The Aegis BPadlock is fast and brawny – its USB 3.0 data transfers are nearly 10 times quicker than USB 2.0, and the built-in AES encryption chip (choose between 128- and 256-bit protection) is coated in epoxy, which can't be compromised without damaging the circuitry beyond repair.

Though muscular, the 6.2-ounce Padlock is small enough to slip into your pocket, and it comes with an integrated USB cable you'll never lose. The keypad is large and easy to type on, and because it has both numbers and letters (just like a telephones), passcodes can be a string of digits or a phrase.

Usability is an issue, though. While the initial setup was easy and the keypad registers strokes accurately, creating individual passcodes for multiple users was frustrating, and decoding the cryptic alerts afforded by the flashing three-color LED required too much manual-digging.

Clearly aimed at the corporate market, the Padlock is still a reasonable choice for individuals who want its lightning-quick performance and double-edged security. The drive comes formatted for Windows but will work with Mac and Linux systems as well with a reformat.

WIRED Warp-speed USB 3.0 file transfers. Good for groups: Stores up to 5 unique passcodes. Configurable auto-lock has a self-destruct feature that wipes the drive when intruders try to get in. SSD model also available.

TIRED Confounding passcode management. Hogs two USB ports on some computers.