Best External Drives of 2025
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How do we rank?- 2
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Our top 3 picks
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WD 5TB My Passport portable external storage, external hard drive, USB 3.0, portable HDD with software for device management, backup and password protection, works with PC, Xbox &Playstation, Black
The WD 5TB My Passport Portable HDD is a trusted solution for secure and convenient data storage. Its compact, stylish design fits easily in your hand, making it ideal for on-the-go use. Equipped with automatic backup software, it ensures your photos, videos, music, and documents are safely stored and easily retrievable. The drive's 256-bit AES hardware encryption provides robust security, while password protection adds an extra layer of defense for your digital content. Compatible with PC, Xbox, and Playstation, this versatile drive meets a wide range of digital storage needs. It comes ready to use with a SuperSpeed USB 5Gbps connection, allowing for quick data transfer. Built to last, the My Passport drive promises durability and reliability, backed by a 3-year limited warranty. Certified for compatibility with Chromebooks, it seamlessly integrates into your digital ecosystem, making it a practical choice for both personal and professional use. - 2
WD 2TB Elements portable external hard drive, USB 3.0 interface, portable external storage, Plug-and-Play, SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 1, Formatted for PC and Mac, Black
The WD 2 TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive offers a seamless storage solution with its generous 2 TB capacity, perfect for storing videos, music, photos, and files. Its plug-and-play capability makes it easy to use with Windows PCs, while a free trial of WD SmartWare Pro software ensures your data is automatically and securely backed up, with cloud integration as an added benefit. The drive is compatible with Windows 10 and 8.1, and can be reformatted for Mac OS, making it versatile for different user needs. Users particularly appreciate the fast data transfer speeds enabled by USB 3.0, ensuring quick and efficient file management. This external hard drive is ideal for anyone looking for a reliable and straightforward way to expand their storage without hassle, especially for those using Windows systems. Its practical features and ease of use make it a top choice for both personal and professional applications. - 3
Seagate Portable Drive 2TB, External Hard Drive, Dark Grey, for PC Laptop and Mac, Data Rescue Services, Amazon Exclusive (STGX2000400)
The Seagate Portable Drive, 2TB, is a versatile external hard drive designed for both Windows and Mac users. Its standout feature is the simple setup process—just connect it to your computer and start using it, no extra software needed. This makes it an ideal choice for those who need a hassle-free, plug-and-play storage solution. The drive is particularly beneficial for students and professionals who require reliable data access on the go, thanks to its compact and lightweight design. Additionally, the drive comes with an 18-inch USB 3.0 cable, ensuring fast data transfer and ease of use. Customers frequently praise its portability, appreciating how easy it is to carry around. Overall, the Seagate Portable Drive offers a practical and efficient solution for expanding your storage capacity without compromising on convenience or performance.
Essential tips for choosing the external drives
External hard drives are a great way to backup and store important data. Whether you are a professional who needs to store large amounts of data or a student who needs to store photos and documents, external hard drives offer a reliable and convenient way to store your data. This buying guide will provide an overview of the main features of external hard drives and will describe the different types of external drives available.
External hard drives come in two main types - HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and SSD (Solid State Drive). HDD external hard drives are the traditional type of hard drives, with a spinning disk and movable read/write head. They are typically larger in size and capacity, and tend to be cheaper than SSDs. SSD external hard drives are the newer type of drives, with no moving parts. They are faster and more reliable than traditional HDD drives, and are available in a range of sizes. However, they tend to be more expensive than HDD drives.
When choosing an external hard drive, it is important to consider the capacity. HDD drives are typically available in capacities up to 6TB, while SSD drives are available in capacities up to 4TB. Consider how much data you need to store and pick a drive with the right capacity for your needs.
Another important factor to consider is portability. External hard drives are available in a range of sizes and weights, from pocket-sized drives to larger desktop drives. Consider how often you need to transport your data and pick a drive that is the right size and weight for your needs.
When choosing an external hard drive, it is important to consider the data transfer speed. HDD drives typically have slower data transfer speeds than SSD drives. However, some HDD drives are available with faster speeds. If you need to access and transfer large amounts of data quickly, then an SSD drive may be the better option.
Finally, consider the type of connectivity the drive offers. Most external hard drives are available with USB 3.0 or USB-C connections. USB 3.0 is the most common type of connection and is backwards compatible with USB 2.0. USB-C is the newer type of connection and offers faster data transfer speeds than USB 3.0. Some external hard drives are also available with Thunderbolt connections, which offer the fastest data transfer speeds.
