Best CLI Tools for Encrypting Files and Configuration
Compare age, sops, git-crypt: workflows, strengths and tradeoffs.
Updated
short verdict
Choose age if you need to encrypt a file for explicit recipients. Choose sops if you maintain encrypted configuration files. Choose git-crypt if you want selected repository files encrypted through Git.
Start with the task and destination, then choose the interface and configuration that fit. The picks below cover different workflows.
Choose age if you need to encrypt a file for explicit recipients.
best for
- You need to encrypt a file for explicit recipients
strengths
- Works with recipient keys and passphrases
- Fits file-oriented shell workflows
weaknesses
- You must manage recipient identities and retain the decryption keys.
Choose sops if you maintain encrypted configuration files.
best for
- You maintain encrypted configuration files
strengths
- Works with YAML, JSON and other configuration formats
- Supports several key backends, including age
weaknesses
- Key-backend access and recipient configuration need to be maintained.
Choose git-crypt if you want selected repository files encrypted through Git.
best for
- You want selected repository files encrypted through Git
strengths
- Selects encrypted files through repository attributes
- Encrypts on commit and decrypts on checkout
weaknesses
- The encryption workflow is tied to Git operations and repository key access.
Choose by workflow
- age: you need to encrypt a file for explicit recipients.
- sops: you maintain encrypted configuration files.
- git-crypt: you want selected repository files encrypted through Git.
Before adopting a tool
- age: You must manage recipient identities and retain the decryption keys.
- sops: Key-backend access and recipient configuration need to be maintained.
- git-crypt: The encryption workflow is tied to Git operations and repository key access.
FAQ
- Are these tools interchangeable?
- They overlap in the overall job, but their inputs and workflows differ. Choose age if you need to encrypt a file for explicit recipients. Choose sops if you maintain encrypted configuration files. Choose git-crypt if you want selected repository files encrypted through Git.
- What should I check before using one?
- Try the workflow on a small fixture and confirm the platform, configuration and permissions you need. You must manage recipient identities and retain the decryption keys.