At a glance…
In our opinion, LaCie makes the most durable external hard drives. Besides the high drop-resistance, water-resistance, crush resistance, and a 5-year warranty – LaCie is ultra-secure and approved by US and Canadian governments (FIPS 140-2).
| Most durable external hard drive | Best hard drive enclosure | Best additional data security |
|---|---|---|
| LaCie Rugged | StarTech Rugged Hard Drive Enclosure | Sync |
 |  |  |
In a hurry? Check all our recommended brands and products.
The Data Makes the Man
Pretty much no one wants to spend much time thinking about and planning secure data storage solutions.
It’s definitely not a sexy issue. With a broad spectrum of different approaches, complicated technical jargon, and a high degree of risk if it all goes wrong, the reasons that make organising and protecting your data so unappealing are precisely what makes it so important.
You may work in a creative field with an ever-increasing mountain of invaluable digital assets, or perhaps the position at your company demands the handling and transportation of extremely sensitive data.
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You may own a business whose service necessitates the maintenance of a constantly updating backlog of client data and information, or maybe you simply want to keep personal media, such as family pictures and videos, faultlessly safe and secure for years to come.
Whatever it may be, today’s inseparable relationship between the storage of digital data and, well, life in general, demands you to have some sort of solution in place. And, unfortunately, selecting an inferior product or service has the potential to be financially or personally disastrous. Hence, we present you with the most durable external hard drives, plus additional security solutions for your data.
The way we see it, the best consumer-level solution is two-fold.
#1 – External Hard Drive
Firstly, you need a durable hard drive to securely store your data. It needs to be: extremely rugged – able to survive bumps, scrapes, falls, heat, and water damage. This means that wherever you need to take your data, the delicate internal mechanisms are protected and your information remains in-tact.
There are two approaches to the solution of securing your data: buying a durable hard drive that is rugged by design, or buying a rugged hard drive enclosure with which to protect your original drive and convert it to an external one.
#2 – Cloud Backup
Secondly, and preferentially in tandem with the first solution, you need to securely back-up your hard drive data to a cloud storage service, in case that your rugged hard drive goes missing or is otherwise rendered unusable. The service should have some sort of data protection assurance, or be end-to-end encrypted to ensure that data is absolutely protected from third-parties.
In this article, we will be taking you through the toughest, most secure products and services for each approach, providing a comprehensive overview of integrated solutions for the most secure perpetual data storage strategy possible.
Our aim is to offer a selection of the top few products in each category, allowing you to choose the overall solution that fits your unique needs and budgeting requirements best.
As always, we will be comparing products according to our weighted BIFL rating system. In this context, that looks a little something like this:
Rugged – Hard drives or drive enclosures that are rated to withstand a broad range of environmental stressors, or cloud storage solutions with high-grade encryption.
Repairable – Hard drives with data recovery implementations such as RAID.
Upgradable – Hard drives with optional data recovery service coverage, or cloud solutions with optional upgrades for more storage or a greater degree of protection.
Multipurpose – Hard drives that are compatible with multiple operating systems, and can therefore support a variety of applications such as gaming storage, or cloud storage solutions that also support multi-user file-sharing.
Let’s begin with our top two picks for the most durable external hard drives available today.
The Most Durable External Hard Drives
The rugged external hard drive niche is well-populated with many viable options. We chose our picks using overall durability as a leading criterion, considering complementary factors such as price, plug-and-play user-friendliness, and compatibility as well.
LaCie – Rugged SSD
The ‘LaCie’ brand from Seagate Technology is well known by creative professionals for data storage tech that works seamlessly in videographic, photographic, and audio applications.
With a dual focus on high-performance and long-term dependability, the brand has released a number of durability-centric drives, and the ‘Rugged’ line exemplifies this effort.
The Rugged SSD caught our attention for a few reasons, not least because of its bright orange silicone bumpers.
Firstly, it utilizes so-called ‘Seagate Secure’ AES-256 self-encryption [1]. When the drive is removed or the connected system turns off, the Auto-Lock feature locks the drive and secures the data.
If it is lost or stolen, the Instant Secure Erase “renders the drive unreadable in less than a second via cryptographic erase of the data encryption key”. This is FIPS 140-2 validated [2], which means it’s been tested and approved by US and Canadian governments in the protection of sensitive data.
Great assurances for particularly confidential data, but can it survive a bump?
With a drop-resistance of up to 3m, IP67 [3] rated total dust protection and 1m water immersion, and crush-resistance from the weight of a 2-tonne car, it’s the toughest in the product line.
Additionally, the included Rescue Data Recovery Service means that, in the event of a virus, a power-surge, water-damage, or even accidental file deletion, you can send it back to the labs for data recovery procedures that boast a 90% success rate. This coverage also lasts the length of the warranty, which is a generous five years.
A fantastic all-round solution for triple-strength data protection.
PRICE: around $182
PERFECT FOR: On-the-move creative professionals prioritising data security and recovery.
- Thunderbolt speeds of up to 387 MB/s and integrated Thunderbolt cable
- USB 3.0 for universal connectivity
- Bus powered for complete mobility
- IP-54 level protection - Shock, dust, and water resistant for all-terrain use
- Includes 1-month complimentary membership to Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps Plan. Must redeem by January...
- Harness top Thunderbolt 3 speeds with a Seagate FireCuda NVMe SSD for playback/recording of up to...
- Tackle any terrain with extreme IP67-rated water resistance, three-meter drop tolerance, two-ton car...
- Works with Thunderbolt 3, USB-C on both Mac and Windows computers and includes an array of USB cables for...
- Enjoy long-term peace of mind with the included five-year limited warranty protection plan featuring...
- Take advantage of a one-month complimentary membership to Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps Plan for access...
- IP67 rated construction is dust tight and resists water up to 1m
- Transfer and edit RAW 4K video with speeds of up to 950MB/s
- Three-meter drop and two-ton car crush resistance for extended durability
- One-month complimentary membership to Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps Plan 1 for access to awesome photo...
- Includes USB-C (USB 3.1 10Gb/s) and USB-C to USB-A cables and compact protective cases
- Get extreme solid state speeds and long-lasting durability with Rugged Thunderbolt USB-C SSD
- For those who have a need for speed, enjoy fast transfers of up to 510MB/s using the integrated...
- Trek confidently with a portable external hard drive that’s drop, dust, and water resistant
- Includes a one-month complimentary membership to Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps Plan for access to awesome...
- Enjoy long-term peace of mind with the included three-year limited protection plan featuring Rescue Data...
Last update on 2021-04-13 at 12:52 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
ioSafe – Solo Hawk SSD
The Solo Hawk takes hard drive ruggedness to another level.
As opposed to the former entry from LaCie, this SSD is military rated to a MIL-STD-810G standard in pretty much every type of damage imaginable.
From up to 10ft drop and shock resistance, to chemical resistance that allows for full immersion in various fluids and oils at a depth of 12ft for up to one-hour, high-altitude operation at a maximum of 30,000 ft, and finally, continuous exposure to UV, sand, dust, rain, salt, and ice for 24 hours.
And that’s just the military gradings, the Hawk is also IP68 water-resistant, and can survive the crushing weight of up to 2500 lbs.
Truly insane ruggedness. And in terms of data protection and recovery, your purchase grants you two years warranty for mechanical faults (if that is even possible in this drive), and the same length of entitlement to their Data Recovery Service.
For an additional $129, you can extend this timeframe to five years, equalling LaCie’s offering.
But with the 500GB model starting at $219, this would be a more expensive solution that is perhaps worth it if your anticipated usage is decisively more brutal.
PRICE: around $220
PERFECT FOR: Data adventurers prioritising out-of-this-world toughness over all else.
More from ioSafe:
- True Data Protection for Severe Conditions. Perfect for photographers, videographers, industrial...
- Waterproof/chemical-proof – Can survive full fresh or saltwater submersion – up to 10 foot depth for...
- Extreme Punishment – Shock resistant durable external SSD sustains drops up to 10 ft, crushes of up to...
- Data Recovery Service (DRS) for fast, professional data recovery for any reason. (2) Two years standard....
- Fastest USB speeds – USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps). Easy-to-use, reversable Type-C connector.
- Wide Compatibility:The hard drive enclosure is suitable for 7mm to 9.5mm slim 2.5-inch SATA I, SATA II,...
- Clear Design Easy to Know What's Inside:This 2.5 hard drive enclosure made of high-quality transparent...
- Portable 2.5 Inch Hard Drive Enclosure:Hot swappable,Plug & Play installation (no drivers needed),...
- SuperSpeed:USB self-powered,handy USB port and LED indicator light,USB 3.0 allows for transfer speeds up...
- One Year Warranty:Any issue just contact back,we will figure it out with you
Last update on 2021-04-13 at 12:52 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Spec Comparison: Rugged SSD vs. Solo Hawk | Rugged Ratings
| wdt_ID | Model | Capacity Options | BIFL Rating | Data Transfer Speed | Connections | USB Type | Warranty & DRS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LaCie SSD | 500GB | 1TB | 2TB | 90 / 100 | 950MBps | USB-C | Thunderbolt | USB 3.0 | FireWire | USB 3.1 | Type-C | 5 Years |
| 2 | ioSafe Solo Hawk | 500GB | 1TB | 85 / 100 | 550MBps | USB-C | USB-A | USB 3.2 | Type-C | 2 Years standard | 5 Years optional (+$129) |
| Model | Capacity Options | BIFL Rating | Data Transfer Speed | Connections | USB Type | Warranty & DRS |
- Industry's lowest power and weight for optimum data center TCO
- PowerBalance feature optimizes IOPS/Watt
- Proven enterprise-class reliability backed by 2. 5M-hr MTBF rating
- Helium sealed-drive design with no porosity and uniform density
- Seagate Secure models provide hardware-based security to help protect data-at-rest. With Instant Secure...
Last update on 2021-04-13 at 07:33 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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The Most Durable Hard Drive Enclosures
If you’re looking for a durable data storage solution but consider the prior selections too expensive, or perhaps you simply don’t want the hassle and risk of transferring all data over to a new drive, a ‘Hard Drive Enclosure’ poses an inexpensive alternative. They encase your existing drive rendering it impermeable to typical wear-and-tear.
StarTech Rugged Hard Drive Enclosure
StarTech’s Rugged Hard Drive Enclosure promises to keep your drive protected in the harshest conditions.
It’s USB 3.0 with UASP protocol [4] for enhanced read speeds, and is compatible with 2.5inch SATA III drives which can be installed easily and without tools by simply placing the drive in the enclosure, locking the latch, and plugging in the included micro USB port.
Possessing the fabled MIL-STD-810G military standard of protection, this enclosure can protect your drive from up to 13ft drops, thermal shock, vibration, humidity, salt spray, sand and dust, and even fungus.
On top of that, its IP54 rated, meaning its able to survive jetting water sprays at any angle.
PRICE: around $52
PERFECT FOR: Those searching for the highest standards of hard drive protection for their small-capacity drives.
- INDUSTRIAL DESIGN: Keep your data secure even through sudden downpours or dust storms. The 2.5" SATA...
- STURDY CONSTRUCTION: The tough exterior casing of the external USB 3.0 to 2.5in SATA enclosure provides...
- SIMPLE INSTALLATION: Simply remove the silicone sleeve of the USB 3.0 to SATA enclosure with UASP, open...
- ENHANCED WITH UASP: This USB 3.0 to 2.5in SATA enclosure performs with a 70% faster read speed and 40%...
- THE STARTECH.COM ADVANTAGE: StarTech.com offers a 2-year warranty & free lifetime technical support on...
Last update on 2021-04-13 at 07:33 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
iNeo C2566II
Representing a surprisingly cheap option for the feature load, Californian tech accessory maker iNeo’s dryly named C2566II Hard Drive Enclosure ticks most if not all of the necessary boxes.
As with StarTech’s enclosure, the C2566II is compatible with 2.5inch SATA drives, but this time with USB 3.1, doubling the potential transfer speeds to a theoretical maximum of 10GBps.
It is also backwards-compatible to USB 2.0 and 1.1 devices.
As for its toughness, the C2566II is made from fireproof ABS material, is MIL-STD-810G rated for a safe drop height of 1.5m, and boasts superior water-proofing to an IPX6 standard, so your data is safe from powerful water jets should such a situation arise.
PRICE: around $20
PERFECT FOR: Low-budget data protectors prioritising transfer speeds and compatibility over toughness.
- Waterproof and Shockproof design with compact silicon frame and ABS cover.
- Compatible with SATA 2.5 inch hard drives and SSD, no additional power necessary.
- Supports UASP protocol for faster transfer rates than regular USB 3.0 connections, and backwards...
- Supports Hot-swapping, plug and play function, instant connection when plugged to PC.
- Compatible with PS4 & XBOX ONE & multiple OS on PC- WINDOWS XP, 7, 8, 8.1 ,10 or above, MAC OS X 10.6 or...
Last update on 2021-04-13 at 07:33 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Spec Comparison: StarTech vs. iNeo C2566II | Rugged Ratings
| wdt_ID | Model | Data Transfer Speed | BIFL Rating | Connections | USB Type | Warranty & DRS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | StarTech Rugged Hard Drive Enclosure | 6GBps theoretical max | 90 / 100 | Micro-B | USB 3.1 | Type-C | 2 years |
| 2 | iNeo C2566II | 10GBps theoretical max | 80 / 100 | Type-C | USB 3.2 | Type-C | 1 year |
| Model | Data Transfer Speed | BIFL Rating | Connections | USB Type | Warranty & DRS |
The Most Secure Cloud Storage Services
So, you now have a hard drive that can be splashed, beaten, and dropped without consequence, or alternatively an enclosure that will externalise and shield your original drive from any and all potential hazards.
If you’re really serious about perpetual data storage and protection though, it shouldn’t end there. Cloud storage is your plan-C, and we’ve found two of the most private and secure cloud storage services available today.
Sync
Sync provides a privacy and security-oriented cloud storage service by allowing users to store, access, and share their files with end-to-end encryption [5], shielding the data form unauthorised access.
The service is one of the few in the sector providing ‘zero-knowledge’ encryption [6], which means only the user is in possession of the encryption key.
In the unlikely event that third-party access is requested [7] (perhaps by a governing body), it would not be possible for them to gain entry without your assistance.
More so, the data uploaded to Sync is duped across multiple “SSAE 16 type 2 certified datacentre locations with SAS RAID storage, automatic failover and a 99.9% or better uptime SLA”. That’s an extremely fancy way of saying that your data is impervious to deletion, intrusion, and can be accessed essentially 100% of the time.
Sync also has all the user-friendly features you would expect from a cloud storage service, such as ubiquitous compatibility across all devices, automatic data syncing, and multi-user file sharing – even to those without Sync accounts.
PRICE (ANNUALLY): 5GB FREE / $60 (1TB) / $96 (4TB) / $180 (10TB)
PERFECT FOR: Those looking for a total solution for secure file-hosting.
Dropbox + Boxcryptor
Many, if not most of you have used Dropbox before, or even rely on it as your primary cloud storage service.
It’s ubiquitous in both business and personal application as one of the earliest entrants into the file hosting space.
It is known for its ease-of-use, broad file sharing and collaboration integrations, but unfortunately not for its security and privacy credentials. They have a long history of critical data breaches [8] and general privacy mishaps – certainly not what we are looking for in this list.
Queue Boxcryptor. Boxcryptor is a downloadable application that aims to add a layer of secure zero-knowledge encryption to your Dropbox account.
It does this using a combination of AES-256 and RSA encryption methods, rendering your data invulnerable to third-party access.
Boxcryptor automatically detects your Dropbox folder and seamlessly integrates it into a purpose-built drive which makes securing your files as easy as dragging and dropping them. It also works with 30+ other leading cloud storage services too if you aren’t a Dropbox user.
It is compatible with Windows and macOS and mobile, and best of all – its free for non-commercial users.
PRICE: FREE for non-commercial use
PERFECT FOR: Those who want top-notch cloud data security without switching from their current provider.
Spec Comparison: Sync vs. Boxcryptor | Rugged Ratings
| wdt_ID | Service | Pricing & Storage | BIFL Rating | Encryption type | Encryption methods | Data residency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sync | 5GB free | $60 annually (1TB) | $96 annually (4TB) | $180 annually (10TB) | 90 / 100 | Zero-knowledge | End-to-end | AES 256 | RSA 2048-bit | TSL Protocol | Canada |
| 2 | Boxcryptor | Free (non-commercial use) | $40 annually enhanced account | $80 annually business account | 75 / 100 | Zero-knowledge | End-to-end | Client-side encryption | AES 256 | RSA 4096-bit | Germany |
| Service | Pricing & Storage | BIFL Rating | Encryption type | Encryption methods | Data residency |
What do you think? Do you have a different opinion on the Most Durable External Hard Drive and Data Security measures? Be sure to share this article with anyone and everyone in the market for #BIFL durable Hard Drives. We regularly post guides similar to this one all about products that aim to last a lifetime, so stay posted if you agree with the Buy It For Life golden rule as much as we do.
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