6 hardware-encrypted portable hard drives and SSDs — I've used PIN-protected storage for years and these are the ones I trust to keep my data secure

These drives will lock your personal content away from snoopers

by · TechRadar

Features By Wayne Williams Published 16 July 2026

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I'm a huge fan and user of hardware-encrypted drives from companies such as Apricorn, iStorage, and Glyph. I genuinely appreciate the way they protect important files without relying on software on a computer, with encryption happening inside the drive itself, usually using AES 256-bit protection. Access is controlled entirely via a built-in keypad and PIN. That keeps data so much more secure.

In my experience, this approach makes them essential for anyone carrying sensitive information between locations, and they are also a practical choice for personal backups of things like financial records, family documents, or private photos.

Yes, these drives inevitably cost more than you'd pay for ordinary storage, but the extra protection, portability, and software-free operation make them well worth the asking price, and take away the risk of exposing valuable or confidential data to other people.

My favorite encrypted external drives

One of the biggest advantages of drives like this is their simplicity. You unlock the HDD/SSD before connecting it, so passwords are not typed into a computer and the drive can work across Windows, macOS, Linux, and other supported operating systems.

Many models also lock automatically when disconnected or after a period of inactivity. Common features include administrator and user PINs, brute-force protection, read-only modes, and secure erase functions. Some models also carry formal security certifications for organizations that are required to meet government or industry rules.

For more savings on storage, we've rounded up the best SSD deals.

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