is monitored, it raises alarming questions regarding security and encryption.
After learning a thing or two, I teamed up with IT specialists and network engineers to get a more holistic picture of encryption. That's when they informed me that a truckload of memory storage, server incompatibility, hardware and OS versioning, and employee lack of awareness are the reasons for weak data encryption.
When I combined their mentoring with my own experience, I set about to test around 40+ encryption software to learn how to improve cybersecurity.
Out of the 40 solutions, I experimented with the 7 best encryption software that provided key features like public key interface (PKI), ciphering, hashing, file shredding, and secure locker services that reduce the scope of data infiltration and malware. It also led me to outline key parameters, pros and cons, and real-time G2 reviews of these 7 best encryption software that would help cybersecurity teams take their chance and invest their dollar wisely.
Apart from my own testing, these 7 best encryption software have also been rated as top market leaders on G2 in terms of customer satisfaction, ease of use, market presence, and cost-effectiveness.
*These encryption software are top-rated in their category, according to G2 Summer 2026 Grid Report. I’ve also added their monthly pricing to make comparisons easier for you.
As the need for close-ended data encryption and privacy becomes more pressing, most organizations are swarming to find reputable encryption vendors, driving the market value to a projection of $51.4 billion by 2034, as per a trusted report of IMARC Group.
Encryption software offers symmetric and asymmetric cryptography features to encrypt and secure files and decrypt encrypted files using a public or private key. It safeguards your local files and web materials against unwarranted spies or snoops. As I went through the testing and experimentation phase, I learned how the encryption patterns have modified and shifted from traditional encryption algorithms to modern functionalities like hashing, passphrases, and lockers.
It is fascinating to witness how we've come a long way from encrypting and securing files via ciphertext to storing them in cloud storage containers or lockers. Whether my data is stored on-premise or on the cloud, these best encryption tools extend their service via simple and secure authentication to public and private clouds. Further, the public key interface (PKI) feature helped me exchange protected data by sharing a common public key with the recipient while maintaining its privacy from other users.
One thing is for sure: this software builds a digital fortress around your sensitive data that is inaccessible to snoopers or feds and provides end-to-end protection against malware and brute force attacks. But while I share my own personal experience of how satisfied I am with the encryption services, I'd say signing up for a trial or registering for a custom demo would give you first-hand experience with shortlisting tools for your data encryption processes.
Over several weeks, I tested around 40 encryption tools—evaluating their pros and cons across key areas like features, pricing, malware protection, and data privacy. This process helped me narrow the list down to 7 standout options offering reliable end-to-end security.
To gain deeper insights, I used AI-powered tools to analyze verified G2 reviews, surfacing common user needs, frustrations, and recurring themes around performance and ease of use. I also referenced G2’s Grid Reports to assess how each tool ranks in terms of usability, satisfaction, and market presence.
In cases where I couldn’t sign up or fully test a product myself, I consulted a professional with hands-on experience in encryption systems. Their input helped evaluate technical aspects like file-level encryption, PKI (Public Key Infrastructure), and secure key management, validated further with real-user reviews.
Screenshots featured in this article are sourced from vendor G2 pages and publicly available product visuals, offering a closer look at the interface and capabilities of each tool.
Choosing encryption software was a twofold process for me: I wanted tools that offer end-to-end file encryption and were easy to set up, implement, and run. I experimented with various local and cloud devices with different storage capacities to evaluate which encryption tool offers the maximum compatibility and data exchange facilities to transmit data from point A to point B without any packet loss.
Other than putting together a checklist of which encryption algorithms are present in the encryption software, I looked for additional plug-and-play tools and online backup services to double-verify that no unencrypted file is left on the system. With that, I have outlined the fitting parameters for every encryption tool that you should pre-check to get your dollar's return on investment and build a strong cybersecurity entourage for your company.
These parameters set an encryption tool apart from the noise of different cybersecurity systems in the market. Now, with my personal experience of trying and researching the best 7 encryption tools out of the 40+ tools that I shortlisted, I am certain that each of these solutions is designed to protect your on-premise and cloud server databases and set high standards for data safety while reducing the risk of data breaches or unauthorized access.
While the above features gave me the necessary benefits, enabling smooth and safe data exchange and creating vaults for my convenience, businesses have a different process of shortlisting a suitable tool. Before you get into this list, outline your requirements, budget, network architecture workflows, and existing solutions to analyze the most suitable encryption software.
The list below contains genuine user reviews of encryption software. It is important to note that vendors offering a free trial are also considered free in this context.
To be included in this category, a solution must:
*This data was pulled from G2 in 2026. Some reviews may have been edited for clarity.
As soon as I tested Progress MOVEit, I anticipated it would be an ideal choice for mid-to-enterprise-level cybersecurity teams. It manages, supervises, and automates file-sharing and transfer processes from one centralized platform, giving teams a clearer view of how sensitive data moves across their systems.
Whether it is encryption services, file automation, activity-level tracking, or maintaining service level agreements, Progress MOVEit doesn’t have a dearth of features. It uses advanced file transfer protocols and asymmetric cryptography to deliver files securely from one system to another. I particularly liked the activity history, which made it easy to see who had logged in, accessed a folder, or interacted with a file.
The platform also enabled me to onboard new data partners, configure cloud locker access, and run backup syncs of unencrypted documents so important data wasn’t lost. Its integrations and partner updates were easy to understand, and I could set workflow automation to reduce the manual effort involved in monitoring and diagnosing file-transfer activity.
What made these capabilities easier to use was the platform’s clean interface and intuitive workflows. I could share encrypted files with a quick turnaround without feeling like I needed to be an IT genius. Whenever I hit a snag, the customer support team was on point, while the knowledge base gave me enough information to resolve smaller issues independently.

The main limitation I encountered was reporting. Although MOVEit captures detailed file, folder, user, and automation activity, getting a concise summary of that information required more configuration than I expected.
I found it difficult to quickly pull details such as active automations, user activity, backup information, expiration dates, or custom time-stamped reports. G2 reviewers looking for more comprehensive out-of-the-box reporting have echoed similar feedback. Still, the underlying activity data is available, so teams prepared to configure their reports can get more visibility from the platform.
"It’s secure and easy to integrate with data relay automation tools. Adding users is straightforward, and troubleshooting is simple. I also like the easy access to user, folder, and file history."
- Progress MOVEit review, Adrian C.
"Some of the reporting could be more out of the box without having to make configurations. Data regarding active automations and active users would be beneficial for notifications on expiration dates, etc."
- Progress MOVEit review, Verified User in Hospital & Health Care
In my experience, Virtru stood out because it approaches encryption from two directions. Virtru Email Encryption protects messages and attachments inside the inbox, while Virtru Secure Share handles larger files that need to be exchanged outside it. I tested both products separately, and together they gave me a practical way to secure everyday emails as well as more sensitive file-sharing workflows.
Virtru Email Encryption was especially easy to adopt. I didn’t have to configure certificates, manage encryption keys, or guide recipients through a complicated setup. I could enable encryption with a single toggle in Gmail or Microsoft Outlook, and recipients could authenticate using their existing Google or Microsoft credentials. The browser extension fit naturally into my workflow rather than feeling like another security application I had to manage.
I also appreciated how much control Virtru gave me after an email had already been sent. I could revoke access, restrict forwarding, and set expiration dates for sensitive messages. The centralized audit trail helped me track activity, while support for HIPAA, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS), Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification 2.0 (CMMC 2.0), and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) made the platform particularly relevant for organizations working with regulated data.
For files that were too large or sensitive to send as attachments, Virtru Secure Share filled the gap. I could upload files as large as 15 GB and share them with clients or partners through a cloud-based portal. Recipients could verify their identity using Google, Microsoft, or a one-time email code without creating a Virtru account. I also liked being able to revoke file access, create view-only links, and control who could download the content.

The main friction I encountered was mobile access. Although the desktop encryption experience was smooth, opening protected emails on my phone sometimes required more steps than I expected. G2 reviewers have reported similar experiences, particularly after restarting the app or trying to access encrypted messages while away from their laptops. Even so, the desktop workflow remained straightforward, making Virtru easier to use when most secure communication happens through Gmail or Microsoft Outlook.
“I like the ability to revoke encrypted emails, which is really handy. The integration with Google Workspace works well for us. The initial setup was pretty good and fast.”
- Virtru Email Encryption review, Dameion B.
“It gives me the ability to share information that contains confidential information with others who need to know the information. This makes the process of receiving confidential information easier and faster than having to wait for information to come via fax or mail. I am able to request records for my clients that give the information that I need to be able to help them and their families."
- Virtru Secure Share review, Katrina B.
"Sometimes, especially after a reboot, I have to activate the app again. I wish it were easier to open from my phone. There are several steps to opening an email from my phone. It's the same email, but it's not worth the effort, so I just wait until I'm on my laptop to open Virtru protected emails."
- Virtru Email Encryption review, Lisa F.
"First-time recipients sometimes need a bit of guidance to access secure messages."
- Virtru Secure Share review, Verified User in Financial Services
When I started using Keeper Password Manager, I quickly realized it offered much more than a place to store passwords. With dark web monitoring, secure credential sharing, multi-factor authentication support, and role-based access controls, it felt more like a broader credential security platform for managing sensitive information across an organization.
The zero-knowledge architecture was one of its strongest advantages for me. Keeper’s encrypted vault could hold passwords, payment cards, confidential notes, Secure Shell (SSH) keys, and file attachments, while ensuring that only I could decrypt the stored information. That gave me more confidence in using it for business credentials rather than treating it as a basic personal password manager.
Keeper also made it easier to identify credential risks before they became larger problems. The admin console gave me a real-time view of weak, reused, and compromised passwords across the organization. BreachWatch continuously monitored the dark web for exposed credentials, while secure sharing let me give teammates access without revealing the underlying password.
Its enterprise integrations rounded out the experience. Keeper connected with Microsoft 365, Azure Active Directory, Okta, and other single sign-on providers, so it fit into my existing identity management workflow without much disruption. Onboarding users was quick, and G2 feedback also points to its intuitive interface, policy management, and native System for Cross-domain Identity Management (SCIM) provisioning as useful strengths for larger teams.

The main issue I encountered was inconsistent autofill. Although the browser extension usually saved time by surfacing credentials automatically, it occasionally filled the wrong fields or failed to populate login details correctly. A G2 reviewer reported similar problems with unexpected logouts and unreliable autofill on certain websites. I still found the extension convenient for everyday use, but it worked best when I reviewed the suggested fields before submitting a form.
“Keeper is secure and convenient to use. Its cloud and zero trust based architecture allow for separation not just at an organization level but also at a user level. The user interface is intuitive and the ability to manage policy at the enterprise level ensures a consistent experience. Keeper operates without issue, performing smoothly, and is one of the only secure enterprise password managers with native SCIM provisioning.”
- Keeper Password Manager review, Verified User in Consulting
"Sometimes logs me out and doesn't always auto-fill correctly on websites."
- Keeper Password Manager review, Verified User in Commercial Real Estate
Keep a regular check on your system's health and diagnose real-time vulnerabilities with free antivirus software to prevent any scope of trojans or malware
If there is one tool that stood out to me for protecting an entire Windows device, it is Microsoft BitLocker. Because it is built directly into Windows, it gave me a straightforward way to encrypt company data without adding another security application to my system.
Its strongest advantage was the depth of its encryption. BitLocker uses the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) algorithm with 128-bit or 256-bit keys to protect files, folders, and complete drives. Once a drive was locked, its contents remained inaccessible without the appropriate credentials, which gave me greater confidence that sensitive data would stay protected if the device was lost or accessed without authorization.
I also deployed BitLocker across Windows 10 and Windows 11 and found that it integrated naturally with both operating systems. I did not need to install an additional tool or connect a separate encryption service before getting started. Uploading files, encrypting them, and configuring a public key infrastructure mechanism for secure transfers felt relatively simple once the platform was enabled.
Its connection to the wider Microsoft environment made the experience even more convenient. I could work with encrypted files alongside tools such as Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft OneNote without worrying that the data would be altered during sharing. BitLocker also gave me access to password management, hashing layers, cloud-based locker access, secure deletion, and backup options from within a familiar ecosystem.

The limitation is that this convenience remains largely tied to Windows. A G2 reviewer pointed out that BitLocker does not fully support Linux-based machines, and I faced the same restriction when considering macOS or Android devices. That makes it less flexible for companies with mixed operating systems, although it remains a practical built-in option for teams already standardized on Windows.
"It uses a strong encryption algorithm and gives me confidence that my devices are properly encrypted. The setup is straightforward, and it’s easy to use."
- Microsoft BitLocker review, Vijay T.
"It only works for Windows and does not completely or fully support on Linux based machines"
- Microsoft BitLocker review, Srivathsav M.
5. Signal: Best for encrypted lockers and secure messaging
Signal gave me a refreshingly direct way to exchange encrypted messages, calls, and files without adding unnecessary complexity. When other tools made secure file sharing feel like a separate workflow, Signal let me attach documents to conversations and share cloud links from services such as Dropbox or Google Drive within the same messaging interface.
Its biggest strength is end-to-end encryption. Signal uses the Signal Protocol to protect messages, calls, and shared files while they are being sent or received, so only the intended participants can access the content. I found that reassuring when discussing private information or exchanging sensitive documents that I did not want exposed to outside parties.
The interface also kept a secure communication approachable. It was clean, uncluttered, and easy to navigate, allowing me to send encrypted documents without working through complicated security settings. Features such as disappearing messages added another layer of privacy by automatically removing sensitive conversations after a selected period.
Signal also worked well for secure group communication. I could create group chats, exchange encrypted files with several people, and move between mobile and desktop devices. Avatars, emojis, and themes made the experience feel like a familiar messaging app rather than a heavy cybersecurity product, while encryption continued to operate in the background.

The main limitation is that Signal’s protection is most useful when everyone involved already uses the platform. G2 feedback highlights how difficult it can be to persuade less tech-savvy clients or colleagues to move from established alternatives such as WhatsApp or Telegram. I found that this network effect could restrict encrypted communication with external contacts, although Signal remained straightforward once everyone was connected through the app.
“The security of Signal is top-notch. I like that there needs to be verified numbers and users. It makes communicating with others around the world easy, safe, and secure.”
- Signal review, Jonathan B.
"The biggest hurdle remains the 'network effect." It is often difficult to convince less tech-savvy clients or colleagues to switch over from WhatsApp or Telegram. Additionally, while the call quality has improved significantly, it can still be slightly less stable than some of the larger, resource-heavy enterprise platforms during low-bandwidth situations."
- Signal review, Paul B.
Divide the difference between tokenization and encryption to contemplate which data security preference is better for safeguarding your business's digital assets.
FileVault went beyond protecting a handful of sensitive documents and extended encryption across my entire Mac drive. That made it useful for securing everything from identity documents and work files to payment information without creating separate vaults for each type of data.
Its biggest advantage is that it comes built into macOS. I didn’t have to install another application, connect a third-party service, or work through a lengthy configuration process. Because it is included with every Mac at no additional cost, I could enable full-disk encryption directly from the system settings and manage it within an interface I already knew.
The underlying security is equally reassuring. FileVault uses XTS-AES-128 encryption with a 256-bit key, which sounds highly technical, but in practical terms, it means my entire drive was protected behind my Mac credentials and recovery key. Once enabled, files were converted into encrypted data that other programs or unauthorized users could not read.
I also appreciated how quietly FileVault worked in the background. It protected personal documents, business files, and other stored data without requiring me to encrypt each item manually. Features such as full-disk encryption, secure file handling, and online backup and recovery support made it a convenient endpoint security option for someone already working within the Apple ecosystem.

The main concern I came across was the possibility of FileVault interfering with system files when it is not configured or managed correctly. One G2 reviewer described protected files becoming obsolete or damaged and noted that resolving the issue could require more advanced technical knowledge. I found the encryption itself dependable, but keeping recovery information accessible and following the recommended setup process helped make the experience much more manageable.
"I like how it offers an extra layer of security, it's built-in, included with the computer, and free. When compared to the paid alternatives, there's really no reason to complain, so long as Apple doesn't cheapen out their products any further."
- FileVault review, Verified User in Aviation & Aerospace
"Unfortunately Filevault can affect some functions of the computer where it is installed, if it is not used properly, since it can interfere with certain files of the system, and declare them obsolete, which can leave the damaged files, and to repair these problems, you must have some knowledge a bit advanced in computer science, since it is probable, that can damage some file of the system startup, if previously this, or some associated file, it was protected with the application, but they are errors, that any application of this type can present, and can be solved, easily."
- FileVault review, Ronald K S.
If you are a security maniac like me, Tresorit feels like a one-stop shop for protecting files while keeping collaboration and compliance workflows in one place. It gave me several ways to edit, manage, share, and monitor sensitive content without loosening control over who could access it.
The compliance features were the biggest draw for me. Tresorit supports General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requirements, while its data residency options helped me control where information was stored. I could also separate confidential audit logs through tiered access groups, track device activity, revoke files remotely, and maintain an immutable file history that could support audit preparation.
Secure collaboration was another area where Tresorit worked well. I could lock received data inside folders, restrict it from other collaborators, and share protected attachments without moving conversations to another platform. Secure deposit links were especially handy because external users could send files to me safely without working through a complicated process.
I also liked how well Tresorit supported backup and access across devices. It automated synchronization without requiring a separate third-party backup tool, while the mobile app allowed me to work with clients and manage protected files away from my desktop. File and folder encryption, file shredding, overwriting, command line vault access, and real-time activity tracking gave me several ways to strengthen security around daily file management.

The main friction appeared when I worked with larger folders or handled several uploads at once. One G2 reviewer noted that synchronization updates can take longer to appear and that desktop uploads may slow down when many files are updated together. I noticed the same delay during heavier transfers, although routine file sharing and synchronization remained stable for everyday work.
"The zero-knowledge end-to-end encryption is irreplaceable for our BSI and GDPR compliance work. Tiered access groups let me segregate confidential audit logs only for security staff. Full device activity logs and remote file revocation mitigate data leakage risks if endpoints are breached. Immutable file history auto-generates audit evidence, and desktop sync operates stably alongside our network monitoring stack without performance lag."
- Tresorit review, Ronald R.
"I feel, File uploading and synchronization work properly overall, though while handling larger folders together, syncing updates can sometimes take a little longer before changes appear across all locations. Also, the desktop sync and upload process can occasionally feel slower when larger folders or many files are updated together."
- Tresorit review, Ishan S.
Got more questions. Here are the answers.
Virtru and Keeper Password Manager fit naturally into existing workflows without adding unnecessary complexity. Progress MOVEit also streamlines secure file transfers through workflow automation, making it a strong option for organizations that prioritize both security and operational efficiency.
Virtru Email Encryption provides strong client-side encryption while eliminating the need to manage certificates or encryption keys. Users simply enable encryption before sending emails, while recipients authenticate using their existing Google or Microsoft accounts for secure access.
Virtru offers two dedicated products: Virtru Email Encryption for securing emails and attachments, and Virtru Secure Share for securely sharing files up to 15 GB. Together, they support secure collaboration for both internal teams and external stakeholders.
Virtru helps reduce accidental data exposure by encrypting emails before they are sent and providing post-send controls such as access revocation, expiration dates, and forwarding restrictions. These features give organizations greater control over sensitive information after delivery.
Virtru is well-suited for organizations handling regulated data, supporting compliance with standards such as HIPAA, GDPR, CJIS, CMMC 2.0, and ITAR. Its secure email encryption and file sharing features make it valuable for healthcare and financial services.
Tresorit and Virtru are among the strongest options for regulated industries. Tresorit emphasizes compliance-driven auditing and granular access controls, while Virtru supports multiple compliance standards, helping organizations securely manage sensitive information and prepare for regulatory audits.
Virtru stands out as a trusted choice for healthcare and financial services organizations due to its secure email encryption, detailed access controls, compliance support, and seamless integrations with existing productivity tools used across regulated industries.
Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Business and Keeper Password Manager offer proactive security capabilities, including threat detection, vulnerability scanning, dark web monitoring, and centralized management. These features help organizations identify, monitor, and respond to potential security risks more effectively.
Progress MOVEit is designed to securely manage large file transfers and automate file-sharing workflows. Virtru Secure Share also supports encrypted file sharing for files up to 15 GB, making it suitable for organizations frequently exchanging large documents securely.
Virtru integrates seamlessly with Gmail, Google Workspace, Microsoft Outlook, and Microsoft 365 for secure email encryption. Keeper Password Manager also integrates with Microsoft 365, Azure Active Directory, Okta, and other single sign-on providers to simplify enterprise credential management.
While industries are leapfrogging into higher levels of artificial intelligence-based data security, one thing I understood is that traditional antivirus software isn't going to solve your needs. As sensitive data becomes more prone to external infiltrators and breaches, each one of these encryption tools offers certain fallback and recovery mechanisms to clutch your data by the jaw and not let it seep through the cracks.
With this test and evaluation, it's to be noted that I didn't shortlist these tools in an industry-specific way. While there were cybersecurity features that might have worked for me and my industry, the same cannot hold true for everyone. Before you delve into shortlisting and analyzing encryption software, list your business goals, IT infrastructure needs, and network bandwidth, and of course, come here anytime to refer to my two cents as well.
Keep your credentials protected beyond file encryption with the best password managers tested by my colleague, and find the right tool for securely storing, managing, and sharing passwords.
Shreya Mattoo is a former Content Marketing Specialist at G2. She completed her Bachelor's in Computer Applications and is now pursuing Master's in Strategy and Leadership from Deakin University. She also holds an Advance Diploma in Business Analytics from NSDC. Her expertise lies in developing content around Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, Artificial intelligence, Machine Learning, Peer Review Code, and Development Software. She wants to spread awareness for self-assist technologies in the tech community. When not working, she is either jamming out to rock music, reading crime fiction, or channeling her inner chef in the kitchen.
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