nwipe
nwipe: A free Linux disk wiper with parallel jobs, secure erase, verification and PDF certificates. Ranked #7 of 28 in Disk Wiping Software by our editors (8.6/10); pricing: Free plan; best for linux users needing free certified wiping.
At a glance
- Editor score8.6 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forLinux users needing free certified wiping
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Wipe scopeDisk
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Wipes one drive or multiple disks in parallel
- Supports ATA/NVMe secure erase and SSD sanitization
- Generates PDF erasure certificates with verification methods
Where it doesn't
- Linux-only platform support
- Command-line and ncurses interfaces require technical comfort
- Bootable use depends on the separate ShredOS environment
Our verdict on nwipe
nwipe is an open-source utility for securely erasing block devices on Linux. It is aimed at users who need disk-level wiping for internal drives, SSDs, NVMe devices or removable media, with support for one drive or multiple disks in parallel. The interface is available through the command line or ncurses, making it suitable for technical users and operational workflows that do not require a graphical desktop application. Its published capabilities include bootable-media use through ShredOS, a separate bootable environment containing nwipe.
For wiping methods, nwipe offers several overwrite options, including zero, one, random, DoD, Gutmann and HMG IS5. It also provides native ATA and NVMe secure-erase capabilities, alongside SSD and NVMe sanitization support. Configurable direct, cached and automatic I/O modes give administrators control over how data is processed. Verification methods are available for zero-filled and one-filled devices, and the software can generate PDF erasure certificates. This combination makes nwipe a practical fit when the workflow needs both erasure operations and an output document for recordkeeping.
The main trade-off is platform scope: nwipe is limited to Linux, and its bootable-media path is tied to the separate ShredOS environment. The command-line and ncurses interfaces also favor users comfortable with disk selection and system-level operations over buyers seeking a guided desktop experience. Choose nwipe when free, open-source Linux tooling, parallel disk wiping, secure-erase support and PDF certificates matter most. Consider an alternative when the requirement is cross-platform deployment or a more accessible graphical workflow.
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nwipe pricing
nwipe fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Wipe scope | Disk |
| Bootable media | Yes |
| SSD support | Yes |
| Removable media | Yes |
| Erasure reports | Yes |
| Verification mode | Certificate |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Linux |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | github.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to nwipe
- DriveWipeA broad open-source toolkit for verified disk wiping across major desktop platforms.9.4
- WipeOSA broad enterprise erasure platform with cryptographic reporting and cloud oversight.9.2
- Blancco Drive EraserA standards-focused erasure platform with certificates, automation, and enterprise integrations.9.0
nwipe vs the competition
- nwipe vs DriveWipe
- nwipe vs WipeOS
- nwipe vs Blancco Drive Eraser
- nwipe vs BitRaser Drive Eraser
- nwipe vs Active@ KillDisk
- nwipe vs HDShredder
Compare nwipe with any tool side by side →
Also Ranked In
nwipe is ranked in 4 of our directories.
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Featured on iTechGuides
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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