Do you have a lot of data that you need to store?
You’re not alone. In fact, the average American household has over 300,000 photos and videos. That’s a lot of data! And it only continues to grow as we take more and more photos and videos with our phones and cameras.
The best way to protect your data is by using an external hard drive. Not only do they provide extra storage space, but they also keep your data safe and secure in case something happens to your computer or phone.
How We Choose The Best External Hard Drive
It's hard to know which external hard drive is the best for your needs.
You might be wondering if you should go with an HDD or external SSD, a desktop or portable model, or even what size to choose.
We've done the research for you and have chosen the best external hard drives on the market.
Whether you're looking for a large storage capacity, need a drive that is rugged and water-resistant, or want one that is lightning-fast, we have you covered.
Our Top Pick for External Hard Drive
Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive HDD
Why we Love it
The Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive HDD is an ideal option for those seeking a comprehensive storage solution for their digital content. It can quickly and easily store up to 2TB of data and is compatible with both Windows and Mac computers.
Backing up your files is simple: connect the drive to your computer and drag and drop - no software installation is required! Plus, it has a plug-and-play USB 3.0 interface and an 18-inch cable, so you don't have to worry about compatibility issues or buying additional cords.
With its robust build quality, reliable performance, and cross-platform compatibility, this portable hard drive is sure to become your favorite go-to storage device.
What you Should Know
The Seagate Backup Portable Drive is a reliable way for you to store and access up to 2TB of content on the go.
This USB external hard drive is designed to work with either Mac or Windows computers, and when connected, it can be automatically recognized without the need for any software.
Featuring plug-and-play simplicity, this drive comes with an 18-inch 3.0 USB cable that lets you get started right away.
Ensure that you check compatibility with your destination before purchasing, as products with electrical plugs are designed for US outlets, and voltage may differ outside of the US.
Why we Love it
The WD 2TB Elements Portable HDD is the perfect choice for people looking to add extra storage or with PCs that are running out of space. Transfer data quickly with USB 3.0 technology, or use existing USB 2.0 connections for compatibility as needed.
Improve PC performance by transferring files from traditional internal hard drives onto this portable hard drive and free up much-needed space.
This portable drive is plug-and-play ready for Windows PC, removing installation and setup hassle. Encased in a small enclosure, you can enjoy an impressive capacity of 5TB.
For those who lead busy on-the-go lifestyles, this portable hard drive is an ideal companion that fits conveniently in any bag or pocket without compromising capacity.
What you Should Know
If you're looking for flexible external storage that's easy to use, the WD 2TB Elements Portable HDD could be your perfect fit.
You can transfer data quickly between PCs utilizing USB 3.0, though it is also compatible with USB 2.0 ports, so you don't have to worry about updates.
Perfect for freeing up space on your existing internal hard drive, this small and lightweight device will improve PC performance and give you a generous 5TB capacity - giving you room to store all of your videos, music, photos, and files.
Additionally, this hard drive is plug-and-play ready for Windows PCs without much fuss or setup time. With the WD 2TB Elements Portable HDD, say goodbye to slower transfer speeds because you get the convenience of an enhanced storage solution that's ready in no time!
Best Convenient External Hard Drive
Toshiba Canvio Basics 2TB Portable External Hard Drive
Why we Love it
The Toshiba Canvio Basics 2TB Portable desktop drive is an ideal choice for those looking to add a large amount of storage capacity to their PC and other compatible devices.
This cosmetic device comes with a matte, smudge-resistant finish that gives it a modern and sleek appearance. Offering easy plug-and-play functionality, the hard drive operates without the need for any software or an external AC power cord.
With USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 compatibility, you can integrate this external hard drive into your computing setup without worry. Additionally, this product is designed to be used with desktop systems out of the box and looks great while doing it.
With its stylish look and impressive functionality, the Toshiba Canvio Basic is one of the best desktop drives for those who want more reliability and storage option in their computers.
What you Should Know
The Toshiba Canvio Basics 2TB Portable External Hard Drive is perfect for those who need to quickly and easily add more storage space to their PC or compatible devices. With a sleek profile design done in a matte, smudge-resistant finish, it'll look good wherever you use it.
The external hard drive is truly plugged & play--no software is needed for installation; connect it using USB 3.0 for the fastest speed or USB 2.0 if your device only supports that. No AC power cord is required either, so you can take it on the go.
This reliable device is compatible with Windows Desktop as well as Mac OS v10.12 /OS X v10.11 / v10.1 devices but requires reformatting when used with Mac systems.
Why we Love it
Keep the gaming going with the Seagate Game Drive for PS4. This officially licensed product ensures seamless operation and compatibility with your console, so you can store all of your favorite games without ever having to delete any.
With 2TB of portable hard drive storage, you can now save 50-plus games without worrying about not having enough room. Additionally, installation is quick and easy; there's no need for a power cable because it operates using USB 3.0 connectivity!
Lastly, its black and blue design element gives your room that classic PlayStation looks complete with a travel-ready form factor – perfect for those who love to take their games everywhere they go!
The Seagate Game Drive for PS4 is an essential accessory for any game setup.
What you Should Know
The Seagate Game Drive for PS4 is the perfect solution for all avid gamers that want to store up to 50+ games and still have space for more.
Thanks to its 2TB of portable hard drive storage, there is no need to worry about deleting games from your PS4 in order to make room for new ones.
What's more, this Official Licensed PS4 product ensures seamless operation and compatibility – plus, it operates under the same PS4 hard drive firmware. Setup is easy, with plug-and-play USB 3.0 connectivity; you don't even need a power cable!
The classic black and blue design of the PS4 makes this game drive the perfect accessory for any gaming setup – and its compact, travel-ready form factor means your gaming adventure can go anywhere!
Why we Love it
Introducing the Seagate Game Drive for Xbox – a truly sensational way to build your game vault. With 2TB of capacity, you can store all your favorite games without having to sacrifice any titles.
Its sleek design and built-in LED bar have been crafted to perfectly complement your Xbox setup and illuminate it with a touch of Xbox green.
It’s even compatible with Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and all generations of Xbox One.
We are sure you will love this device — plus, it comes with both a 3-year Rescue Data Recovery Services warranty and a 1-year limited warranty, giving you absolute peace of mind that this product will be around for years to come!
What you Should Know
If you're a serious Xbox gamer, the Seagate Game Drive for Xbox is designed with you in mind. With 2TB of storage, it provides enough space to build your ultimate game vault without sacrificing titles.
This drive is also Xbox-certified, which means it's compatible with both the Xbox Series X and S and all generations of Xbox One.
Its brilliant design further enhances the gaming experience since its bold and refined aesthetics are crafted to complement your Xbox system.
To top it off, a built-in LED bar illuminates your setup in classic Xbox green. And to give you peace of mind, the Seagate Game Drive for Xbox also features a 3-year Rescue Data Recovery Services warranty and a 1-year limited warranty.
This product truly takes your gaming experience up a notch!
Why we Love it
The WD 2TB My Passport for Mac is the perfect external hard drive for Mac users. Its 256-bit AES hardware encryption helps to keep your personal data safe, while its SuperSpeed USB port and compatibility with USB 2.0 offer lightning-fast transfer speeds.
You'll also have access to the included device management and backup software, plus password protection for extra peace of mind. Not to mention all this comes with a 3-year limited warranty, so you can buy with confidence.
The WD 2TB My Passport for Mac is the perfect external storage solution, offering security and performance all in one device.
What you Should Know
The WD 2TB My Passport for Mac is an ideal external hard drive for your needs. It's designed exclusively for Mac and includes software that enables easy device management and a reliable backup drive with password protection.
The 256-bit AES hardware encryption offers extra security, while the SuperSpeed USB port boosts transfer speeds to 5Gbps, and is still compatible with USB 2.0 ports.
You can rest assured your information is safe with the 3-year limited warranty offering peace of mind.
This hard drive has all the key features you need to safely and securely protect your data.
Here are Some FAQs to Help Guide you on Your Way
Buying a new product can be confusing, especially if you're not sure what to do with it or how it works.
It's normal to have questions when you buy something new, and that's why we've put together this list of FAQs. We want to make sure that you have all the information you need to make the best decision for you.
So, here are some FAQs to help guide you on your way.
What is an External Hard Drive For?
An external hard drive is a type of data storage device that may be connected to a computer via USB or another connection interface, such as FireWire, Ethernet, eSATA, and Thunderbolt.
External hard drives like Western Digital and every other are designed to provide additional storage space for computers by using the same basic architecture as internal hard drives (HDDs), but housed in an external case with its own power supply so that it can operate independently of the computer. This makes these devices incredibly useful for storing large amounts of data—both temporarily and on a permanent basis.
Are External Hard Drives Still Worth it?
Yes, external hard drives are still worth it! Although they’ve been around for quite a while now, external hard drives have become increasingly useful and important in the world of computing. There are numerous reasons why you should consider investing in one – here are just a few examples:
- Easy to Back Up Important Files – External storage is essential for those who want to back up important files and documents. With the right backup system, you can make sure that your most important data is safe, even if something happens to your computer or local hard drive. This can be particularly helpful if you have sensitive information that needs to be kept secure or if there's an event like a natural disaster that could cause your physical devices to become damaged or destroyed.
- More Room For Your Data – External drives offer more room for storing large amounts of data, such as music, photos, and videos, without taking up any extra space on your computer’s main drive. This helps extend the lifespan of internal hard drives since they don’t need to store as much information and stay free from extra wear and tear caused by heavy usage over time.
- Portable Storage Solution – One major advantage of external hard drives is their portability; they provide users with convenience when traveling and storing large amounts of data on the go without having them take up too much physical space in their luggage or backpack carrying cases. Some models also come equipped with additional features such as shock resistance technology so these portable drives remain protected against unexpected drops or fall during transportation without compromising their contents within it.
- Easily Accessible - Modern technologies have also made it possible for people to access their files stored on external drives over wireless networks, i,e. Network Attached Storage (NAS)— enabling instant access from anywhere with an internet connection. This means individuals no longer need to worry about not being able to retrieve important files at all times due to ease of mobility restrictions posed by traditional methods (i .e, connecting directly via USB C cable).
What are the 2 Types of External Hard Drives?
External hard drives are an essential piece of technology for many computer users because they provide additional storage capacity and portability, allowing users to easily transfer data between home and work or while traveling. They come in two main types: HDD (Hard Disk Drives) and SSD (Solid State Drives).
HDDs have been around for a long time, and are one of the most affordable external hard drive types. In general, these drives are much slower than solid-state drives but offer larger capacities at a lower price point. HDDs use spinning metal platters with magnetic coatings to store data, so you can rely on them having enough space for all your files.
SSDs, on the other hand, have no moving parts since they’re just memory chips. This makes them faster than traditional HDDs as there is virtually no latency in retrieving data from an SSD compared to when using an HDD which needs to spin up its platter before it can access information stored thereon.
How Long Does a External Hard Drive Last?
The lifespan of an external hard drive can vary greatly depending on a few factors, such as the type of drive and how it is used. Most external hard drives are designed to last anywhere between 3-5 years with regular use.
However, if you take proper care of your external hard drive, you could make that number increase significantly.
The two most important steps that should be taken to extend its life are: 1) avoid physical damage; 2) keep the environment clean and cool.
How Do I Choose an External Hard Drive?
It’s important to think about the type of connection available; USB 3.0 is fast, but not all devices support it so always check this before buying. Additionally, another thing to think about is data transfer speed; look out for models that have 7200 RPM or higher, which will help boost your data transfer speeds dramatically.
Furthermore, consider whether extra features such as shock protection and encryption are necessary for you when selecting an external hard drive- these features may come at a premium price but could prove invaluable should something happen to your device or if sensitive information needs protecting against theft or malicious activity.
Finally, make sure that any external hard drives come with warranty coverage in case anything goes wrong. This can provide peace of mind while using your device and ensures cover in case it breaks down or malfunctions after purchase.
What are The Disadvantages of External Hard Drive?
The main disadvantages of using an external hard drive are the cost compared to internal drives, the lack of portability due to its size and weight, and their susceptibility to physical damage. Depending on how much data you plan to store, external hard drives can be expensive and require more upfront investment than purchasing an internal one. Additionally, because they have moving parts, they are more susceptible to physical damage than internal drives which are usually encased in a casing. Finally, external hard drives can be quite bulky and heavy, making them difficult to transport if you need access to data on the go.
Can a Hard Drive Last 10 Years?
Yes, a hard drive can last up to 10 years if properly taken care of. A mechanical hard drive is the most reliable form of storage, but it still needs to be treated with care in order for it to remain viable after a decade has passed.
To ensure your hard drive lasts for 10 years, you should take the following precautions:
- Avoid physically damaging the hard drive – keep away from liquids and extreme heat; protect from physical shocks such as dropping or jarring.
- Keep your operating system updated – outdated operating systems may cause software conflicts that could damage your data along with the physical components of your HDD.
- Run regular diagnostic checks on your HDD – run diagnostics tests at least once a year to check for any potential errors that may occur due to long-term wear and tear on its components. This will help identify any problems before they become too serious and allow you time to back up important data before replacing the faulty hardware component (if needed).
- Make regular backups – make sure to use your backup software and regularly back up all important files stored on your HDD so they aren't lost if/when something goes wrong mechanically or electronically with the hardware itself down the line. Additionally, store these backups offsite or in multiple secure locations; better safe than sorry!
- Do not overfill space on HDD - never use more than 85% of available disk capacity because full disk read and write speeds are less efficient; this reduces their performance and life expectancy significantly over time compared to only partially filled disks.
Do Hard Drives Fail If Not Used?
Yes, hard drives can fail if not used for a long period of time. Hard disks contain moving parts and spinning platters, which can gradually deteriorate over time and cause the drive to become damaged or corrupted. Additionally, the lack of use also prevents regular maintenance from being performed, such as running diagnostic checks to identify potential issues before they become severe.
Get The Most Storage For Your Money
When looking for the best external hard drive, it's important to consider price and capacity, and features such as encryption protection and warranty coverage.
Additionally, taking precautions such as regularly backing up data, running diagnostic checks on your HDD, and avoiding physical damage or overfilling disk space can help ensure that your device lasts at least 10 years with minimal problems.
Investing in an external drive is a great way to increase storage capacity while keeping sensitive information secure - so make sure you do thorough research and test external hard drives before making any purchase decisions!
We hope you find your next favorite thing from the list below! Each product was independently selected by our editors. Some may have been sent as samples for us to fiddle with, but all opinions in this article are our own. Oh, and FYI — LucksList may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to buy something (that's how we stay in business). Reviews have been edited for length and clarity. Enjoy finding your next favorite thing!
Read our article about best natural shampoo for men here!
Read our article about best drugstore face wash here!
Read our article about best silicone free conditioner here!
Read our article about best shampoo for permed hair here!
Olivia Whitehouse
