Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

FileVault VS Box

Compare FileVault VS Box and see what are their differences

FileVault logo FileVault

FileVault is a method of using encryption with volumes on Mac computers.

Box logo Box

Box offers secure content management and collaboration for individuals, teams and businesses, enabling secure file sharing and access to your files online.
  • FileVault Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-14
  • Box
    Image date //
    2025-01-11

FileVault features and specs

  • Enhanced Security
    FileVault uses XTS-AES-128 encryption with a 256-bit key to help prevent unauthorized access to the information on your startup disk.
  • Built-in Utility
    FileVault is integrated into macOS, which means no additional software is required, making it easy to set up and use.
  • Compatibility
    FileVault works seamlessly with other macOS features, including Time Machine backups and macOS updates.
  • Automatic Login Protection
    When FileVault is enabled, automatic login is disabled, adding an extra layer of security.
  • Remote Wipe Capabilities
    In case your Mac is lost or stolen, you can use Find My Mac to remotely wipe its data, ensuring your information remains secure.

Possible disadvantages of FileVault

  • Performance Impact
    Enabling FileVault may have a slight impact on system performance, especially on older machines.
  • Initial Encryption Time
    The initial encryption process can take several hours depending on the amount of data and speed of the Mac.
  • Complex Recovery
    If you forget your password and lose your recovery key, you may be unable to access your encrypted data.
  • Battery Consumption
    During the encryption and decryption processes, FileVault may consume more battery power.
  • Potential Software Conflicts
    Some third-party software may not work correctly with FileVault enabled, requiring users to seek alternative solutions or workarounds.

Box features and specs

  • Storage Capacity
    Box offers generous storage options, including unlimited storage for business plans, allowing organizations to handle large amounts of data seamlessly.
  • Collaboration Tools
    Box provides robust collaboration features, enabling multiple users to work on documents simultaneously, leave comments, and manage projects efficiently.
  • Security Features
    Box includes advanced security measures such as encryption, access controls, and compliance certifications (e.g., HIPAA, GDPR) to ensure data safety.
  • Integrations
    Box integrates with numerous third-party applications including Microsoft Office 365, Google Workspace, Salesforce, and Slack, making it versatile for various workflows.
  • User-friendly Interface
    Box has a clean and intuitive user interface, which simplifies the user experience for both new and seasoned users.
  • File Versioning
    Box keeps a history of file versions, so users can easily revert to previous versions if necessary.
  • Mobile Accessibility
    Box offers mobile apps for iOS and Android, allowing users to access files and collaborate on the go.

Possible disadvantages of Box

  • Cost
    Box can be relatively expensive compared to other cloud storage solutions, particularly for small businesses and freelancers.
  • File Size Limitations
    Box has file size upload limits, which may be restrictive for users needing to upload very large files.
  • Complexity for Beginners
    While feature-rich, Box's extensive functionalities can overwhelm new users who may face a steep learning curve.
  • Limited Offline Access
    Although Box provides offline access to files, its capabilities can be limited and sometimes unreliable compared to competitors.
  • Syncing Issues
    Some users have reported occasional issues with file syncing, which can disrupt workflow.
  • Customer Support
    While Box offers customer support, some users have reported that response times and the quality of support could be improved.

Analysis of FileVault

Overall verdict

  • FileVault is generally considered to be a good security feature for Mac users who want to enhance the privacy and security of their data. Its integration into macOS makes it a convenient choice for users who prioritize ease of use alongside strong security.

Why this product is good

  • FileVault is a disk encryption feature integrated into macOS that secures your data by encrypting the entire drive. It is praised for its seamless integration into the macOS system, ease of use, and ability to prevent unauthorized access in case your device is lost or stolen. This level of security is important for protecting sensitive information against unauthorized access.

Recommended for

  • Individuals who store sensitive personal information on their Macs.
  • Business professionals and organizations involved with confidential data.
  • Users who frequently travel with their laptops and risk losing their devices.
  • Anyone who desires an extra layer of security without third-party software complexity.

FileVault videos

FileVault: What Is It and Should You Use It?

More videos:

  • Review - Does FileVault Slow Down Macs?
  • Review - Understanding FileVault (MacMost #1827)

Box videos

Box Cloud Storage Review

More videos:

  • Review - I ~Honestly~ Review 8 Popular Subscription Boxes
  • Review - Butcher Box Unboxing & My Honest Review

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to FileVault and Box)
Security & Privacy
100 100%
0% 0
Cloud Storage
0 0%
100% 100
Encryption
100 100%
0% 0
File Sharing
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

Share your experience with using FileVault and Box. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
Log in or Post with

Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare FileVault and Box

FileVault Reviews

6 TrueCrypt Alternatives for Reliable Data Encryption
For Mac users, FileVault is a great alternative to TrueCrypt. FileVault is Apple’s macOS-native encryption software tool that comes standard with the latest operating systems. FileVault enables full startup disk encryption and protects data via password access. In fact, its password lockdown feature is so secure that even governmental agencies have been hard pressed to gain...
Best Disk Encryption Software – the 5 top tools to secure your data
Similar to Bitlocker, FileVault 2 has no option to create encrypted containers. That means once you’ve logged into your Macbook, all of the hard drive’s data is unencrypted and visible until the system is powered down.

Box Reviews

Best Top 12 MEGA Alternatives in 2024
For businesses and enterprises, Box provides scalable, enterprise-level cloud storage with robust collaboration and productivity features. It's a credible alternative for those seeking a professional solution.
The Best iPhone Transfer & Manager Software for 2022
Whether you have an iPhone or any other device, one of the options you can check out is Box. The designers of Box say that their unique selling point is the simplicity of the software. For instance, all you need, to transmit files of any size to anywhere, is a link. This means that you don’t necessarily need a Box account to use the software.
Google Drive alternatives: Best picks
With Box, you can create files that will instantly be shared with your teammates. They can then edit and comment on your documents in real time. The Box is probably one of the most integrated apps on this list, too. With over 1,000 leading software providers like Office 365, Salesforce and Adobe Sign, your teammates will be able to edit documents without leaving the...
Source: nordvpn.com
13 Best Free Dropbox Alternatives for File Sharing
Box provides enhanced features such as dedicated phone support, encrypted data transfer and storage. You can also integrate it with Salesforce.com and Google Apps. In addition, you can access it through tablets, Android phones, Blackberry, iPad and iPhone. They also have partnerships with mobile companies for apps which allow users to easily access their services. Box...
Source: brainyhubs.com
Top 11 Best Dropbox Alternatives in 2020: Which Is The Most Secure?
An additional metric for your review could be resources consumed by each program. DropBox is notorious for gobbling up a lot of your free memory. As I type this, it is using 143 threads and 357MB of my 8GB RAM on a MAC and it is not performing a synch. I would love to know which of your top choices was less RAM hungry than DropBox. It is the major reason I am looking to...

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Box seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 93 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

FileVault mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of FileVault yet. Tracking of FileVault recommendations started around Mar 2021.

Box mentions (93)

  • Ask HN: Who is hiring? (February 2025)
    Box | http://box.com | San Francisco Bay Area (US) | Warsaw (PL) | HYBRID Box, Inc. (NASDAQ: BOX) develops and markets cloud-based content management, collaboration, and file sharing tools for businesses. Several roles available spanning frontend and backend segments, mid-career reliability, observability, database, and productivity engineering roles. http://careers.box.com. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • Sharepoint Alternatives?
    I've used box.com with pretty good results, but expect to pay through the nose for the privilege. Source: over 2 years ago
  • I NEED HELP
    So I have all my mountain goats stuff on my Spotify local files, I found a random comment here from like 4 years ago with this guys box.com storage collection of all of his mountain goats songs, recently the link stopped working :( if anyone has it (i know its a pretty niche ask) I would love to have it back. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Now that Google Drive is starting to limit, what's your migration plan?
    Alright. Mind if I check with you a couple weeks from now to see how this turns out for you? I've never heard of box.com. I'm checking out their website now. Source: about 3 years ago
  • What is everyone’s opinion on these demos getting leaked?
    You would be surprised how stupid Label employees can be, they even give stuff that is "confidential" to unpaid interns to post on their internal pages like box.com or their disco.ac pages. I've seen so many demos, instrumentals and albums posted somewhere public because they got someone to do a half assed job at it. Source: about 3 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing FileVault and Box, you can also consider the following products

Microsoft BitLocker - BitLocker is a full disk encryption feature included with Windows Vista and later.

Dropbox - Online Sync and File Sharing

Now Platform - Get native platform intelligence, so you can predict, prioritize, and proactively manage the work that matters most with the NOW Platform from ServiceNow.

Google Drive - Access and sync your files anywhere

BoxCryptor - Boxcryptor encrypts your sensitive files before uploading them to cloud storage services like Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, Box, and many others.

Microsoft OneDrive - Secure access, sharing & file storage