Are you trying to find external hard drive for laptops among various brands on the market but aren’t sure where to begin? To assist you in finding the right one, we’ve put together a list of the 7 best to help you pick the perfect one!
We investigated and evaluated a number of the top-selling external hard drive for laptops on the market in order to create our list of the best. Making a decision among the many options available is never simple. There are an infinite number of models available, each with a distinct price. And as you’ll find out, the best options aren’t usually the ones you imagine! This comparison is rich and relevant because of the numerous factors that were employed. You will find products featured in this ranking not only based on their pricing but also on their features and other customers reviews. To write this review, we completed 23 hours of research and did 34 external hard drive for laptops tests. You won’t need to pick products at random any more. If you’re unsure of what to look for, browse our list and consult the buying guide!
An overview of our top picks
Table of contents
The best external hard drive for laptops you can buy today
- Sleek profile design with a matte, smudge-resistance finish
- Plug & Play - Easy to use with no software to install
- Quickly add more storage capacity to your PC and other compatible devices
- USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 compatible with no external AC power cord needed
- Pre-formatted NTFS for Windows PC (reformatting required for Mac computers)
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- 【Ultra-Fast Data Transfers 】- The external hard drive works with the USB 3.0 thickened copper core cable to provide super fast transfer speed. The theoretical read speed is as high as 110MB/s-133MB/s, and the write speed is as high as 103MB/s.
- 【Ultra-thin and quiet】-The motherboard adopts JMicron 578 noise-free solution, giving you a quiet working environment. Lightweight and portable size designed to fit in your pocket for easy portability.
- 【Compatibility】Compatible with PS4/xbox one/Windows/Linux/Mac/Android / stable and fast loading on game consoles no difference from fast transmission when using on PC
- 【Plug and Play】 - With no software to install, just plug it in and the drive is ready to use.The hard disk chip is wrapped with an aluminum anti-interference layer to increase heat dissipation and protect data
- 【Double anti-interference】-The external hard drive chip adds a signal shielding layer, the transmission speed of the hard disk will be faster than other hard disks, stable and undisturbed
- Ultra Slim and Sturdy Metal Design: Merely 0.4 inch thick. All-Aluminum anti-scratch model delivers remarkable strength and durability, keeping this portable hard drive running cool and quiet.
- Compatibility: It offers fast and stable performance for PS4 and Xbox One. It is also compatible with Microsoft Windows and Mac OS (10.6.5 and above). Note: An adapter is required to connect to a Mac (adapter not included).
- Improve PC Performance: Powered by USB 3.0 technology, this USB hard drive is much faster than - but still compatible with - USB 2.0 backup drive, allowing for super fast transfer speed at up to 5 Gbit/s.
- Plug and Play: This external drive is ready to use without external power supply or software installation needed. Ideal extra storage for your computer and game console.
- What's Included: Portable external hard drive, 19-inch(48.26cm) USB 3.0 hard drive cable, user's manual, 3-Year manufacturer warranty with free technical support service.
- 【Stylish and Portable】: The Somnambulist YD0002 External Hard Drive is carefully designed with a captivating blue-purple gradient appearance, setting it apart from many other HDDs. Its compact and lightweight design ensures the ultimate convenience, allowing you to take your important files with you wherever you go and access your data quickly and easily
- 【Exceptional Transfer Performance】: Immerse yourself in the world of fast and efficient data transfer with the Somnambulist YD0002 Portable External Hard Drive and its cutting-edge USB 3.0 interface. Work with agility and efficiency, harnessing the impressive speed that this hard drive offers
- 【Multiple capacity options】: Available in a variety of capacity options from 500GB, 1TB to 2TB. The Somnambulist YD0002 HDD allows you to choose the ideal storage capacity for your unique needs. Get ample room to store, organize, and safeguard your precious photos, videos, music, and important documents
- 【Wide Compatibility】: The Somnambulist YD0002 Portable External Hard Drive seamlessly connects with various operating systems, including Windows, Mac, and Linux. Whether it's your desktop, laptop, Smart TV, or game console, rest assured you'll enjoy a seamless and worry-free connection
- 【Reliable Storage】: Entrust your valuable data to the Somnambulist YD0002 HDD, boasting an exceptional quality hard disk drive. With high-performance capabilities, this portable hard drive ensures reliable and secure storage, safeguarding your files and providing peace of mind knowing your important data is in safe hands
- 【Plug and play for home and office equipment】YOTUO HDD01 USB 3.0 external hard drive. Suitable for Windows XP/2003/Vista/7/8/10/11, Linux, Mac OS system. As well as laptops, desktop computers, PS4, PS5, XBOX 360, XBOX ONE, XBOX series X/S and other office equipment and gaming equipment. The product is plug-and-play when used in Windows. For Mac users, first format the drive and select the ExFat format.
- 【The first time you use this product in your gaming device, you will need to install an external hard disk into your gaming device】XBOX Simply follow the steps prompted by the system pop-up window to use it in the device. PlayStation may receive the message "This USB drive's file system is unsupported" when plugging in an external hard disk and may display an incorrect storage capacity. There is no need to worry. You can simply find "USB Storage Device" in the "Settings" screen, follow the steps prompted by the system to install the drive and format it, and it will be ready for use. PlayStation 4, please find "USB Storage Device" in "Device" interface in "Settings".
- 【Gaming device manufacturer restrictions for different generations of games】Due to restrictions imposed by gaming device manufacturers, the PS5 can read and run PS4 games directly from an external hard drive, but cannot run PS5 games directly from an external hard drive; PS5 games on the external hard drive need to be moved to the device in order to run. Similarly, the Xbox X Series and Xbox S Series can only run Xbox One games directly from an external hard drive.
- 【Patented silicone sleeve protects hard drive】 The patented silicone sleeve inside wraps around the hard disk. It protects the hard disk more effectively against shocks and drops.
- 【About the discrepancy between the nominal capacity and the actual capacity】The actual capacity of the hard disk is not the same as the nominal capacity because the measurement method (binary) used by the hard disk manufacturer is different from the measurement method (decimal) used by the computer system. This is normal.
- 【External hard drives including this product cannot transfer data between different brands of gaming devices or between gaming devices and office equipment】For example, PS4 and PS5 can transfer data and use each other, but cannot transfer data and use each other in XBOX and office equipment. For XBOX devices, selecting "Use for Media" after connecting an external hard disk allows you to transfer pictures and videos between office devices, but not for gaming. After use in gaming devices, you need to format the product or re-execute the hard disk partition according to the system before you can use it in office devices.
- 【Slim and compact unique appearance】The product has a sleek and minimalist look with a combination of mirror and frosted textures. Weighing only 0.16 kilograms, it's easy to carry and takes up little space.
- 【USB 3.0 SuperSpeed Transfer】 Utilizes an ultra-fast transfer USB 3.0 cable with transfer speeds of up to 5.0 Gbit/s.
- High capacity in a small enclosure – The small, lightweight design offers up to 6TB* capacity, making WD Elements portable hard drives the ideal companion for consumers on the go.
- Plug-and-play expandability
- Vast capacities up to 6TB[1] to store your photos, videos, music, important documents and more
- SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps)
- ✔Metal Desigin:Merely 0.55 inch thick.ABS Plastic+Aluminum external hard drive,with aluminum finish-style.shockproof, anti-pressure, ultra slim and portable.
- ✔System Compatibility:Windows/2000/7/8/10,Vista,Linux,Mac,Android,TV.Ps4
- ✔Improve PC Performance: Powered by USB 3.0 technology, this USB hard drive is much faster than - but still compatible with - USB 2.0 backup drive, allowing for super fast transfer speed at up to 5 Gbit/s
- ✔Plug and Play:With no software to install, just plug it in and the drive is ready to use.
- ✔Package Includes: 1 x Portable Hard Disk , 1 x USB 3.0 cable,user's manual,3-Year manufacturer warranty with free technical support service
- Built-in 8TB Capacity USB 3.0 External Hard Drive
- Works for any WIndows OS Desktop PC, Laptop with USB 3.0 Port
- Expand computer hard drive storage instantly! Add extra storage to your Desktop PC / Laptop Without opening up the case
- Perfect for hard drive expansion and backup storage for your entire Windows OS system! (Do it before it crash, you never know when it will happen! "Daily schedule backup is no longer optional" )
- 2 Years Warranty from Reseller
- Ultra fast data transfers: the external hard drive works with USB 3.0 thickened copper cable to provide super fast transfer speeds. Theoretical read speed is as high as 110MB/s-133MB/s and write speed is as high as 103MB/s.
- Ultra-thin and quiet: the motherboard adopts a noise-free solution, giving you a quiet working environment. Lightweight and portable size designed to fit in your pocket for easy portability.
- Compatibility: compatible with PS4/xbox one/Windows/Linux/Mac/Android,Stable and fast downloading on game console no difference from fast transmission when using on PC.
- Plug and Play: no software to install, just plug it in and the drive is ready to use. The hard drive chip is wrapped with aluminum anti-interference layer to increase heat dissipation and protect data
- Package Contents: 1* portable hard drive, 1 *USB 3.0 cable, 1*USB to type C adapter，1 *user manual, shell packaging, three-year manufacturer's warranty and free technical support services
- Portable Storage Solution: The P500 1TB solid state external hard drive offers a compact and portable design, perfect for laptop users on the go. With USB-C connectivity and USB 3.2 Gen 1 support, experience fast and reliable data access and transfers.
- High-Speed Data Transfer: Enjoy transfer speeds up to 420MB/s with this ssd external, ensuring quick access to your files and reducing wait times. This ssd external hard drive is ideal for creative professionals needing efficient and effective storage solutions.
- UP TO 1 TB CAPACITY: With up to 1 TB capacity, massive photo libraries, files, games, and movie collections can now all fit in your pocket. At less than 50 grams, the HP P500 takes your digital world anywhere. The P500 fits comfortably in your pocket and is light enough to take your files whereever you go.
- Compact and Lightweight: The P500 1TB ssd drive external is designed for portability, making it easy to carry alongside your laptop. Its lightweight design ensures it won't weigh down your bag, providing 1tb portable ssd performance in a sleek package.
- CABLES INCLUDED FOR MULTI-DEVICE COMPATIBILITY：Comes with USB Type C-to-A cable and Type A-to-C adaptor, the HP P500 supports new-gen USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface and is compatible with PC, Mac, Android devices, gaming consoles, and more.
- 【Large Capacity】Vertical external hard drive does not take up space, high-speed transfer speed is easily used for PC office, 4K video image storage, TV recording and game storage
- 【Technical Support】With the support of MTC multi-layer caching technology, this mechanical hard drive can elevate PC to a new level of performance, load applications and files faster, optimize data flow, and provide better reading and writing Performance. Theoretical read speed up to 160MB/s and write speed up to 110MB/s
- 【System Compatibility】Using USB-C 3.2 Gen2 type-C high-speed interface motherboard, compatible with TV/Xbox/Windows/Mac/Linux/DVD/Android, 4K TV recording, multi-brand TV
- 【Safety】To optimize the current transfer efficiency, the cable has been upgraded to 22 AWG thick copper core. Internal use of anti-vibration silicon, fast heat dissipation, reduce noise
- 【Accessories and Warranty Service】Note: Before connecting USB, please connect the power supply, additional power supply, 1.2m data cable, manual, 2-year warranty
- Compact design with stylish, textured finish and color options to fit your lifestyle.
- Automatic backup software to easily back up your content (free download, for Windows PC only).
- Password protection software to help prevent unauthorized access to your data (free download, for Windows PC only).
- USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 compatible.
- Slim durable design to help take your important files with you
- Vast capacities up to 6TB[1] to store your photos, videos, music, important documents and more
- Back up smarter with included device management software[2] with defense against ransomware
- Help secure your important files with password protection and hardware encryption
- 3-year limited warranty
- Compatible With - Microsoft Windows/ Mac OS(10.6.5 and above)/ Linux(Y cable is required)
- Equipped with USB 3.0 connection, this portable hard drive enables you to backup massive data in seconds, delivering ultra fast transfer speed to improve your PC performance
- Designed for PC and Mac - This external drive is ready to go without extra power supply or software installation needed
- Slim Style Handy Sized Design - 11.5 X 8 X 1 cm, light weight hard disk drive protected by sturdy and compact case, comfortably fits your palm
- Package Content - Portable external hard drive, 19-inch USB 3.0 hard drive cable, user’s manual, 3-Year friendly manufacturer warranty. Quick replacement or refund service. (1MB=1,000,000 bytes, 1GB=1,000,000,000 bytes. The actual usable storage capacity may be less, 120GB≈111GB)
- 2.5" HDD External Hard Drive supports Windows / Mac / Linux / Android. TEYADI external hard drive can be connected with multiple devices like PC, Laptop and MAC. It improves performance by transferring data at lightning speed. Our Portable hard disk's USB 2.0/3.0 version provides read and write speeds up to 10 Gbps .
- The motherboard adopts noise-free solution, giving you a quiet working environment. Lightweight and portable size designed to fit in your pocket for easy portability.
- This external drive is ready to use without external power supply or software installation needed. Ideal extra storage for your computer and game console.
- What You Get - 1 X Portable Hard Drive, 1 X USB3.0 Cable, 1 X User Manual, 3 Years Manufacturer Warranty And Lifetime Technical Support. (If For Any Reason You Are Not Satisfied, Please Contact Us And We Promise To Make It Right For You.)
- Tip: The file system selected when the hard disk is formatted at the factory may not be very compatible with the computer operating system, you can follow the steps in the picture to format it, and then you can use it normally.
- Durable aluminum chassis External USB Hard Drive
- Build-in 1TB Capacity Hard Drive, Plug & Play on Microsoft Surface Pro Tablet
- Easy Installation, Designed for Windows 10 OS (Backward compatible w/ Win 8.1 / 7)
- USB Bus Powered (No additional AC Power adapter required)
- 2 Years Warranty from Reseller
- This external drive includes a USB cable that works seamlessly with Windows, Mac, and Chromebook laptops (purchase adapter separately for use with USB-C computers. Reformatting may be required for use with Time Machine).
- The perfect complement to personal aesthetic, this portable external hard drive features a minimalist brushed metal enclosure.
- Up to 5TB capacity helps keep all your memories in one place—simply plug in via USB 3.0 to back up with a single click or schedule automatic daily, weekly, or monthly backups.
- Organize your photos with a Mylio Photos complementary subscription and enjoy automatic backups with a Dropbox Backup Plan free trial. (Must redeem within one year of drive registration. Not available in all countries. Trial subscriptions are subject to change in vendor or terms. Please refer to drive packaging for official offer.)
- Enjoy long-term peace of mind with the included limited warranty and Rescue Data Recovery Services.
- PS4 / XBOX COMPATIBLE: Ideal for gaming enthusiasts Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS4, PS4 Pro and PS4 Slim (PS4 System Software version 4.50 or higher)
- ALL-ROUND DATA PROTECTION: Military-grade shockproof and IPX4 water-resistant protection,
- NO MORE MISSING CABLES: Cable-carry design for easy cable storage, Supported OS: Windows 10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP, Mac OS 10.5.x, Linux 2.6.x,
- For Windows User: The A60 is pre-formatted as NTFS, so you could use it directly on Windows .
- [For Mac Users] Reformatting will be required for Mac operating systems]
- 【Portable HDD With Slim Body】It is a portable external hard drive with ultra slim body, easy to lie in your palm or slip into pocket for sharing high-resolution photos, 3D video, lossless music and more anywhere and anytime.
- 【Reliable Aluminum Alloy HDD】The portable external hard drive surface brings comfort touch without fingerprint. For better resistance against shock and drop, no mechanical parts are set inside and all edges are rounded outside, so reliable for your valued data!
- 【Type-C HDD For Durability And Speed】This Type-C/USB3.1 external hard drive brings a new level for external storage! The advanced Type-C end allows blind insertion on both sides, sure to prolong service life. The transmission speed has been accelerated to 200MB/S, reading 5 times as fast as usual hard drives while writing 2 times as fast, ensuring you speedy and stable use!
- 【External Hard Drive Compatible】This external hard drive is smart enough to light up as indication when inserted, even to sleep automatically when not operated for 10min, bringing less body heat and more data security. Its strong compatibility makes it workable with 99% of PC systems, including Apple MAC, WIN7/8/8.1/10, Android and more!
- 【After-Sales Service】For every buyer supporting this portable external hard drive, we promise to offer a 12-month warranty service. If you have Any problem, please feel free to contact us for quick solution. We have been ready to provide you premium products as well as quality services!
How to choose a good external hard drive for laptops
Does the idea of finding a fantastic external hard drive for laptops make you anxious? When it comes to purchasing this product, specifically when deciding which model to select, has your head been spinning between options? You are not alone if that is the case. We are aware of the pressure involved in the purchasing process!
Your presence here indicates that you are interested in external hard drive for laptops. Before choosing which product would be the best for your needs after being inundated with information, locate a reliable source with genuine selections. You can get that information from a variety of sources, including buying guides and rating websites, word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family, online discussion forums where users can share their own experiences, product reviews that can be found all over the internet, and YouTube channels. You can only get the right product through exhaustive analysis. But you realize that’s not always simple. In order to ease your concerns, we have taken the time to develop a list of the top external hard drive for laptops products available right now. You might be wondering how we came up with the list. How was this buying guide developed?
First, we used our algorithms to gather as much reliable data as we could about these products. To verify all the data gathered, we used both artificial intelligence and a lot of algorithms.
Then, our experts used criteria that are recognized in the business to evaluate them according to their quality to price ratio, allowing us to choose the top external hard drive for laptops on the market right now!
The selection of the goods is not arbitrary. Before creating a list, we take into account a number of factors. Below are some of the criteria discussed:
Brand Value: What happens if you choose a dubious brand just because it appears to be a good deal? So the likelihood of receiving a product with a short shelf life increases. That is due to the fact that well-known brands have a reputation to uphold, while others do not. Top external hard drive for laptops brands strive to provide some distinctive traits that set them apart from the competition. So, hopefully one or more of the items on our list will be perfect for you.
Features: Useful features are all you need, not tons of them. We consider the important aspects and select the top external hard drive for laptops based on those.
Specifications: Numbers always help you measure the quality of a product in a quantitative way. We try to find products with higher specifications, but with the right balance.
Quality: A product’s quality may always be quantified with the aid of numbers. We look for goods with better standards that strike the proper balance. The best quality product that gets highly appreciated and recommended by experienced users.
Customer ratings: Would it be accurate to suggest that the external hard drive for laptops were used by hundreds of customers before you? Superior ratings indicate that many customers had better service.
Customer Reviews: Like ratings, provide you with accurate and reliable information about the product from genuine customers. Customer ratings are very important to all of us because they contain accurate and reliable information about the customer service we received from several hundred customers.
Seller Rank: This is very intriguing! Not only do you need a good external hard drive for laptops, you also need a product with rising sales that is trendy. It accomplishes two goals. First, the expanding user base proves the quality of the product. Second, given that number, producers must be able to offer greater quality and after-sales support.
Value: You get what you pay for, they say, so consider the value. Cheap isn’t always good and expensive isn’t always bad. However, that does not imply that spending a lot of money on a product that is flashy but underwhelming is a good idea. Before adding them to the list, we make an effort to evaluate how much value you can get for your money from your external hard drive for laptops.
Durability: Durability and reliability are closely related concepts. You will benefit from a strong and long-lasting external hard drive for laptops for months and years to come.
Product availability: Products come and go, and new ones replace the old ones. Most likely, a few new features and required changes were made. What use is it to use a supposedly good product if the maker no longer supports it? We make an effort to highlight products that are current and offered by one or more trustworthy sellers, if not more.
Negative Reviews: Yes, we do take that into account as well! The goods with the majority of bad reviews are filtered out and disregarded when we choose the best-rated one on the market.
These are the standards by which we selected our external hard drive for laptops. Do we end our process there? Hell no. The most crucial fact about us that you should be aware of is that we regularly update our website with current and pertinent information. We have one more layer of filtration since we place the greatest importance on reader satisfaction. Please let us know if any product included here is incorrect, irrelevant, subpar, or simply out of date. We always value your opinions, and we’ll work hard to make any necessary corrections to our list in response to them.
Why should you believe us?
There are now thousands of possibilities for these products on Amazon, but choosing the best one can be difficult and time-consuming. And what external hard drive for laptops should you purchase in 2022?
This guide is the result of more than 10 years of experience in researching, testing and writing about many topics. Each member of our team is an authority in their area. We read every article we could find online and every consumer review on every retail website for seven hours. Additionally, we discovered a ton of websites that offered helpful resources, including buying tips and thorough information on external hard drive for laptops.
