Buying Guide
The Best Encrypted Portable SSDs
From the Lexar ES3 to the My Passport SSD: four external drives ranked on capacity and rated read speed, with who should skip each one.
By The PC Journal editorial team
11 min read4 products evaluated
Hardware encryption protects files if the drive is lost. Every drive here has password protection or encryption, ordered from the lowest price.
Our comparison rests on published figures for drive type, capacity (as reviewed) and max read speed; nothing here was tested in-house, and where a maker leaves a figure out, we say so.
Quick Picks
Our 4 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
Lexar ES3 Portable SSD 1TB
The cheapest way into this group, below the T9.
Best for: Spending as little as possible.
Our take Check price for Lexar ES3 Portable SSD 1TB (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Samsung T9 Portable SSD 1TB
Sustained read and write up to 2,000MB/s.
Best for: Buyers who want sustained read and write up to 2,000MB/s.
Our take Check price for Samsung T9 Portable SSD 1TB (opens in a new tab)
Fastest Rated Read Speed
Crucial X10 Pro Portable SSD 2TB
The fastest rated read speed here (2,100MB/s).
Best for: Buyers who put rated read speed first.
Our take Check price for Crucial X10 Pro Portable SSD 2TB (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
WD My Passport SSD 2TB
Hardware encryption with a password at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Our take Check price for WD My Passport SSD 2TB (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The cheapest way into this group, below the T9. | Spending as little as possible. | Check price for Lexar ES3 Portable SSD 1TB (opens in a new tab) |
| Sustained read and write up to 2,000MB/s. | Buyers who want sustained read and write up to 2,000MB/s. | Check price for Samsung T9 Portable SSD 1TB (opens in a new tab) |
| The fastest rated read speed here (2,100MB/s). | Buyers who put rated read speed first. | Check price for Crucial X10 Pro Portable SSD 2TB (opens in a new tab) |
| Hardware encryption with a password at the highest price in the group. | Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor. | Check price for WD My Passport SSD 2TB (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 4
Lexar ES3 Portable SSD 1TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lexar's ES3 weighs 42g and is 10.5mm thin, with 1,050MB/s reads.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible.
Skip if
- Pass on it if capacity of 1TB, behind the X10 Pro 2TB (2TB rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
DataShield software adds 256-bit AES encryption. It weighs 42g and is 10.5mm thick, and it works with iPhone 17, Android, cameras and consoles. It matches the T9 on capacity (1TB).
It matches the My Passport SSD on rated read speed (1,050MB/s). You get a USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C) connection here, which sets it apart from the T9 and its a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (USB-C) connection. It also comes with a 42g weight.
It undercut the T9 and every other pick on price at the time of writing. The main gap: capacity of 1TB, behind the X10 Pro 2TB (2TB). If that matters, the X10 Pro 2TB is rated for 2TB.
Key dimensions & specs
- Drive type: SSD
- Capacity (as reviewed): 1TB
- Max read speed: 1,050MB/s
- Connection: USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C)
- Durability claim: Not stated
- Security: 256-bit AES software encryption
Pros
- 42g weight
- 10.5mm-thin body
- DataShield encryption software
- USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C) connection, the only one here
Cons
- Capacity of 1TB, behind the X10 Pro 2TB (2TB)
Also Consider2 of 4
Samsung T9 Portable SSD 1TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Samsung's T9 rates sustained reads and writes up to 2,000MB/s over USB 3.2 Gen 2x2.
Best for
- Buyers who want sustained read and write up to 2,000MB/s.
Skip if
- Skip it if capacity matters most to you; the X10 Pro 2TB offers 2TB.
Why we like it
It includes a thermal design for long transfers. It matches the Lexar ES3 on capacity (1TB). Its 2,000MB/s rated read speed ranks second of 4 here, behind the X10 Pro 2TB (2,100MB/s) and ahead of the My Passport SSD (1,050MB/s).
It also comes with a Dynamic Thermal Guard heat solution and Magician software for firmware and health checks. Its top speed needs a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps) port; most laptops and all Macs run it at 10Gbps speeds instead. On price it sat second of 4, between the cheaper Lexar ES3 and the pricier X10 Pro 2TB, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Drive type: SSD
- Capacity (as reviewed): 1TB
- Max read speed: 2,000MB/s
- Connection: USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (USB-C)
- Durability claim: Not stated
- Security: Encryption via Magician software
Pros
- rated reads up to 2,000MB/s
- Sustained read and write up to 2,000MB/s
- Dynamic Thermal Guard heat solution
- Magician software for firmware and health checks
Cons
- Capacity trails the X10 Pro 2TB (2TB)
- Costs more than the Lexar ES3 at the time of writing
Fastest Rated Read Speed3 of 4
Crucial X10 Pro Portable SSD 2TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Crucial's X10 Pro offers 2,100MB/s reads and 2,000MB/s writes, so large exports copy back nearly as fast as they read.
Best for
- Buyers who put rated read speed first.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Lexar ES3 cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It adds IP55 water and dust resistance, a 7.5ft drop rating and password protection built into the drive. It reads at up to 2,100MB/s and is rated IP55 with 7.5-foot drop resistance. Full speed needs a 20Gbps USB port.
On capacity it ties with the My Passport SSD at 2TB. Nothing else here matches its 2,100MB/s rated read speed; the T9 comes closest at 2,000MB/s. It also comes with a lanyard loop and activity light and three months of Mylio Photos+ and Acronis True Image. When we checked, only the T9 and cheaper picks cost less, and the My Passport SSD cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Drive type: SSD
- Capacity (as reviewed): 2TB
- Max read speed: 2,100MB/s
- Connection: USB 3.2 (USB-C, USB-A supported)
- Durability claim: IP55, drops up to 7.5ft
- Security: SSD password protection
Pros
- rated reads up to 2,100MB/s
- 2,000MB/s rated writes
- Lanyard loop and activity light
- Three months of Mylio Photos+ and Acronis True Image
Cons
- Costs more than the Lexar ES3 at the time of writing
Premium Pick4 of 4
WD My Passport SSD 2TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
WD's My Passport SSD pairs 1,050MB/s reads with password-protected hardware encryption.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Skip if
- Skip it if rated read speed matters most to you; the X10 Pro 2TB offers 2,100MB/s.
Why we like it
It is rated for 6.5ft drops. It connects over USB-C and includes a USB-A path for older machines. It uses NVMe inside, which is why it reaches 1,050MB/s over USB.
It matches the X10 Pro 2TB on capacity (2TB). It matches the Lexar ES3 on rated read speed (1,050MB/s). You also get drop resistance up to 6.5ft and a USB-A adapter for older systems.
It was the highest-priced of the 4 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the X10 Pro 2TB and the rest. The trade-off is rated read speed; for more, the X10 Pro 2TB offers 2,100MB/s.
Key dimensions & specs
- Drive type: SSD
- Capacity (as reviewed): 2TB
- Max read speed: 1,050MB/s
- Connection: USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C, USB-A adapter)
- Durability claim: Drops up to 6.5ft
- Security: Password, 256-bit AES hardware encryption
Pros
- Hardware encryption with a password
- Drop resistance up to 6.5ft
- USB-A adapter for older systems
- Capacity of 2TB, ahead of the Lexar ES3
Cons
- Rated read speed trails the X10 Pro 2TB (2,100MB/s)
- Costs more than the Lexar ES3 at the time of writing
How We Chose These Encrypted Portable SSDs
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We lined up four drives on drive type, capacity, rated read speed and connection from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house.
- The shared baseline
- All 4, from the Lexar ES3 to the My Passport SSD, state drive type, capacity and rated read speed.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Lexar ES3 and the T9 give no durability claim.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Lexar ES3 ($150 to $250) to the My Passport SSD ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in an Encrypted Portable SSD
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Capacity
Here capacity runs from 1TB on the T9 to 2TB on the X10 Pro 2TB. The X10 Pro 2TB is the pick for capacity.
How much rated read speed you need
Here rated read speed runs from 1,050MB/s on the My Passport SSD to 2,100MB/s on the X10 Pro 2TB. The T9 comes second for less money.
Features beyond the spec table
The T9: a Dynamic Thermal Guard heat solution. The X10 Pro 2TB: a lanyard loop and activity light. The My Passport SSD: drop resistance up to 6.5ft.
Budget
$150 to $250 buys the Lexar ES3 and the T9; $250 to $500 buys the X10 Pro 2TB and the My Passport SSD at our last check.
Match the pick to your priority
Spending as little as possible: the Lexar ES3. Buyers who put rated read speed first: the X10 Pro 2TB. Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor: the My Passport SSD.
How to Choose an Encrypted Portable SSD
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spending as little as possible | Lexar ES3 | The cheapest way into this group, below the T9 |
| Buyers who want sustained read and write up to 2,000MB/s | T9 | Sustained read and write up to 2,000MB/s |
| Buyers who put rated read speed first | X10 Pro 2TB | The fastest rated read speed here (2,100MB/s) |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor | My Passport SSD | Hardware encryption with a password at the highest price in the group |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The X10 Pro 2TB leads on capacity at 2TB, ahead of the My Passport SSD at 2TB.
| Drive | Drive type | Capacity (as reviewed) | Max read speed | Connection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lexar ES3 | SSD | 1TB | 1,050MB/s | USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C) |
| T9 | SSD | 1TB | 2,000MB/s | USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (USB-C) |
| X10 Pro 2TB | SSD | 2TB | 2,100MB/s | USB 3.2 (USB-C, USB-A supported) |
| My Passport SSD | SSD | 2TB | 1,050MB/s | USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C, USB-A adapter) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Lexar ES3 was the lowest-priced pick and the My Passport SSD the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Drives |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | Lexar ES3, T9 |
| About $250 to $500 | X10 Pro 2TB, My Passport SSD |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the fastest rated read speed: the X10 Pro 2TB or the T9?
The X10 Pro 2TB leads at 2,100MB/s, with the T9 at 2,000MB/s. The My Passport SSD is at the other end of this group with 1,050MB/s.
Is the My Passport SSD worth paying more than the Lexar ES3?
On paper it adds capacity (2TB against 1TB). The Lexar ES3 was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
What makes the Lexar ES3 the Lowest Price Here?
It earns the label for the cheapest way into this group, below the T9. It suits spending as little as possible.
Beyond the specs, what sets the Lexar ES3 and the T9 apart?
The Lexar ES3: a 42g weight. The T9: sustained read and write up to 2,000MB/s. The X10 Pro 2TB: 2,000MB/s rated writes.
Who should choose the X10 Pro 2TB?
The X10 Pro 2TB carries our Fastest Rated Read Speed label for the fastest rated read speed here (2,100MB/s). It ranks third of 4 here.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Lexar ES3, chosen for the cheapest way into this group, below the T9. Look at the T9 for sustained read and write up to 2,000MB/s, the X10 Pro 2TB for the fastest rated read speed here (2,100MB/s) and the My Passport SSD for hardware encryption with a password at the highest price in the group if those matter more to you.
Use the shortest cable that reaches; long cables can drop speed.