Best Encrypted Hard Drives

Review & Comparison, Last Update February 23, 2024
Is your data important to you? Then, you need to keep it protected from intruders. With these encrypted hard drives, you'll be able ...Read more
PROS

You're able to create 5 accounts (1 admin and up to 4 user modes). Each account will have an individual password. This way, you'll be able to share the drive but keep it secure at the same time. 

CONS

The power cable is a little short. 

OUR VERDICT

The biggest difference between this model and your average encrypted hard drive is that it is protected not just from virtual threats but physical too. Its ABS plastic body with tough epoxy coating makes sure that the components will be able to withstand practically any physical threat. 

detailed parameters
Type

HDD

Capacity

1TB (500GB and 2GB also available)

Interface

USB 3.0

Protection

256-bit AES XTS encryption, Brute-Force Self-Destruct feature, Wear-resistant keypad, Tough epoxy coating (sealed from physical attacks)

Dimensions

4.5" x 0.75" x 3.25"

Warranty

3 years

PROS

The model is compatible with the DataLock user authentication app. The app is available for Android and iOS. Using this application, you'll be able to control your HDD remotely, including the ability to lock and unlock the drive via your smartphone. The app will allow you to access the activity history. 

CONS

The HDD starts to heat up after some time. 

OUR VERDICT

SecureData SecureDriveBT comes armed with every single protection feature and security system in the book. On top of that, the model incorporates its very own means of shielding your data and the device from any uninvited third-party intruders. As far as we're concerned, this is probably the most secure encrypted hard drive today. 

detailed parameters
Type

HDD

Capacity

1TB

Interface

USB 3.0

Protection

256-bit AES XTS encryption, Unlock via smartphone (iOS/Android compatible), Pre-loaded with ESET real-time Heuristic Scanning (1-year license), Brute-Force Self-Destruct feature, Remote Management ready, Remote Wipe option

Dimensions

5" x 0.5" x 3"

Warranty

2 years

PROS

This little encrypted drive comes equipped with its very own 32-bit high-end controller chip. The chip makes it possible to match the USB 3.0 transfer rate. You input the wrong password 10 times in a row and the device triggers the anti-hack function, erasing every bit of data from the partition. 

CONS

The read and write speeds are relatively unimpressive. 

OUR VERDICT

Netac K390 is a particularly well-balanced product and one of the better encrypted hard drives in its price range. The model follows the military standard 256-bit AES XTS encryption protocol. You'll be able to create 15-digit passwords.

detailed parameters
Type

HDD

Capacity

1TB

Interface

USB 3.0

Protection

256-bit AES XTS encryption, Brute-Force Self-Destruct feature, Wear-resistant keypad, 32-bit high-end controller chip

Dimensions

5.1" x 0.7" x 3.2"

Warranty

1 year

PROS

The drive's access times are somewhere around 100 times faster compared to the fastest HDD. It comes pre-loaded with ESET real-time Heuristic Scanning software. This antivirus will keep your data trojan- and virus-free for a full year. The model is much more resistant to shock and vibrations. 

CONS

The digits on the keypad aren't wear-resistant. 

OUR VERDICT

SecureData SecureDriveKP is a solid-state drive. It is a lot faster than your average encrypted hard drive and, in some ways, more secure. However, it is also a little more expensive and its storage capacity is limited compared to that average HDD.

detailed parameters
Type

SSD

Capacity

250GB (500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, and 8TB also available)

Interface

USB 3.0

Protection

56-bit AES XTS encryption, Pre-loaded with ESET real-time Heuristic Scanning (1-year license), Brute-Force Self-Destruct feature

Dimensions

5" x 0.5" x 3"

Warranty

2 years

PROS

The device incorporates an auto-lock feature that locks the model whenever it is inactive for 10 minutes straight. You won't have to deal with any extra software. The LED indicators on the front keep you informed about the drive's status. 

CONS

The longest available password is 12 digits short. 

OUR VERDICT

Fantom Drives DSH1000 is a mid-range encrypted hard drive that comes at a budget price. The model allows you to keep your data secure and protected without a substantial financial investment on your part. Plus, it is really compact.

detailed parameters
Type

HDD

Capacity

1TB (500GB and 2TB also available)

Interface

USB 3.0

Protection

256-bit AES XTS encryption, Brute-Force Self-Destruct feature, Wear-resistant keypad, Auto-lock feature

Dimensions

4.7" x 1" x 3"

Warranty

2 years

Encrypted Drives Encrypted Hard Drives

Type and Data Transfer Rate

The portable encrypted hard drive is offered in several capacity options: 500GB, 1TB, 2TB. Such a choice allows you to use this drive as an expansion memory for your laptop or PC. This model is a perfect choice for those who need to carry the drive around. The reason is that the Apricorn A25-3PL256-1000 is powered via a USB interface and doesn't require any additional cables. Hence, you can connect your encrypted hard drive to any PC wherever you are.

The Apricorn A25-3PL256-1000 features great write (145 MB/sec) / read (160 MB/sec) speed and it boasts USB 3.0 support. But, just like other ordinary hard drives, this one shows the spindle rotation speed of 5400RPM and the cache memory of 8 Mb. It is quite enough for a convenient use of the drive. Additionally, the Apricorn A25-3PL256-1000 is suitable for connection to your TV. Now you can watch movies right from the drive and be sure that a video will be reproduced without lags.

Design and Protection

Regardless of the capacity, the drive has small dimensions of 4.5 x 0.8 x 3.2 inches and weighs only 8 oz. Such parameters make this device quite portable and perfect for people who travel a lot. What is important, the integrated USB cable solves the problem of losing a cable and ensures that the cable is always at hand. The drive is protected from drops owing to the shock mounting system. And finally, the wear-resistant keypad will never prompt a hacker the commonly used buttons.

The 256-bit AES-XTS encryption algorithm efficiently secures your data on the drive. In case a thief tries to directly hook up to your disc, all the chips in the drive are sealed with epoxy coating to avoid any physical attack. The Apricorn A25-3PL256-1000 features an auto-lock feature, so you can preset the time of the automatic shut-off. This very drive is perfect for corporate use as it allows enrolling of up to 5 unique user passwords and 1 admin password.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $177.32
Stock In stock
ASIN B007JGB0EI

VIDEO

What customers say about this product

Size & Weight(4.8)

Good size; unlike a thumb drive it is hard to lose in a purse or briefcase.

Features(4.6)

Multiple passwords allow up to ten persons to enter their own password using the alpha-numeric keys. This is very convenient if you want to use your Windows password to access the drive.

Every Part is Under Protection

The SecureData SecureDriveBT is many things. First and foremost, the model is about as secure and protected as they come. But the difference here is that this encrypted hard drive is also a lot more practical and convenient than your average device like that.

As far as we're aware, this is the only encrypted HDD on the market today that is compatible with the DataLock user authentication app. The app is available for Android and iOS. Using this application, you'll be able to lock and unlock your encrypted drive remotely.

Another not-so-little detail here that separates the model is the fact that it doesn't just protect and secure your data but crypto parameters and user data as well. The HDD comes equipped with an independent processor, cryptoprocessor, and many other security components that are able to create an impenetrable virtual shield.

Every vital electronics' piece here is covered with a tough epoxy coating, practically cementing these critical components in an indistinguishable solid capsule.

It is a smart move on the manufacturer's part because, while this material (epoxy) is virtually impossible to remove without critically damaging the independent components, it doesn't affect each components' functionality nor reduce the overall performance. The "only" thing it does is make these electronics impossible to separate and reverse engineer.

Long story short, the SecureData SecureDriveBT comes armed with every single protection feature and security system in the book. On top of that, the model incorporates its very own means of shielding your data and the device from any uninvited third-party intruders.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $259.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B07F219DMS

Anti-Hack Drive

The Netac K390 has its fair share of advantages. But the biggest one has to be the price. Less than a hundred bucks for an encrypted hard drive that does not trail behind its more expensive counterparts on the security front is a steal in our book. With that out of the way, let's tackle that "security front" a little closer.

As it is usually the case, the model follows the military standard 256-bit AES XTS encryption protocol.

On top of that, this little encrypted drive comes equipped with its very own 32-bit high-end controller chip. The chip makes it possible to match the USB 3.0 transfer rate. It takes the model around 9 seconds to encrypt a 1GB file, where your average HDD like that will take 12 seconds at least.

The anti-hack function deserves a little attention too. You input the wrong password 10 times in a row and the device triggers the said function, erasing every bit of data from the partition. It is a great function but, as you would imagine, you'll have to make sure to remember the password because the erased data will be untraceable/irreplaceable.

Other than that, it's the little things like the fact that the keypad is wear-resistant or that you're able to create 15-digit passwords.

All in all, the Netac K390 is a particularly well-balanced product and one of the better encrypted hard drives in its price range. It will be able to keep your data nice and safe without inconveniencing you along the way.

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B075TSGGMC

Keeping Your Data in a Solid State

The SecureData SecureDriveKP is a little different from every other product on the list. The difference is that the model is as encrypted as the next drive but it isn't really that "hard". To put it a little differently, this is a solid-state drive (SSD), not a hard drive (HDD). With that comes the usual SSD advantages and disadvantages.

The biggest advantage is speed. The model immediately loads every data bit. Your average SSD access times are somewhere around 100 times faster compared to the fastest HDD.

The biggest disadvantage is the price-capacity ratio. Generally speaking, a 250GB SSD will cost you around one buck per every gigabyte. An HDD, on the other hand, will be noticeably cheaper. You can buy a decent encrypted hard drive for 100 bucks.

That being said, speed isn't the only thing that the model has going for it. Among other things, the drive comes pre-loaded with ESET real-time Heuristic Scanning software. This antivirus will keep your data trojan- and virus-free for a full year. After that, you can easily renew the license.

On top of that, SSDs are much more resistant to shock and vibrations, so your data will be better protected against physical threats.

In other words, SecureData SecureDriveKP is a solid-state drive. It is a lot faster than your average encrypted hard drive and, in some ways, more secure. However, it is also a little more expensive and its storage capacity is limited compared to that average HDD.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $205.71
Stock In stock
ASIN B07FZCDK3T

Budget Price with Mid-Range Specs

The Fantom Drives DSH1000 is one of the most affordable encrypted hard drives on the market today. It's not necessarily that cheap compared to your typical mid-range encrypted partition but its functionality isn't cheap either.

The drive adheres with the 256-bit AES XTS encryption protocol. It comes armed with a nice little auto-lock feature that locks the model whenever it is inactive for 10 minutes straight. As per usual, the Brute-Force Self-Destruct feature is there as well, making sure the hard drive doesn't fall victim to brute-force attacks.

The model isn't simple but its user interaction part is. You won't have to deal with any additional software. The hard drive is about as straightforward as they come. The LED indicators on the front keep you informed about the model's status.

The only real issue we have with the drive is that the longest available password here is just 12 digits short. That being said, 12 digits is usually more than enough, provided you don't go with twelve 5s or anything like that.

As far as the physical aspect is concerned, we really like the wear-resistant engraved keys on the keypad. We also like the model's 4.7" x 1" x 3" overall dimensions, a little smaller than your average encrypted HDD.

All things considered, the Fantom Drives DSH1000 is a mid-range encrypted hard drive that comes at a budget price. The model allows you to keep your data secure and protected without a substantial financial investment on your part. Plus, it is really compact.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $97.95
Stock In stock
ASIN B017EVS5RW

What Is an Encrypted Hard Drive?

In today's digital world, information is power. Your finances, your personal records at work, your medical records, everything these days is digital, everything is information one way or the other. You need to keep that data protected and, with an encrypted hard drive, you should be able to do just that.

The biggest difference between these drives and your typical HDD is that they are portable and, more importantly, come equipped with many additional security systems and digital/physical protection features. More often than not, these encrypted drives come equipped with a keypad that lets you access the data. Sometimes, you'll be able to control a drive like that remotely through your smartphone. Certain models come already armed with antivirus software.

Other than that, it is the usual parameters that differentiate hard drives, including but not limited to RPM, storage capacity, size, etc. Keep these in mind and you'll be able to choose an encrypted HDD that is as safe and secure as it is practical and convenient.

A hard drive is too much for you? Consider one of these encrypted flash drives. Don't care for cloud storage solutions and like to keep your digital collection stored on physical drives? These hard drive enclosures should fit you to a tee.

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