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Head-to-head · Secure File Shredding Software

SysTools File Shredder vs Kernel File Shredder

  • Updated Sep 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 7 checks side by side
Higher score SysTools File Shredder #3 in Secure File Shredding Software 7.7/10 Paid ✓ 3 of 6 features Visit SysTools
Kernel File Shredder #8 in Secure File Shredding Software 6.7/10 30-day trial ✓ 4 of 6 features Visit site

SysTools File Shredder leads on 1 check, Kernel File Shredder on 2, and 4 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

  • Highest scoreSysTools File Shredder · 7.7/10
  • Most featuresKernel File Shredder · 4 of 6

SysTools File Shredder scores higher on our rubric for secure file shredding software: 7.7 against 6.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #8.

Kernel File Shredder offers free-space shredding; SysTools File Shredder doesn't. Kernel File Shredder offers scheduled shredding; SysTools File Shredder doesn't publish it. SysTools File Shredder offers macos support; Kernel File Shredder doesn't.

SysTools File Shredder is the better fit for cross-platform buyers needing broad wiping. Kernel File Shredder is the better fit for windows users needing scheduled shredding.

  • SysTools File Shredder fits best

    Cross-platform buyers needing broad wiping

  • 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 SysTools File Shredder 7.7/10 Visit ↗ Kernel File Shredder 6.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 7.7 6.7
Ranking #3 in Secure File Shredding Software #8 in Secure File Shredding Software
Best for Cross-platform buyers needing broad wiping Windows users needing scheduled shredding
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price Not published Not published
Free plan — —
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows, macOS Windows
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features SysTools File Shredder 3/6 · Kernel File Shredder 4/6
Free-space shredding — ✓ (best)
Folder shredding ✓ ✓
Scheduled shredding Not published ✓ (best)
Windows support ✓ ✓
macOS support ✓ (best) —
Linux support — —
Specs
Shredding standards Gutmann Gutmann
Our review
Pros
  • Covers files, folders, free space, partitions, drives, and network/NAS folders
  • Supports Windows and macOS with HDD, SSD, USB, and memory-card erasure
  • Includes multiple standards, destruction reports, and 24/7 technical support
  • Scheduled shredding, saved jobs, and history logs
  • 11 algorithms, including DoD and Peter Gutmann
  • Shreds free space, Recycle Bin contents, and temporary files
Cons
  • There is no free plan
  • Deployment is limited to desktop software
  • Bulk licensing is priced per machine rather than as a single flat license
  • Works on Windows only
  • No free plan after the 30-day trial
  • Home License is limited to personal use
Our verdict

SysTools File Shredder is desktop software for permanently erasing files, folders, free space, partitions, drives, and storage media. It is aimed at individuals, businesses, and organizations handling confidential information, with support…

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. SysTools File ShredderSecure File Shredding Software 7.7Paid
  2. Kernel File ShredderSecure File Shredding Software 6.730-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • SysTools File Shredder — where it wins

    • Covers files, folders, free space, partitions, drives, and network/NAS folders
    • Supports Windows and macOS with HDD, SSD, USB, and memory-card erasure
    • Includes multiple standards, destruction reports, and 24/7 technical support

    Where it doesn't

    • There is no free plan
    • Deployment is limited to desktop software
    • Bulk licensing is priced per machine rather than as a single flat 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
  • SysTools File Shredder7.7/10 · Paid

    Broad desktop shredding for buyers who need file, drive, and free-space wiping.

    Visit SysToolsFull 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