Top 10 Encrypted USB Flash Drives

We have been transporting our documents insecurely around in our portable flash drives for many years. However, we now have plenty of options to make sure our data is protected. One of the many ways to protect these data is to use encrypted USB flash drives. Having an encrypted flash drive is ideal for most people because there is no need to install or experiment with one's computers. It also ensures that your encrypted flash drive is accessible on any computer and not only on the "main" computer.

Here is our quick roundup of the top 10 encrypted USB flash drives recommended by top media websites. Do take note that this is not an exhaustive list it will however give you an idea of what you should be looking for.

1. Extreme by SanDisk

Specification: FIPS 140-2 Level 3; Capacity 16-64GB; Read/Write Speed 190MBps.

For its low price, the encrypted USB flash drive can boast blazing transfer speed coupled with a lifetime warranty. Women may find this attractive because its design was inspired by the shape of a stiletto! In addition to its secure file encryption and password protection abilities, you will also have access to the SaDisk SecureAccess software.

Suggested by PCMag, Smart Gadgets Hub and TopTenREVIEW.

2. Defender Elite by Kanguru Solutions

Specification: FIPS 140-2 Level 2; Capacity 4-128GB; Read/Write Speed 20MBps.

If you have the tendency to be infected by malware, this encrypted USB flash drive is one the best for this. It has both encryption and password protected, which is more than adequate for most people. It is almost impossible to break into the AES encryption.

Suggested by PCWorld and TopTenREVIEWS.

3. XtremKey USB 3.0 Flash Drive by LaCie

Specification: FIPS 140-2 Level 3; Capacity 32-128GB; Read/Write Speed 200MBps.

If you live a rugged, active life, this encrypted flash drive is great for you because it is able to endure crushing pressure, extreme temperatures and depth of the ocean. While we cannot imagine why you would bring your flash drive to a skiing trip, a scuba expedition or motor crossing, you can be assured that you will not damage this flash drive.

Suggested by PCMag and Smart Gadgets Hub.

4. Workspace W500 by IronKey

Specification: FIPS 140-2 Level 3; Capacity 32-128GB; Read/Write Speed 300MBps.

Works best with your Windows 8 workspace and just like the XtremKey USB 3.0 Flash Drive by LaCie, it is built to endure extreme elements. Its biggest advantage is its ability to transfer data speedily. Additionally, it is certified by Microsoft as a reliable encrypted USB flash drive with its password protected capabilities and tamper-resistant metal housing. It is not compatible with Mac so that is bad news if you are expecting to use the flash drive across platforms.

Suggested by PCMag and Smart Gadgets Hub.

5. DataTraveller Vault Privacy by Kingston

Specification: FIPS197; Capacity 4-64GB; Read/Write Speed 10MBps.

Although its capacity is rather small, this flash drive still remains one of the best one available in the market. It is more affordable if you prefer something that is super basic. You know that something is reliable when it is still being recommended despite being introduce almost 10 years ago.

Suggested by TopTenREVIEW and Hacker10.

6. DashDrive Elite UE700 by ADATA

Specifications: FIPS 140-2 Level 3; Capacity 16-128GB; Read/Write Speed 135MBps

We think this is the best marriage between elegance and durability, as well as a good pairing between price and performance. It is great if you work in sleek, professional environment and would like to keep with the mood of your environment. Its retractable USB connector makes it easy to carry around without being afraid of damaging its head!

Suggested by PCMag and Smart Gadgets Hub.

7. Aegis Secure Key by Apricorn

Specifications: FIPS 140-2 Level 3; Capacity 4-16GB; Read/Write Speed 13.1MBps.

On the surface, it does not look like any other flash drives available in the market not. It works really well with all operating systems. There are unlimited number of how many times you can set your encryption and it is good that the keypad does leave any tell-tale signs of your password. The only problem with this is that it is very manual and tricky to establish.

Suggested by Hacker10 and PCWorld.

8. Store "˜n' Go V3 by Verbatim

Specifications: FIPS 140-2 Level 1; Capacity 8-256GB; Read/Write Speed 175MBps.

If you keep on losing your flash drive caps, this flash drive is great because of its retractable USB connectors. It is one of the fastest encrypted USB flash drives out there making it great for multiple files transfer. For Windows user, you will be able to download a password protected software to add an additional layer of security.

Suggested by Hacker10 and Smart Gadgets Hub.

9. Defender F200 by Imation

Specifications: FIPS 140-2 Level 3; Capacity 16GB; Read/Write Speed 14.8MBps.

Feel like a secret agent with this encrypted flash drive with this one. It has an awesome biometric finger swipe feature connect the flash drive to your computer and swipe your finger across its fingerprint reader to open it. You can program the encrypted flash drive to read two different fingers just in case your other finger is occupied. Additionally, you can add another layer of security with a password to make it super secure. Its major weakness is its performance it is considerably slower than its competitor.

Suggested by PCWorld.

10 .JetFlash 780 by Transcend

Specifications: FIPS 140-2 Level 3; Capacity 8-256GB; Read/Write Speed 140MBps.

One of the fastest encrypted flash drive available and most reliable in terms of data transfer. It also has high durability and endurance thanks to its MLC NAND flash chip inside it. You will also be able to utilise the Transcend Elite data management software.

Suggested by Smart Gadgets Hub.

As you can see, there are plenty of affordable encrypted flash drives available. So, quite living on the edge of danger and start protecting your data!