Almost nothing is bad than realize you do n’t have enough outer space on your PC to store your late files . If opt forthe full SSDleaves you intimidated by the notion of installing the gimmick , external drive are a great alternative , as well as a dependable backing source to keep your most precious data protected .
As outlined in our clause onhow to select an extraneous gruelling drive , you ’ll want one that ’s fast , easy to utilise , and wo n’t break the bank . Our current top pick is the Samsung T7 , a compact , affordable , high - speed storage solution , but there are plenty of other options to opt from , as delineate our definitive listing of the best external operose drives you could buy today below .
Best all-around external hard drive
Samsung T7 Portable SSD 1TB
Why you should bribe this : It ’s one of the fastest external difficult drives available .
Who it ’s for : Anyone who needs a speedy but thick solid - commonwealth thrust .
Why we picked the Samsung T7 :
One of the most well - rounded outside SSDs available , the Samsung T7 is a compact , low-priced , eminent - speed storage drive that looks and finger like a top - tier portable storage solution . Utilizing the latest generation of Samsung ’s 3D V - NAND technology , it tamp up to 2 TB of storage infinite in a tiny design ( although not as small asa flash bulb drive , though it comes in a variety show of storage sizes at different prices .
We ’ve visualize excellent results from the Samsung T - series in our read and pen tests , and the T7 upgrades the engineering including USB 3.2 Gen 2 bread and butter , PCIe NVMe connection support , and ePCM thermal technology to refuse overheating . Encased in a solid Al shell , Samsung claims this extraneous effort can withstand a drop cloth from as high as 6 fundament without difficulty . Although we would barely intimate you put such claims to the test , it ’s of import that outside drives — which are not protected by the shell of a desktop or laptop — are sturdy enough to stand firm a little penalisation .
Thanks to its speed , compact size , and additional features like compatible encryption software , there is no other crusade we can recommend as extremely as the Samsung T7 SSD . It can be expensive when you get toward the top oddment of the depot blank spectrum — the 2 TB configuration will cost several hundred dollars — but it ’s much tacky than it was a couple of eld ago . If you may afford it , this is the external drive for you .
Best portable external hard drive
SanDisk Extreme Pro 1TB
Why you should buy this : It ’s broken , portable , and very tight .
Who it ’s for : Anyone who will be traveling or going to places where the atmospheric condition is extreme .
Why we picked the SanDisk Extreme Pro 1 TB :
SanDisk ’s Extreme Pro 1 TB is a highly portable NVMe drive ( see our guide to understandwhat NVMe is ) that extend read speeds up to 2000MBps while still being light enough to stow and convey anywhere you ’re give way . The rugged IP55 design refuse both water system and dust , while the atomic number 14 rubber coating and notch make it promiscuous to salt away the Extreme Pro however you ’d care , and it come with 256 - chip AES hardware encoding for protection , too .
We also really apprize that the SanDisk Extreme Pro is compatible with both USB - A and USB - carbon connections , so you do n’t have to concern about equipment compatibility — or about upgrading your equipment in the future and switching to a USB - C connexion . Since this is such a good pick for photographer and others on the move who may be deal with larger file sizes , we recommend the 1 TB rendering , although you’re able to push it all the way to 4 TB if you want .
Best HDD external hard drive
Western Digital My Passport Ultra
Why you should purchase this : It ’s got big storage in a slim package , and it ’s very low-cost .
Who it ’s for : Anyone attend for a authentic traditional spinning hard drive .
Why we picked the Western Digital My Passport Ultra :
Western Digital ’s My Passport Ultra is n’t the lightest driveway on the market , but it does come with a three - year warranty and the ship’s company ’s reputation for speed . Best of all , the drive does n’t require external power and showcases a sleek , stylish anatomy , which is potential why it ’s the first choice for many on a budget and those look for an low-cost backup driving force .
At this terms , you ca n’t have a bun in the oven fast read and write pep pill , but the Western Digital My Passport Ultra does include a liberal WD Backup tool , password protective covering , and 256 - AES hardware encryption capabilities . It ’s uncommitted in 1 TB , 2 TB , 4 TB , and 5 TB capacity along with Blue or Silver finishes . Note that it does have a USB - light speed connecter
Best workstation external hard drive
Samsung SSD T7 Touch
Why you should bribe this : It ’s a workspace - friendly SSD with an easy fingerprint login .
Who it ’s for : Office workers and others who want effective biometric protective cover .
Why we picked the Samsung SSD T7 Touch :
While some external drive are built for serious security measure , like our iStorage pickaxe with its work up - in keypad , this Samsung T7 Touch exemplar see a pleasant balance between security measures and usability , make it an splendid companion for a computer workstation or similar setup .
The “ Touch ” title come from the built - in fingerprint - free-base AES 256 - bite certificate , which reserve you to well protect voiceless drive admission while also unlocking it in seconds when you model down at your desk . The 2 TB entrepot capacitance we picked is enough to hold quite a little of workplace data , projects , and portfolios , while the design mutation shock impedance to withstand drops from up to six fundament .
The LED square on the front of the SSD is a little indicator light that will show you when and how the SSD is working . The T7 touching connects via a USB 3.2 connexion for read speeds up to 1,050 Mb / s. If the 2 TB model is a flake too expensive for you , the 1 TB version features a steep monetary value cliff to make this choice more affordable .
Best large capacity external hard drive
Western Digital My Book Duo 20TB
Why you should buy this : It ’s the perfect solution for storing an tremendous amount of photos , video , and anything else among multiple systems .
Who it ’s for : Those who involve a mass of outside store .
Why we pick the Western Digital My Book yoke :
If you desire a more robust , long - term external drive , Western Digital ’s MyBook Duo is a dandy choice . This massive enclosure come with up to 28 TB of storage for $ 1,000 , or as little as 4 TB of computer storage for $ 259 — and five other configuration in between . you may configure the two drives inside this enclosure in RAID , for file redundance or speed , or take advantage of every byte of storage . Either way , you get a sight of storage space and a two - year warrant from a reliable blade .
affirm USB 3.1 for high - amphetamine datum transfer , the Western Digital My Book Duo ’s case also is user - serviceable , mean you’re able to put back wiped out drives yourself , and practice the enclosure long after the drives ruin down . And with full musical accompaniment for 256 - bit AES computer hardware encoding , you’re able to ensure nobody can read your data but you .
Best external hard drive for travel
SSK Portable Wireless Hard Drive
Why you should buy this : If you want to protect your data and plug into with others , it ’s an first-class pick
Who it ’s for : job teams or pupil on the go , frequent travelers
Why we picked the SSK Portable Wireless Hard Drive :
SSK ’s drive is built for travel and is specially friendly for line prole on the go . Its 1 TB storage is enough for a variety of project data , and it let in its own Wi - Fi hotspot backup to facilitate enable connectivity no matter where you are . Wireless access also means that you do n’t have to worry about beguile cable management to access data from a nearby laptop or microcomputer .
you’re able to attach compatible USB storage or card readers to further expand your storage electrical capacity . you’re able to also divide the thrust ’s storage between public and private for further security measures . If you want a not bad campaign for centralised data management ( Samba and DLNA protocol are both supported ) while travel or working with your squad , this may be your skillful alternative .
Best external gaming hard drive
Crucial X8 1TB
Why you should purchase this : It ’s a peachy external drive for your Xbox or PlayStation consoles .
Who it ’s for : Gamers who require to thrive their local plot subroutine library .
Why we pick the Crucial X8 1 TB :
Today ’s games expect a lot of datum storage , and you might ask more than traditional onboard storage to stick around up - to - date on game . This 1 TB important cause provides all the computer storage outer space you ’ll require . It feature read speeds up to 1050MBps and goodish Al construction that ’s pearl - trial impression up to 7.5 feet . The drive is compatible with PlayStation 4 and Xbox One consoles .
you could also use this drive with USB - A and USB - 100 connection , which makes it exceedingly flexible . The Crucial X8 1 TB is your best wager for managing your ever - develop game collection — plus it looks telling next to your console table . However , please notice that hard drives used with newer Series X and PS5 consoles need to have specific compatibility to play games directly from the movement : Otherwise , drives like this Crucial are primarily useful for storage .
Best ruggedized external hard drive
LaCie Rugged
Why you should buy this : It ’s oculus - catching and has tidy sum of blank inside its rugged casing .
Who it ’s for : Photographers and movie maker
Why we foot the LaCie Rugged :
Those out in the literal field like photographer , film maker , and drone archetype need a hardy , speedy external drive to keep up with their employment . Lacie ’s Rugged SSD was created just for these purposes , with IP67 protection against daze from drop , water splashes , and detritus .
But that ’s just the beginning of what this USB - light speed movement can do . It also come with an integrated SD carte expansion slot that ’s perfect for photographer switching files to a large storehouse equipment to clear up some room , as well as a utile status screen that shows transfer progress , current mental ability , and current assault and battery life story . That battery can also be used as a power camp to charge cameras , droning , or other devices that are race low on succus .
While you’re able to line up the capacity of the Rugged drive anywhere between 500 GB and 5 TB , we pick out the 1 TB choice as a good compromise between the already high-pitched price of the framework and enough entrepot space to be utile . Just ensure all your equipment are ready for USB - C , if necessary , and mark that there are alsoThunderbolt 3 LaCie drivesthat can fulfil a interchangeable role .
Best budget external hard drive
Buffalo MiniStation
Why you should corrupt this : It ’s an affordable way to back up a bunch of data .
Who it ’s for : Anyone expect for a budget external SSD .
Why we picked the Buffalo SSD - PG :
While SSDs proffer plenteousness of reward ( see our guide below for more ) , they can also quick develop expensive , especially as you pass the 1 TB threshold . This Buffalo SSD is an excellent option for those interested in affordability : It provides 1 TB of storage at a small price , with a perdurable , compact design that can comfortably sit by your PC or cabinet — or in your sack .
The SSD - PG model include both USB - A and USB - C 3.2 port , so it ’s guaranteed to work with both Modern and older devices . Otherwise , there are n’t a lot of redundant feature here , but that ’s part of what keep the price so low . If you require to relieve even more money , you’re able to also opt Buffalo ’s MiniStation HDD , although you will be give pep pill and portability .
Most secure external hard drive
iStorage dishAshur Pro 2
Why you should purchase this : It ’s a tiptop - safe way to store your information .
Who it ’s for : People who care about privacy .
Why we piece the iStorage DiskAshur Pro 2 :
If external hard drives are conk to store tender information , financial document , personal client data , or other cognitive content that needs to be protected , then security is a precedence . Fortunately , protection is also the precedency of iStorage ’s HDD drive , which features a number pad for password protection ( up to 15 finger ) and military - grade hardware encoding to keep up to 2 TB of information secure .
The iStorage DiskAshur 2 is also dust- and splashing - proof , so it can well be stock around without care as much about the constituent . While there ’s no USB - C embrasure , the USB - A 3.2 port work very well for most equipment and supports read speeds up to 160MBps . If you need to meet CCPA , HIPAA , or other important complaisance measures , this is one of the best external hard drive you could pick .
Frequently Asked Questions
With no moving percentage and circuit board - based store , SSDs can last longer and are less susceptible to harm than HDDs . However , while monetary value continue to fall , SSDs also remain significantly more expensive than HDDs , peculiarly at capacities of 1 TB and over .
Practically speaking , newer SSD engineering has a encompassing smorgasbord of advantage . With no moving parts and circuit plug-in - based retention , SSDs can last longer and are less susceptible to damage than HDDs , and they are available in a wide variety of size from twinkling drives all the way up . They are also much faster , particularly newer PCIe and NVME drive . However , while prices go forward to fall , SSDs also remain importantly more expensive than HDDs , especially at capacity of 1 TB and over .
Our smell at thedifferences between HDDs and SSDsexplains this in more depth .
background - based drives are better for offices where most of the work is done in the same space and the crusade serves primarily as extra store that wo n’t get out the desk very often . Portable driving force , on the other hand , are more ruggedise , often smaller , and designed to easily correspond in pockets or cases while people move around .
Portable drives , on the other hired hand , are more ruggedized , often smaller , and design to easy match in pockets or case while people move around . This is better for on - the - go storage for business traveler , photographers , filmmakers , and anyone else using laptops , cameras , smartphones , etc . , to wangle large files . Keep in nous that for minor task , an SD card is often sufficient , while portable toilsome drives are plan to accommodate much more data , like photoshoots and mellow - definition video .
For sure-enough - generation consoles like the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One , many voiceless drives will play with the right-hand connections , making an international driving force an well-to-do path to spread out storage — although drives format for this purpose are recommend , as this helps avoid likely hemipteron .
For newer console like the PS5 and Xbox Series X , thing are a flake different . The PS5 is designed to take official M.2 SSD joystick drives , which are a freestanding purchase . The PS5 does support other external hard drives with the right connections , and while originally these were define to PS4 games only , support was expanded in April 2021 so you could nowuse an external private road on the PS5 . You ’ll still demand to channelize PS5 games to the internal SSD to wager them .
For the Xbox Series X / S , the console has a dedicated expansion slot for a specificSeagate Storage Expansion Card , an SSD specifically made to work with this variant of Xbox . Other USB 3.1 external drives are supported , but with limited capability reserved for older secret plan , not Seris X / S games .
All things being equal , an HDD will last around three to five yr before its moving parts will start to cause problem and finally betray . sketch have shown that SSDs , on average , last around 10 long time before failing , although this is also dictated by how many time the SSD flash memory board can be overwrite , so frequent purpose will shorten the life-time .
Some outside drives do necessitate to be plugged in to serve , and that include firmware update , which is why it ’s a good idea to sporadically plug in your SSD even if you do n’t use it that often . Other drives admit shelling and Wi - Fi connections so that they can function wirelessly without involve a cable connection . Our pick of the My Passport Wireless from Western Digital is one object lesson of these wireless private road , which are often useful for fieldwork in photography or standardised purposes .
Yes , and it ’s a democratic use for external drives . However , drives may not be able-bodied to defy all the datum from your information processing system , specially if you have a lot of media files stored there . In some cases , you may have to choose only the most important piece of your computer to back up . Our guide tobacking up Windows 11can help walk you through the mental process !
In addition to our top woof , we list other drives you should consider for lastingness , wireless connectivity , and more . We ’ve even polish up up some of thebest wireless external hard campaign availableand thebest external hard driving dealsif you ’re working with a tight budget .
