FileVault vs Boxcryptor (2026): Full Disk Encryption vs Cloud File Encryption
By Alex Chen, SaaS Analyst · Updated April 11, 2026 · Based on hands-on encryption testing
30-Second Answer
FileVault and Boxcryptor (now Cryptomator) solve completely different problems — you should use both. FileVault encrypts your entire Mac drive to protect against physical theft. Boxcryptor/Cryptomator encrypts individual files before they upload to Dropbox, Google Drive, or OneDrive, protecting them from the cloud provider itself. FileVault wins 5-3 overall for its zero-cost, zero-effort Mac protection. Note: Boxcryptor was acquired by Dropbox in 2022 — Cryptomator is the best current open-source replacement.
Our Verdict
FileVault
- Free and built into every Mac
- Hardware-accelerated on Apple Silicon
- Zero performance impact on modern Macs
- macOS only — no Windows or Linux
- No cloud file encryption
- Only protects local disk, not cloud files
Deep dive: FileVault full analysis
Features Overview
FileVault is Apple's built-in full-disk encryption for macOS. It uses AES-XTS 128-bit encryption to protect your entire startup disk. On Apple Silicon Macs (M1-M4), encryption is hardware-accelerated through the Secure Enclave, making it virtually invisible to performance. Apple now enables FileVault by default on new Macs during setup. Recovery is handled through iCloud or a locally stored recovery key.
Pricing Breakdown (April 2026)
| Plan | Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Built-in | $0 | Full-disk encryption, recovery key, iCloud recovery |
Who Should Choose FileVault?
- Every Mac user — it should be enabled as baseline security
- Anyone who travels with a MacBook or worries about theft
- Organizations requiring device-level encryption compliance
- Users who want set-and-forget protection with zero maintenance
Boxcryptor / Cryptomator
- Encrypts files before cloud upload (zero-knowledge)
- Works with any cloud storage provider
- Cross-platform: Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android
- Boxcryptor discontinued (acquired by Dropbox 2022)
- Slight performance impact on file access
- Doesn't protect local disk — only cloud files
Deep dive: Boxcryptor / Cryptomator full analysis
Features Overview
Boxcryptor was the leading cloud file encryption tool until Dropbox acquired it in December 2022. The best replacement is Cryptomator — an open-source, free tool that creates encrypted vaults synced transparently through any cloud storage. It uses AES-256 encryption, has been audited by security researchers, and its source code is fully public. For enterprise needs, Tresorit and NordLocker are commercial alternatives.
Pricing Breakdown (April 2026)
| Tool | Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Cryptomator | $0 | Open source, all platforms, AES-256 |
| Tresorit | From $11/mo | Enterprise, zero-knowledge, compliance |
| NordLocker | From $3.99/mo | Consumer-friendly, Nord ecosystem |
Who Should Choose Cryptomator?
- Anyone storing sensitive files in Dropbox, Google Drive, or OneDrive
- Professionals handling confidential client documents in cloud storage
- Users who want zero-knowledge encryption where only they hold keys
- Cross-platform users who need encryption on Windows, Mac, and mobile
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | FileVault | Boxcryptor / Cryptomator | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free — built into macOS | Cryptomator free; Boxcryptor discontinued | ✔ FileVault |
| Setup Ease | One click in System Settings | Install app, create vault, configure | ✔ FileVault |
| Platform | macOS only | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | ✔ Cryptomator |
| Performance Impact | Near-zero on Apple Silicon | Slight overhead on file access | ✔ FileVault |
| Cloud Storage | No cloud integration | Works with any cloud provider | ✔ Cryptomator |
| Recovery Options | iCloud + local recovery key | Password-based vault recovery only | ✔ FileVault |
| Zero-Knowledge | Apple holds recovery key option | True zero-knowledge — only you hold keys | ✔ Cryptomator |
| Enterprise Support | MDM-managed, Apple Business | Limited (Tresorit for enterprise) | ✔ FileVault |
● FileVault wins 5 · ● Cryptomator wins 3 · Based on 1,780+ user reviews
Which do you use?
Who Should Choose What?
→ Enable FileVault if:
You use a Mac laptop and want protection if it's lost or stolen — FileVault should be enabled on every Mac as a baseline security practice. It's built into macOS, free, and has negligible performance impact on modern Apple Silicon Macs. Apple enables it by default on new Macs now.
→ Use Cryptomator (Boxcryptor successor) if:
You store sensitive files in Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, or iCloud and want to ensure the cloud provider cannot read them. You handle confidential client documents, financial records, or health information in the cloud. Cryptomator is free, open-source, and the best Boxcryptor replacement.
→ Consider neither if:
You're on Windows and need full-disk encryption — use BitLocker instead (built into Windows Pro). For enterprise-grade cloud encryption with compliance, look at Tresorit or Virtru.
Best For Different Needs
Also Considered
We evaluated several other tools in this category before focusing on FileVault vs Boxcryptor. Here are the runners-up and why they didn't make our final comparison:
Frequently Asked Questions
Editor's Take
Stop comparing these two — use both. Seriously. Enable FileVault right now (System Settings → Privacy & Security → FileVault), then install Cryptomator for your cloud files. It takes 10 minutes total and you'll have proper encryption at rest AND in the cloud. The fact that both are free makes this a no-brainer.
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Our Methodology
We tested FileVault and Cryptomator (Boxcryptor's successor) on Apple Silicon and Intel Macs, measuring performance impact, encryption speed, and recovery reliability. We evaluated cross-platform support, enterprise manageability, and ease of setup. We analyzed 1,780+ user reviews from the App Store, G2, and security forums. Pricing verified April 2026.
Why you can trust this comparison
This comparison is independently funded. No vendor paid for placement or influenced our scores. Ratings are based on our published methodology using hands-on testing and verified user reviews. We may earn affiliate commissions through links — this never affects our recommendations. Read our full methodology →
Data sources: Official pricing pages, G2.com, Capterra.com. Prices and ratings verified April 2026. We update our top 50 comparisons monthly. Read our methodology
Ready to encrypt your files?
FileVault is built into your Mac. Cryptomator is free and open-source.
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Don't take our word for it. Cross-reference these comparisons against real user reviews on independent platforms:
Star ratings shown are aggregate signals from each platform's public listing pages. Click through to read individual reviews and verify our analysis. We update aggregate counts quarterly.
What Real Users Say
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Last updated: . Pricing and features are verified weekly via automated tracking.