What is a Degausser?
A degausser is a machine that permanently erases data from hard disk drives (HDDs) by generating a powerful electromagnetic field. This field scrambles the magnetic structure of the storage surface, rendering data completely unrecoverable, even with advanced forensic tools.
Hard drive degaussers are trusted in industries where security and compliance are non-negotiable, such as government, healthcare, and finance. In addition, it is for professionals who need guaranteed, permanent data destruction.
If your business is bound by strict data privacy regulations, investing in a degausser is a proactive way to meet compliance requirements and protect sensitive information. These machines implement fast, and consistent results. In fact, no passwords, wiping, or reformatting are required. While best known for use with HDDs, many degaussers also work with magnetic tapes, floppy disks, and other legacy formats, offering superb destruction across multiple media types.
How Do Degaussers Work?
HDDs and additional magnetic storage devices record data by aligning tiny magnetic particles into readable patterns. A degausser disrupts these patterns with a high-intensity electromagnetic field, which breaks down the structured arrangement, leaving the data irreversibly corrupted.
Modern degaussers typically use electromagnetic pulse (EMP) technology to administer intense magnetic bursts that neutralize data in seconds. Favored in high-security environments, EMP degaussers are fast, reliable, and effective on high-coercivity media. Many also meet strict National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Defense (DoD) data destruction standards. They have passed rigorous evaluations to verify they securely destroy data to both general military and high-level intelligence agency requirements.
Unlike software-based erasure, degaussing works independently of the operating system, making it effective even on damaged or unresponsive drives. However, it permanently disables the drive, so it’s only suitable for final disposal, not re-use. Note: degaussers don’t work on solid-state drives (SSDs), which store data electronically. SSDs require physical destruction. Call our sales team at (800) 243-9226 to discuss proper SSD destruction solutions.
What are the Different Types of Degaussers?
Choosing the correct degausser depends on your media type, security requirements, and volume. Here’s a quick guide to the main types, so you can find the best fit for your business.
Manual Degaussers
Manual degaussers are affordable and easy-to-use tools that erase data by manually exposing media to a magnetic field. Typically lightweight and portable, these devices are meant for small businesses, occasional use, and legacy media formats like tapes and floppy disks.
A prime example is the Proton 1100 Degaussing Wand, which uses a permanent magnet to create a static magnetic field. Unlike EMP models, it needs no power. You can just pass it over exposed magnetic surfaces like platters or tapes to disrupt the data. Its compact, power-free, and portable design makes it optimal for low-volume, field-based, or backup use.
However, manual degaussers typically emit lower magnetic strength, making them inadequate for large-scale erasure or modern high-coercivity drives used in enterprise settings.
Automatic Degaussers
Automatic degaussers take the manual work out of data destruction, using motorized or electronic controls to wipe media at the push of a button. Produced for environments where speed and regulatory compliance are critical, these tools execute consistent results with minimal effort. Continuous-duty models are built for high-volume operations, and are capable of running back-to-back without overheating. Engineered for performance, they’re best for data centers, government agencies, and e-waste recyclers managing large-scale data disposal.
The Datastroyer 105 Hard Drive® Drawer Degausser provides a solid solution for routine data destruction, while the Proton T-1.5 is an alternative automatic drawer-style degausser to help organizations protect large quantities of sensitive and confidential information. These degaussers both deliver secure, continuous-duty operation with minimal user input.
NSA-Approved Degaussers
Degaussers approved by the are built for top-tier data protection. Listed on the NSA's Evaluated Products List (EPL), they’re certified to destroy classified, top-secret data. Typically used by military or federal agencies, defense contractors, and security-sensitive sectors, these models meet the most rigorous industry standards.
While NSA-approved degaussers come at a bigger cost and may involve specialized training, they offer unmatched assurance for secure data destruction. The NSA-listed Proton T-5 is among the most exceptional and fastest degaussers available. Our latest addition, the Datastroyer 106 Hard Drive Degausser, achieves equally powerful performance with high magnetic field strength and a compact, continuous-duty design, perfect for handling classified media.
How to Choose the Best Degausser Machine
When evaluating the best degausser machines, always consider the following questions:
What type of media will you destroy?
Different media types have varying levels of magnetic coercivity. Make sure your degausser’s strength exceeds the requirements of your target media.
How often will you use it?
If you only degauss occasionally, a manual model may be fine. For daily or batch destruction, go with an automatic and continuous duty machine.
Do you need certification or compliance?
If you're in a regulated industry, choose a degausser that meets your legal obligations, like those on the NSA Evaluated Products List.
What’s your available space and power supply?
Some units are compact and portable, while others need dedicated space and industrial-level power. Make sure your setup can support the unit you choose.
Shop the Best Degausser Machines with Whitaker Brothers
Data security isn’t just a checkbox, it’s a cornerstone of trust, compliance, and responsible business. Here at Whitaker Brothers, we carry a full collection of degaussers, from manual models to NSA-approved equipment, all backed by decades of expertise and excellent customer support.
Whether clearing out old technology or tightening data protocols, you'll find permanent data destruction solutions to match your needs and budget. Prefer to rent? Our degausser rentals are fit for short-term use, on-site destruction, or trying before you buy. Get in touch today.