External hard drive storage devices are now vital for computer users needing to handle large data volumes, back up files, and maintain a reliable archive. These devices provide portability and extra storage without the need to disassemble your computer. Nevertheless, to keep your data secure, it’s important to select the appropriate external hard drive.
The best external hard drive storage device should provide speed, performance, and data protection. It should be durable, offer ample storage space and be compatible with your device. Using the wrong type of external hard drive storage can lead to data loss, inadequate data protection and slow performance.
When selecting an external hard drive, it’s important to consider factors such as capacity, speed, connectivity, compatibility, durability, and security features. In our journey of identifying the best external hard drive storage, we’ve tested various devices to measure their performance, speed, and durability. Based on our testing and findings, we will help you choose the best unit for your specific storage needs.
Best External Hard Drives Storage
Selecting the ideal external hard drive storage is vital for managing your data efficiently, safely, and plentifully. The device should be fast, offer high performance, and deliver optimal data protection. With numerous options available in the market, finding the right one can be daunting. As such, we have rigorously tested and analyzed popular models to assist you in making an informed decision. In this article, we will present a comprehensive guide on the best external hard drive storage devices to help you pick the best option to suit your specific requirements.
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 be used across multiple platforms, the Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive HDD is a great option.
Pros
- The hard drive is bus-powered, which means it doesn’t require a power adapter and can be used anywhere.
- With a transfer rate of up to 5 Gb/s, you can move large files quickly.
- The hard drive is compatible with Windows 10, Mac OS X 10.11+, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, making it a versatile option for gamers and professionals alike.
Cons
- The hard drive is not shock-resistant, so it may not be the best option if you plan on taking it on the go frequently.
- Some users have reported issues with the hard drive not showing up on their computer or console.
- The hard drive is relatively large and may not fit in all pockets or bags.
We’ve used the Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive HDD to store and transport large files, and it has performed well in our tests. The hard drive is easy to set up and use, and it has a sleek and compact design that makes it easy to take with you on the go.
One of the standout features of this hard drive is its compatibility with multiple platforms. Whether you’re using a Windows PC, a Mac, a PlayStation 4, or an Xbox One, you can easily transfer files to and from the hard drive without any compatibility issues. This makes it a great option for gamers who need to store and transport their save files and downloadable content.
Another great feature of this hard drive is its fast transfer rate. With a transfer rate of up to 5 Gb/s, you can move large files quickly and efficiently. This is especially useful if you need to transfer a lot of data to or from the hard drive on a regular basis.
However, there are a few downsides to this hard drive that you should be aware of. First, it is not shock-resistant, so it may not be the best option if you plan on taking it on the go frequently. Second, some users have reported issues with the hard drive not showing up on their computer or console. Finally, the hard drive is relatively large and may not fit in all pockets or bags, so you’ll need to make sure you have a way to carry it with you.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and versatile external hard drive that can be used across multiple platforms, the Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive HDD is a great option. With its fast transfer rate, sleek design, and compatibility with Windows, Mac, PlayStation, and Xbox, it’s a great choice for gamers and professionals alike.
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 reliable and portable external hard drive, the Maxone 500GB Ultra Slim Portable External Hard Drive HDD USB 3.0 is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The Maxone hard drive comes with a 2.5″ hard drive inside, making it compatible with PC, Mac, PS4, Xbox One, and more.
- With a transfer speed of up to 100MB/s, this hard drive is faster than most portable hard drives on the market.
- The Maxone hard drive is slim and lightweight, making it easy to carry around in your bag or pocket.
Cons
- The Maxone hard drive is not bus-powered, which means you’ll need to plug it in to a power source in order to use it.
- Some users have reported issues with the hard drive not showing up on their computer or console.
- The Maxone hard drive is not shockproof, so you’ll want to be careful when transporting it.
Overall, we think the Maxone 500GB Ultra Slim Portable External Hard Drive HDD USB 3.0 is a solid choice for anyone in need of additional storage. Its compatibility with a wide range of devices and fast transfer speed make it a great option for gamers, students, and professionals alike. However, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s not bus-powered and not shockproof, so you’ll want to be careful when using it.
In our testing, we found that the Maxone hard drive performed well and was easy to set up. We were able to transfer files quickly and without any issues, and the hard drive was recognized by our PC and PS4 without any issues.
One thing to keep in mind is that the Maxone hard drive is not particularly durable, so you’ll want to be careful when transporting it. We recommend using a protective case or sleeve to keep it safe.
Overall, if you’re in need of a reliable and portable external hard drive, the Maxone 500GB Ultra Slim Portable External Hard Drive HDD USB 3.0 is definitely worth considering.
WD 5TB Elements Portable HDD, External Hard Drive, USB 3.0 for PC & Mac, Plug and Play Ready – WDBU6Y0050BBK-WESN
If you’re looking for a reliable and easy-to-use external hard drive, the WD 5TB Elements Portable HDD is a great option. We’ve used it for a while and here’s what we think.
Pros
- The 5TB capacity is perfect for storing large media files, documents, and other important data.
- The drive is bus-powered, which means you don’t need to worry about carrying around an extra power cable.
- The drive is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems, making it a versatile option for users who work on multiple platforms.
Cons
- The drive is not shock-resistant, so you’ll need to be careful when transporting it.
- The drive can be slow to read and write data, especially if you’re transferring large files.
- The drive is not backed by a comprehensive warranty, which may be a concern for some users.
The WD 5TB Elements Portable HDD is a solid choice for anyone who needs an external hard drive for their personal or professional use. The 5TB capacity is ample space for storing all your important files, and the drive is easy to set up and use. The fact that it’s bus-powered means you don’t have to worry about carrying around an extra power cable, which is a nice feature.
One of the best things about this drive is its compatibility with both Windows and Mac operating systems. This means you can easily switch between the two platforms without having to worry about compatibility issues. The drive also comes with a range of software utilities, including WD Discovery, which makes it easy to back up your data and keep your drives organized.
However, there are a few downsides to this drive. The first is that it’s not shock-resistant, so you’ll need to be careful when transporting it. The second is that the drive can be slow to read and write data, especially if you’re transferring large files. Finally, the drive is not backed by a comprehensive warranty, which may be a concern for some users.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and easy-to-use external hard drive, the WD 5TB Elements Portable HDD is definitely worth considering. It’s a solid performer that offers plenty of storage space and is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems.
Western Digital 5TB My Passport Portable External Hard Drive with backup software and password protection, Black – WDBPKJ0050BBK-WESN
If you’re looking for a reliable and portable external hard drive, the Western Digital 5TB My Passport Portable External Hard Drive is a great option.
Pros
- The drive is shock-resistant and can withstand drops of up to 6.5 feet, making it a great option for those who are always on the go.
- It comes with 256-bit AES hardware encryption and password protection, ensuring that your data stays safe and secure.
- The included Western Digital Elements software makes it easy to back up your files automatically.
Cons
- The drive is USB-only, which may be a downside for those who prefer Thunderbolt or FireWire connections.
- It may take a while to transfer large amounts of data to or from the drive.
- The drive is not compatible with older Macs that do not support USB 3.0.
The Western Digital 5TB My Passport Portable External Hard Drive is a great option for those who need a reliable and portable external hard drive. The drive is shock-resistant and can withstand drops of up to 6.5 feet, making it a great option for those who are always on the go. It also comes with 256-bit AES hardware encryption and password protection, ensuring that your data stays safe and secure. Additionally, the included Western Digital Elements software makes it easy to back up your files automatically.
However, the drive is USB-only, which may be a downside for those who prefer Thunderbolt or FireWire connections. It may also take a while to transfer large amounts of data to or from the drive. Additionally, the drive is not compatible with older Macs that do not support USB 3.0.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and portable external hard drive, the Western Digital 5TB My Passport Portable External Hard Drive is a great option to consider.
Toshiba Canvio Basics 2TB Portable External Hard Drive USB 3.0, Black – HDTB520XK3AA
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable external hard drive, the Toshiba Canvio Basics 2TB Portable External Hard Drive USB 3.0, Black – HDTB520XK3AA is a great option.
Pros
- With 2TB of storage capacity, this external hard drive is perfect for storing large files such as music, videos, and photos.
- The hard drive is shock and vibration resistant, making it a great option for those who are always on the go.
- With USB 3.0 connectivity, this external hard drive offers fast transfer speeds, making it easy to move files between devices.
Cons
- The hard drive requires a separate power adapter, which can be inconvenient for some users.
- The hard drive may not be compatible with some older operating systems.
- The hard drive is not waterproof, so it’s important to handle it with care.
The Toshiba Canvio Basics 2TB Portable External Hard Drive USB 3.0, Black – HDTB520XK3AA is a great option for those who need a reliable and affordable external hard drive. With 2TB of storage capacity, this hard drive is perfect for storing large files such as music, videos, and photos. The hard drive is also shock and vibration resistant, making it a great option for those who are always on the go.
One of the best features of this hard drive is its USB 3.0 connectivity, which offers fast transfer speeds. This makes it easy to move files between devices quickly and efficiently. However, the hard drive does require a separate power adapter, which can be inconvenient for some users. Additionally, the hard drive may not be compatible with some older operating systems, so it’s important to check compatibility before purchasing.
Overall, the Toshiba Canvio Basics 2TB Portable External Hard Drive USB 3.0, Black – HDTB520XK3AA is a great option for those who need a reliable and affordable external hard drive. Its large storage capacity, shock and vibration resistance, and fast transfer speeds make it a great choice for anyone in need of additional storage.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying an external hard drive, there are a few factors to consider to ensure you get the best product for your needs. We’ve used and tested various external hard drives, and here are some key features to look for.
Capacity
One of the most important factors to consider when buying an external hard drive is its capacity. The capacity of the hard drive will determine how much data you can store on it. It’s important to choose a hard drive with enough capacity to meet your current and future storage needs.
Speed
Another important factor to consider is the speed of the hard drive. A faster hard drive will allow you to transfer data to and from the drive more quickly. Look for a hard drive with a high transfer rate to ensure fast data transfers.
Durability
Durability is also an important factor to consider when buying an external hard drive. Look for a hard drive with a sturdy construction and a durable exterior to ensure it can withstand everyday wear and tear.
Compatibility
Compatibility is another important factor to consider when buying an external hard drive. Make sure the hard drive is compatible with your computer or device to ensure it will work properly.
Backup Features
Finally, consider the backup features of the hard drive. Look for a hard drive with built-in backup features to ensure your data is safe and secure.
In summary, when choosing an external hard drive, consider the capacity, speed, durability, compatibility, and backup features to ensure you get the best product for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What external hard drive is recommended for storing large video files?
When it comes to storing large video files, we recommend looking for an external hard drive with a high capacity and fast data transfer rates. Some popular options include the LaCie 5big Thunderbolt, the Seagate Expansion Desktop, and the Western Digital My Book.
Which external hard drive is most suitable for long-term data storage?
For long-term data storage, it’s important to choose an external hard drive that is durable and reliable. Some popular options include the Seagate Backup Plus Hub, the Western Digital My Book, and the LaCie 2big Dock.
What are the top external hard drives with USB-C compatibility?
If you’re looking for an external hard drive with USB-C compatibility, some popular options include the Samsung Portable SSD T5, the LaCie DJI Copilot, and the Western Digital My Passport.
What external hard drives are compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems?
If you need an external hard drive that is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems, some popular options include the Seagate Backup Plus Slim, the Western Digital My Passport, and the LaCie DJI Copilot.
How do I choose the best external hard drive for photo backup?
When choosing an external hard drive for photo backup, it’s important to consider factors such as capacity, data transfer rates, and durability. Some popular options include the LaCie Fuel, the Seagate Expansion Portable, and the Western Digital My Book.
What are the highest-rated external hard drives for Windows users?
Some of the highest-rated external hard drives for Windows users include the Seagate Backup Plus Slim, the Western Digital My Passport, and the LaCie DJI Copilot. It’s important to choose an external hard drive that is compatible with the Windows operating system to ensure proper functionality.
