SteadyMount's answer

SteadyMount uses Apple's File Provider API (NSFileProviderReplicatedExtension) instead of a FUSE kernel extension, the same approach iCloud Drive uses. That means no kernel extension install, no Recovery-mode reboots, and files download on demand rather than syncing the whole remote server locally. The mount also self-heals: when macOS pauses the extension to save power, or a connection drops, SteadyMount reconnects silently instead of showing a "server disconnected" popup. And it's a one-time purchase with no subscription.

Axcrypt's answer:

1. Truly Easy File Encryption

AxCrypt keeps encryption simple—right-click a file, encrypt it, and you’re done. No complicated setup, no confusing options.

2. Automatic Cloud Protection

It works seamlessly with Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, and other cloud folders. Files get encrypted before they sync, keeping your cloud data safe.

3. Built-In Password Manager

Unlike most encryption tools, AxCrypt includes a secure password manager, so you can protect documents and store passwords in the same app.

4. Strong AES-256 Security

AxCrypt uses industry-standard AES-256 encryption with modern key handling—trusted by professionals for protecting sensitive data.

5. Secure File Sharing

You can share encrypted files with others securely using their AxCrypt ID, without exposing passwords.

6. Multi-platform Support

Available on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, so your encrypted files stay accessible anywhere.

7. Proven and Trusted

AxCrypt has been around for years, is widely reviewed, and is known for its stability and reliability—making it trusted by individuals and companies.

8. Open and Transparent

AxCrypt’s core design and encryption approach are transparent, unlike some alternatives that lack independent verification or a track record.

SteadyMount's answer

The closest comparable tool is Mountain Duck, which moved existing perpetual-license customers onto a subscription in late 2025 and caused real backlash. SteadyMount is a one-time purchase instead: free for the first 30 days, then one connection stays free permanently, or $27.99 unlocks unlimited connections with no recurring fee. Compared to free options like macFUSE + sshfs or rclone mount, SteadyMount needs no kernel extension and doesn't show the disconnect popups those tools are known for, because it's built on Apple's native File Provider API.

Axcrypt's answer:

• Choose AxCrypt for unmatched simplicity with real AES-256 security.

• Pick AxCrypt when you want encryption that just works—right-click and protect.

• Go with AxCrypt for automatic cloud-safe protection across all your devices.

• Use AxCrypt to share encrypted files securely without exposing passwords.

• Choose AxCrypt for built-in password management + strong file encryption in one app.

• Trust AxCrypt when you need proven, reliable, long-standing encryption—not experimental tools.

• Choose AxCrypt for excellent customer support that actually responds and solves your issue.

SteadyMount's answer

Mac users who need to work with files on a remote SFTP or WebDAV server as if they were local: developers deploying to a VPS, web developers editing files on shared hosting, self-hosters, and sysadmins. Also anyone who was using Mountain Duck before its 2025 subscription change and wants a one-time-purchase alternative that behaves the same way in Finder.

Axcrypt's answer:

• Personal users protecting documents like IDs, financial papers, medical files, and cloud backups.

• Professionals & freelancers who share confidential files with clients and need secure workflows.

• Small businesses & teams needing quick, dependable file-level encryption without enterprise complexity.

• Non-technical users who want strong protection but prefer a clean, simple interface.

SteadyMount's answer

The macFUSE-based tools that used to be the standard way to mount SFTP on a Mac (osxfuse + sshfs, rclone mount) became increasingly painful: macFUSE was pulled from Homebrew, kernel extension installs meant Recovery-mode reboots, and mounts routinely threw disconnect popups. Around the same time, Mountain Duck, the main app using Apple's newer File Provider API instead of FUSE, moved existing perpetual-license customers onto a subscription. SteadyMount was built to combine the File Provider approach (no kernel extension, no disconnect popups) with a one-time purchase instead of a subscription.

SteadyMount's answer

Swift and SwiftUI for the menu bar app. Apple's File Provider API (NSFileProviderReplicatedExtension) running in a sandboxed XPC extension for the actual mounting. Citadel (a Swift SSH library built on SwiftNIO) for the SFTP backend, and URLSession with custom WebDAV methods (PROPFIND, PUT, MKCOL, MOVE, DELETE) for the WebDAV backend. Credentials are stored in the macOS Keychain, shared across the app and extension via an App Group.