Hard Drive Enclosures

A hard drive enclosure enables you to turn an internal drive into an external or portable one. You can use it to access data from a laptop drive on a desktop computer, to run regular backups or to extend storage beyond the capabilities of a motherboard and its internal bays. Hard drive enclosures offer flexibility. Some require a power adapter, but some can draw power from the connected PC via USB. Choose between 2.5"" enclosures, typically used to access laptop drives, and 3.5"", which is the standard size for a desktop hard disk. External interfaces include SATA, SAS and Ethernet connectivity, which ensure optimal use. With built-in eject buttons in dual-bay docks, it's easy to dock drives seamlessly while multitasking at work.

Expand Your Storage Using Existing Hardware

Convert old drives into functional data storage devices by using an external drive enclosure. Choose an enclosure that matches the size of your hard drive. As noted, standard laptop drives and desktop drives are usually different sizes, but there are exceptions, so check the specifications before buying an enclosure. When you convert an old hard disk, it saves you from having to invest in new storage, and allows easy access to the data. Even if an old drive is incompatible with a new PC, you won't have to transfer data from one PC to another to save valuable time.

Protect Your Data With an External Hard Drive Case

Protecting your data is important, whether it is personal or professional. A hard drive enclosure with a power pack can run independently to your computer, and allows for regular backups and prevents data loss. Using an external hard drive case also enables you to keep the internal temperature of your computer down, which can be difficult if you install multiple drives inside the device. You can also attach the new drive device to some routers, enabling you to backup data from multiple PCs and other hardware to create a central repository for all of your files and software. In this case, check the ports on your router. You may find ethernet as well as USB ports that give you the option of deciding how you want to connect your hard drive docking station. High-end businesses can use external hard drive cases, computer cases and other accessories to safeguard sensitive information, such as billing details.

Access Data on Multiple Disks With a Hard Drive Docking Station

A hard drive docking station enables the connection of two or more storage devices. You can expand existing storage with terabytes of space, depending on the size of the drives. Ensure that the docking station has the appropriate interfaces. Some hard drive models include SATA and IDE connections, which enable connecting multiple drive types. The external interface determines how you connect from a computer to the new dock. USB and Thunderbolt are a common choice, but some models have SATA and eSATA connections.

Bestselling Hard Drive / SSD Enclosures Reviews:

BRUCE L.

1/18/2026 6:07:21 PM

Finally! A USB-to-SAS adapter that WORKS!

“ I'm happy to report it does exactly what it says: Makes a true SAS hard drive visible via USB. ”

ACASIS SAS/SATA to USB 3.0 Adapter, 2.5/3.5 inch External SAS Enclosure with USB-C to USB-A/C Cable, Tool-Free External Hard Drive Reader,Support up to 18TB,EC-5351

Mitch M.

11/29/2025 11:49:10 AM

Works Great

“ If you have a pile of hard drives and want to get rid of them, this really speeds it up! ”

Wavlink USB 3.0 to SATA I/II/II Dual Bay External Hard Drive Docking Station for 2.5" 3.5" SATA HDD/SSD Enclosure 2x 16TB Hard Drive Enclosure With UASP, Support Offline Clone Duplicator, Auto Sleep

Mark F.

11/19/2025 11:54:30 AM

Good product, minor flaw

“ I like the solid construction, tool-free design and performance of this enclosure. ”

SABRENT USB 3.2 Type-C Tool-Free Enclosure for M.2 PCIe NVMe and SATA SSDs (EC-SNVE)

Anonymous

10/30/2025 5:29:44 PM

Shipped in unprotected/no padding mailer

“ The enclosure works well. ”

ORICO 2.5'' Hard Drive Enclosure Type-C USB 3.1 Gen2 to SATA 6Gbps Computer External HDD Enclosure for 7 9.5mm HDD SSD Support UASP Compatible with MacOS Windows -2139C3-G2

Anonymous

9/10/2025 8:18:08 AM

Ordered a hard drive enclosure, received a puzzle box

“ There are actually instructions in the box, but no mention on them anywhere of how to open the enclosure to put a hard drive in. ”

SYBA CL-ENC25035 Aluminum 2.5" Aluminium Brush Finish SATA III USB 3.0 External Enclosure for Hard Disk and SSD (Tool Less Installation)

9/4/2025 4:55:31 PM

My favorite budget 2.5" SATA enclosure ever!

“ Highly recommended to anyone and everyone in the market for a 2.5" SATA enclosure. ”

ORICO 2.5 inch USB3.0 Hard Drive Enclosure SATA 5Gbps USB 3.0 to SATA III External Hard Drive Case Support Up to 6TB SSD with UASP

Ichirou

8/15/2025 8:03:53 PM

Great Quality, easy to setup

“ Would Recommend for anyone that wants a solid and well built Enclosure even though the price is a lot Higher then the Chinese knockoff brands that are - and use Realtek chips. ”

ASUS ROG STRIX Arion Aluminum Alloy M.2 NVMe SSD External Portable Enclosure Case Adapter, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (10 Gbps), USB-C to C and USB-C to A Cables, Fits PCIe 2280/2260/2242/2230 M Key/B+M Key

Matt

7/14/2025 8:51:57 PM

Works great with Synology NAS

“ Both were shucked from external USB enclosures. ”

Wavlink USB 3.0 to SATA I/II/II Dual Bay External Hard Drive Docking Station for 2.5" 3.5" SATA HDD/SSD Enclosure 2x 16TB Hard Drive Enclosure With UASP, Support Offline Clone Duplicator, Auto Sleep