Hidden Folder vs VeraCrypt
VeraCrypt is free, open source disk encryption. Its site lists Windows, Mac OSX and Linux, and says a hidden volume provides plausible deniability. Hidden Folder is planned as a Mac app with a pattern lock and hidden vaults, and it is not released.
Free, open source disk encryption with hidden volumes.
Verdict. VeraCrypt is free, open source and offers hidden volumes today. This vault is a planned Mac app with a pattern lock, and it is not released.
Pick VeraCrypt if
- You want a free, open source tool today.
- You need volumes that work across Mac, Windows and Linux.
- You want to create volumes and hidden volumes yourself.
Pick Hidden Folder if
- You want an app made only for the Mac.
- You want a photo viewer inside the vault.
- You want a pattern lock and a recovery phrase.
| Feature | Hidden Folder | VeraCrypt |
|---|---|---|
| Native Mac app | ✓native macOS app, planned. Needs macOS 14 Sonoma or later | ◐a cross-platform app. Its downloads page lists macOS builds that work with macFUSE or with FUSE-T |
| Encrypts file contents | ✓AES-256-GCM, planned. Not yet audited | ✓its documentation lists AES with a 256-bit key, among other algorithms |
| Encrypts file names | ✓planned. Files get random names on disk, and metadata is encrypted | ✓its FAQ says the entire file system in a volume is encrypted, including file names and folder names |
| Works without an account | ✓planned. No account | –not stated on its site |
| Source code is open | ◐planned as open source (GPL-3.0). The source is not public yet | ✓its home page says "free open source" |
| Pattern unlock | ✓planned. 5×5 pattern | ✕its documentation describes passwords for volumes |
| Several hidden vaults, no list | ✓planned. Each pattern opens its own vault, with no vault list | ◐a hidden volume sits inside the free space of an outer volume, and the password you enter decides which one mounts, per its documentation |
| Duress mode | ◐planned for v1.1, paid plan | –not stated. Its site describes hidden volumes for plausible deniability |
| Encrypted cloud backup | ◐encrypted iCloud backup, planned for v1.0 | –not stated on its site |
| Analytics off by default | ✓planned. Off by default, opt-in | –not stated on the pages we read |
| Free to use | ◐a free tier and a paid plan are planned. Prices not final | ✓its home page calls it free and asks for donations |
Hidden Folder describes planned behaviour from its public spec. The app is not released. Facts about VeraCrypt were checked on Oct 30, 2026 against its own page. Not affiliated with VeraCrypt. Marks: yes, no, partly, not stated.
Two ideas of a hidden vault
VeraCrypt's documentation says a hidden volume is created inside the free space of another volume, and the password you enter decides which one mounts. This vault is planned to keep all vaults in one folder of random files, and the pattern decides which one opens.
Practical differences
- VeraCrypt volumes are encrypted virtual disks, held in a file or on a partition. This vault is planned to work on individual files with a viewer.
- Its downloads page lists separate macOS builds for macFUSE and for FUSE-T, and says the FUSE-T version is recommended for Macs with Apple silicon.
- Its documentation says the plausible deniability claim holds only if the instructions in the Volume Creation Wizard are followed.
- This app is not released and has not been audited.
Frequently asked questions
Does VeraCrypt work on Mac?
Its home page lists Mac OSX as supported. Its downloads page lists macOS (Monterey 12 and later) with a macFUSE build and a FUSE-T build. Check its site for current requirements.
Is VeraCrypt free?
Its home page calls it free and asks for donations. Its FAQ says you can run it free of charge if you comply with the VeraCrypt License.
Does VeraCrypt have a duress mode?
Its site describes hidden volumes for plausible deniability. The pages we read do not describe a wipe feature.
References
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