Encrypting your files is always a good idea, especially when uploading content to cloud storage platforms like Google Drive and Dropbox. This makes it difficult for hackers to find your valuable data and gives them peace of mind when downloading important documents and media from their desktop or mobile device.
While the market for trusted encryption tools is a bit tight, services like Boxcryptor stand out. We sat down with the latest version of Boxcryptor for macOS to see how good this encryption platform is, and suffice to say, we are in awe.
Features and security
Once Boxcryptor is installed on your machine, all you need to do is tell the software which local folders or cloud platform you want to encrypt and decrypt the content.
Boxcryptor is compatible with more than 30 different cloud providers and offers support for big names like Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, and Dropbox. Once you install the desktop software, Boxcryptor will automatically detect which cloud services are installed on your device, adding each of them to the Boxcryptor virtual drive.
Encrypting a file is quick and easy. Once you've linked an item or folder to the Boxcryptor virtual drive, simply locate the file in Boxcryptor's cache, right-click, and select Encrypt.
As a dedicated cipher suite, Boxcryptor offers its users a number of top-notch security tools and practices. For starters, all downloads are completely end-to-end, and each encryption uses AES-256 and RSA-4096; the latter allows multiple authorized users to easily decrypt the same files.
Boxcryptor accounts can only be accessed through a master password that you generate when setting up your subscription. As a zero-knowledge company, Boxcryptor does not store your identification. While this provides peace of mind when it comes to protecting your data, it also means that the company will not be able to recover your account if you forget your password.
When setting up, we recommend that you write down your master password and keep it in a safe place known only to you. Best of all, even if someone could get their hands on your password, Boxcryptor's two-factor authentication (2FA) will prevent them from successfully logging into your account.
File sharing
One of the strengths of the Boxcryptor suite is the ability to securely share files with multiple users on multiple platforms. When it comes time to send a file to someone, all the recipient needs is a free version of Boxcryptor installed on their device.
On the sender side, all you need to do is right click on the encrypted content you want to share, select manage permissions, after which you will be greeted with a window that will allow you to enter the 'email of the person you'd like'. share your file with. On the receiving side, once the invitee approves your invite, the encrypted content will be stored on your own Boxcryptor drive.
Members of Boxcryptor also have access to Whisply, a dedicated file sharing tool. While all of your sharing bases are covered by the Boxcryptor platform, Whisply adds additional A-to-B security with features like custom PINs to unlock a file, link timeouts, and options to send passwords via email and SMS.
Packages and prices
Boxcryptor offers a number of subscription options, with options for individual users, small businesses, and enterprise-grade business solutions. At the most basic level is the Free Plan, a generous offer that will allow those unfamiliar with the platform to fully understand the fundamentals.
One of the best things about the free plan is that there are no essential features locked behind a paywall. Users can encrypt local files on two different devices and can link their Boxcryptor account to a single cloud service. Please note that free members can only encrypt files locally or via a cloud platform. Paid plans remove this limitation, allowing you to encrypt locally, on an unlimited number of devices, and you can encrypt on as many cloud services as you like.
Individual-level paid plans are available in one- or three-year increments, with personal plans costing € 48 / year or € 108 billed every three years. In addition to unlimited devices and cloud providers, personal subscribers also receive filename encryption, quick responses from the Boxcryptor support team, and an extended version of Whisply.
There are also options for large companies. At the entry-level business level, subscriptions include activity monitoring, group management tools, master key, and Boxcryptor integration for Microsoft Teams. At the enterprise level, users enjoy the same benefits as enterprise subscribers, along with premium features like a dedicated Boxcryptor account manager and world-class customer service.
Platforms
The Boxcryptor desktop suite is compatible with Windows and MacOS and offers mobile integration for iOS and Android devices.
Where cipher suites like AxCrypt only offer decryption on their mobile versions, Boxcryptor outshines the competition by moving most of its desktop functionality to iOS and Android devices. This means that you will be able to encrypt and decrypt files stored on your phones and tablets, and each encryption will have AES-256 protection. You will also be able to link your Boxcryptor account with the same cloud platforms as the desktop version.
Best of all, the company also offers a web client called Boxcryptor Portable. It is designed for users who cannot download the desktop platform for one reason or another, and it can even run on Linux machines. This version of the platform does not require any installation or expansion - users simply create a connection, choose which cloud platform they will connect to, and then start encrypting files.
Competition
Although the current market for reputable crypto platforms is quite small, there are some alternatives to Boxcryptor that are worth mentioning. One of the candidates is AxCrypt, a great desktop encryption tool for Windows and Mac devices.
The service offers easy-to-use sharing tools, strong encryption algorithms, and competitive pricing. One of the main advantages of Boxcryptor, over AxCrypt, is the compatibility with mobile devices. While AxCrypt offers an application for iOS and Android hardware, the application can only display encrypted files. With Boxcryptor, users can encrypt and decrypt the content stored on their real mobile devices.
Another alternative is to lock the backrest. Although designed primarily for use on mobile devices, Folder Lock can encrypt everything from documents and media files to contacts and wallet cards. The platform also offers an intuitive free version, with even more security features housed in the paid pro version.
Final verdict
Boxcryptor takes all the guesswork out and redesigns your workflow by encrypting your local and cloud storage files. Just install, connect and encrypt / decrypt. While it would be nice to see a trial period for the respective individual plans (even just one week), we appreciate that Boxcryptor allows you to have a good understanding of the platform through the subscription option.
With easy file sharing, powerful security, and support for 30+ major cloud platforms, it's safe to say that Boxcryptor will be very powerful and reliable for most users.
For more recommendations, check out our roundup of the best encryption software, as well as our list of the best cloud storage services.