10 bestExternal Hard Drivesof June 2025
112M consumers helped this year.
29% off
1
Western Digital 14TB Elements Desktop External Hard Drive, USB 3.0 external hard drive for plug-and-play storage - WDBWLG0140HBK-NESN
Western Digital
9.9
2
Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive Portable HDD – USB 3.0 for PC, Mac, PS4, & Xbox - 1-Year Rescue Service (STGX2000400), Black
Seagate
9.8
3
SanDisk 1TB 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 - SDSSDE61-1T00-G25
SanDisk
9.6
4
WD 2TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive - USB 3.0 - WDBU6Y0020BBK, Black
WD
9.3
5
![SAMSUNG T9 4TB Portable SSD, USB 3.2 Gen. 2x2, Black, Upto 2000MB/s Read Speed - MU-PG4T0B/AM [Canada Version]](https://images-proxy.bestreviews.guide/tGnRvtRX6lMsHvxjGyKgZwVsrZI=/0x150/https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41JHNVamFwL._SL500_.jpg)
SAMSUNG T9 4TB Portable SSD, USB 3.2 Gen. 2x2, Black, Upto 2000MB/s Read Speed - MU-PG4T0B/AM [Canada Version]
Samsung
9.1
OtherUp to 37% off
UnionSine 500GB Ultra Slim Portable External Hard Drive USB3.0 HDD Storage for PC, Mac, Desktop, Laptop, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS4-Super Fast Transmission-HD-2510(Black)
Maxone 500GB Portable External Hard Drive, Ultra Slim USB3.0 HDD Storage Compatible for PC, PS4, Desktop, Laptop, Xbox One Charcoal Grey
![SAMSUNG T7 Shield 1TB, Portable SSD, up to 1050MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen2, Rugged, IP65 Rated, for Content Creators and Gaming, External Solid State Drive (MU-PE1T0K/AM), Beige [Canada Version]](https://images-proxy.bestreviews.guide/LDP9zGETWGbk5vxRBpEAr29s0_E=/0x150/https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/11wGy3Vv-sL._SL500_.jpg)
SAMSUNG T7 Shield 1TB, Portable SSD, up to 1050MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen2, Rugged, IP65 Rated, for Content Creators and Gaming, External Solid State Drive (MU-PE1T0K/AM), Beige [Canada Version]
Western Digital 4TB My Book Desktop External Hard Drive, USB 3.0, External HDD with Password Protection and Backup Software - WDBBGB0040HBK-NESN
13% off
6
Western Digital 2TB My Passport Portable External Hard Drive HDD, USB 3.0, USB 2.0 Compatible, Black - WDBYVG0020BBK-WESN
WD
8.9
26% off
7
![SAMSUNG T7 1TB, Portable SSD, Grey, up to 1050MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen2, Gaming, Students & Professionals, External Solid State Drive (MU-PC1T0T/AM), Grey [Canada Version]](https://images-proxy.bestreviews.guide/AmdIcY8CFKom4XekecNKU7l2pwk=/0x150/https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31LdvAbumfL._SL500_.jpg)
SAMSUNG T7 1TB, Portable SSD, Grey, up to 1050MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen2, Gaming, Students & Professionals, External Solid State Drive (MU-PC1T0T/AM), Grey [Canada Version]
Samsung
8.6
8
Seagate Game Drive for Xbox 2TB External Hard Drive Portable HDD - USB 3.2 Gen 1, Black with Built-in Green LED bar, Xbox Certified, 3 Year Rescue Services (STKX2000400)
Seagate
8.4
9
Seagate Portable 5TB External Hard Drive HDD – USB 3.0 for PC, Mac, PS4, & Xbox - 1-Year Rescue Service (STGX5000400), Black
Seagate
8.1
10
SanDisk 4TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD - Up to 2000MB/s - USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance, Updated Firmware - External Solid State Drive - SDSSDE81-4T00-G25
SanDisk
7.9
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A Guide to Selecting the Best External Hard Drives
Choosing the right external hard drive can make a big difference in how you store, transfer, and protect your data. Whether you need extra space for photos, videos, work files, or backups, it's important to understand the main features that set different drives apart. By focusing on a few key specifications, you can find a drive that matches your needs for speed, capacity, portability, and reliability.
Storage Capacity
Storage capacity tells you how much data the external hard drive can hold, usually measured in gigabytes (GB) or terabytes (TB). This is important because it determines how many files, photos, videos, or backups you can store. Smaller capacities (like 500GB to 1TB) are good for basic document storage or light use, while larger capacities (2TB and above) are better for storing lots of high-resolution photos, videos, or backing up entire computers. To pick the right size, think about what you plan to store now and in the near future—if you work with large files or want to keep backups for years, go for a higher capacity.
Drive Type (HDD vs SSD)
External hard drives come in two main types: traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) and Solid State Drives (SSDs). HDDs use spinning disks and are usually less expensive for more storage, but they are slower and more sensitive to drops. SSDs have no moving parts, making them faster, lighter, and more durable, but they tend to cost more per gigabyte. If you need speed for tasks like video editing or want a drive that can handle being moved around a lot, SSDs are a better choice. For basic backups or storing lots of files at a lower cost, HDDs are often enough.
Connection Interface
The connection interface is how the drive plugs into your computer, most commonly through USB ports. USB 3.0 and USB 3.1/3.2 are standard and offer fast transfer speeds, while USB-C is becoming more popular for newer devices and can be even faster. Some drives also support Thunderbolt, which is very fast but only works with compatible computers. When choosing, make sure the drive's connection matches your computer's ports for the best speed and convenience.
Portability and Size
Portability refers to how easy it is to carry the drive around. Smaller, lighter drives are easier to slip into a bag or pocket, making them ideal for travel or frequent use on different computers. Larger drives may offer more storage but are bulkier and better suited for staying in one place, like a home office. If you need to move your data often, look for a compact and lightweight drive.
Durability and Build Quality
Durability is about how well the drive can handle bumps, drops, or rough handling. SSDs are naturally more durable because they have no moving parts, while HDDs can be more fragile. Some drives come with rugged cases or are water and dust resistant, which is useful if you plan to use the drive outdoors or in tough environments. If you’re often on the go or worried about accidents, prioritize a drive with good build quality and extra protection.
Backup and Security Features
Some external hard drives come with built-in backup software or security features like password protection and hardware encryption. These features help you automatically save copies of your files and keep your data safe from unauthorized access. If you’re storing sensitive information or want peace of mind, look for drives that offer these extra features.
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