CryFS vs Cryptomator
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
CryFS is a free, open-source cryptographic filesystem that encrypts files locally before they are synced to cloud storage providers like Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud, or OneDrive. Unlike tools that only encrypt file contents, CryFS also hides file sizes, file names, and the directory structure itself, so a compromised cloud provider cannot infer what is stored.
Cryptomator is free, open-source software that creates password-protected encrypted 'vaults' on your device, encrypting both file contents and filenames with AES-256 before anything reaches a cloud provider. It works transparently with virtually any cloud storage service, including Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, and iCloud, mounting the vault as a virtual drive so encrypted files behave like a normal folder. Because encryption happens entirely on the local device, the cloud provider only ever stores unreadable ciphertext. The desktop client is free and donation-supported, mobile apps carry a small one-time purchase, and Cryptomator Hub offers GDPR-compliant, centrally managed vault access for small teams.
- Completely free and open source
- Hides metadata (names, sizes, structure), not just content
- Works with any cloud storage provider's sync client
- Actively maintained on GitHub
- Open-source and independently audited
- Works with any cloud storage provider
- Free desktop client
- Simple password-based vault model
- Requires comfort with command-line tools and FUSE/Dokany setup
- Windows and newer macOS support has historically lagged behind Linux
- No official GUI, so it's less approachable for non-technical users
- Mobile apps require a paid purchase
- No built-in cloud storage of its own
- Team features (Hub) are a separate paid product
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to CryFS
View all →Open-source client-side encryption that locks individual files before they sync to any cloud drive.
Cross-platform encrypted containers from Jetico for protecting files on disk and in cloud storage.
Alternatives to Cryptomator
View all →
Open-source encryption tool that hides file contents, names, and folder structure before cloud sync.
Cross-platform encrypted containers from Jetico for protecting files on disk and in cloud storage.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataCryFS offers stronger metadata protection for free but requires technical setup; Cryptomator is easier to use with a GUI but has paid mobile apps and team features.
Key differences
- •CryFS hides file sizes and directory structure, while Cryptomator only encrypts filenames and contents.
- •Cryptomator provides a user-friendly GUI and simple vault model; CryFS relies on command‑line and FUSE/Dokany configuration.
- •Cryptomator offers paid mobile apps and a separate team‑management product (Hub); CryFS has no paid tiers.
- •Both work with any cloud storage provider, but CryFS explicitly lists Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud, OneDrive integrations.
- •CryFS is completely free and open source; Cryptomator is freemium with some features requiring purchase.
Pricing & value
CryFS is fully free; Cryptomator’s mobile apps and team Hub require payment.
Ease of use / learning curve
Cryptomator has a GUI and simple vault setup; CryFS needs command‑line and FUSE/Dokany configuration.
Features & depth
CryFS additionally hides file sizes and directory structure, beyond Cryptomator’s filename/content encryption.
Integrations & ecosystem
Both work with any cloud provider; CryFS lists specific integrations, Cryptomator states generic compatibility.
Collaboration
Cryptomator offers a paid Hub for team management and GDPR compliance; CryFS has no collaboration features.
Support
Cryptomator provides community forum and email support; CryFS lists no support options.
Security & privacy
Both are open source and use strong encryption (AES‑256‑GCM/XChaCha20‑Poly1305 for CryFS; Cryptomator’s specifics not listed).
Choose CryFS if…
Technical users needing maximal metadata privacy and no cost.
Choose Cryptomator if…
Non‑technical users or teams wanting easy setup and optional paid team features.
Common questions
Is there any cost to use either tool?
CryFS is completely free; Cryptomator is free for desktop but mobile apps and team Hub require purchase.
Which tool hides file sizes and folder structure?
CryFS encrypts and hides file names, sizes, and directory structure; Cryptomator encrypts filenames but not sizes.
Can I use these with any cloud storage service?
Yes, both work with any cloud provider; CryFS explicitly lists Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud, OneDrive.