FileVault Alternative: Finderlock
FileVault encrypts everything or nothing. Finderlock gives you granular control — protect specific files and folders with Touch ID, not just your entire disk.
Try Finderlock FreeTL;DR
FileVault: Encrypts your entire disk. Great for device theft protection, but all-or-nothing. No granular control over individual files.
Finderlock: Protects specific files and folders with Touch ID. Right-click to lock in Finder, auto-lock timers, and menu bar access. Use both together for layered security.
Why Users Look for FileVault Alternatives
All-or-Nothing Encryption
FileVault encrypts your entire disk — you can't protect just your tax documents or client files. It's full-disk encryption or nothing.
No Selective Sharing
Can't share your Mac with family while protecting your work files. Once they log in, they have access to everything.
No Quick Lock/Unlock
FileVault only decrypts at login. Can't quickly lock specific files when stepping away from your Mac.
Performance Impact
On older Macs without Apple Silicon, FileVault can slow down disk operations noticeably.
Finderlock as a FileVault Alternative
Finderlock gives you what FileVault can't: granular, per-file protection with Touch ID, Finder integration, and auto-lock timers. Protect only what needs protection, not your entire disk.
Per-File Control
Protect individual files and folders, not your entire disk. Choose what needs encryption.
Touch ID Unlocking
Unlock protected files with Touch ID in seconds. No typing passwords every time.
Auto-Lock Timers
Files automatically lock after inactivity or when you close your Mac. Set it and forget it.
Finderlock vs FileVault: Key Differences
| Feature | Finderlock | FileVault |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption Scope | Per-file/folder (selective) | Full disk (all-or-nothing) |
| Touch ID Support | Login only | |
| Finder Integration | ||
| Auto-Lock Timers | ||
| Menu Bar Access | ||
| Quick Lock/Unlock | ||
| Selective Sharing | ||
| Device Theft Protection | Protected files only | |
| Encryption Standard | AES-256 | XTS-AES-128 |
| Price | Free - $39.99 | Free (built-in) |
Encryption Scope
Touch ID Support
Finder Integration
Auto-Lock Timers
Menu Bar Access
Quick Lock/Unlock
Selective Sharing
Device Theft Protection
Encryption Standard
Price
Detailed Feature Comparison
Encryption Scope
Encrypts your entire startup disk. Everything or nothing. Great for device theft protection, but you can't protect just your tax documents while leaving family photos unencrypted.
Protects individual files and folders. Right-click in Finder, choose "Protect with Finderlock," done. Only the files you choose are encrypted.
Finderlock wins for granular control. FileVault wins for full-disk device protection. Use both together for layered security.
Ease of Use
Enable once in System Settings, then it works in the background. Simple, but no per-file control.
Right-click any file or folder in Finder → "Protect with Finderlock" → Choose Touch ID or password → Done in 3 seconds.
Both are easy. FileVault is set-and-forget. Finderlock gives you control when you need it.
Touch ID Support
Touch ID works at login to decrypt your disk. After that, all files are accessible — no per-file Touch ID.
Unlock individual files with Touch ID. Protect tax docs with Touch ID, client files with password, personal files with Touch ID. Mix and match.
Finderlock wins. Per-file Touch ID unlocking is faster and more convenient for daily use.
Sharing Files
Can't share your Mac with family while protecting work files. Once they log in to their account, FileVault encrypts their files too, but you can't selectively protect files between accounts.
Protect your work folder with Touch ID. Share your Mac with family. They can't access your protected files, but everything else is accessible.
Finderlock wins for shared Macs. Selective protection is key.
Pricing Comparison
Finderlock
Free Forever
3 protected items, password authentication, 30-min auto-lock
$19.99 Basic
Unlimited protection, Touch ID, 2 Macs, custom auto-lock
$39.99 Pro
All Basic features, 5 Macs, bulk operations, advanced security
One-time payment. No subscription.
FileVault
Free (Built-in)
Full-disk encryption included with macOS
No paid tiers. All features included.
Who Should Choose Finderlock
- Need to protect specific files, not entire disk
- Share Mac with family but protect work files
- Want Touch ID unlocking for individual files
- Need auto-lock timers and smart triggers
- Prefer Finder integration and menu bar access
Who Should Stick with FileVault
- Need full-disk encryption for device theft
- Want set-and-forget security
- Don't need per-file control
- Already have FileVault enabled and satisfied
What FileVault Users Say About Switching
"I had FileVault enabled for years, but it didn't help when I needed to lock specific client folders. Finderlock gives me both — FileVault for device protection, Finderlock for daily file security."
— James M., Consultant
"FileVault couldn't protect my files when I shared my Mac with my kids. Finderlock lets me lock my work folder with Touch ID while they use everything else. Perfect solution."
— Rachel T., Designer
"I use both. FileVault for full-disk encryption, Finderlock for sensitive client files. Finderlock's auto-lock saved me when I forgot to manually lock a folder."
— David L., Freelancer
Using Both Together
You don't have to choose. Many users enable FileVault for device theft protection and use Finderlock for daily granular protection. Here's how:
Keep FileVault Enabled
FileVault protects your entire disk if your Mac is stolen. Leave it on.
Download Finderlock
Install Finderlock for per-file protection. Free plan works great for 3 files.
Protect Sensitive Files
Right-click your tax docs, client files, or personal folders → "Protect with Finderlock"
Set Auto-Lock Timers
Configure auto-lock in Finderlock settings. Files automatically lock after inactivity.
✓ Layered Security
FileVault protects if your Mac is stolen. Finderlock protects while you're using it. Best of both worlds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Finderlock and FileVault together?
Yes. They work perfectly together. FileVault encrypts your entire disk, Finderlock adds per-file protection on top. Many users enable both for layered security.
Will Finderlock slow down my Mac like FileVault?
No. Finderlock only encrypts the files you choose, not your entire disk. On modern Macs with Apple Silicon, neither FileVault nor Finderlock cause noticeable slowdown.
Does FileVault protect files when I'm logged in?
No. FileVault decrypts your entire disk at login. After that, all files are accessible. Finderlock keeps files locked until you explicitly unlock them with Touch ID.
What if I forget my FileVault recovery key?
You'll lose access to your entire disk. This is a known FileVault risk. With Finderlock, forgotten passwords only affect specific protected files, not your entire Mac.
Can I disable FileVault if I use Finderlock?
Yes, but we don't recommend it. FileVault protects against device theft (if your Mac is stolen). Finderlock protects while you're using it (if someone accesses your account). Use both for complete protection.
Try Finderlock as a FileVault Alternative
Get granular file protection with Touch ID. Free forever plan available. Works alongside FileVault.