Boxcryptor costs $19/mo.
These cost $0.
2 free alternatives to Boxcryptor, checked for license, recent activity and real adoption. Each one tells you the catch, so you can switch with your eyes open.
Boxcryptor vs Free Alternatives Matrix
Quick side-by-side comparison · $0/mo vs $19/mo
| Alternative | Type | License | Where It Runs | Stars | Head-to-Head |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cryptomator | open source | cm0zfiowb00pj94snnh6jzvs0 | Self-host | ★ 16.4k | Boxcryptor vs Cryptomator → |
| Picocrypt | open source | cm0zfiowb00pj94snnh6jzvs0 | Self-host | ★ 2.5k | Boxcryptor vs Picocrypt → |
The picks
2 open source · ranked by fit
- 01
Cryptomator
open sourcecm0zfiowb00pj94snnh6jzvs0Self-host16.4knov 2026Encrypt your cloud files seamlessly.
The catch vs BoxcryptorRequires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Boxcryptor.
Install, platforms & data +
- platforms
- webself-hosteddocker to self-host
- install
- Clone https://github.com/cryptomator/cryptomator or deploy with Docker Compose
- setup
- Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- your data
- All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
- checked
- 2026-11-04
- 02
Picocrypt
open sourcecm0zfiowb00pj94snnh6jzvs0Self-host2.5ksep 2025A small, simple, and secure encryption tool.
The catch vs BoxcryptorRequires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Boxcryptor.
Install, platforms & data +
- platforms
- webself-hosteddocker to self-host
- install
- Clone https://github.com/HACKERALERT/Picocrypt or deploy with Docker Compose
- setup
- Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- your data
- All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
- checked
- 2026-11-04
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers · Boxcryptor open-source replacements
What is the best free alternative to Boxcryptor?+
The top free alternative to Boxcryptor is Cryptomator (open source, cm0zfiowb00pj94snnh6jzvs0). Encrypt your cloud files seamlessly. Other popular Boxcryptor replacements include Picocrypt.
Can I self-host a free replacement for Boxcryptor?+
Yes. Of the 2 free alternatives to Boxcryptor, 2 can be self-hosted on your own server or local machine: Cryptomator (cm0zfiowb00pj94snnh6jzvs0), Picocrypt (cm0zfiowb00pj94snnh6jzvs0).
How much does switching from Boxcryptor to a free alternative save?+
Boxcryptor starts at $19/month per seat ($228/year). Switching a 5-person team to a free alternative like Cryptomator saves $1,140 per year in software subscription fees.
Should I vibe-code or build my own Boxcryptor clone from scratch?+
Our build verdict for Boxcryptor is KINDA (the core, yes. the polish, no). Instead of paying recurring SaaS fees for Boxcryptor or rebuilding it from scratch, deploy one of the 2 battle-tested open-source alternatives like Cryptomator or Picocrypt.
What is the catch when switching from Boxcryptor to Cryptomator?+
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Boxcryptor.
