FileVault Reviews

Pros

One thing that really stands out is how secure this platform feels. It gives me a simple way to share large files while keeping everything protected.

Cons

The drawback is that I still can't access the files from my phone since there isn't a mobile app available.

Pros

Having that extra layer of protection built right into the computer is a big plus for me, especially since it comes included at no cost. Compared with paid options, there's honestly not much for me to complain about, as long as Apple doesn't keep cutting corners with its products.

Cons

Apple used to have a reputation for dependable computers and standout products. Since Tim Cook took over after Steve Jobs' passing, though, the company feels like it has declined. I wish I didn't have to rely on this app but even the level of security it offers is still helpful.

Pros

Having one app that can lock down almost any type of file is a big advantage for me. It offers very strong encryption for files, folders, images, documents and basically any personal data I want to protect and it works across Apple devices which makes it very convenient for me. The app is also very easy to use, so I do not need technical expertise to secure my information. Compared with other data protection tools that feel overly complicated and seem built only for IT professionals, this one keeps the process simple and accessible for anyone like me.

Cons

One downside is that if it is not used correctly, it can interfere with certain computer functions on the device where it is installed. In some cases, it may affect system files, mark them as obsolete and leave them damaged. Fixing that kind of issue can require a more advanced level of computer knowledge, especially if a startup file or a related system file was protected with the app beforehand. Still, these are problems that can happen with software in this category and they can usually be resolved without too much trouble.

Pros

If you need to encrypt a Mac drive, it makes sense for me to start with the built-in option unless I have very specific requirements. It also works as a boot lock which adds another layer of protection to the system. And when you pair it with Jamf, encrypting an entire fleet of Macs can be handled in a fully automated way for us.

Cons

Handling multiple users is where it gets frustrating. That really highlights how much Apple designs for individual use instead of corporate environments. If you're trying to encrypt shared machines, like walk-up systems or student lab computers and still preserve the integrity of the encrypted files, you'll end up needing some workarounds and hacks.

Pros

As a Mac user who doesn't spend much time on PCs, having a tool that lets me encrypt my data on my MacBook is something I really appreciate. It handles everything in the background which is a big plus for me because I can keep using my computer without having to stop and wait for the process to finish.

Cons

Not a con but it it does seem to use a fair amount of system resources. Newer Macs can definitely handle it but over time I've noticed what feels like a slight impact on my battery life.

Pros

Once this is turned on, every file on my Mac's startup drive gets encrypted at the disk level using AES, with 128-bit blocks and a 256-bit encryption key. Those are the standards recommended by NIST, so it feels like a reliable baseline for me for storing all client data securely.

Cons

The downside is that the Mac's performance can slow down because the processor is busy handling encryption and decryption which takes away some of the system's available power.

Pros

Starting out couldn't be much more easy for me since there's basically just one button to begin. The app does a very good job explaining what it's going to do with my storage drive which makes the whole process feel transparent. I also appreciate that I can keep using my computer while the encryption runs in the background and decrypting everything is just as simple and direct for me.

Cons

I honestly haven't run into any real downsides with this program. If I had to point out anything, disabling it does seem to take a bit longer to fully finish processing but that also feels pretty reasonable given what the software is doing.

Pros

Right from the start it has had almost no noticeable performance impact for me, to the point that the system feels like encryption is not even running in the background. If I enable it before I begin getting used to the system, that will likely be my experience as well. Even with it turned on, I can still reach around 2.833GB/sec write speeds and 2.46GB/sec read speeds. It also includes critical personal recovery options that I need to understand and follow carefully. On top of that, it uses very strong encryption standards that should keep nearly anyone out of my data aside from state-level actors.

Cons

One thing still missing is a true enterprise-wide management option from Apple. Third-party vendors help cover a lot of that gap but it would carry more weight if Apple supported this directly and provided a clearer long-term path for managing it.

Pros

Ever since I got my first Mac, this has been one of those features I've consistently relied on. I'm on my fourth Mac now across both personal and work use and it's always been reassuring for me to know that from the moment I powered each one on, everything on the drive was encrypted. It works easily, feels effortless to use and is integrated really well into the OS preferences.

Cons

Recently I've been sharing one of my laptops and I do wish it offered more granular permission controls. Right now, the options seem pretty limited, since it only lets you choose requiring the admin password for access to broader system-wide preferences.

Pros

Having it included right in the OS is a big plus for me. It makes administration much more convenient and working with it feels easy for me. There's nothing extra to purchase or install since it's already available and ready to use.

Cons

Initial drive encryption does take some time to complete but once that first process is done, performance feels just as fast as running without encryption.