Best Password Protection External Hard Drives of 2026

Kenneth Collin Avatar
Kenneth Collin
Last Updated: 4 Feb 2026

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

In today's digital age, the need for secure storage of sensitive information is more important than ever. Password protection external hard drives offer a reliable and convenient solution to keep your data safe and secure from unauthorized access. These external drives come equipped with built-in encryption and password protection features, ensuring that your files and documents are protected from prying eyes. With a range of storage capacities and sleek designs, password protection external hard drives are an excellent investment for anyone looking to safeguard their data.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

WD 5TB My Passport Portable External Hard Drive Cover #TOP 1
WD 5TB My Passport Portable External Hard Drive
ftb score rating icon 9.9
WD My Book 18TB External Desktop Hard Drive Cover #TOP 2
WD My Book 18TB External Desktop Hard Drive
ftb score rating icon 9.8
WD My Passport 1TB Portable External Hard Drive Cover #TOP 3
WD My Passport 1TB Portable External Hard Drive
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 7 Password Protection External Hard Drives

WD 5TB My Passport Portable External Hard Drive

WD
WDBPKJ0050BBK-WESN
Black
WD 5TB My Passport Portable External Hard Drive Cover
WD 5TB My Passport portable external storage, external hard drive, USB 3.0, portable HDD with software for device management, backup and password protection, works with PC, Xbox &Playstation, Black

The WD My Passport Drive offers trusted, portable storage to keep your digital life organised and safe. Its slim design allows for easy carrying, making it perfect for on-the-go use. With built-in backup software, you can effortlessly schedule automatic backups of your essential files, ensuring that your precious photos, videos, music, and documents are never lost. Additionally, the drive features 256-bit AES hardware encryption, providing an extra layer of security through password protection, so you can feel confident about your data's safety.

What We Like
Portable and stylish design
Automatic backup software included
Strong password protection
Fast data transfer speeds
#TOP 2

WD My Book 18TB External Desktop Hard Drive

WD
WDBBGB0180HBK-EESN
black
18TB
WD My Book 18TB External Desktop Hard Drive Cover
WD 18TB My Book external hard drive, Desktop HDD with Password Protection, USB 3.0, SuperSpeed USB, software for device management, backup, hardware encryption, works with PC and Mac, Black

The WD My Book 18TB is a trusted external hard drive designed for desktop use, providing ample space to store your photos, videos, music, and documents securely. It is ready to use with both Mac and Windows computers, allowing you to start transferring and backing up your files immediately without any hassle. The drive features built-in backup software that lets you schedule automatic backups, ensuring your important data is always protected from loss. Additionally, its 256-bit AES hardware encryption with password protection keeps your content private and safe, giving you peace of mind when storing sensitive information.

What We Like
Massive 18TB storage capacity
Ready for Mac and Windows
Automatic backup scheduling
Hardware encryption with password
#TOP 3

WD My Passport 1TB Portable External Hard Drive

WD
WDBYVG0010BBK-WESN
Black
WD My Passport 1TB Portable External Hard Drive Cover
WD 1TB My Passport portable external storage, external hard drive, USB 3.0, portable HDD with software for device management, backup and password protection, works with PC, Xbox &Playstation, Black

The WD My Passport is a reliable and stylish portable hard drive designed to store and organise your important files on the go. It meets Google’s compatibility standards, ensuring smooth use with Chromebooks. You can easily plug it in and transfer data quickly thanks to the SuperSpeed USB 3.0 connection, saving you time. Plus, with built-in software, you can set a password to protect your private content, keeping your data safe from unauthorised access. This makes the WD My Passport ideal for users who want convenient and secure mobile storage.

What We Like
Google certified for Chromebook
Compact and stylish design
SuperSpeed USB 3.0 transfer
Password protection software
#TOP 4

WD My Passport 1TB Portable Hard Drive

WD
WDBYVG0010BRD-WESN
WD My Passport 1TB Portable Hard Drive Cover
WD My Passport WDBYVG0010BRD-WESN 1TB Portable External Hard Drive with Backup and Ransomware Protection Software Password Protection USB 3.1/USB 3.0 Compatible

The WD My Passport offers a thin and durable design, making it easy for you to carry your important files wherever you go. With capacities up to 6TB, you can store all your photos, videos, music, and crucial documents without worry. The included device management software enhances your backup efficiency, ensuring that your data is always safe. Additionally, with ransomware protection, you can feel secure knowing that your files are safeguarded against malicious attacks. This portable hard drive combines convenience and security in one compact package.

What We Like
Thin and portable design
Large storage capacity options
Efficient backup software included
Ransomware protection feature

WD 6TB My Book External Hard Drive with Encryption

WDBBGB0060HBK-EESN
Black
6 TB
WD 6TB My Book External Hard Drive with Encryption Cover
WD 6TB My Book external hard drive, Desktop HDD with Password Protection, USB 3.0, SuperSpeed USB, software for device management, backup, hardware encryption, Black

The WD My Book 6TB offers reliable desktop storage designed to keep your files secure and accessible. It is ready to use with both Mac and Windows computers, allowing you to start transferring files immediately. With built-in backup software, you can easily set up automatic backups, ensuring your precious memories are safe from loss. Additionally, the drive features password protection with hardware encryption, providing peace of mind that your private content remains secure.

What We Like
Easy to use with Mac and Windows
Automatic backup scheduling
256-bit AES hardware encryption
Massive storage capacity
SuperSpeed USB 3.0 compatibility
#TOP 6

WD My Passport Portable HDD with Encryption

WD
WDBPKJ0040BWT-WESN
White
WD My Passport Portable HDD with Encryption Cover
WD Portable HDD USB3.0 White My Passport Encryption Password Protection External Hard Disk, WDBPKJ0040BWT-WESN

The WD My Passport HDD is a slim and portable external hard drive designed for easy storage and backup. It features software that helps you manage your device and create backups, with the added security of password protection to keep your data safe. The drive uses 256-bit AES hardware encryption, ensuring your files are well protected from unauthorised access. With a SuperSpeed USB 3.0 port, you can enjoy fast data transfer rates, while still being compatible with older USB 2.0 ports, offering flexibility for different devices.

What We Like
Slim, portable design
Password-protected backups
Strong 256-bit encryption
Fast USB 3.0 transfers
USB 2.0 compatible
#TOP 7

DataLocker H350 2TB Encrypted Hard Drive

DataLocker
MXKB1B002T5001FIPS-B
Black
DataLocker H350 2TB Encrypted Hard Drive Cover
DataLocker H350 2TB External Hard Drive with Encrypted Password Protection, FIPS 140-2 Level 3 Certified, NATO Certified, TAA Compliant, AES 256-bit HDD Storage suits Windows & macOS, Multi-language

The DataLocker H350 Drive offers TAA compliance, ensuring your data remains secure while meeting government regulations. With military-grade encryption certified to FIPS 140-2 Level 3, you can trust that your sensitive information is protected from modern threats. Its robust, tamper-evident aluminium enclosure provides exceptional durability, safeguarding your data against physical damage. Additionally, managing your data is effortless with SafeConsole, allowing you to remotely control and audit your drive for comprehensive security.

What We Like
TAA compliant for security
Military-grade encryption
Durable aluminium enclosure
Remote management capabilities
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can you password protect a external hard drive?

When you format an internal or external storage device, you can encrypt and protect it with a password. If you encrypt an internal device, you must enter a password to access the device and its information. If you encrypt an external device, you must enter the password when you connect the device to your computer.

2. Can I password protect my Seagate external hard drive?

Q: Can I protect my Seagate hard drive with a password? A: Yes, it is possible to protect the hard drive or individual folders and files with a password. There are many third-party solutions for password protection.

Editor's Notes

During our password protection external hard drive research, we found 19 password protection external hard drive products and shortlisted 7 quality products. We collected and analyzed 1,464,049 customer reviews through our big data system to write the password protection external hard drives list. We found that most customers choose password protection external hard drives with an average price of £185.87.

The password protection external hard drives are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of password protection external hard drives, including WD, Western Digital, DataLocker.

Written by
Kenneth Collin Avatar

Kenneth Collin graduated from Imperial College, London, at 22. He is a UX/UI designer, a web developer, and a writer, amongst others. At age 14, Kenneth programmed his first app. Kenneth's app served as a remote control for censored devices. "When I was 8, I would pick up scraps from electronics and try to rebuild or at least fix them," Kenneth said in one of his recent articles on Home repairs for top gadgets.