Eraser vs ShredIt
Eraser
besteraser.comShredIt
mireth.comSide by side
| Figure | Eraser | ShredIt |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Spec score · Secure File Shredding Software | 7.6 (#12) | 7.7 (#11) |
| Purpose | Eraser is a Windows security tool that overwrites sensitive data on hard drives using selected patterns. | ShredIt securely erases files, free space, and hard drives by overwriting data. |
| Support | The download page directs users to report nightly-build bugs on the Eraser Forum. | The maker provides manuals, FAQs, tutorials, and product support by email at [email protected]. |
Plans
In their own words
Eraser
Eraser is a free Windows security tool for overwriting sensitive data on drives. It can erase files and folders, previously deleted data, unused disk space and the current user’s Recycle Bin. Its methods include pseudorandom data and named overwrite schemes such as HMG IS5 and DoD 5220.22-M. Users can also define custom methods by choosing a number of passes and specifying text, hexadecimal or random data for those passes. A customizable scheduler handles recurring tasks and missed schedules. Optional Windows Explorer integration adds a context menu for supported items, and the help documentation lists a command line interface. The site lists support from Windows XP SP3 through Windows 11 and Server 2012–2025, and says Eraser works with drives supported by Windows. The download page cautions that erasure security has not been verified internally or externally and that the code may not remove all traces of files. Unused-space erasure on network drives may also require NAS knowledge and may not handle enforced quotas as expected, even when a task reports success. Eraser costs nothing.
ShredIt
ShredIt erases data by overwriting it, covering individual files and folders as well as deleted data, free space, and entire drives. It can also handle external drives, USB flash drives, and CD-RWs. Users can choose an overwrite pattern and set the number of overwrite passes; optional standards include DoD 5220, DoE, NSA, and Gutmann. Windows enables DoD 5220 Clear by default. Safety features include a pre-shred confirmation, Safe Place, and Don’t Panic for free-space erasure or disk wiping. Items can be added by dragging and dropping or choosing them from a menu, with a progress bar showing the operation. The maker offers a free trial, but trial files and folders are deleted rather than shredded. ShredIt is listed for Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows. The Windows and Mac apps each cost $24.95 as a one-time purchase. The maker’s download page lists ShredIt X v7.0.1 and ShredIt for Windows v6.0.0; Mac compatibility includes specified older releases as well as macOS 11 and 12.