Encrypted USB drives are portable storage devices that scramble data in hardware, so files stay unreadable without the correct PIN or password. They suit anyone who carries client records, financial files or personal documents between computers. Our range of over 10 models comes from Apricorn, a specialist in PIN-protected drives.
How to choose an encrypted USB drive
Encryption method. Look for hardware encryption with AES 256-bit, where a dedicated chip in the drive does the work rather than software on your computer. This keeps the encryption key off the host machine and means the drive does not depend on the computer's processor to protect your files.
Unlocking method. A drive with a built-in keypad is unlocked before you plug it in, so it works on Windows, macOS, Linux and other hosts without installing anything. Drives that rely on an unlock app can be blocked on office computers where users cannot install software.
Certification. If your employer or a client requires validated cryptography, check whether the drive carries FIPS validation. Some models do and others do not, so read the product page rather than assuming.
Capacity. Choose a size that covers your current files with room to grow, since an encrypted drive is usually bought to last for years. A full laptop backup needs far more space than a folder of contracts and spreadsheets.
Security features and connection. Useful extras include a separate admin PIN, a read-only mode for opening files on untrusted computers, automatic locking and protection that erases the key after repeated wrong PIN attempts. For the connection, USB 3.x gives faster copying of large files, and a USB-A plug fits most desktops and laptops, so check the ports on your own devices first.
Encrypted USB drive brands we carry
- Apricorn: a manufacturer known for hardware-encrypted drives with an onboard keypad, so the PIN is entered on the drive itself and no drivers or software are needed on the computer.
Every encrypted USB drive in this category is from Apricorn, so the choice comes down to capacity, certification and features rather than brand.
Encrypted USB drives: frequently asked questions
What is an encrypted USB drive?
An encrypted USB drive is a flash drive that encodes everything stored on it so it can only be read after you enter the right PIN or password. If the drive is lost or stolen, whoever finds it sees unreadable data instead of your files. Hardware-encrypted models handle this inside the drive itself.
Do I need to install software to use an encrypted USB drive?
Not always. Drives with an onboard keypad are unlocked by typing a PIN on the device, so nothing has to be installed and they work with most operating systems. Drives without a keypad usually need an app or password prompt on the computer.
What happens if I forget the PIN?
You will normally not be able to recover the data. Strong encryption has no back door, and many encrypted drives reset themselves after repeated wrong attempts, which erases the stored key. Many models offer a separate admin PIN, so set one up and keep it somewhere safe.
Is an encrypted USB drive better than encrypting files with software?
Hardware encryption is simpler to use and keeps the key off the computer, which suits shared or locked-down machines. Software tools such as BitLocker can protect an ordinary flash drive but depend on the host system and its settings. An encrypted drive gives the same protection on any computer you plug it into.
