When comparing TrueCrypt 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 TrueCrypt is ranked 20th. 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 Can encrypt entire disks
Other than volumes and folders, TrueCrypt can encrypt whole disks too, including the system disk.
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 Abandoned
As of May 28th, TrueCrypt is abandonware. The website warns that using the software might not be secure and suggests moving to BitLocker. The source code is available and there are rumors of an official fork.
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.