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The best external hard drives for extra storage
It happens: Our computers sometimes crash, and we lose our files, or we run out of storage space on our laptop or other device.
While saving on your device directly or a cloud offering is great practice for both these situations, an external drive promises content protection apart from your computer's integrated system or the unknowns of the cloud, further limiting lost file risk. External drives are also a great place to safekeep photos and videos you may not need on your daily device.
Also: The best cloud storage services of 2024
ZDNET rounded up the best external drives based on type, storage capacity, ports, and price to find which external hard drive is the best for your storage needs. Our top pick for best external hard drive overall is the Seagate Backup Plus for its comprehensive performance, storage capacity, and sleek design.
The best external hard drives of 2024
- 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 HDD | Hard disk form factor: 3.5 inches
Thanks to its comprehensive performance, storage capability, and sleek design, the Seagate Backup Plus wins our pick for the best external hard drive overall. The device is ultra portable for easy carry and 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.
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.
- 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 HDD | Hard disk form factor: 2.5 inches
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 grippy padded case that wraps around the drive's perimeter makes the Thunderbolt drop, water, and dust resistant and gives it that coveted tough, rugged design ideal for travel.
Also: The best rugged laptops
- 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: Portable HDD | Hard disk form factor: 2.5 inches
If you're looking for a more budget-conscious hard drive, the WD My Passport is a back to basics model that doesn't compromise reliable hard drive features. It's compatible with desktops and gaming consoles, making it a versatile pick. The largest design can store a maximum of 5TB, which is more than 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 HDD | Hard disk form factor: 2.5 inches
The WD Black P10 Game Drive is a solid external hard drive for serious 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 also uses USB Type-A compatibility, coupled with a Micro-B cable and SuperSpeed interface, and its compatible with some Xbox and PlayStation systems. The cable additionally transfers data quickly, with speeds up to 5Gbps, making it perfect for your entertainment storage needs.
- Water-resistant
- Portable
- Fast performance at a reasonable price
- Shorter cable
- Open USB-C port
SanDisk Extreme Portable Tech Specs: Capacity: 500 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB, 4 TB | Connectivity: Bluetooth | Type: Portable SSD | Hard disk form factor: 2.5 inches
If you want to take your external hard drive on the go with you, the SanDisk Extreme Portable is your best bet. It boasts a design that is both water-resistant and dust-resistant, with a whopping two-meter drop protection for greater peace of mind. It is meant to work with a variety of devices, including your desktop, laptop, tablet, and even smartphone, giving you excellent flexibility.
The NVMe solid state performance means up to 1050 megabyte-per-second read speeds and 1000 megabyte-by-second write speeds. And, with Bluetooth technology, there is integrated password protection for extra security.
Also: The best travel gadgets, according to tech and travel experts
What is the best external hard drive?
With so many options on the market, selecting a hard drive can be a monumental task. See how our top pick, the Seagate Backup Plus, stacks up to our other best selections, and compare key components before finding the right hard drive for you.
| Best external hard drive | Starting Cost | Capacity | Type | Hard Disk Form Factor |
| Seagate Backup Plus | $95 | 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 5TB | Portable HDD | 3.5" |
| LaCie Rugged Thunderbolt | $173 | 2TB, 4TB, 5TB, 8TB | Portable HDD | 3.5" |
| WD My Passport | $65 | 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 5TB | Portable HDD | 2.5" |
| WD Black P10 Game Drive | $85 | 1TB, 2TB, 3TB, 4TB, 5TB | Desktop / Gaming console HDD | 2.5" |
| SanDisk Extreme Portable | $100 | 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB | Portable SSD | 2.5" |
*Lowest non-discounted price for the lowest storage offering at the time of writing. Please note that prices may vary based on retailer and available promotions, sales, or discounts.
Which is the right external hard drive for you?
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.
| Choose this best external hard drive... | If you... |
| Seagate Backup Plus | Want the best external hard drive you can buy. It's ultra-portable with a slim design, works with both Windows and Mac computers, and with USB 3.0, you get easy access to files on demand. |
| LaCie Rugged Thunderbolt | This best rugged external hard drive is meant for you to travel with, even amongst life's bumps and bruises. It's drop resistant, dust, and water-proof, and ready to endure and store all your adventures. |
| WD My Passport | Want storage without breaking the bank. At only 2.5 inches, it has a more portable design yet still packs in a 256-bit AES hardware encryption. |
| WD Black P10 Game Drive | Need something that can cover your games. This best gaming external hard drive was designed to keep up with your Xbox and PS4 given it can hold up to 125 games. |
| SanDisk Extreme Portable | Want a lightweight, portable external hard drive that won't weigh you down. It's also water and dust-resistant and speeds up to 1050 megabyte-per-second read speeds. |
How did we choose these best external hard drives?
To find the best external hard drives, we considered the type, storage capabilities, ports, and price.
Type: There are two main types of external storage: solid-state drives (SSDs) and hard drives (HDDs). External hard drives, which are composed of flash memory, tend to run slower than SSDs, but they are also the more affordable of the two options.
Storage: A vastly different amount of storage is available from one external hard drive to the next. Before you buy, consider how much storage you need for your files. One or two terabytes is generally the standard for most people, but there are many options to choose from. For example, the best external hard drives are available with different capacities for storage, ranging from 500 gigabytes to 36 terabytes.
Ports: Most external hard drives allow USB connections, but some offer USB-C connections for more modern devices. Some external hard drives allow Bluetooth connections, such as the SanDisk Extreme Portable hard drive.
Price: We always keep the price at the forefront so you can find something that matches your budget. When you buy an external hard drive, the cost can range from under $50 to over several hundred dollars depending on which external hard drive you choose to fulfill your needs. All of our top picks are under $200, with most even under $100.
Is an SSD better than an internal hard drive?
A solid-state drive (SSD) offers portability in its design, so that 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.
More: SSD vs. HDD: What's the difference, and which should you buy?
A desktop drive not only chains you to a specific device but 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, external hard drives range from roughly $30 to hundreds in price, all dependent on storage, design, and features. Usually, 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 because you'll likely need less space. However, if you're an avid gamer or a photographer, you'll want an external hard drive with generous storage space.
Are there alternative external hard drives worth considering?
We rounded up a diverse selection of hard drives based on storage capacity, price, and purpose. If you're considering some alternatives, here are other top-notch options: