When comparing dm-crypt via LUKS vs ecryptfs, 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 ecryptfs is ranked 10th. 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 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.
Pro Encrypt your home directory
The entire user home directory or folder inside can be encrypted and unlocked during login.
Cons
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.
Con No single file encryption
Can't request a single file be encrypted.