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Ranked list

Best Encryption Tools in 2026

Encryption and data protection

Key Takeaways
  • OpenVPN is our overall pick for encryption in 2026, and our free pick. Overall and free pick: Free plan; cheapest paid plan Growth, $7/mo. Rated 4.3/5 across SourceForge, Trustpilot, G2 and more (574 ratings, Sep 2026).
  • We evaluated 9 encryption tools to create this ranking.
  • 5 of the 9 tools listed here have a free plan.
Publications that cover the tools tracked here
  • TechCrunch
  • Bloomberg
  • The Information
  • Fortune
  • The Verge
  • 9 top picks
  • 5 with a free plan

Encryption tools span data-at-rest (database encryption, BYOK in cloud), data-in-transit (TLS, mTLS), and end-to-end encrypted apps (Signal, ProtonMail, Tuta). For products, the relevant question is which secrets/key management service to use; for consumers, which E2E apps to trust.

Top 3 encryption tools

  1. OpenVPN logo

    OpenVPN

    #1 Top pick

    Open-source VPN protocol and software

    Starting price

    From $7 /mo

    Cheapest paid plan, monthly, as of November 2026

    4.3 /5 across SourceForge, Trustpilot, G2 and more · 574 ratings, Sep 2026

    Our take

    Best overall

  2. Hide.me logo

    Secure your online privacy, bypass censorship, and enjoy fast, encrypted internet access.

    Starting price

    From $2.5 /mo

    Cheapest paid plan, monthly, as of November 2026

    4.0 /5 on Trustpilot · 1,025 ratings, Sep 2026

    Our take

    Most affordable

  3. Tresorit logo

    End-to-end encrypted cloud storage for your most sensitive business data

    Starting price

    From $8.33 /mo

    Cheapest paid plan, monthly, as of November 2026

    4.6 /5 across G2 and Capterra · 397 ratings, Sep 2026

    Our take

    Highest rated

9 top encryption tools compared

Encryption tools compared on our take, starting price (cheapest paid plan, monthly, as of November 2026), and average user rating with each review site's own score.
OpenVPN logo
OpenVPN
Best overall Price: $7/mo 4.3 out of 5, from 574 ratings across SourceForge, Trustpilot, G2 and more G2 4.5 · Capterra 4.5
Hide.me logo
Hide.me
Most affordable Price: $2.5/mo 4.0 out of 5, from 1,025 ratings on Trustpilot Trustpilot 4.0
Tresorit logo
Tresorit
Highest rated Price: $8.33/mo 4.6 out of 5, from 397 ratings across G2 and Capterra G2 4.5 · Capterra 4.8
Proton Drive logo
Proton Drive
Most reviewed Price: Free + paid 4.3 out of 5, from 170 ratings across G2 and Capterra G2 4.6 · Capterra 2.0
QIZ Security logo
QIZ Security
Price: Not published Rating: n/a
SAVYINT logo
SAVYINT
Price: Not published Rating: n/a
Ente Locker logo
Ente Locker
Price: Free + paid Rating: n/a
Private.Ki logo
Private.Ki
Price: $5/mo Rating: n/a
NO SUS logo
NO SUS
Price: Free Rating: n/a

Encryption pricing compared

Encryption pricing, as of November 2026
OpenVPN Cheapest paid plan: Growth, $7/mo Free plan: Yes Billing: Billed monthly
Hide.me Cheapest paid plan: 24 Months, $2.50/mo Free plan: Yes Billing: Billed monthly
Tresorit Cheapest paid plan: Personal, $8.33/mo (billed yearly) Free plan: No Billing: Billed yearly
Proton Drive Cheapest paid plan: Not published Free plan: Yes Billing: Not published
QIZ Security Cheapest paid plan: Not published Free plan: No Billing: Not published
SAVYINT Cheapest paid plan: Not published Free plan: No Billing: Not published
Ente Locker Cheapest paid plan: Not published Free plan: Yes Billing: Not published
Private.Ki Cheapest paid plan: Private.Ki Plus, $5/mo Free plan: No Billing: Billed monthly
NO SUS Cheapest paid plan: No paid plan Free plan: Yes Billing: Free

Toolradar pricing data, last verified November 2026. Prices are the cheapest paid plan converted to a monthly figure; "Not published" means the vendor publishes no price for a self-serve paid plan. 4 of 9 tools publish a paid price; median cheapest paid plan $6/mo.

How the top encryption tools compare

5 of the 9 encryption tools listed here have a free plan (OpenVPN, Hide.me, Proton Drive, Ente Locker, NO SUS); the other 4 (Tresorit, QIZ Security, SAVYINT, Private.Ki) are paid only. Teams on a budget should start with OpenVPN, our free pick.

Rankings are computed from G2/Capterra review volume and rating, and media mentions. Editorial policy

Top encryption tools

Order: Toolradar ranking score, which is the public review volume times the average rating on G2, Capterra, Trustpilot and other review sites, plus media mentions (recent ones count more). Paid placements are labelled and never change the score. How we rank.

1
OpenVPN logo

OpenVPN

Free plan

Open-source VPN protocol and software

4.3 /5 across SourceForge, Trustpilot, G2 and more · 574 ratings, Sep 2026

OpenVPN creates secure tunnels between networks. An open-source VPN that's been trusted for years - private networking that's proven reliable. The security is established. The flexibility is high. The deployment is understood. Organizations needing VPN infrastructure often deploy OpenVPN for reliable tunneling.

Used OpenVPN? Rate it
  • Pro: Industry standard VPN
  • Pro: Self-hostable
  • Pro: Good security
  • Con: Complex setup
  • Con: Performance vs WireGuard
Good value

OpenVPN offers a very generous entry point with its free Community and Access Server tiers, making it highly accessible.

2
Hide.me logo

Hide.me

Free plan

Secure your online privacy, bypass censorship, and enjoy fast, encrypted internet access.

4.0 /5 on Trustpilot · 1,025 ratings, Sep 2026

hide.me is a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service designed to provide digital privacy, advanced security, and the ability to bypass internet censorship. It encrypts user data, hides their real IP address, and routes internet traffic through secure servers located worldwide. This allows users to browse the internet privately, prevent ISPs from monitoring their activities, and access geo-restricted content or services. The service emphasizes its independence, strict no-logging policy (independently audited), and high-speed performance, particularly with its Bolt technology and WireGuard support. It caters to individuals and businesses looking to enhance their online security, protect their identity, and maintain freedom of access on the internet, offering features like dynamic port forwarding, Multihop (Double VPN), ad blocking with SmartGuard, and granular app control with Stealth Guard and Split Tunneling.

Used Hide.me? Rate it
Hide.me screenshot
  • Pro: Strong emphasis on privacy with an independently audited no-logs policy.
  • Pro: Offers advanced security features like Multihop and SmartGuard.
  • Pro: Provides high speeds and optimized servers for streaming.
  • Con: Specific pricing details are not immediately available on the main page, requiring further investigation.
  • Con: Some advanced features might require a learning curve for less tech-savvy users.
Good value

Hide.me offers a very generous free tier with unlimited data, making it accessible for basic privacy needs.

3
Tresorit logo

Tresorit

Paid

End-to-end encrypted cloud storage for your most sensitive business data

4.6 /5 across G2 and Capterra · 397 ratings, Sep 2026

Tresorit is end-to-end encrypted cloud storage for businesses handling sensitive data. Zero-knowledge encryption means even Tresorit can't access your files. Share files securely with password protection and expiration dates. GDPR compliant and certified for healthcare, legal, and finance industries. Features include digital rights management and secure collaboration. Cloud storage you can trust with your most confidential information.

Used Tresorit? Rate it
  • Pro: Zero-knowledge encryption
  • Pro: GDPR compliant
  • Pro: Secure sharing
  • Con: More expensive
  • Con: Smaller ecosystem
Good value

Tresorit's pricing is on the higher end compared to general cloud storage providers, but fair for its specialized end-to-end encrypted, Swiss-hosted service.

4
Proton Drive logo

Proton Drive

Free plan

Store, sync, and share files with end-to-end encryption

4.3 /5 across G2 and Capterra · 170 ratings, Sep 2026

Proton Drive provides secure, end-to-end encrypted cloud storage, ensuring that only you and authorized individuals can access your files. It's designed for individuals and businesses who prioritize privacy and data security, offering a robust alternative to traditional cloud services. The platform encrypts files, their names, and other metadata directly on your device before they are uploaded, meaning Proton itself cannot access your data. Beyond secure storage, Proton Drive includes features like file sharing with password protection and expiry dates, automatic mobile backups for photos and videos, and desktop file syncing across Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and web apps. It also integrates Proton Docs and Proton Sheets for private online document and spreadsheet editing and collaboration, protecting your work from data exploitation and AI training. Based in Switzerland, Proton Drive benefits from strict European privacy laws and is open-source, with its code regularly audited by independent experts.

Used Proton Drive? Rate it
  • Pro: Superior privacy and security with end-to-end and zero-access encryption
  • Pro: Integrated secure document and spreadsheet editors
  • Pro: Strong legal protection due to Swiss jurisdiction
  • Con: Free plan offers limited storage (5 GB)
  • Con: Collaboration features are primarily within the Proton ecosystem
5
QIZ Security logo

Automate crypto discovery, risk management, and governance

QIZ Security is a cryptography management platform that provides end-to-end discovery, prioritization, remediation, and governance of cryptographic assets. It reveals hidden cryptographic risks across an organization's services, protocols, and applications, connecting scattered pieces into a single, clear picture. The platform replaces manual, error-prone crypto governance with continuous automation and policy enforcement, enabling organizations to achieve crypto-agility and prepare for the quantum era. QIZ maps cryptographic assets in full organizational context, showing how they connect and interact. It ranks risks by impact and remediation effort, providing a prioritized action plan. The platform is API-first, integrating seamlessly with existing infrastructure without agents or probes. It is designed for multi-stakeholder collaboration, enabling CISOs, compliance teams, and application owners to work together on cryptographic readiness.

Used QIZ Security? Rate it
QIZ Security screenshot
  • Pro: Provides complete visibility into previously hidden cryptographic assets and risks
  • Pro: Automates manual crypto governance, reducing human error and speeding compliance
  • Pro: Designed for the quantum era, helping organizations prepare for PQC standards
  • Con: Requires integration with existing infrastructure, which may involve initial setup effort
  • Con: Primarily focused on enterprise organizations, potentially less suitable for small teams
6
SAVYINT logo

SAVYINT

Paid

Revolutionizing digital trust and security with advanced PQC, AI, and Open Banking solutions.

Savyint provides a comprehensive suite of digital trust and security solutions, focusing on advanced data protection, identity authentication, and secure payment systems. The company specializes in post-quantum cryptography (PQC) to future-proof digital signatures, PKI, blockchain, and data encryption against quantum threats. Savyint also offers AI-driven identity authentication and innovative PKI products to enhance digital trust across various sectors. Savyint's offerings extend to enabling Open Banking initiatives, providing API management, consent management, and tokenization solutions. The platform supports digital transformation for industries such as BFSI, Government, Enterprise, Manufacturing & IoT, Healthcare, and Education, ensuring compliance with standards like eIDAS, PSD2, and FIPS 140-2. Their product portfolio includes Enterprise Security Appliances, PKI as a Service, Digital Signature Servers, and advanced document management systems.

Used SAVYINT? Rate it
SAVYINT screenshot
  • Pro: Offers quantum-proof security, addressing future cryptographic threats.
  • Pro: Provides end-to-end security across various digital interactions.
  • Pro: Ensures regulatory compliance with multiple international standards.
  • Con: Specific pricing details are not publicly available.
  • Con: Requires direct contact for detailed product information and implementation.
7
Ente Locker logo

Ente Locker

Free plan

Securely store sensitive files and passwords, then share with expiring links

Ente Locker provides a safe and end-to-end encrypted space for users to store their critical documents, passwords, and reports. It's designed for individuals and teams who prioritize privacy and security for their digital assets. The service ensures that all stored data remains private and accessible only to the user or those they explicitly share it with. Beyond secure storage, Ente Locker offers robust sharing capabilities, allowing users to share collections or individual items with other Ente users or via public links. It also includes a unique feature for sharing sensitive text with a one-time, expiring link, ideal for temporary and highly secure information exchange. The platform is built by an open-source company committed to pixel-perfect privacy and funded by customer subscriptions.

Used Ente Locker? Rate it
  • Pro: Strong emphasis on end-to-end encryption and privacy
  • Pro: Flexible sharing options for various use cases
  • Pro: Open-source development fosters transparency and trust
  • Con: Public links embed decryption keys, requiring careful management
  • Con: Limited free storage and item count
8
Private.Ki logo

Encrypted email, messaging and group chat with keys that stay on your device

Encrypted email, messenger and group chat in one app. Web, mobile browser, mobile apps. Keys are generated on your device and never leave it, so nothing we store can be read.

Used Private.Ki? Rate it
Private.Ki screenshot
Great value

At $5 per month, Private.Ki Plus offers strong value by bundling encrypted email, messenger, and group chat with own domain and 50 GB.

9
NO SUS logo

NO SUS

100% free

Encrypted self-destructing notes and one-time file links, with traceable copies

Free self-destructing notes and one-time file links, encrypted in your browser, no account. Plus watermarks, traceable copies and one chat on every screen.

Used NO SUS? Rate it

Popular encryption comparisons

See how the leading encryption tools stack up head-to-head.

Compare all 9 encryption tools side by side

Pricing breakdowns for encryption tools

Real plans and the hidden costs for each tool.

How to choose encryption software

  1. Match tool to the encryption job

    Application secrets (API keys, DB credentials): HashiCorp Vault, AWS Secrets Manager, Doppler. Customer data encryption: KMS layers (AWS KMS, GCP KMS). E2E messaging: Signal, Threema, ProtonMail.

  2. Audit the trust model

    End-to-end encrypted services (Proton, Tuta, Signal) make data unreadable to the provider. Less strict encryption stores data the provider could decrypt. Match to threat model, not marketing.

  3. Plan key rotation

    Encryption only works if keys rotate. Vault, AWS KMS, and similar handle rotation. For application-level encryption, design rotation into the architecture from day one.

Honorable mentions

Tools that didn't crack the headline list but deserve a look depending on what you optimize for.

  • AWS Secrets Manager logo
    AWS Secrets Manager Best for AWS-locked secrets

    AWS Secrets Manager integrates natively with IAM and other AWS services. For AWS-only deployments, simpler than running Vault.

How we ranked these encryption tools

We rank by real-world signal: G2/Capterra review volume and rating, and media mentions (volume and recency). Pricing is re-checked and the ranking refreshed monthly.

Tools evaluated
9
With free plan
56%
Last updated
November 2026

Toolradar Research

The data behind encryption tools

First-party analyses built from our full catalog, methodology published.

All Toolradar research

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best encryption tool in 2026?

Based on our analysis of 9 encryption tools, OpenVPN is our overall encryption pick. The next tools on the list are Hide.me, Tresorit, Proton Drive. Rankings use G2/Capterra review volume and rating, and media mentions.

What are the top 3 encryption tools?

The top 3 encryption tools in 2026, ranked by Toolradar, are: 1) OpenVPN, Open-source VPN protocol and software. 2) Hide.me, Secure your online privacy, bypass censorship, and enjoy fast, encrypted internet access. 3) Tresorit, End-to-end encrypted cloud storage for your most sensitive business data.

Are there free encryption tools?

Yes. OpenVPN is our free encryption pick (free plan alongside paid plans). 5 of the 9 tools on this page have a free plan. Among the 9 encryption tools we rank, 5 have a free plan.

How do I choose the right encryption tool?

Start by defining your team size, budget, and must-have features. OpenVPN is our overall encryption pick. Compare all 9 options side by side on Toolradar.

Cite this page: Toolradar, "Best Encryption Tools in 2026", updated November 2026, https://toolradar.com/best/encryption

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