# Best Boxcryptor Alternative to Encrypt Your Files in 2026 In this article - [What was Boxcryptor Used for?](#what-was-boxcryptor-used-for?) - [What Happened to Boxcryptor?](#what-happened-to-boxcryptor?) - [Boxcryptor and Dropbox : The Acquisition](#boxcryptor-and-dropbox-:-the-acquisition) - [Should You Still Use Dropbox After Boxcryptor?](#should-you-still-use-dropbox-after-boxcryptor?) - [What Is the Best Boxcryptor Alternative in 2026?](#what-is-the-best-boxcryptor-alternative-in-2026?) In this article- [What was Boxcryptor Used for?](#what-was-boxcryptor-used-for?) - [What Happened to Boxcryptor?](#what-happened-to-boxcryptor?) - [Boxcryptor and Dropbox : The Acquisition](#boxcryptor-and-dropbox-:-the-acquisition) - [Should You Still Use Dropbox After Boxcryptor?](#should-you-still-use-dropbox-after-boxcryptor?) - [What Is the Best Boxcryptor Alternative in 2026?](#what-is-the-best-boxcryptor-alternative-in-2026?) [Blog](/blog/)/Best Boxcryptor Alternative to Encrypt Your Files in 2026 Security # Boxcryptor is Gone : Boxcryptor Alternative To Protect Your Files August 13, 20268 min readWhile many legacy cloud storage providers offered convenience and storage capacity, not all could deliver the same level of security. This was one of the biggest reasons users opted for Boxcryptor, which allowed them to encrypt files before storing them with cloud storage providers. What began as the vision of two founders who wanted to securely store their own files in the cloud eventually became a solution used by thousands. This ability to use a [zero-knowledge security architecture](/zero-knowledge-encryption/) was lost when Boxcryptor was discontinued on December 31, 2025. In this guide, we will discuss how Boxcryptor slowly died and the role of [Dropbox](/alternatives/dropbox/) acquiring its key technological assets. Many users who are now looking for Boxcryptor alternatives can switch to encrypted cloud storage providers that offer [client side](/client-side-encryption/), [end-to-end encryption](/end-to-end-encryption/) by default. ## What was Boxcryptor Used for? Founded back in 2011 through a German company called Secomba GmbH, Boxcryptor was primarily used to encrypt files before uploading them to cloud storage. The thought cycle was simple, the founders Andrea Pfundmeier and Robert Freudenreich did not want to trust cloud storage providers with sensitive information. By encrypting the files before upload, it gave them peace of mind plus file privacy. For instance, Dropbox does not offer end-to-end encryption by default and uses server side encryption instead. You could then use Boxcryptor to encrypt your files locally on your device before storing it on Dropbox's server. In this manner, you could utilize the storage of such providers but the files stored there were encrypted by Boxcryptor before being uploaded. Thus, Boxcryptor did not function as a cloud storage server provider rather an application which added a layer of encryption upon existing storage. It was popular because it paved the way for a zero knowledge security architecture which is not inherent in platforms like [Google Drive](/alternatives/googledrive/), [OneDrive](/alternatives/onedrive/), Dropbox, etc. ## What Happened to Boxcryptor? On 29 November, 2022, the Dropbox team in a [notification](https://blog.dropbox.com/topics/company/dropbox-to-acquire-boxcryptor-assets-bring-end-to-end-encryption-to-business-users) stated that they've "signed an agreement to acquire several key assets from Boxcryptor, a provider of end-to-end "zero-knowledge" encryption for cloud storage services." The title itself stated that this would bring end-to-end encryption to business users. The plan was to " embed Boxcryptor's capabilities natively within Dropbox...adding an additional layer of security by encrypting files locally on their devices prior to syncing their content..." The final nail in the coffin came on 31 December, 2025, when Boxcryptor officially shut down its operations. The [main website read](https://boxcryptor.com/) : "As of December 31, 2025, Secomba GmbH i.L. has ceased all operational activities. As a result, the operation of Boxcryptor has also been discontinued." This left many people scrambling for a Boxcryptor alternative and other means to encrypt their data. ## Boxcryptor and Dropbox : The Acquisition Many people wrongly assume Dropbox signed an agreement and bought Boxcryptor entirely. This partnership did not mean a complete acquisition of Boxcryptor by Dropbox, rather only some asserts. Secomb, the parent company of Boxcryptor, continued operating the app for existing customers after selling parts of its technology. Existing customers of Boxcryptor did not get forcefully transferred to Dropbox rather remained customers of Secomba GmbH. No customer data, contracts or encryption keys were moved to Dropbox as per public knowledge. However, new accounts and new license purchases were stopped following the acquisition. Therefore, Dropbox did not shut Boxcryptor down. Rather, Boxcryptor ceased to exist as a standalone product. With several of its key technology assets acquired and new user registrations discontinued, Secomba GmbH eventually ceased its operational activities. However, [some users](https://community.dropbox.com/en/discussion/comment/693075#Comment_693075) felt that the transition happened quite abruptly and that no clear Boxcryptor alternative was provided. ## Should You Still Use Dropbox After Boxcryptor? A question that often arises in discussions surrounding Boxcryptor and Dropbox is whether users should continue using Dropbox. The answer is simple : you can still use Dropbox but everyone does not get client side, end-to-end encryption. As we have already observed while noting whether [Dropbox is secure or not](/blog/is-dropbox-secure/), end-to-end encryption is available only on its Advanced, Business Plus, and Enterprise plans. The very goal of Dropbox after acquiring Boxcryptor's key technological assets was to reserve such encryption for its business clients. That being said, while the encryption keys are stored on Dropbox's servers, it does not necessarily mean that employees are actively viewing your files. Nonetheless, if you are someone who prefers [secure cloud storage](/features/secure-cloud-storage/), Dropbox does not guarantee complete file privacy. ## What Is the Best Boxcryptor Alternative in 2026? When Boxcryptor stopped accepting new customers and gradually shut down all operations, many users were left scrambling for an alternative. Switching to legacy cloud storage platforms was not a desirable option since many users did not trust them with sensitive files in the first place. While many are experimenting with different encryption applications, we have a better solution to help [encrypt your files](/blog/how-to-encrypt-files/). When you use DragBin, your files are automatically encrypted locally on your device before being uploaded to our servers. This client side approach ensures that only you hold the decryption keys and nobody can see your data - not even DragBin. We offer complete metadata protection meaning your timestamps, folders, filenames, files, passwords, etc are not visible to us. Instead of using RSA/ECC for key exchange, we combine AES-256 symmetric encryption and quantum-resistant ML-KEM algorithms. [Post quantum encryption](/post-quantum-encryption/) helps combat active "[Harvest Now, Decrypt Later](/harvest-now-decrypt-later/)" threats which mere end-to-end encryption cannot combat alone. For more details about our security practices, you can read our detailed [whitepaper](/whitepaper/) to understand how we protect your files. Apart from impenetrable security, DragBin is the best Boxcryptor alternative which offers :- Unlimited sharing, unlimited bandwidth and unlimited file size uploads - Integrated global CDN for lightning fast downloads/uploads - [Advanced sharing management features](/features/secure-file-sharing/) and browser based video preview in 4k/8k Unlike other [cloud storage alternatives](/alternatives/) that offer client-side encryption only on higher subscription tiers, DragBin believes in the fundamental right to privacy and extends these security features to free users as well.[Get 25 GB Free](https://app.dragbin.com/signup) ### Is there any Boxcryptor alternative for Business? You can use [DragBin for Business](/business/) to consolidate all your files, creative work and databases into one consolidated space. Instead of per user pricing which increases cost for growing teams, we allow you to add unlimited users in one unified tier. Get a 5 TB storage pool in the beginning and enjoy pay-as-you go pricing, adding 1 TB for a cheaper rate.- Granular access logs and role based admin management - Virtual data rooms and encrypted e-sigantures - Multi layered disaster recovery and version history Apart from this, you also get video review and video approval tools, making it one of the best [cloud storage for videos](/features/cloud-storage-for-videos/) and [photos](/features/cloud-storage-for-photos/). Add integrations, segregate different departments and restrict access from employees anytime you want. For organizations who previously relied on Boxcryptor to encrypt sensitive files, DragBin for Business is the way to go.[Book a Demo](/contact/) Share this article Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare via EmailCopy link secure by design ## Experience end-to-end encryption with DragBin Protect your sensitive files with zero-knowledge, post-quantum encryption. Try DragBin and truly own your data. [Start free](https://app.dragbin.com/signup) Newsletter ## Stay updated on security trends The latest privacy and security insights, delivered to your inbox. Subscribe Keep reading ## Related articles [June 8, 2026-9 min read ### Is Dropbox Secure? Understanding Dropbox Security Features and Privacy Risks Is Dropbox secure? Explore Dropbox encryption methods, privacy practices, past breaches, e2ee and whether your files are truly private and protected or not. Read article](/blog/is-dropbox-secure/)[August 10, 2026-10 min read ### 7 Best Dropbox Alternatives in 2026 Discover the 7 best Dropbox alternatives in 2026. Compare storage, pricing, security, privacy, features and free plans to find the right cloud storage. Read article](/blog/dropbox-alternatives/)[July 17, 2026-6 min read ### How to Encrypt Files: Protect Every File Before You Share Learn how to encrypt files on Windows Mac, iPhone and before cloud storage. Protect sensitive data with password encryption and simple steps. Read article](/blog/how-to-encrypt-files/) --- Canonical: https://www.dragbin.com/blog/boxcryptor-alternative