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OpenPGP

Open. Universal. Decentralized.

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OpenPGP is a non-proprietary format for authenticating or encrypting data using public key cryptography, based on the original PGP software created by Phil Zimmermann. It addresses the need for a standard, openly implementable way to sign and encrypt data, including email, without licensing fees. The format is specified in IETF RFCs and drafts, including RFC 9580 (OpenPGP), RFC 3156 (MIME Security with OpenPGP), and RFC 6091 (Using OpenPGP Keys for TLS Authentication), and has been updated for post-quantum cryptography.

OpenPGP defines a standard certificate format that supports webs of trust, and it is available for Windows, Mac OS, GNU/Linux, Android, and iOS. The standard is managed collaboratively via GitHub, with related resources covering Stateless OpenPGP and GnuPG. It is intended for anyone implementing or using public key cryptography for authentication and encryption, with no proprietary licensing required.

12 alternatives to OpenPGP

Ranked by how well each tool replaces OpenPGP: shared features, audience, price and popularity.

  1. GnuPG

    Command line tool for encrypting and signing data and communications.

    Covers 2 of 15 key features.

    Free planOpen source
    68 out of 100 matchContact sales

  2. Gpg4win

    A secure solution for file and email encryption.

    Covers 1 of 15 key features.

    Free planOpen source
    64 out of 100 matchFree

  3. Openwall

    Information Security software for open computing environments, related publications, and a

    Covers 7 of 15 key features.

    Free planOpen source
    63 out of 100 matchContact sales

  4. Mailvelope

    The envelope for your emails! Mailvelope adds end-to-end encryption to your webmail.

    Covers 6 of 15 key features.

    Free planOpen source
    61 out of 100 match$2.70/mo

  5. Enigmail

    A simple interface for OpenPGP email security

    Covers 2 of 15 key features.

    Free planOpen source
    60 out of 100 matchFree

  6. KeePass

    Free open source password manager. Passwords can be stored in an encrypted database, which

    Covers 2 of 15 key features.

    Free planOpen source
    57 out of 100 matchFree

  7. Pass

    The standard Unix password manager.

    Covers 3 of 15 key features.

    Free planOpen source
    56 out of 100 matchFree

  8. KeePassXC

    Cross-platform Password Manager

    Covers 5 of 15 key features.

    Free planOpen source
    56 out of 100 matchContact sales

  9. Guardian Project

    People, Apps and Code You Can Trust

    Covers 10 of 15 key features.

    Free planOpen source
    55 out of 100 matchFree

  10. Nitrokey

    Secure your digital life

    Covers 7 of 15 key features.

    Open source
    54 out of 100 match—

  11. Password Pusher

    Create encrypted, one-time links for passwords, API keys, and sensitive files that auto-ex

    Covers 6 of 15 key features.

    Free planOpen source
    54 out of 100 match$19/mo

  12. Passbolt

    Open source password & secret management for any business, any size.

    Covers 3 of 15 key features.

    Free planOpen source
    54 out of 100 match$4.90/mo