Best Storage Drives
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The ideal storage drive should offer a significant amount of storage space, deliver high-speed data transfer, and have a reliable drive lifespan. Beyond that, factors such as slim design, compatibility, and security features can also play a role in making a drive exceptional.
It’s essential to remember that not all storage drives are similar in terms of storage, speed, or even usage. Solid State Drives (SSD), Hybrid Drives (HDD), and Network Attached Storage (NAS) drives, all have their distinct strong points, so it’s critical to weigh the trade-offs based on your data requirements and budget.
We’ve done a deep dive into the absolute best storage drives based on their performance, speed, reliability, and overall value. You’ll discover the highlights of each product and their standout features, pros, and cons, helping you make a well-informed decision based on your specific needs.
By the end of this article, you will have a comprehensive guide with all the necessary information, straight from our first-hand experiences, to guide you in selecting the perfect storage drive. Our findings will empower you to pick a storage solution that caters to your needs, whether you require high-speed storage for gaming or video editing, a secure NAS for data backup, or a simple portable drive for everyday use.
SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD – Up to 1050MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance, Updated Firmware – External Solid State Drive – SDSSDE61-2T00-G25
If you’re looking for a portable SSD that offers fast transfer speeds and reliable data protection, the SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD is a great option.
Pros
- With read speeds of up to 1050MB/s, this SSD allows you to transfer large files quickly and efficiently.
- The ruggedized design with IP65 water and dust resistance ensures that your data stays safe even when you’re on the go.
- The included SanDisk Rescue PRO Deluxe software provides added peace of mind by offering data recovery services.
Cons
- While the included USB-C to USB-A adapter is a nice touch, it would have been even more convenient if the SSD itself had a USB-C port.
- Some users have reported issues with the SSD not showing up on their computer, although this seems to be a rare issue.
- The price point may be a bit high for some users who are looking for a more budget-friendly option.
We’ve been using the SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The fast transfer speeds make it a great option for anyone who needs to move large files around frequently. The ruggedized design is also a plus, as it gives us peace of mind knowing that our data is safe even when we’re on the go.
One thing to keep in mind is that the SSD does not have a USB-C port, which may be a dealbreaker for some users. However, the included USB-C to USB-A adapter makes it easy to use with newer devices that only have USB-C ports. It’s also worth noting that some users have reported issues with the SSD not showing up on their computer, although we haven’t experienced this issue ourselves.
Overall, if you’re looking for a portable SSD that offers fast transfer speeds and reliable data protection, the SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD is definitely worth considering. While it may be a bit pricey for some users, its performance and durability make it a great investment for anyone who needs to move large files around frequently.
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 portable external hard drive, the WD 5TB Elements Portable HDD is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The drive is compatible with both Windows and Mac, making it a versatile option for users who work with multiple operating systems.
- The USB 3.0 interface provides fast transfer speeds, allowing you to quickly move large files to and from the drive.
- The drive is bus-powered, which means you don’t need to worry about carrying around an additional power adapter.
Cons
- The drive is unencrypted, which may be a concern for users who need to keep their data secure.
- The drive may not be as shock-resistant as some other external hard drives on the market.
- The drive may not be as quiet as some users would like.
We’ve been using the WD 5TB Elements Portable HDD for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The drive is easy to set up and use, and it’s compatible with both Windows and Mac, which is a big plus for us since we use both operating systems.
One of the things we really like about this drive is its USB 3.0 interface. It provides fast transfer speeds, which is especially useful when working with large files. We’ve found that we can quickly move files to and from the drive without waiting around for transfers to complete.
Another thing we appreciate about this drive is its portability. It’s bus-powered, which means you don’t need to worry about carrying around an additional power adapter. The drive is also relatively lightweight, which makes it easy to take with you on the go.
While we’re happy with the overall performance of this drive, there are a few things we’d like to note. First, the drive is unencrypted, which may be a concern for users who need to keep their data secure. Second, the drive may not be as shock-resistant as some other external hard drives on the market. Finally, the drive may not be as quiet as some users would like.
Overall, we think the WD 5TB Elements Portable HDD is a great option for users who need a reliable and portable external hard drive. It’s easy to use, compatible with both Windows and Mac, and provides fast transfer speeds thanks to its USB 3.0 interface.
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 and high-capacity external hard drive, the Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive HDD is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The drive is compatible with Windows 10, making it easy to use with your PC.
- It also works with Mac OS X 10.10 and later, so you can use it with your Mac as well.
- The drive is compatible with PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, making it a great option for gamers who need extra storage for their consoles.
Cons
- The drive is bus-powered, which means it relies on the USB port for power. This can make it less reliable when used with low-power USB ports.
- The drive’s plastic casing may not be as durable as more expensive metal casings.
- The drive’s 5400 rpm spindle speed may not be as fast as some higher-end drives.
We’ve used the Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive HDD with our Windows 10 PC and our PlayStation 4, and it has performed well in both cases. The drive is easy to set up and use, and it has a sleek and portable design that makes it easy to take with you on the go.
One of the standout features of this drive is its compatibility with a wide range of devices. Whether you’re using it with a PC, Mac, PlayStation, or Xbox, the drive is designed to work seamlessly with your device of choice. This makes it a great option for users who need a versatile and reliable external hard drive.
Another great feature of this drive is its one-year Rescue Data Recovery Services plan. This plan provides you with peace of mind knowing that your data is protected, and if anything were to happen to your drive, you would have access to professional data recovery services.
Overall, if you’re in the market for a reliable and high-capacity external hard drive, the Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive HDD is definitely worth considering. With its wide compatibility, sleek design, and reliable performance, this drive is a great choice for anyone in need of extra storage.
Toshiba Canvio Basics 2TB Portable External Hard Drive USB 3.0, Black – HDTB520XK3AA
If you’re looking for a simple and reliable portable hard drive, the Toshiba Canvio Basics 2TB is a great option.
Pros
- The 2TB capacity provides ample storage space for your files.
- The compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry around.
- The USB 3.0 interface ensures fast data transfer speeds.
Cons
- The hard drive is not shockproof, so it may not be the best option if you plan to carry it around frequently.
- The hard drive may not be recognized by older computers.
- The hard drive does not come with any software or backup solutions.
The Toshiba Canvio Basics 2TB is a great option for those who need a simple and reliable portable hard drive. The 2TB capacity provides ample storage space for your files, and the compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry around. Additionally, the USB 3.0 interface ensures fast data transfer speeds, making it a great option for those who need to transfer large files quickly.
However, it’s important to note that the hard drive is not shockproof, so it may not be the best option if you plan to carry it around frequently. Additionally, the hard drive may not be recognized by older computers, so it’s important to check compatibility before purchasing. Finally, the hard drive does not come with any software or backup solutions, so you may need to purchase these separately if you need them.
Overall, if you’re looking for a simple and reliable portable hard drive with ample storage space, the Toshiba Canvio Basics 2TB is a great option to consider.
SAMSUNG SSD T7 Portable External Solid State Drive 1TB, Up to USB 3.2 Gen 2, Reliable Storage for Gaming, Students, Professionals, MU-PC1T0T/AM, Gray
If you’re looking for a reliable and fast external SSD, the SAMSUNG SSD T7 Portable External Solid State Drive is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The SSD T7 features a compact and sleek design, making it easy to carry around.
- With read speeds of up to 1,050 MB/s, this SSD is incredibly fast and can help you transfer files quickly.
- The SSD T7 is shock-resistant, drop-resistant, and magnet-resistant, ensuring that your data stays safe and secure.
Cons
- The SSD T7 doesn’t come with a USB-C to USB-C cable, which may be an issue for some users.
- While the SSD T7 is fast, it may not be as fast as some other external SSDs on the market.
- The SSD T7 is a bit pricey compared to some other external SSDs.
The SAMSUNG SSD T7 Portable External Solid State Drive is a great option for anyone who needs a reliable and fast external storage solution. Its compact and sleek design makes it easy to carry around, while its fast read speeds of up to 1,050 MB/s make it ideal for transferring large files quickly. Additionally, the SSD T7 is shock-resistant, drop-resistant, and magnet-resistant, ensuring that your data stays safe and secure.
One potential downside of the SSD T7 is that it doesn’t come with a USB-C to USB-C cable, which may be an issue for some users. Additionally, while the SSD T7 is fast, it may not be as fast as some other external SSDs on the market. Finally, the SSD T7 is a bit pricey compared to some other external SSDs.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and fast external SSD that you can take with you on the go, the SAMSUNG SSD T7 Portable External Solid State Drive is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best storage drive, there are several factors to consider. We have used and tested various storage drives and have come up with a list of the most important features to look for.
Capacity
The first factor to consider is capacity. This refers to the amount of data that the storage drive can hold. When choosing a storage drive, it is important to consider the amount of data that you need to store. If you plan on storing large files such as videos or music, you will need a storage drive with a higher capacity.
Speed
Another important factor to consider is speed. This refers to how quickly the storage drive can read and write data. When choosing a storage drive, it is important to consider the speed of the drive, especially if you plan on using the drive for tasks such as video editing or gaming.
Reliability
Reliability is also an important factor to consider when choosing a storage drive. You want a drive that will last a long time and not fail on you. Look for a drive with a good reputation for reliability and a warranty that will cover any issues that may arise.
Price
Price is also an important factor to consider when choosing a storage drive. While you don’t want to skimp on quality, you also don’t want to overspend on a drive that doesn’t meet your needs. Look for a drive that offers a good balance of features and price.
In summary, when choosing a storage drive, it is important to consider capacity, speed, reliability, and price. By taking these factors into consideration, you can find a storage drive that meets your needs and provides reliable storage for your data.
