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The best external hard drives you can buy
As much as we try to prevent it, it happens. Our computers crash (knock on wood), and we lose our files.
Of course, things are much different now than they were a few years ago. Now there are external hard drives that can protect all of your files and content in another place, so you do not risk losing your most important files.
First, though, you need to know which external hard drives are the best -- and that's where we can help. We conduct in-depth research and scour the market for the best external hard drives for your home and office computers, so you can save time and money while focusing on what really matters.
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- Warranty included
- Large storage capacity
- Backup storage software
- Not much security
- Could be faster
Seagate Backup Plus tech specs: Capacity: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 5TB | Connectivity: USB | Type: Portable | Hard disk form factor: 3.5 inches
For our pick, the Seagate Backup Plus wins the best external hard drive overall. The device is ultra portable for easy carry, and it offers a straightforward design that works with both Windows and Mac.
The USB 3.0 drive gives easy access to your files, and you also have the ability to set up automatic backups, whether it is daily, weekly, monthly, or on-demand.
Review: Seagate Backup Plus
The minimalist design makes it perfect for tight spaces, and the metal enclosure ensures it's durable enough to survive a few drops here and there.
As a bonus, with your purchase you'll receive a free two-month membership to the Adobe Creative Cloud Photography Plan, along with a two-year warranty on the device.
- Incredibly durable
- Very fast
- USB support
- Pricey
- Cumbersome set up
LaCie Rugged Thunderbolt tech specs: Capacity: 2TB, 4TB, 5TB, 8TB | Connectivity: Thunderbolt, USB-C | Type: Portable
As the name suggests, the LaCie Rugged Thunderbolt is the best rugged external hard drive for its tough design -- but it's fast, too. The incorporated Rugged Thunderbolt USB-C offers lightning-fast speeds of up to 130Mbps, giving you high-speed file transfers.
Of course, the best part about this external hard drive is its durability. The tough, rugged design is built for life on the road, so it can outlast normal wear and tear. This unit is resistant to drops, dust, and water, so you can maintain peace of mind during every adventure.
Also: The best rugged laptops
Speaking of durability, this external hard drive comes with a three-year warranty. You'll also gain access to a free month trial of the Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps Plan.
- Tons of options for storage
- USB-3 hub included
- Simple to use
- Pricey
- Shorter warranty
WD My Book Duo tech specs: Capacity: 4TB, 6TB, 8TB, 12TB, 14TB, 16TB, 18TB, 20TB, 24TB, 28TB, 36TB | Connectivity: USB | Type: Desktop | Hard disk form factor: 3.5 inches
There is no shortage of capacities for the WD My Book Duo. Its storage ranges from 4TB all the way to 36TB, offering the largest capacity of all the best external hard drives. However, you have to pay for all that storage with a higher price tag.
It uses USB connectivity and offers a hard disk form factor of 3.5 inches, which is larger than other models. As a desktop unit, we also recommend the WD My Book Duo for gaming.
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If you're worried about protecting your data, this external hard drive can also deliver peace of mind with its 256-bit AES hardware encryption. You'll also have the ability switch to a RAID-1 configuration for data mirroring.
- Compact design
- 3-year warranty
- AES-256 hardware encryption
- Unstable
- Must purchase largest version for highest speeds
WD My Passport tech specs: Capacity: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 5TB | Connectivity: USB | Type: Hard Drive | Hard disk form factor: 2.5 inches
If you don't have a lot to spend, the WD My Passport is a dialed-down version of the external hard drive. It's compatible with desktops and gaming consoles, making it a versatile pick. It stores a maximum of 5TB, which is enough storage for basic documents and files.
The hard drive form factor is also smaller, measuring 2.5 inches compared to the WD My Book Duo's 3.5 inches. Along with having a more portable size, The My Passport Drive gives you access to automatic backup options using WD Discovery to connect to Google Drive or Dropbox.
Your files will also be protected by the My Passport built-in 256-bit AES hardware encryption.
- Durable
- Super fast
- Easy to grip
- Dated connection
- No SSD
WD Black P10 Game Drive tech specs: Capacity: 1TB, 2TB, 3TB, 4TB, 5TB | Connectivity: USB 3.0 | Type: Portable, Desktop, Gaming Console | Hard disk form factor: 2.5 inches
We recommend the WD Black P10 Game Drive as the best external hard drive for gaming. You get up to 5TB of storage, which can hold up to 125 games, plus USB 3.0 connectivity, albeit with a lower hard disk form factor of 2.5 inches.
It uses USB Type-A compatibility, coupled with a Micro-B cable and SuperSpeed interface. It's also compatible with certain Xbox and PlayStation systems.
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The cable transfers data quickly, with speeds up to 5Gbps. Plus, it comes with a limited, three-year warranty.
What is the best external hard drive?
The Seagate Backup Plus combines affordability with a portable design and a high hard disk form factor. This chart can help you see how it compares to the other best external hard drives.
Best external hard drive | Price | Capacity | Type | Hard disk form factor |
Seagate Backup Plus | $80 | 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 5TB | Portable | 3.5 inches |
LaCie Rugged Thunderbolt | $180 | 2TB, 4TB, 5TB, 8TB | Portable | 3.5 inches |
WD My Book Duo | $788 | 4TB, 6TB, 8TB, 12TB, 14TB, 16TB, 18TB, 20TB, 24TB, 28TB, 36TB | Desktop | 3.5 inches |
WD My Passport | $65 | 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 5TB | Portable | 2.5 inches |
WD Black P10 Game Drive | $73 | 1TB, 2TB, 3TB, 4TB, 5TB | Desktop / Gaming console | 2.5 inches |
Which is the right external hard drive for you?
My recommendations can help you find the best external hard drive for your needs. Here is a look at the unique value each of these external hard drives has to offer:
Choose this best external hard drive... | If you want... |
Seagate Backup Plus | A hard drive for both your PC and Mac with large storage capacity and a great backup utility. |
LaCie Rugged Thunderbolt | A durable unit that can handle heavy travel. It also offers fast transfer speeds and USB support. |
WD My Book Duo | Ample storage options. The WD My Book Duo is easy to use and includes a USB-3 hub. |
WD My Passport | The best budget option with a three-year warranty, compact design, and hardware encryption. |
WD Black P10 Game Drive | A hard drive that can cover your gaming needs with a three-year warranty. It also features an easy-to-grip body and super fast transfer speeds. |
How did we choose these best external hard drives?
To find the best external hard drives, I considered several factors.
- Type: A traditional hard drive may move slower and limit your ability to access your system remotely.
- Storage space: The best external storage devices are available with different capacities for storage, ranging from 1TB to 36TB.
- Ports: Most external hard drives allow for USB connections, but some offer USB-C connections for your more modern devices.
- Price: I always keep price at the forefront of my recommendations, so you can find an external hard drive that matches your budget.
- Write speeds: How fast does the portable drive process your files?
Is an SSD better than an internal hard drive?
A solid-state drive (SSD) offers portability in its design, so you can take it on the go with you. In addition, you'll have ample storage options. They're easy to use, and they work with a variety of popular devices.
Also: The best SSDs
A desktop drive not only chains you to a specific device, but it also provides a greater amount of memory than SSDs. Furthermore, you'll gain faster transfer speeds and quicker booting, making them perfect for larger data transfers/storage.
How long do external drives last?
An SSD typically lasts around ten years, which is far more than traditional hard drives, which usually last between three and five years. Most external hard drives come with limited warranties from its manufacturer.
If durability is a concern, I recommend searching for an external hard drive with a durable body, especially one that's metal constructed. That way, if you travel often and have the occasional whoops, you won't have to worry about replacing it.
If you do plan to travel often, consider also having a backup device that can go the distance with you.
How much does an external hard drive cost?
While the exact cost can vary, the best external hard drives range from $52 to more than $425 in price. The more storage you need, the more the cost will increase.
That's why you want to consider your purposes first before buying one. If your intention is to save documents and spreadsheets, you can get away with an inexpensive unit. However, if you're an avid gamer, you'll want an external hard drive with generous storage space.
Of all options, cloud storage is often the cheapest solution upfront. While you won't have an external HDD, you can save automatically to the provider's server.
Are there alternative external hard drives worth considering?
I included a diverse selection of hard drives based on storage capacity, price, and purpose. If you need a few more options, here are other top-notch options to consider:
BEST PRICE
iStorage DiskAshur DT2
This external hard drive is the first to offer a pin combination to unlock and use it. When in use, you'll also have AES-XTS 256-bit hardware encryption for peace of mind protection.
BEST PRICE
LaCie Mobile Drive
The compact design is capable of holding up to 5TB of data. It's compatible with Windows and Mac devices through USB 3.0 and USB-C.
BEST PRICE
SanDisk Professional G-Drive ArmorATD
This external hard drive provides durability with an anodized aluminum enclosure. It's also IP54 dust-resistant and water-resistant, as well as crush resistant up to 1,000 pounds.
For other ideas, check out our expert picks for the best computers, the best all-in-one computers, and the best gaming PCs.