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About FileVault
FileVault is the disk encryption feature built into macOS. Turning it on adds an extra layer of protection to the data on the Mac's startup disk, so the contents cannot be read without logging in.
Because it is part of the operating system, there is nothing to install: it is switched on from the system settings. It suits Mac owners, especially laptop users, who want their files protected if the computer is lost or stolen.
Strengths
- Built into macOS with nothing to install
- Protects the whole startup disk
Limitations
- Mac only
- Covers the startup disk rather than individual files for sharing
Details
- Pricing
- FreeIncluded with macOS at no extra cost.
- License
- Proprietary
- Developer
- Apple
- Platforms
- macOS
- How it runs
- Operating system
- Works offline
- Yes
- Best suited for
- Mac owners protecting their disk in case of loss or theft
- Categories
- Encryption tools
- Last verified
- Added
- Provenance
- Facts checked against the developer's own pages and store listings, 1 sources on file.
Alternatives to FileVault
Compare allSoftware that can replace FileVault for an important use case, and what changes if you switch.
VeraCrypt
Disk encryption that creates encrypted containers, encrypts whole partitions, and can encrypt the drive Windows boots from.
VeraCrypt is free and open source and adds containers and hidden volumes on macOS, Windows and Linux, but the macOS build needs macFUSE or FUSE-T installed separately.
BestCrypt
Commercial encryption software from Jetico for protecting hard drives, files and folders.
BestCrypt is a paid commercial product that encrypts drives, files and folders on macOS, Windows and Linux, rather than being built into the system.
Similar software
Related functionality, not necessarily a direct replacement.
BitLocker
Full-volume encryption built into Windows that protects data on lost, stolen or discarded devices.
cryptsetup and LUKS
The standard Linux full-disk encryption layer.
Cryptomator
Encrypts a folder inside your existing cloud storage, so Dropbox or OneDrive holds files it cannot read.
GPG Suite
An OpenPGP toolkit for macOS for encrypting, signing and verifying files and email.
Arq
Encrypted backup software for Mac and Windows that stores backups in your own cloud account or disk.
