Folder Lock vs Signal
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Folder Lock, from NewSoftwares.net, is a longstanding Windows file-security application that lets users lock, hide, and encrypt files and folders using AES 256-bit encryption. It creates password-protected encrypted lockers that can live on local drives as well as sync to cloud storage such as Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive, and it can send encrypted files by email in a self-contained format that recipients can open without installing the program. Beyond encryption, Folder Lock includes a file shredder for permanently deleting sensitive files and can clear Windows temporary files, clipboard data, program tracks, and media history. The vendor states it has more than 55 million users, and pricing is a flat one-time license (around $39.95) rather than a recurring subscription, with a free version also available.
Signal is a nonprofit messaging app focused on privacy, with end-to-end encryption for all messages and calls by default and minimal metadata collection. It is the recommended choice for private communication.
Free and open source, funded by donations.
- One-time license pricing rather than a recurring subscription
- Free version available to try core locking and hiding features before buying
- Encrypted lockers can sync to popular cloud storage providers
- Long track record with a large stated user base
- Best-in-class privacy
- E2E encryption by default
- Open source
- Free, no ads
- Primarily a Windows desktop product rather than cross-platform
- Encrypted email format (SITW) is proprietary rather than a common open standard
- Interface and feature set reflect an older-style Windows utility rather than a modern minimalist app
- Requires phone number
- Smaller network than WhatsApp
- Fewer bells and whistles
What reviewers say
Folder Lock Reviews
No reviews yet.
Signal Reviews
4.8 (4)Great messaging
Tried Signal recently. Free, no ads. Minor gripe: fewer bells and whistles. Would recommend.
Solid choice
We rolled out Signal last quarter. Free, no ads. No real complaints. Would recommend.
Solid choice
We rolled out Signal last quarter. Best-in-class privacy. No real complaints. Would recommend.
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Folder Lock
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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 Signal
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataSignal offers free, cross‑platform, end‑to‑end encrypted messaging, while Folder Lock provides paid Windows‑only file/folder encryption with cloud sync.
Key differences
- •Signal is a messaging app; Folder Lock encrypts files/folders/drives.
- •Signal is free and open source; Folder Lock is freemium with a paid license.
- •Signal works on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android; Folder Lock is Windows‑only.
- •Signal’s privacy model is end‑to‑end encryption by default; Folder Lock stores encrypted data locally and syncs to third‑party clouds.
- •Signal requires a phone number; Folder Lock does not require a phone number.
Pricing & value
Signal is completely free and funded by donations; Folder Lock has a freemium model with paid licenses.
Ease of use / learning curve
Folder Lock’s UI follows familiar Windows utility patterns; Signal’s cross‑platform setup may be less straightforward for non‑tech users.
Features & depth
Folder Lock encrypts files, folders, drives, offers cloud sync, email export, and a shredder; Signal only provides messaging and calls.
Integrations & ecosystem
Folder Lock syncs encrypted lockers to Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.; Signal has no third‑party integrations.
Collaboration
Signal enables real‑time encrypted chat and calls between users; Folder Lock focuses on personal file protection, not collaboration.
Scalability
Signal’s network scales globally for messaging; Folder Lock is limited to a single Windows machine per user.
Security & privacy
Signal uses default end‑to‑end encryption and minimal metadata; Folder Lock stores data locally and uses proprietary email format.
Choose Folder Lock if…
Windows users who need to protect local files/folders and want cloud backup with a one‑time license.
Choose Signal if…
Privacy‑focused individuals needing secure, cross‑platform messaging without cost.
Common questions
Is there any ongoing subscription cost?
Signal is free; Folder Lock offers a free tier but full features require a one‑time paid license.
Can I use the tool on macOS or Linux?
Signal runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android; Folder Lock is Windows‑only.
Which solution provides stronger privacy for communications?
Signal provides end‑to‑end encrypted messaging with minimal metadata, offering stronger privacy for communications than Folder Lock’s file encryption approach.