In this guide, we’ll help you find the best external SSDs with fingerprint scanners. External SSDs with integrated fingerprint scanners combine the speed of SSDs with biometric authentication, a powerful solution for seamless yet secure access. With these drives, only you (or a whitelisted set of users) can access your data and thus offering physical-layer encryption.
Traditional external drives don’t offer native biometric security, and that is where fingerprint-enabled SSDs come in. In today’s world, where data theft is just as threatening as data loss, security has become non-negotiable.
The devices we have listed here give you peace of mind on multiple fronts: data protection, user privacy, portability, and system compatibility.
To identify the most reliable options, we evaluated each SSD across six key criteria technical areas:
- Biometric Security Architecture
We prioritize drives using hardware-based fingerprint modules (vs. software overlays) that store prints securely and support multi-user authentication. - Read/Write Performance
Speeds matter—especially for video editors, developers, or gamers. We look at real-world sequential and random I/O performance, favoring USB 3.2 Gen 2 or Thunderbolt 3/4 connectivity. - Encryption & Data Isolation
Drives with AES-256 encryption, onboard secure partitioning, and tamper-resistant firmware score highest. - Build Quality & Portability
We assess enclosures for durability (e.g., anodized aluminum, IP ratings, shock resistance) and size for travel-readiness. - Software Ecosystem & Platform Compatibility
A good drive should work seamlessly across Windows, macOS, and ideally Linux—with intuitive setup and management software. - User Experience & Access Management
We also looked at setup friction, multi-user support, LED indicators, and recovery options.
You can also have a look at the top external SSDs for DJs and for Content Creators.
These are the Best External SSDs with fingerprint Scanners:
Also have a look at the best external ssds for graphic design in addition to the top external ssd for business professionals.