Top 10 Best Android Encryption Apps/Software (Free & Paid)
As the need for hyper-connectivity surges and smart Android devices carry everything from personal and financial data to sensitive corporate files, the need to encrypt these devices is felt more than ever before. Whether it is an organization worried about protecting client communications or individuals concerned about the privacy of their personal multimedia and financial data, the Android encryption apps guarantee that your data is accessible only to you and those you trust.
This article explores some of the best Android encryption apps for varying purposes and the best encryption solution for enterprises as well.
1Understanding Android Encryption
Before we dive deep into the best apps for Android encryption, it would be better to first have a clear understanding of what Android encryption is and whether Android has built-in encryption to suffice your needs.
1What is Encryption On Android?
Encryption on Android means making all the user data inaccessible to anyone other than the user by deploying symmetric encryption keys. On an encrypted Android device, all the data created by the user is encrypted automatically and cannot be read by unauthorized persons without decrypting the device.
2Does Android Have Built-In Encryption?
Yes, Android does have built-in encryption features. It offers two types of encryption:
- File-Based Encryption
- Full-Disk Encryption
Let us explore the scope for each one of them in detail.
File-Based Encryption
It is supported by Android 7.0 onwards. It allows the user to encrypt files individually, using independent encryption keys for each file. Devices deploying file-based encryption can be booted directly to the lock screen. This is called direct boot, and it means, while the individual files are encrypted, the functionality of the device is still not completely restricted, and the crucial features, like accessibility services and alarms, can still be accessed while protecting the critical user data.
Metadata Encryption
For Android 9 users, metadata encryption is also provided. It makes use of an encryption key at boot and provides encryption for the entire unencrypted data by FBE. For instance, it encrypts permissions, file sizes, directory layouts, and more.
Full Disk Encryption
This encryption method isn’t available for Android 10.0 and higher. It is provided for Android 5.0 to Android 9.0, and it provides encryption for the entire user-data partition using a single key. It requires the user to provide the password at boot before making any data on the disk accessible. This also means that the functionality of the device is completely restricted, and core features will not be available unless the single password protecting the entire user data is provided.
2Top Best Encryption Apps for Android
While the built-in encryption provides protection for user data when the device is locked, this isn’t enough if you need a more granular protection of your privacy e.g., end-to-end encryption for your communication, VPN encryption, email encryption, messaging encryption, and cloud syncing, etc. Hence, you need third-party apps.
Below is a list of the types of encryption apps depending on users’ needs:
Types of Encryption Apps:
- Encrypted File Apps for Android: These apps are dedicated to encrypting your important files. Most of these also provide a secure, encrypted vault where you can keep your crucial files safe. Examples are VeraCrypt, Cryptomator, and Secret Space Encryptor.
- Encrypted Messaging Apps for Android: These are meant specifically for providing end-to-end encryption for your messages, keeping them inaccessible to unauthorized persons, e.g., WhatsApp and ChatSecure.
- Encrypted Email Apps for Android: These apps make your email communication out of the reach of unauthorized entities. Examples include ProtonMail and OpenKeychain.
- Encrypted VPN Apps for Android: These apps, e.g., Hotspot Shield, Betternet, SurfEasy, etc., provide you with an anonymous identity while you surf the internet and make sure you are protected against trackers or sites with malware.
- Encrypted Password Apps for Android: Encrypted password apps help protect your passwords from unauthorized access. They make sure that your passwords are protected through a secure vault, mostly using device-level AES-256 encryption. Examples include Bitwarden and Keeper.
- Multi-Purpose Encryption Apps: There are some versatile encryption apps that provide privacy protection on varying fronts, e.g., OpenKeychain, which makes both your emails and messaging secure, and SSE, which secures files and texts.
Let us now explore some of the top-rated encryption apps for Android in the market for both personal and business use.
For Personal Use
1Encrypted File Apps for Android
VeraCrypt
G2 Score: 4.5 out of 5
Download link: VeraCrypt - Source Code - Free Open source disk encryption with strong security
Outstanding Features:
- Provides a virtual encrypted disk within a file for secure storage
- It can encrypt entire drives as well as partitions
- It also provides email encryption
- VeraCrypt offers full disk encryption
Pricing: Free open-source platform
Pros:
- It is flexible and free to use
- It provides pre-boot authentication
- Policy enforcement is also provided
Cons:
- Doesn’t offer integration for cloud storage
Cryptomator
G2 Score: 4.1 out of 5
Download Link: Cryptomator - Apps on Google Play
Standout Features:
- Provides integration for cloud storage and works well with Dropbox, Google Drive, and others.
- Cross-platform compatibility is provided, including macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and Windows.
Price: Free for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Paid for Android and iOS
Pros:
- It is easy to set up and doesn’t require technical expertise
- It is also easy to use
- Highly secure app
Cons:
- It is a bit too expensive for Android and iOS
AxCrypt-File Encryption App
G2 Score: 4.1 out of 5
Download Link: AxCrypt – File Encryption App - Apps on Google Play
Standout Features:
- It provides AES-256 encryption
- It provides cloud storage integration
- When you open and make changes to the encrypted files, the latest versions are automatically encrypted.
Pricing: Free and premium versions
Pros:
- It provides multilingual support
- Encryption and decryption processes are simple and quick
Cons:
- Free version only offers limited features
NordLocker Android
G2 Score: 4.1 out of 5
Download Link: NordLocker Cloud Storage Space - Apps on Google Play
Standout Features:
- End-to-end encrypted file sharing is provided
- Cloud storage integration is offered
- It uses multi-factor authentication for secure storage and sharing of files
Pricing: Free and premium plans
Pros:
- It is available for most OS, including Windows, Android, iOS, and macOS
Cons:
- The app is not very easy to use
- Users sometimes complain about slow performance
- Free version provides only 5GB of cloud storage
EDS Lite
Google Play Score: 4.5 out of 5
Download Link: EDS Lite - Apps on Google Play
Standout Features:
- EDS Lite provides a virtual encrypted storage disk for all your files
- You can save your files in an encrypted container
- It supports VeraCrypt(R), TrueCrypt(R), LUKS, EncFs container types
Pricing: Free open source
Pros:
- You can encrypt and decrypt all types of files
- Free and open-source app
Cons:
- It has a confusing user interface
- It doesn’t offer a video preview
2Encrypted Messaging Apps for Android
Signal
G2 Score: 4.4 out of 5
Download Link: Signal Private Messenger - Apps on Google Play
Standout Features:
- Provides end-to-end encryption for your messages
- Open source code provides transparency
- Even the provider cannot access the encrypted messages
Pricing: Free open source
Pros:
- Very simple to use app
- Messages are secure even in the case of stolen keys
- User friendly interface
Cons:
- Image sharing is not as simple and convenient as on other messaging apps
- Restoring data backups is slow and complex
G2 Score: 4.6 out of 5
Download Link: WhatsApp Messenger - Apps on Google Play
Standout Features:
- Your data is protected in transit
- You can request your data to be deleted
- With the ‘disappearing messages’ feature, you can cause your messages to be automatically deleted after a set time
- They offer two-step verification every time you reset or activate your account
- You can report and block suspicious accounts
Pricing: Free
Pros:
- Robust security through two-step verification, end-to-end encryption and data protection in transit is provided
- It is easy to use
- WhatsApp is free to download and use
Cons:
- It isn’t an open-source app
- No API support for CRMs
Google Message
Play Store Score: 4.5 out of 5
Download Link: Google Messages - Apps on Google Play
Standout Features:
- End-to-end encryption
- Strong spam protection is guaranteed
- Enhanced customization for enjoyable experience
Pricing: Free
Pros:
- Seamless sharing of videos, voice notes, and images
- Complete protection of privacy through encryption
- Complete integration with other Google services
Cons:
- The users often find it to be a slow and buggy app
3Encrypted Email Apps for Android
ProtonMail
G2 Score: 4.4 out of 5
Download Link: Proton Mail: Encrypted Email - Apps on Google Play
Standout Features:
- Provides end-to-end email encryption
- You can opt for anonymity if you want
- Optional self-destruction feature after a set time allows all emails to be permanently deleted
- Allows users to send emails protected with a password
Pricing: Free
Pros:
- Proton Mail is free to use
- Deploys rigorous encryption
- Provides a very well-organized and tidy inbox
Cons:
- Free plan offers a limited storage of 500 MB
CipherMail
Play Store Score: 4 out of 5
Download Link: CipherMail Email Encryption - Apps on Google Play
Standout Features:
- Keep using your existing email provider on Android and send digitally signed, encrypted emails
- Automatically extracts certificates
- Provides HTML email support
- Fully integrates with S/MIME clients like Outlook, Thunderbird etc.
Pricing: Free
Pros:
- Doesn’t require you to switch from your existing email provider
- Offers high functionality and cutting-edge encryption
Cons:
- The app is not the easiest one to use and may sometimes require some manual work. E.g., users complain about the need to download the intermediate certificates for proper functionality.
4Encrypted VPN Apps for Android
Betternet
Google Play Store Score: 4.4 out of 5
Download Link: Betternet: Fast VPN Hotspot - Apps on Google Play
Standout Features:
- Allows users to get access to all its features and provides unlimited data usage
- Provides protection against malware and phishing sites
- Use its premium version simultaneously on as many as 10 devices
Pricing: Free and Premium
Pros:
- Doesn’t require any email registration
- No need for a credit card for the free version
- Unlimited VPN access
Cons:
- Usually has slower speeds
- Poor streaming
SurfEasy
G2 Score: 4.2 out of 5
Download Link: Download | SurfEasy
Standout Features:
- No logs retained for browsing history or download activity
- Bank-grade encryption for the highest privacy protection
- Provides an advanced cookie blocker
Pricing: Free and premium
Pros:
- Ease-of-use and a simple one-click switching of location
Cons:
- Has a slower speed and limited features
5Encrypted Password Apps for Android
Bitwarden
G2 Score: 4.7 out of 5
Download Link: Bitwarden Password Manager - Apps on Google Play
Standout Features:
- A virtual end-to-end encrypted password vault is provided
- Users can save, secure, and share unlimited passwords on any number of devices
- Comes with dedicated plans for teams and organizations e.g. SSO integration, self hosting, SCIM provisioning, etc.
Pricing: Free and Premium
Pros:
- The free version contains every feature you might need and is ad-free
Cons:
- The app’s UI is a bit outdated and confusing
1Password
G2 Score: 4.7 out of 5
Download Link: 1password - Android Apps on Google Play
Standout Features:
- Integrates well with the existing IAM infrastructure
- Allows enforcing strong security policies in organizations
- Store unlimited passwords, notes, security cards, etc.
- Two-factor authentication and password generator
Pricing: No completely free version; it only offers paid plans with a 14-day free trial
Pros:
- Provides quick login
- Multi-device support is ensured
Cons:
- The app keeps logging out automatically after some time. While this is to enhance security, it can be a bit bothersome to log in again and again.
6Multi-Purpose Encryption Apps
OpenKeyChain
Google Play Store Score: 4.2 out of 5
Download Link: OpenKeychain: Easy PGP - Apps on Google Play
Standout Features:
- Provides end-to-end encryption for emails and messages
- Integrates well with other Android apps and provides secure OpenPGP encryption
- Send digitally signed messages and emails
Pricing: Free open source
Pros:
- OpenPGP offers compatibility with almost every device and OS
- OpenKeychain is free and open source
Cons:
- You cannot request data deletion
- This app is for tech-savvy people familiar with OpenPGP and requires manual storing and sharing of encryption keys.
SSE-File and Text Encryption
Google Play Score: 3.9 out of 5
Download Link: SSE - File & Text Encryption - Apps on Google Play
Standout Features:
- An all-in-one solution for text encryption, file encryption, and password management
- File encryptor keeps the entire folder of your crucial data secure
- Text encryptor encrypts your messages, notes, cryptocurrency passwords, and all other texts, secure
- The secure offline password vault keeps all the passwords, PINs, and KEM key pairs in one place
Pricing: Free
Pros:
- Provides an all-in-one solution for encrypting text, passwords, and files.
- The app is totally free to use
Cons:
- If you lose your password, you lose your data
- The app is intended for advanced users only
For Business Use
AirDroid Business (Comprehensive Android encryption solution for Enterprise)
For enterprises, compliance with data security standards is non-negotiable. Instead of using different tools for protecting each type of data, organizations would do better by using a single, comprehensive MDM solution like AirDroid Business for comprehensive data protection across all fronts. This would not only be easier and robust, but also cost-effective. Here is how it helps:
- Implementing Security Policy: AirDroid Business helps businesses thoroughly implement security policies by deploying and managing encryption apps effectively and implementing rules for data storage and transmission. For example, through mandatory storage encryption and password rules enforcement.
- Remote App Management: MDM solutions like AirDroid Business enable remote installation, upgradation, and removal of encryption apps to ensure that the staff uses approved tools only.
- Real Time Monitoring: Pro-active monitoring of devices through a unified console that offers comprehensive data on the status of each device, e.g., their location through geofencing, helps identify privacy threats and take relevant actions like device lock or even remote wipe in the case of a lost or stolen device.
3How to Choose the Right Encryption App for Android Devices
Now that we’ve gone through the features of top encryption apps in the market, let us have a look at the criteria for selecting the most appropriate, considering the costs as well as the other decisive factors.
Free vs Paid Apps
If you don’t need advanced encryption solutions, free apps would do for you. In such cases, it is recommended to go for open-source solutions for transparency. For more robust solutions, consider paid apps with good reviews and do your research for the features they offer, so that you don’t end up paying for the ones you don’t need.
Factors to Consider
- Security Standards: It is highly recommended that you check the encryption algorithm being used by the app and make sure it relies on strong end-to-end encryption, RSA, or AES-256. In case you are an enterprise, check compliance with industry standards for data protection, e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, etc.
- Compatibility: Go for the apps that support all sorts of devices and a majority of operating systems so that whenever you switch devices or OS, there is always seamless integration.
- Ease of Use: The app must have an intuitive interface and should be easy to use. It should allow quick and simple encryption and decryption within the app itself.
- Seamless Integration: Make sure the selected app integrates well with your cloud storage and email provider, or file manager, etc. It should allow secure data sharing with others.
4How to Implement Encryption with AirDroid Business
Let us now have a look at how AirDroid Business, a reliable MDM solution for enterprises, can be used for the comprehensive implementation of data encryption across the organization’s devices.
- Password Policy: You can create and enforce a password policy across the enrolled devices by visiting the Policy and Kiosk section in the dashboard. Create or edit a policy in Policy & Kiosk config file and once saved, move on to the password section. Here, you can configure your password according to your preferences and also set up password complexity rules for screen lock passwords of the devices.
- USB Policy: This feature in AirDroid Business allows the admin to allow or disallow the device users to use a USB or SD card for transferring data from one device to another. To use this feature, visit the Policy & Kiosk section in the dashboard and create a new policy or edit an existing one in the ‘Policy & Kiosk config file’. Move on to the ‘USB file transfer/external devices’ section and click restrictions > sync and transfer. Here, you can allow or restrict the users by toggling the switches.
- AMS: AirDroid Business has comprehensive App Management Services. Leveraging these services, admins can install encryption apps, mass upgrade them, and uninstall them on any device or group of devices. This ensures that the users are only using the organization-approved tools for robust data encryption. Simply visit the Apps option in your dashboard, and in the left pane, you will get the options for visiting the apps market, checking the app library, or monitoring and uninstalling the apps by clicking Apps on Devices.
- HTTPS and End-to-End Encryption: AirDroid Business uses HTTPS to safeguard and secure communication. Moreover, it uses strict end-to-end encryption to secure the remote sessions against unauthorized access. In addition, for enhanced data protection, you can use their ‘Mandatory Storage Encryption’ feature. It forces the encryption of stored data on the devices.
5Is it Safe to Use Android Encryption Apps?
It isn’t always safe to use any sort of encryption app for Android. Below are the points that you need to be vigilant about when using an encryption app.
Problem or Risk Point:
Some applications are not fully open source, or the encryption scheme is not transparent enough.
Detailed Description
Some Android encryption apps are closed source or only partially open source (for example, some commercial versions, paid features, or core modules are not disclosed). Hence, it is difficult to confirm the true security of data encryption. The lack of transparency of such "black box" solutions will bring the following risks:
- It is difficult to confirm whether there are security vulnerabilities or backdoors.
- After the update, users cannot keep up with the changes in the encryption mechanism, which may lead to blind spots in security policies.
- Users’ trust in the application can only be based on the commitment of the manufacturer or third-party organization, rather than the verifiability of the code itself.
Professional Advice
- Whenever feasible, give priority to encryption software that is highly recognized by the security community, has complete audit reports, and supports open-source audits.
- For tools used within an enterprise or organization, consider introducing independent third-party security audits and regularly track product announcements and vulnerability fix notifications.
- Read and understand its privacy policy and an introduction to encryption principles before use, and carefully evaluate the differences between the app versions (whether between the free and paid versions, or whether you can view the implementation details of the main encryption algorithms).
Leave a Reply.