When comparing BitLocker vs dm-crypt via LUKS, the Slant community recommends dm-crypt via LUKS for most people. In the question“What are the best file encryption tools?” dm-crypt via LUKS is ranked 8th while BitLocker is ranked 12th. The most important reason people chose dm-crypt via LUKS is:
Encrypt whole disks, removable media, software RAID, partitions, files and logical volumes.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Native Windows support
It offers the best integration, ease of use and support with Ultimate and Enterprise editions of Microsoft's Windows Vista and Windows 7, and with the Pro and Enterprise editions of Windows 8.
Pro Volume-based encryption
BitLocker allows encrypting an entire volume including the OS.
Pro Multiple authentication methods
You can use a combination of methods consisting of Trusted Platform Module, PIN, and a passphrase on a USB thumb stick.
Pro Flexible
Encrypt whole disks, removable media, software RAID, partitions, files and logical volumes.
Pro Native Linux support
It offers the best integration and ease of use on Linux.
Pro Free and open-source
Open-source for cryptography is a requirement, not just a bonus.
Pro Support for multiple keys/passwords
If several people should be able to decrypt a volume, each one can have their own password/key.
Cons
Con Proprietary
No public audits possible.
Microsoft could want or be legally required to puts backdoors without users knowledge.
Con Not available on Windows home versions
Con Requires advanced command line knowledge
In order to use dm-crypt you need to have advanced knowledge of Linux and of the command line, as well as the Linux filesystem.
However, most distros support easy creation of LUKS-encrypted drives when installing Linux transparently.