External hard drives are a must-have for anyone who needs extra storage space for their digital files. Whether you’re a professional photographer, a student, or just someone who likes to keep their files organized, an external hard drive can provide a reliable and secure backup for all your data.

When it comes to choosing the best external hard drive, there are a few things you should keep in mind. The first thing to consider is the storage capacity you need. External hard drives come in a variety of sizes, from a few gigabytes to several terabytes. You’ll want to choose a size that can accommodate all your files and leave room for future growth.

Another important factor to consider is the type of connection the external hard drive uses. USB 3.0 is the most common type of connection and provides fast transfer speeds, but some newer models use Thunderbolt or USB-C connections for even faster data transfer.

We spent hours researching and testing ten external hard drives to identify the ones that offer the best combination of storage capacity, speed, and reliability. With our recommendations, you can find the perfect external hard drive to meet your needs and keep your files safe and secure.

Best External Hard Drives

If you’re someone who works with large files or needs to store a lot of data, then an external hard drive is an essential tool. Not only can it help free up space on your computer, but it can also act as a backup for important files. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the best external hard drives on the market. Whether you’re looking for a high-capacity drive or something more portable, we’ve got you covered.

Seagate Portable Drive

If you are in need of a reliable external hard drive, the Seagate Portable Drive is a great option for you.

Pros

• The Seagate Portable Drive is compact and lightweight, making it easy to take on the go.
• With 2TB of storage, you can easily store and access all your important files and documents.
• The plug and play simplicity of this external hard drive makes it easy to use and set up.

Cons

• The Seagate Portable Drive can be a bit slow when transferring large files.
• Some users have reported issues with the hard drive failing after a few months of use.
• The included USB cable is a bit short, which can be inconvenient for some users.

If you are looking for a reliable and affordable external hard drive, the Seagate Portable Drive is a great option. It is compact and lightweight, making it easy to take on the go, and with 2TB of storage, you can store and access all your important files and documents. The plug and play simplicity of this external hard drive makes it easy to use and set up.

One downside of the Seagate Portable Drive is that it can be a bit slow when transferring large files. Additionally, some users have reported issues with the hard drive failing after a few months of use. Another minor inconvenience is that the included USB cable is a bit short, which can be a problem for some users.

Overall, the Seagate Portable Drive is a great option if you are in need of a reliable external hard drive. With its compact size, large storage capacity, and easy set up, it is a great choice for both personal and professional use.

WD Elements Portable HDD

If you’re looking for a reliable and high-capacity external hard drive, the WD Elements Portable HDD is an excellent choice. It’s ideal for backing up your photos, videos, and files on the go, and it comes with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 connectivity for fast data transfer rates.

Pros

• The WD Elements Portable HDD adds extra storage for your videos, music, photos, and files.
• Transfer data at maximum speed with USB 3.0; USB 2.0 compatible.
• Improve PC performance – When your internal hard drive is almost full your PC slows down. Don’t delete files. Free up space on your internal hard drive by transferring files to your WD Elements portable hard drive and get your laptop moving again.

Cons

• The WD Elements Portable HDD is not as fast as a solid-state drive.
• The device is not shock-resistant, so it may not be the best choice for those who need to transport it frequently.
• The device may be a bit bulky for some users.

If you’re looking for an external hard drive that’s easy to use and offers high-capacity storage, the WD Elements Portable HDD is an excellent choice. It’s plug-and-play ready for Windows PC, so you won’t need to install any software or drivers. The device is also small and lightweight, making it the ideal companion for consumers on the go.

The WD Elements Portable HDD offers up to 5TB* capacity, which is more than enough for most users. This means you can store all your photos, videos, and files without worrying about running out of space. The device is also compatible with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 devices, so you can transfer files at maximum speed.

One of the best things about the WD Elements Portable HDD is that it can improve your PC’s performance. When your internal hard drive is almost full, your PC slows down. You don’t have to delete files to free up space on your internal hard drive. Instead, you can transfer files to your WD Elements portable hard drive and get your laptop moving again.

Overall, the WD Elements Portable HDD is an excellent choice for those who need high-capacity storage on the go. It’s easy to use, reliable, and offers fast data transfer rates. If you’re looking for an affordable and high-quality external hard drive, the WD Elements Portable HDD is definitely worth considering.

WD Elements Desktop USB 3.0 External Hard Drive

If you’re looking for an external hard drive with ample storage capacity, fast data transfer rates, and plug-and-play functionality for your Windows PC, the WD Elements Desktop USB 3.0 External Hard Drive is an excellent option.

Pros

• High-capacity add-on storage
• Fast data transfers
• Plug-and-play ready for Windows PCs

Cons

• Noisy hard drive
• Supplied with a continental plug
• Not compatible with Mac without reformatting

This external hard drive is a great choice for expanding your computer’s storage space. With up to 10TB of storage capacity, you can store all your important files, photos, and videos without worrying about running out of space. The fast data transfer rates ensure that your files are transferred quickly and efficiently, saving you time and effort.

The plug-and-play functionality makes it easy to use and set up, without the need for any additional software or drivers. Simply plug it into your Windows PC and start using it right away. However, it’s important to note that the drive is not compatible with Mac without reformatting.

One downside to this external hard drive is that it can be quite noisy, which may be a concern for some users. Additionally, it comes with a continental plug, which may not be compatible with all outlets in your region.

Overall, if you’re looking for an external hard drive that offers reliable, high-capacity storage and fast data transfer rates, the WD Elements Desktop USB 3.0 External Hard Drive is definitely worth considering.

Seagate Portable 1TB External Hard Drive

If you need an external hard drive for your PC or Mac, the Seagate Portable 1TB External Hard Drive is a great option.

Pros

• With 1TB of storage, you’ll have plenty of space for all your files and documents.
• This external hard drive is compact and portable, making it easy to take with you on the go.
• The included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable provides fast data transfer speeds.

Cons

• If you’re using a Mac, you may need to reformat the drive before you can use it.
• The hard drive is mechanical, so it may not be as durable as a solid-state drive.
• The design is simple and may not be as visually appealing as other external hard drives.

This external hard drive is incredibly easy to set up – just plug it in and start dragging and dropping your files. It’s also compatible with both Windows and Mac, so you can use it with any computer. The compact design makes it easy to take with you on the go, and the fast data transfer speeds mean you won’t have to wait long to transfer large files.

While the Seagate Portable 1TB External Hard Drive is a great option for most people, it may not be the best choice for those who need a more durable hard drive. The mechanical design means it may not be as resilient as a solid-state drive, and the simple design may not be as visually appealing as other external hard drives. However, if you’re looking for a reliable and easy-to-use external hard drive, this is a great option.

Maxone Portable External Hard Drive

If you’re looking for a reliable and portable external hard drive, the Maxone Portable External Hard Drive is a great option for you.

Pros

• The plug-and-play functionality makes it easy to use without the need for an external power supply or software installation.
• The slim and pocket-sized design makes it easy to carry around with you.
• The high-speed USB 3.0 connectivity allows for fast transfer speeds and efficient data backup.

Cons

• The advertised capacity may differ from the actual capacity due to formatting differences.
• Some games may have restrictions when installing directly onto the external hard drive.
• It may need to be reformatted in Fat32 file for use with PS3 and smart TV.

This external hard drive is a great option for those who need extra storage for their computer, PS4, Xbox One, or smart TV. The plug-and-play functionality makes it easy to use, while the slim and pocket-sized design makes it easy to carry around with you.

The high-speed USB 3.0 connectivity allows for fast transfer speeds, making it efficient for data backup. However, it’s important to note that the advertised capacity may differ from the actual capacity due to formatting differences.

While it’s a great option for game storage, some games may have restrictions when installing directly onto the external hard drive. Additionally, if you plan on using it with a PS3 or smart TV, it may need to be reformatted in Fat32 file.

Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and portable external hard drive, the Maxone Portable External Hard Drive is a great option to consider.

SUHSAI External Hard Drive 250Gb USB 2.0 Portable Hard Disk Storage & Memory Expansion HDD, Backup External Hard Drive for Laptop Computer, MacBook, and Desktop (Blue) 250 GB Blue

If you’re looking for an affordable and portable external hard drive, the SUHSAI External Hard Drive is a good option.

Pros

• This external hard drive is very easy to use. Simply plug and play, and it’s ready to go.
• The SUHSAI External Hard Drive is compatible with a variety of devices, including Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android.
• With a sleek and portable design, this external hard drive is perfect for people on the go.

Cons

• The read and write speeds of this external hard drive are not as high as some other models on the market.
• The capacity of this external hard drive is limited to 250GB, which may not be sufficient for some users.
• The build quality of this external hard drive is not as sturdy as some other models on the market.

In terms of performance, the SUHSAI External Hard Drive does what it’s supposed to do. It provides a simple and easy-to-use storage solution for your important files and documents. However, if you’re looking for a high-performance external hard drive with a lot of storage capacity, you may want to consider other options.

That being said, the SUHSAI External Hard Drive is a great option for people who need a portable and affordable external hard drive. It’s perfect for students, professionals, and anyone who needs to store and access their files on the go.

Overall, if you’re looking for a simple and reliable external hard drive, the SUHSAI External Hard Drive is a good choice. With its easy-to-use plug and play design and compatibility with a variety of devices, it’s a great option for anyone who needs a portable storage solution.

Buying Guide

When choosing the best external hard drive for your needs, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for:

Capacity

The first thing to consider when purchasing an external hard drive is the storage capacity. The larger the capacity, the more data you can store. Consider how much storage space you need and choose a drive that can accommodate your needs.

Speed

Speed is another important factor to consider. A faster drive will transfer data more quickly, which can save you time. Look for a drive with a fast transfer speed, especially if you plan to transfer large files.

Compatibility

Make sure the external hard drive you choose is compatible with your computer. Check the system requirements before purchasing to ensure that the drive will work with your operating system.

Portability

If you plan to take your external hard drive with you on the go, consider the size and weight of the drive. A smaller, lighter drive will be easier to transport.

Connectivity

The type of connectivity is also important to consider. USB 3.0 and USB-C are the most common types of connectivity for external hard drives. USB 3.0 is faster than USB 2.0, while USB-C is the newest and fastest type of connectivity.

Durability

Consider the durability of the external hard drive. Look for a drive that is sturdy and can withstand bumps and drops. A drive with shock resistance or a rugged design may be a good option if you plan to use it in rugged environments.

Price

Lastly, consider the price of the external hard drive. Prices can vary widely depending on the capacity, speed, and features of the drive. Determine your budget and choose a drive that fits within your price range.

Frequently Asked Questions

What brand of external hard drive is the most reliable?

When it comes to reliability, some of the most trusted brands in the market are Western Digital, Seagate, and Toshiba. These brands offer a wide range of external hard drives with different storage capacities and features, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

What is the best long lasting external hard drive?

The durability of an external hard drive depends on several factors, such as the quality of the components, the storage capacity, and the usage patterns. However, some of the most long-lasting external hard drives are the Western Digital My Passport, the Seagate Backup Plus, and the Toshiba Canvio Advance.

WD Elements vs. LaCie vs. Seagate: Which is the best external hard drive?

Each of these brands offers excellent external hard drives with different features and specifications. The best one for you depends on your needs and budget. WD Elements is a great choice if you want a reliable and affordable external hard drive. LaCie is ideal if you need a high-performance and stylish external hard drive. Seagate is a good option if you want a versatile and durable external hard drive.

What are the most reliable external hard drives?

Some of the most reliable external hard drives are Western Digital My Passport, Seagate Backup Plus, Toshiba Canvio Advance, and LaCie Rugged. These brands have a proven track record of producing high-quality and durable external hard drives.

How do I choose the best external hard drive for my needs?

When choosing an external hard drive, consider the storage capacity, the transfer speed, the durability, and the price. If you need a lot of storage space, go for a high-capacity external hard drive. If you need to transfer files quickly, choose an external hard drive with a fast transfer speed. If you need a durable external hard drive, look for one with shock-resistant features. And if you have a limited budget, choose an external hard drive that offers the best value for money.

What is the average cost of an external hard drive?

The average cost of an external hard drive depends on the storage capacity and the brand. A 1TB external hard drive from a reputable brand can cost anywhere from $50 to $100, while a 4TB external hard drive can cost between $100 and $200. Keep in mind that the price can vary depending on the features and specifications of the external hard drive.