Pricey per gigabyte
Protective bumpers all around
It also comes with a protective sleeve that helps keep it safe from bumps and bruises. Ready to Go With Mac And Windows is a feature of the G-Technology ArmorATD that allows you to use the drive with both Mac and Windows computers.
The ADATA SE800 external hard drive delivers superfast read/write speeds up to 1000 MB/s, making it the perfect choice for creative professionals and enthusiasts who demand the best performance. Plus, it’s plug-and-play compatible with Windows and Mac so that you can get started right away.
Available in several colours
Best External Hard Drives in 2022 / 2023
1. Overall best: Seagate Backup Plus 5TB
External hard drives are available in various sizes and price points, making it easy to find one that meets your needs. They are also relatively easy to use, and most come with backup software that makes it simple to protect your data.
SSD vs HDD: Solid-state drives (SSDs) are newer and faster than traditional hard disk drives (HDDs). However, they’re also more expensive. If speed is essential to you, you should consider getting an SSD. But if you’re on a budget, then an HDD will suffice.
Portability and durability: Do you need to be able to take your hard drive with you on the go? If so, then you’ll want a portable hard drive. These devices are smaller and usually come with their protective case. If you don’t need to worry about portability, you can opt for a larger desktop hard drive.
The ADATA SE800 1TB is a portable hard drive with a 3-year limited warranty from the manufacturer.
Windows requires reformatting
Pros
Compact and lightweight
And if you ever need more space, you can easily add an external hard drive or external SSD with their easy-to-use expansion port. The WD Elements is also available in an easy-to-use desktop version. The desktop drive has a sleek design that takes up very little space.
Relatively expensive
Cons
The drive uses NVMe PCIe technology for faster read-write speeds so that you can access your content in a snap. You can store up to 200,000 photos or up to 70 hours of video. The drive is also backward compatible with USB Type-C and Thunderbolt ports.
2. Best Budget Portable Hard Drive: WD Elements 12TB external hard drive
The SE800 features a USB Type-C port compatible with the latest generation of PCs and laptops. The Type-C port is also backward compatible with USB standards, meaning you can use this drive with older devices.
The Neat Cable Management ensures that the cables are neatly wrapped to keep them from being loose and tangled. It also makes it easier for you to charge, sync and transfer without hunting all around for the cables. The result is a product that looks great and works even better.
Seagate will replace it for free if anything happens to your hard drive within the first two years. The Seagate Backup Plus 5TB external hard drive is perfect for backing up your photos, music, videos and other important files. It features a USB 3.0 port for high-speed data transfers, making it easy to get your files off and onto the drive.
Good build quality
It does not support Thunderbolt.
Powered by the USB-C port, this external hard drive is compatible with most notebook computers and devices by plugging in a connector. Pushing one button enables auto backup of files and data to your computer, so you don’t have to spend time syncing the device each time you switch it on.
Pros
Competitively priced
SanDisk also offers free technical support for the life of the product. It is ready to work with Apple Time Machine, making it easy to back up your computer. With up to 260MB/s read and 260MB/s write speeds, it provides powerful performance that can keep up with even the most strenuous tasks.
Last update on 2022-04-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
In addition, external hard drives offer faster data transfer speeds than many cloud storage services. For these reasons, external hard drives are suitable for anyone who wants reliable, local storage for their files.
Cons
Not waterproof
Innovative casing design
3. Best Security-Minded Desktop Hard Drive: ADATA HD710 PRO rugged external HDD
The SE800 is ideal for professionals looking for a rugged drive that meets military drop-test standards.
Military-grade shock and awe? More like data protection on demand! This heavy-duty drive can withstand hazards that would destroy other portable drives, making it the perfect choice for those who need to store and transport large amounts of data.
We’ve compiled an in-depth guide about the best external hard drives to help you make an informed decision. We will also explore the different features that each type of external hard drive offers.
The WD My Passport drive has a built-in 256-bit hardware encryption feature protecting your data from unauthorized access. If your drive is lost or stolen, your data will still be safe and inaccessible to anyone who doesn’t have the password. The software is easy to use and can be set up in just a few minutes.
With G-Technology ArmorATD, you can rest assured that your data is well-protected against the elements.
Impressive cable management
Pros
Affordable
The SE800 runs on a USB-C interface and is compatible with PC and Mac computers. It comes with a three-year warranty, making it an excellent choice for those who need reliable storage that will withstand the elements.
You can easily take this sleek and portable external hard drive anywhere you go for easy access to your files anytime and anywhere on the go. This makes the Seagate Backup Plus external hard drive an excellent choice for anyone needing reliable, high capacity storage.
Good dollar-per-gigabyte ratio
Cons
Slow read-write speed
4. Best High-Capacity Portable Hard Drive: SanDisk G-Drive Professional 18TB external hard drive
5-year warranty
The ADATA SE800 1TB has a hairline-brushed surface with an exquisite look and feel. The surface is also fingerprint and scratch-resistant, which helps to keep your drive looking great for years.
Simple design
Extra charges for using the backup feature
The main benefit of the device is that it connects directly to a computer and offers plug-and-play connectivity with Mac OS X and other supported OS.
You can back up every file in your account and store it on the Western Digital external hard drive with the Backup option. There is also a Smart Back up feature which only backs up new or changed files since the last time you backed up.
Pros
It is designed to be used by people who want to store important files like images, videos, music and documents without carrying around lots of heavy equipment.
The Triple-layer shock resistance design provides powerful protection to your hard drive. The Room For Adventure feature on the G-Technology ArmorATD hard drive lets you take your essential files. The drive is lightweight and compact, making it easy to throw in your bag or luggage.
As portable storage needs have increased, ADATA has risen to the challenge with drives that are not only fast and reliable but also durable.
You’ll never have to worry about losing your important files again. This portable storage device offers a complete range of capacities to find the perfect balance between speed, size and price for your needs.
Cons
With an external hard drive, you can rest assured that your data will be safe from prying eyes and be there when you need it. There are many different types of external hard drives on the market, so choosing the right one for you is crucial.
5. Best Portable Hard Drive for Gamers: G-Technology ArmorATD
It comes with a SuperSpeed USB 3.0 port which allows transfer rates up to 5 Gbps. This is ten times faster than USB 2.0, so you can save time transferring large files between your computer and external hard drive. The drive is also backwards compatible with USB 2.0 ports, so you can still use it with older computers.
Thunderbolt 3 interface
Low cost per gigabyte
The WD My Passport 4TB is a slim external hard drive perfect for storing your photos, videos, music, and documents. This drive features a sleek design that makes it easy to take with you on the go, and it comes with WD Backup software to help you keep your data safe.
Dust & waterproof
The SanDisk G-Drive Professional 18TB external hard drive is perfect for demanding video and photography workflows. The large capacity ensures that you have plenty of storage for your projects, and the rugged build means that it can withstand even the most challenging environments. It has an all-aluminium case that helps protect it from even damaging falls and crush zones to keep it safe.
LaCie Toolkit software is easy to use
It also features triple-layered construction. The hard drive is encased in a rugged silicone sleeve that protects it from accidental bumps and scratches.
The G-DRIVE supports Apple Time Machine so that Mac systems can back up data without any professional intervention.
Pros
Aesthetic design
Transfer speed: How fast do you need to be able to transfer data? You won’t need a high-speed external hard drive if you only transfer small files. However, if you’re dealing with large video or image files, you’ll want a device that can quickly transfer data.
Short cables
Cons
Up to 2TB
6. Best for speed & performance: Samsung X5 Thunderbolt 3 Portable SSD
- THUNDERBOLT 3 AND NVMe POWER: First ever NVMe-based portable SSD from Samsung featuring Thunderbolt 3 technology, the X5 delivers up to 40Gb/s data transfer speeds
- LIGHTNING FAST READ WRITE SPEEDS: Sequential read and write performance levels of up to 2,800MB/s and 2,300MB/s, respectively
- DURABLE DESIGN: Full metal body with glossy top and non-slip bottom mat withstands drops of up to 2 meters; Shock resistant internal design features Dynamic Thermal Guard technology to help maintain optimal performance and temperature
- SECURE ENCRYPTION: Optional password protection and AES 256-bit hardware encryption keeps your personal and private data more secure
- Compatible devices: Television
Highly durable
The 5gb/s data transfer rate enabled by USB 3.1 Gen 2 makes G-DRIVE PRO up to two times faster than traditional single-port external drives and up to 10 times faster than legacy devices on USB-A.
Short USB-cable
G-Technology ArmorATD is a sturdy, protective enclosure that houses desktop drives with 5TB or less storage capacity. Featuring foam cushions on both ends and ruggedized construction wrapped in resilient polyurethane, ArmorHD can withstand your worst falls—by some distance.
Come with a backup tool
This warranty also protects your data and helps you keep your business running smoothly. The WD My Passport is an incredible external hard drive for small businesses. It has plenty of storage space, and the warranty gives you peace of mind in case of any problems.
Pros
The 9 Best External Hard Drive Options
The 9 Best External Hard Drive Options
This drive is perfect for taking your data with you on the go. You can easily backup your photos and videos or transfer large files quickly with its fast transfer speeds.
Cons
The Samsung X5 Thunderbolt 3 Portable Solid State Drive (MU-PB, 2TB) is the world’s first portable Thunderbolt 3 storage solution. With the Samsung X5, you can experience the blistering speeds of Thunderbolt 3 and NVMe power.
8. Best Desktop Hard Drive (RAID): LaCie Rugged Mini 2TB Portable HDD
2-year warranty
It’s available in various colours to match your style and features a Stellar Style metal casing for extra protection. This high-performance storage device has a preloaded NTFS driver to work with Windows-based systems to accomplish set-up quickly and easily.
It is compact and lightweight, perfect for business trips or zipping around on a flash drive at home. With Size A circuitry that’s slender and low profile, the external drive can easily attach to your keychain.
The Seagate Backup Plus HDD external hard drive is an excellent choice for those who need reliable and high-capacity storage. This external hard drive has a large capacity of five terabytes, making it perfect for storing pictures, music libraries, and other vital data. In addition to the large storage capacity, the Seagate Backup Plus external hard drive also comes with a two-year coverage plan.
The integrated WD Backup software makes it easy to schedule automatic backups of your valuable data. And with the included WD Discovery software, you can easily connect to popular social media and cloud storage services.
If your drive fails or stops working, you can get it repaired or replaced by ADATA at no cost to you.
Pros
Several colours available
3-year warranty
While cloud storage is becoming increasingly popular, external hard drives remain a viable option for those who want to keep their data close at hand.
Excellent performance
Cons
256-bit AES hardware encryption
9. Most durable: ADATA SE800 1TB
- Superfast Read/Write Speed up to 1000 MB/s *Result by ADATA internal lab. Actual performance may varies based on paired devices, file sizes system configuration and other variables. Mac user may experience slower performance due to Mac connector limitation
- IP68 Rated: Ruggedized Waterproof / Dust-proof / Drop-Proof
- Exquisite hairline-brushed surface for sleek look, compact and lightweight it’s perfect for travelling
- Interface: USB 3. 2 Gen 2 Type-C, backward compatible with USB 2. 0
- Limited 3 Year Manufacturer warranty by ADATA
The drive is formatted for HFS+ (Mac) and NTFS (Windows) to easily switch between the two operating systems without needing to reformat the drive.
Cables for both Typ-A & Type-C ports
G-Technology offers a 3-year limited warranty on the ArmorATD drive. Your drive is covered against any manufacturing defects or malfunctions for three years from purchase.
Both the portable and desktop versions of the WD Elements hard drive come with a two-year limited warranty. WD Elements hard drives are the right choice for easy, reliable and affordable storage.
Stylish design
One of the best features of this product is how it works seamlessly with the iPad. You can quickly transfer files between the two devices using a USB cable.
The Seagate Dashboard software is also included to provide easy backup options for your social media accounts and cloud storage services like Dropbox or Google Drive. You can also keep a local copy of your backups on the hard drive for safekeeping. It also features a compact, lightweight design to fit into your pocket or backpack with ease.
It uses AES 256-bit encryption. And they encrypt all data on the drive when it is at rest. This protects your data against natural and human error and external threats like theft or damage to your system.
LaCie Rugged Mini is one of the most durable external SSDs that can withstand accidental drops, crushing pressures, and water damage.
This rugged, dependable device has an intricately-designed outer housing to protect your data from impacts and dust, like a built-in rubber seal to block all debris from entering the ports or any other openings.
Your data will always be safe with this external hard drive. When you’re out in the field or on the go, your data is susceptible to elements and conditions that could damage or destroy it.
Pros
Compatible with all devices
Storage capacity: How much data do you need to store? This is the most critical factor in deciding which external hard drive to buy. If you only need to store a few hundred gigabytes, you can get away with a smaller and cheaper device. But if you need to store terabytes of data, you’ll need to invest in a larger and more expensive hard drive.
So, whether you are looking for the best external hard drive for your home, office, or business, we have you covered!
You can also pair this up with your laptop or desktop via USB 3.1, so you don’t need to worry about losing any data. G-DRIVE PRO comes with a USB Type-C cable for connectivity to any system equipped with the latest universal connector.
Cons
There are many factors involved in deciding which is the best external hard drive for any given situation, so it’s helpful to know where you’ll be using your device and what features you will most need. Here are some factors to consider:
Choosing the best external hard drive
The bump in storage space has never been this affordable, and the storage solutions for your entire family are covered – from desktop to laptop, personal cloud device and gaming console.
WD helps people safely store their memories in ways that ensure protection against prying eyes or precious moments lost due to mechanical failures. With 12TB of storage, there’s plenty of room for years worth of photos, videos and music.
Security: Do you need to secure your data with encryption? If so, you’ll want an external hard drive that offers advanced security features. Some drives come with software that lets you encrypt your data, while others have locks that prevent unauthorized access.
Large storage space
This allows you to transfer data to 2,800MB/s- 5x faster than USB 3.1. Samsung X5 Portable SSD supports Thunderbolt 3, which delivers up to 40Gb/s data transfer rates and 4K video. This makes it possible to edit high-resolution videos on the go.
WD Elements 12TB external drive is a high-capacity storage solution for your photos, videos, music and documents. With USB 3.0 compatibility, you can connect it to your PC or laptop and transfer files at blazing speeds. This WD Element comes ready to work with Windows PCs. It features plug-and-play installation and ultra-fast data transfer speeds.
Closing Thoughts
The Samsung X5 Thunderbolt SSD is designed for durability. The metal casing and shock-resistant interior protect your data even if you drop your drive. The USB-C connector is also robust and can withstand wear and tear.
USB Type-C port
The WD drive comes with a 3-year limited warranty. This means that you are covered for three years in the rare event that your drive fails. Depending on the issue, WD will work to replace your drive or fix it.
If your drive fails due to a defect, G-Technology will repair it or replace it. This warranty applies only to the original purchaser of the drive and is non-transferable.