When comparing AxCrypt vs dm-crypt via LUKS, the Slant community recommends AxCrypt for most people. In the question“What are the best file encryption tools?” AxCrypt is ranked 6th while dm-crypt via LUKS is ranked 8th. The most important reason people chose AxCrypt is:
Integrates with right-click menu for easy access.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Easy to use
Integrates with right-click menu for easy access.
Pro Self-extracting archives
AxCrypt can create encrypted archives that extract without requiring AxCrypt on the computer. So you can send a file to someone safely, they just need the password.
Pro Easy to share encrypted files
AxCrypt has a build in key sharing.
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 Android app is low quality
Con Supports all major plattforms
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.