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Head-to-head · Secure File Shredding Software

ASCOMP Secure Eraser vs Kernel File Shredder

  • Updated Sep 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 7 checks side by side
ASCOMP Secure Eraser #7 in Secure File Shredding Software 6.7/10 Free plan · paid from $29.90 Free plan✓ 0 of 6 features Visit ASCOMP
Kernel File Shredder #8 in Secure File Shredding Software 6.7/10 30-day trial ✓ 4 of 6 features Visit site

ASCOMP Secure Eraser leads on 1 check, Kernel File Shredder on 4, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 7 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Free planonly ASCOMP Secure Eraser
  • Most featuresKernel File Shredder · 4 of 6

ASCOMP Secure Eraser and Kernel File Shredder score identically on our rubric (6.7 out of 10) for secure file shredding software; ASCOMP Secure Eraser sits at #7 and Kernel File Shredder at #8 in our editorial ranking, so the choice comes down to fit.

ASCOMP Secure Eraser offers free plan; Kernel File Shredder doesn't. Kernel File Shredder offers free-space shredding; ASCOMP Secure Eraser doesn't publish it. Kernel File Shredder offers folder shredding; ASCOMP Secure Eraser doesn't publish it. Kernel File Shredder offers scheduled shredding; ASCOMP Secure Eraser doesn't publish it. Kernel File Shredder offers windows support; ASCOMP Secure Eraser doesn't publish it.

ASCOMP Secure Eraser is the better fit for windows users wanting certified erasure. Kernel File Shredder is the better fit for windows users needing scheduled shredding.

  • ASCOMP Secure Eraser fits best

    Windows users wanting certified erasure

  • Kernel File Shredder fits best

    Windows users needing scheduled shredding

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. We may earn a commission when you click some links. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature ASCOMP Secure Eraser 6.7/10 Visit ↗ Kernel File Shredder 6.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 6.7 6.7
Ranking #7 in Secure File Shredding Software #8 in Secure File Shredding Software
Best for Windows users wanting certified erasure Windows users needing scheduled shredding
Pricing model Free plan + paid Paid
Starting price $29.9one-time Not published
Free plan ✓ (best) —
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows Windows
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features ASCOMP Secure Eraser 0/6 · Kernel File Shredder 4/6
Free-space shredding Not published ✓ (best)
Folder shredding Not published ✓ (best)
Scheduled shredding Not published ✓ (best)
Windows support Not published ✓ (best)
macOS support Not published —
Linux support Not published —
Specs
Shredding standards Not published Gutmann
Our review
Pros
  • Wipes files, folders, partitions, drives, free space, and deleted data
  • Offers five methods, including NIST SP 800-88-aligned erasure
  • Includes a free personal-use edition with optional deletion logs
  • Scheduled shredding, saved jobs, and history logs
  • 11 algorithms, including DoD and Peter Gutmann
  • Shreds free space, Recycle Bin contents, and temporary files
Cons
  • Windows-only support limits use across mixed-device environments
  • Targeted overwriting of used SSD areas is not possible
  • Business use requires a Professional Edition license
  • Works on Windows only
  • No free plan after the 30-day trial
  • Home License is limited to personal use
Our verdict

ASCOMP Secure Eraser is Windows software for permanently deleting sensitive data from files, folders, drives, partitions, free space, the recycle bin, and browsing traces. It is aimed at personal users who want more control than ordinary…

Read the review →

Kernel File Shredder is a Windows desktop utility for deleting selected files and folders so they cannot be recovered with standard data-recovery tools. It also handles Recycle Bin contents, temporary system files, useless files, and…

Read the review →
  1. ASCOMP Secure EraserSecure File Shredding Software 6.7Free plan · paid from $29.90
  2. Kernel File ShredderSecure File Shredding Software 6.730-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • ASCOMP Secure Eraser — where it wins

    • Wipes files, folders, partitions, drives, free space, and deleted data
    • Offers five methods, including NIST SP 800-88-aligned erasure
    • Includes a free personal-use edition with optional deletion logs

    Where it doesn't

    • Windows-only support limits use across mixed-device environments
    • Targeted overwriting of used SSD areas is not possible
    • Business use requires a Professional Edition license

  • Kernel File Shredder — where it wins

    • Scheduled shredding, saved jobs, and history logs
    • 11 algorithms, including DoD and Peter Gutmann
    • Shreds free space, Recycle Bin contents, and temporary files

    Where it doesn't

    • Works on Windows only
    • No free plan after the 30-day trial
    • Home License is limited to personal use
  • ASCOMP Secure Eraser6.7/10 · Free plan · paid from $29.90

    A capable Windows shredder with broad wiping options and a useful free edition.

    Visit ASCOMPFull verdict →
  • Kernel File Shredder6.7/10 · 30-day trial

    A Windows-only shredder with scheduled tasks, 11 algorithms, and saved jobs.

    Visit siteFull verdict →

More comparisons

All secure file shredding software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026

Last updated · How we research and update