A USB data blocker is a helpful gadget that prevents unauthorized access to your device’s data via a USB port. The device blocks the data lines in the USB cable to ensure that no data is transferred. This comes in clutch when you want to charge your smartphone at public places such as the airport lounge, shopping mall, etc. But with so many options to choose from, finding the best USB data blocker on the market can be a chore.
Thankfully, we’ve done the legwork for you. Below, you will find the best USB data blockers that are perfect in your fight against Juice Jacking. For those of you unaware, Juice Jacking is a common practice where hackers access your smartphone through a USB cable when it’s charging.
But first, you might want to check out the following:
- Avoid using public charging and instead use these power banks with USB-C power delivery .
- Add fingerprint login to your PC with these Windows Hello USB fingerprint readers .
- Secure your PC with these USB security keys for two-factor authentication .
1. PortaPow USB-C Data Blocker Cable
- Connector : Type-C to Type-C | Pack of : 1
PortaPow USB-C Data Blocker Cable
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The majority of USB data blockers take the shape of a Type-A adapter. That said, folks over at PortaPow have designed their data blocker in the form of a nifty USB-C to USB-C cable. As such, PortaPow’s offering will come in handy if you have a modern smartphone or a tablet that uses a Type-C connector for charging.
PortaPow is one of the most reliable names in the USB data blocker industry. In fact, the company’s blockers have been deployed by a handful of governments across the world, including the USA, Canada, the UK, and New Zealand. That’s not all, as the company works with hundreds of corporations to mitigate data theft too.
The cable itself is small, yet adequately flexible. You get a Type-C male port on one end, and a Type-C female port on the other. Just use the company’s cable as a median between your charging cable and the wall outlet, and you should be good to go.
What We Like
- Simple design
- Made for modern Type-C connectors
- The cable acts as an extension to increase the charging cable’s length as well
What We Don’t Like
- No support for fast charging
2. Plugable USB-MC1
- Connector : Type-A to Type-A | Pack of : 1
Plugable USB-MC1
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Plugable is a trusted name in the industry, and the company is known for its reliable products. However, it’s worth noting that their products do not comply with modern fast-charging standards.
With a peak current of merely 1A, the Plugable USB-MC1 Data Blocker will not win any points in the charging department. That being said, it is still a reliable product – one that you can trust with your eyes closed.
To that end, the Plugable USB-MC1 is superbly compact, and the device can easily fit inside the pockets of your jeans. Although it doesn’t support fast charging, it still makes a case for itself as it is quite reliable. And, when you’re traveling, it’s best to opt for slower yet reliable charging, than risk your data and privacy by using a public charger.
What We Like
- Simple to use
- Compact design
What We Don’t Like
- Quite outdated by modern standards
- Only 1A peak current
3. StarTech Secure Charging USB Data Blocker
- Connector : Type-A to Type-A | Pack of : 1
StarTech Secure Charging USB Data Blocker
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StarTech is one of our top recommendations for anything involving cables. And, the company’s Secure Charging USB Data Blocker is a stellar product that doesn’t just keep juice jacking at bay, but it supports fast charging too.
First off, the StarTech Secure Charging USB Data Blocker is available in three different designs. You can either opt for a standard USB adapter or get either a microUSB or Type-C cable with data-blocking functionality. Regardless of whichever type you opt for, you’ll be getting a quality product for sure.
In terms of charging, the USB Data Protector delivers 5V at 2.4A, which gives it a maximum rating of 12W. As such, you should be able to top up even the latest iPhones at a fast pace, without having to worry about risking your data. The casing itself is quite rugged too, and you can easily carry it with you wherever you go.
What We Like
- Excellent build quality
- Supports fast charging
- Quite reliable
What We Don’t Like
- Slightly expensive for a single adapter
4. PortaPow USB Data Blocker
- Connector : Type-A to Type-A | Pack of : 2
PortaPow USB Data Blocker
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For about the same price as StarTech’s Secure Charging USB Data Blocker, you get a pair of PortaPow USB Data Blockers. Each of these blockers supports charging up to 2.4A.
More notably, PortaPow’s data blockers have a unique security window cut into the metal. As such, you can peek through the design to see that the two data wires have been physically removed. All things considered, if you’re looking for a data blocker for Android or iPhone, your search ends here.
What We Like
- Excellent value for money
- Supports fast charging
- Physical window to show no data wires present
What We Don’t Like
- Average build quality
5. JSAUX USB Data Blocker
- Connector : Type-A to Type-A | Pack of : 4
JSAUX USB Data Blocker
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Planning to get data blockers for the entire family? If that’s the case, you should check out JSAUX’s offering. Available in a pack of four, the company’s data blockers hit the nail on the head in terms of pricing. At the same time, they tout a premium design too.
Available in either Red or Black colorways, the JSAUX USB Data Blocker is enveloped in a luxurious Aluminum shell. A fringe benefit of the same is that the aluminum casing offers enhanced durability and prevents internal chips and circuits from breaking. The casing also sports an indent for a better thumb grip, thereby ensuring you don’t accidentally drop the device.
In terms of charging, the JSAUX USB Data Blocker supports a peak current of 2.4 Amps. The charging speeds are on par with the competition. As such, the JSAUX USB Data Blocker should work seamlessly with a wide range of iPhones as well as Android smartphones.
What We Like
- Premium metal build for better durability
- Supports fast charging
- Excellent value for money with a pack of 4
What We Don’t Like
- USB port requires a bit of force for proper insertion
6. OffGrid USB Data Blocker
- Connector : Type-C to Type-C | Pack of : 2
OffGrid USB Data Blocker
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If you’re looking for the best USB data blocker on the market, you should check out OffGrid’s contender. OffGrid, as a company, is known for making privacy-focused products, and the company has an impressive USB Data Blocker up for grabs as well.
The OffGrid USB Data Blocker is available in both Type-A as well as Type-C avatars. You can opt for the one that suits your device better. Additionally, the product is sold in a set of two, meaning you won’t be spending a large sum of money on a single item.
Similar to the JSAUX USB Data Blocker, OffGrid’s USB Data Blocker touts a metal exterior coupled with ABS plastic interiors. Put together, the USB Data Blocker offers a lightweight yet durable design. Also, it’s quite sleek and looks very premium too.
As for charging, the unit is compliant with USB 3.0 protocol. Although the company doesn’t mention an exact speed, consumers cite that it works flawlessly with devices like the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max and more.
What We Like
- Premium design
- Available in both Type-A and Type-C designs
What We Don’t Like
- The sleek design means it’s a bit longer, so it can break
Using a USB data blocker is essential for protecting your devices and personal information from potential data breaches. When you connect your device to an unknown or untrusted USB port, such as public charging stations or shared computers, a data blocker ensures that no data exchange occurs, keeping your information secure.
Yes, USB data blockers can help prevent certain types of malware infections that may occur through data transfer over USB connections. By blocking data exchange, they reduce the risk of malicious software being transferred from an unknown or untrusted USB port to your device.
Most USB Data Blockers limit charging to 2.4A, which takes a toll on a modern smartphone’s peak charging rate. But that’s the price you must pay to protect your privacy in a public environment.
Yes, USB data blockers are legal to use. They are considered privacy and security accessories that protect your personal information from potential data breaches.
Protect Your Data with These USB Data Blockers
USB data blockers are essential accessories for maintaining data privacy and security while charging or connecting devices through USB ports. Needless to say, you should find a USB Data Blocker that fits the bill from the options prefaced above. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or concerned about data security in public places, the aforementioned USB data blockers will provide peace of mind and prevent unauthorized data access.
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A Windows Hello USB fingerprint reader can make the mundane task of logging in to your Windows PC an easy and convenient affair. If you want to save time, here are some of the best external fingerprint readers you can buy for your PC.
Arcanite USB Fingerprint Reader
Arcanite USB Fingerprint Reader
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The Arcanite fingerprint reader is small, compact and resembles the dongles for wireless mouse or keyboard. It plugs into a USB-A port and protrudes slightly with the scanner on top. The sensor is positioned at the top of the reader, so it’ll work best only on vertically oriented USB ports.
Registering the device with Windows Hello allows you to store up to ten fingerprints. So, if multiple users access your PC, each can log in using their biometrics. While the Arcanite fingerprint reader works straight out of the box, you may have to download the device driver from Arcanite’s website if prompted.
What We Like
- Small and tiny
- Affordable
- Stores up to 10 fingerprints
What We Don’t Like
TEC Mini Fingerprint Scanner
TEC Mini Fingerprint Scanner
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While Arcanite’s fingerprint reader should work fine for most people, it only unlocks your PC. TEC’s mini fingerprint, thanks to its proprietary software, goes one step ahead by allowing you to unlock locked files and folders.
The TEC fingerprint reader draws parallels to the one from Aracnite in the design department. It has a sensor on the top portion of the dongle for easy access. However, it has an ordinary build quality and may disintegrate after a few months. As such, we’d recommend against repeatedly plugging the dongle in and out of the USB port to extend the scanner’s life. On the upside, it’s affordable and won’t drain your pocket.
What We Like
- Small and portable
- Unlock files and folders
- Affordable
What We Don’t Like
- Poor build quality
Yoidesu Fingerprint Reader
Yoidesu Fingerprint Reader
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Yoidesu’s offering comes with a side-mounted scanner, unlike the fingerprint readers from Arcanite and TEC. This design makes it a better choice for those who use a laptop over a PC. You can leave it plugged into a USB port on the side and use it like a built-in scanner.
Above all, it has a better build quality, thanks to the metal construction. At the same time, the Yoidesu fingerprint reader has a larger footprint compared to the devices above. At the same time, you can register up to ten fingerprints. Moreover, the scanner boasts snappy unlocking speeds, so you should be able to unlock your laptop in the blink of an eye.
What We Like
- Faster response time
- Excellent build quality
- Larger footprint
- Stores up to 10 fingerprints
What We Don’t Like
- N/A
Verifi P2000
Verifi P2000
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The Verifi P2000 is also compatible with some popular apps and password managers. So, if you use LastPass or 1Password, you can access all your credentials using just your fingerprint.
What We Like
- Reliable
- Works with apps and password managers
What We Don’t Like
- Works with older versions of Windows
Kensington VeriMark
Kensington VeriMark
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Kensington is synonymous with security. So, if you’re looking for a reliable, secure solution for Windows Hello, the VeriMark fingerprint reader is the best option. In fact, it’s being deployed in U.S. Federal Government institutions and organizations, and has some of the best acceptance rates for a fingerprint reader.
That said, it doesn’t work on a plug-and-play basis with Windows 11. As such, you may need to download the drivers manually. But, if you can get past this step, we highly recommend VeriMark for professional users who want to keep their accounts secure.
What We Like
- Reliable
- Able performer
- Practical design
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive
- Not plug-and-play
A fingerprint reader is arguably more secure while a webcam is more convenient since you just have to look into it. You can pick either of them depending on your preference.
A long and difficult password can be harder to crack and might just be safer than using a fingerprint reader. But most of the time, a fingerprint reader is good enough since it’s both secure and convenient.
You can use Windows Hello on Windows 10 and Windows 11 computers.
