Ten USB 3.0 HDD enclosures

Icy Dock Blizzard

Icy Dock boasts over a decade of experience in the storage peripheral domain and the Californian firm certainly throws a couple of eye catching hats in the ring here.

Its latest release features an 80mm fan integrated into a detachable front panel for added ventilation. Built-in LEDs behind the fan give it an ominous blue glow, but things turn red if temperatures exceed 50°C. As the fan can be adjusted between, low, high and - more conveniently - auto mode, overheating shouldn't be an issue and it's fairly silent too, so won't add to the sound of any already present whirrs from a busy drive.

The entire front panel is easily removed for slotting in your 3.5in drives, and while the thick plastic casing could be sturdier, there's plenty of shielding for protective reassurance. You certainly wouldn't want take this one on the road, though, but those after something that'll look cool on the shelf – even if it takes up more room – might want to consider it, particularly if it's likely to stay there for long periods of time.

Icy Dock MB559U3S

Icy Dock's more slimline offering is far more portable and fits into most spaces with its flat compact design. The removable tray, which slots onto the end of both 2.5in and 3.5in drives, is synonymous with various other Icy Dock enclosures and racks, and as such, drives can be swapped around quicker than an F1 pitstop.

Other plus points include an eSata interface and foot stands to help keep the drive upright. It's hardly the prettiest of enclosures, but feels very corporate and sensible. Not a bad choice option if you're keen on having more than just USB interfacing, but a little on the pricey side.