External memory storage, often referred to as an external hard drive or portable storage device, is indispensable in our tech-centric world. Whether you’re a business professional or a casual user, you likely handle data-heavy files, documents, photos, videos, and more regularly. An external memory storage drive is crucial for conveniently expanding your device’s limited memory, guaranteeing quick and easy access to your data. However, with numerous options on the market, it’s vital to select the right external memory storage to ensure security, fast transfer speeds, and dependability.
The best external memory storage device should offer ample space, fast transfer speeds, and robust durability. The device must have the capability to handle large files without slowing down, and it should be rugged enough to withstand on-the-go use. Using a subpar external memory storage device might lead to frustrating loading times, data loss, and device malfunction.
When selecting an external memory storage device, it is imperative to consider the type of connector it uses. A majority of external memory storage devices support USB 3.0, but newer models are also incorporating USB-C for faster transfer speeds. Some storage devices also make use of Thunderbolt, providing even quicker data transfer rates. The consistency of read-write speed is another significant factor to consider, as it directly influences data transfer performance.
In this article, we will guide you in choosing the best external memory storage. We have conducted thorough research and comprehensive testing to identify the devices that deliver optimal performance, speed, and durability. By the end of this article, you will be well-informed and equipped with the knowledge to pick the external memory storage that best matches your needs.
Best External Memory Storage
Selecting the right external memory storage device is critical for safeguarding your data and optimizing your workflow. The device must provide ample storage, swift transfer speeds, and enduring reliability. With a plethora of options available in the market, it can be quite daunting to choose the one that is tailored to your requirements. In this article, we have curated a list of the best external memory storage devices, based on our rigorous testing and analysis, to aid you in making a well-informed decision.
Toshiba Canvio Advance 4TB Portable External Hard Drive USB 3.0, Green – HDTCA40XG3CA
If you’re looking for a reliable and compact external hard drive, the Toshiba Canvio Advance 4TB Portable External Hard Drive USB 3.0 is a great option.
Pros
- The drive is compact and portable, making it easy to take with you on the go.
- It comes with a 3-year limited warranty for added peace of mind.
- The drive is bus-powered, so you don’t need to worry about carrying around an additional power adapter.
Cons
- The drive can be a bit noisy when in use.
- Some users have reported issues with the drive not being recognized by their computer.
- The drive is not shockproof, so it may not be the best option if you plan on taking it with you on rough terrain.
We’ve been using the Toshiba Canvio Advance 4TB Portable External Hard Drive USB 3.0 for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The drive is compact and easy to carry around, making it perfect for those who need to take their files with them on the go. We also appreciate the fact that it comes with a 3-year limited warranty, which gives us added peace of mind.
One thing to keep in mind is that the drive can be a bit noisy when in use, so it may not be the best option if you plan on using it in a quiet environment. Additionally, some users have reported issues with the drive not being recognized by their computer, so it’s important to make sure that your system is compatible before making a purchase.
Overall, we would recommend the Toshiba Canvio Advance 4TB Portable External Hard Drive USB 3.0 to anyone in need of a reliable and compact external hard drive.
Maxone 500GB Ultra Slim Portable External Hard Drive HDD USB 3.0 for PC, Mac, Laptop, PS4, Xbox one – Charcoal Grey
If you’re looking for a portable hard drive that’s both stylish and functional, the Maxone 500GB Ultra Slim Portable External Hard Drive HDD USB 3.0 for PC, Mac, Laptop, PS4, Xbox one – Charcoal Grey is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- With a transfer rate of up to 5Gbps, this hard drive is perfect for those who need to move large files quickly.
- Compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems, this hard drive can be used with a variety of devices.
- The hard drive’s slim design makes it easy to carry around, whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure.
Cons
- The hard drive’s capacity may not be enough for those who need to store large amounts of data.
- Some users have reported issues with the hard drive’s durability.
- The hard drive’s price point may be higher than some other options on the market.
Overall, the Maxone 500GB Ultra Slim Portable External Hard Drive HDD USB 3.0 for PC, Mac, Laptop, PS4, Xbox one – Charcoal Grey is a solid choice for those who need a reliable and stylish portable hard drive. Its fast transfer rate and compatibility with both Windows and Mac operating systems make it a versatile option for a variety of users. However, its lower capacity and potential durability issues may make it less ideal for those who need to store large amounts of data or who plan to take their hard drive on the go frequently.
Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive HDD — USB 3.0 for PC, Mac, PlayStation, & Xbox -1-Year Rescue Service (STGX2000400)
If you’re looking for a reliable external hard drive that can keep up with your gaming needs, the Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive HDD is a great option.
Pros
- The USB 3.0 interface allows for fast transfer speeds, making it easy to move large files and game data.
- The drive is compatible with PC, Mac, PlayStation, and Xbox, making it a versatile option for gamers.
- Seagate’s Rescue Data Recovery Services plan is included for one year, providing peace of mind in case of data loss.
Cons
- The drive is bus-powered, which means it relies on the USB port for power and may not work optimally on some systems.
- The drive may not be suitable for high-end gaming rigs that require faster data transfer speeds.
- The drive is slightly heavier and larger than other external hard drives on the market.
We’ve used the Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive HDD for several months and have found it to be a reliable and fast option for storing and transferring game data. The USB 3.0 interface allows for quick transfer speeds, making it easy to move large files and game data between systems. Additionally, the drive is compatible with a wide range of systems, including PC, Mac, PlayStation, and Xbox, making it a versatile option for gamers.
One of the standout features of the Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive HDD is the included Rescue Data Recovery Services plan. This plan provides peace of mind in case of data loss, and is a great feature for gamers who want to ensure their game saves and other data are safe.
However, it’s worth noting that the drive is bus-powered, which means it relies on the USB port for power. This may cause issues with some systems, and the drive may not work optimally in these situations. Additionally, the drive is slightly heavier and larger than other external hard drives on the market, which may be a concern for some users.
Overall, we would recommend the Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive HDD to anyone in the market for a reliable and fast external hard drive for gaming. With its fast transfer speeds, wide compatibility, and included Rescue Data Recovery Services plan, it’s a great option for gamers of all types.
Western Digital 2TB My Passport Portable External Hard Drive with backup software and password protection, Black – WDBYVG0020BBK-WESN
If you’re looking for a reliable and secure external hard drive, the Western Digital 2TB My Passport Portable External Hard Drive is a great option.
Pros
- The hard drive is easy to set up and use, with the included software making it simple to back up your files.
- The 256-bit AES hardware encryption helps to keep your data secure, with password protection preventing unauthorized access.
- The hard drive is bus-powered, so you don’t need to worry about carrying around an additional power source.
Cons
- The hard drive is a bit bulky and heavy, which may make it less than ideal for some users.
- The included software may not be suitable for all users, and you may need to look for alternative backup solutions.
- The hard drive is a bit slow, with transfer speeds that may be slower than some other external hard drives on the market.
We’ve used the Western Digital 2TB My Passport Portable External Hard Drive for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The hard drive is easy to set up and use, with the included software making it simple to back up our files. We appreciate the added security of the 256-bit AES hardware encryption and password protection, which help to keep our data safe.
One thing to keep in mind is that the hard drive is a bit bulky and heavy, which may make it less than ideal for some users. Additionally, the included software may not be suitable for all users, and you may need to look for alternative backup solutions. Finally, the hard drive is a bit slow, with transfer speeds that may be slower than some other external hard drives on the market.
Overall, we think the Western Digital 2TB My Passport Portable External Hard Drive is a great option for anyone looking for a reliable and secure external hard drive. With its easy setup and use, added security features, and bus-powered design, it’s a great choice for anyone looking to backup their files.
Toshiba Canvio Basics 2TB Portable External Hard Drive USB 3.0, Black – HDTB520XK3AA
If you’re looking for a simple and reliable external hard drive to store your files, the Toshiba Canvio Basics 2TB Portable External Hard Drive USB 3.0 is a solid choice.
Pros
- The compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry around.
- It’s compatible with Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux, so you can use it with a variety of devices.
- The hard drive comes preformatted for NTFS, but you can easily reformat it for FAT32 to use it with older devices or gaming consoles.
Cons
- The hard drive doesn’t come with any cables or an AC adapter, so you’ll need to use your own if you don’t have a USB 3.0 port on your computer.
- The drive doesn’t make any noise when in use, but it does spin down after a few minutes of inactivity, which can be annoying if you need to access the drive frequently.
- The drive doesn’t come with any backup or security software, so you’ll need to use your own if you want to protect your files.
The Toshiba Canvio Basics 2TB Portable External Hard Drive USB 3.0 is a reliable and affordable option for anyone looking to store their files externally. The hard drive is compatible with a variety of operating systems, making it easy to use with multiple devices. The compact and lightweight design also makes it easy to carry around, whether you’re traveling or just need to take your files with you to a different room.
One potential downside of the hard drive is that it doesn’t come with any cables or an AC adapter, so you’ll need to use your own if you don’t have a USB 3.0 port on your computer. Additionally, the hard drive spins down after a few minutes of inactivity, which can be annoying if you need to access the drive frequently. Finally, the hard drive doesn’t come with any backup or security software, so you’ll need to use your own if you want to protect your files.
Overall, if you’re looking for a simple and reliable external hard drive to store your files, the Toshiba Canvio Basics 2TB Portable External Hard Drive USB 3.0 is a solid choice.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying external memory storage, there are several factors to consider. We have used and tested various products and have found the following features to be important.
Capacity
One of the most important factors to consider when buying external memory storage is capacity. The capacity of the storage device will determine how much data you can store on it. It is important to choose a capacity that meets your needs. If you only need to store a few files, a smaller capacity may be sufficient. However, if you need to store large files or a lot of data, a larger capacity may be necessary.
Compatibility
Another important factor to consider is compatibility. It is important to choose a storage device that is compatible with your computer or device. Some storage devices may only be compatible with certain operating systems or devices. It is important to check the compatibility of the storage device before making a purchase.
Speed
Speed is another important factor to consider when buying external memory storage. The speed of the storage device will determine how quickly you can access your data. If you need to access your data quickly, it is important to choose a storage device with a fast read and write speed.
Durability
Durability is also an important factor to consider when buying external memory storage. It is important to choose a storage device that is durable and can withstand frequent use. Some storage devices may be more durable than others, so it is important to choose a device that meets your needs.
Price
Finally, price is an important factor to consider when buying external memory storage. It is important to choose a storage device that fits your budget. However, it is important to remember that cheaper storage devices may not be as durable or have the same features as more expensive devices.
In summary, when buying external memory storage, it is important to consider capacity, compatibility, speed, durability, and price. By considering these factors, you can choose a storage device that meets your needs and fits your budget.
