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The 8 Best external harddrives of 2024

Are you trying to find external harddrives 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 harddrives 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 10 hours of research and did 21 external harddrives 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 harddrives you can buy today

SaleNo. 1
Seagate Portable 5TB External Hard Drive HDD – USB 3.0 for PC, Mac, PS4, & Xbox - 1-Year Rescue Service (STGX5000400), Black
  • Easily store and access 5TB of 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 software required
  • This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
No. 2
Toshiba Canvio Basics 2TB Portable External Hard Drive USB 3.0, Black - HDTB520XK3AA
  • 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)
SaleNo. 3
SanDisk 2TB 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 - SDSSDE61-2T00-G25
  • Get NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds in a portable, high-capacity drive(1) (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device & other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
  • Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance mean this tough drive can take a beating(3) (Previously rated for 2-meter drop protection and IP55 rating. Now qualified for the higher, stated specs.)
  • Use the handy carabiner loop to secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind.
  • Help keep private content private with the included password protection featuring 256‐bit AES hardware encryption.(3)
  • Easily manage files and automatically free up space with the SanDisk Memory Zone app.(5). Non-Operating Temperature -20°C to 85°C
No. 4
WD 5TB Elements Portable HDD, External Hard Drive, USB 3.0 for PC & Mac, Plug and Play Ready - WDBU6Y0050BBK-WESN
  • Adding extra storage for your videos, music, photos, and files..Date transfer rate:5Gbps.Operating temperature: 5°C to 35°C, Non-op. temperature: –20°C to 65°C.
  • Transfer data at maximum speed with USB 3.0; USB 2.0 compatible
  • Improve PC performance - When your internal hard drive is almost full your PC slows down. Don’t delete files. Free up space on your internal hard drive by transferring files to your WD Elements portable hard drive and get your laptop moving again.
  • Plug-and-play ready for Windows PC
  • High capacity in a small enclosure – The small, lightweight design offers up to 5TB* capacity, making WD Elements portable hard drives the ideal companion for consumers on the go.
SaleNo. 5
Western Digital WD 1TB My Passport Portable External Hard Drive with backup software and password protection, Black - WDBYVG0010BBK-WESN
  • Slim Design
  • Software for device management and backup with password protection. (Download and installation required. Terms and conditions apply. User account registration may be required.)
  • 256-bit AES hardware encryption
  • SuperSpeed USB 3.0 port (5Gbps); USB 2.0 compatible
  • 3-year limited warranty
  • English (Publication Language)
SaleNo. 6
Toshiba Canvio Advance 4TB Portable External Hard Drive USB 3.0, Green - HDTCA40XG3CA
  • 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.
No. 7
1T Portable SSD External Hard Drive up to 500MB/s, Ultra High-Speed External Solid State Drive 1 Terabyte Compatible with Windows PC/Mac/PS5/Xbox
  • RELIABLE STORAGE: 1TB Portable SSD utilizes cutting-edge technology and high-quality components, ensuring consistent and dependable performance. You can trust it to store your important files and valuable data securely.
  • HIGH-SPEED TRANSFER: 1TB External SSD transfers in a flash, allowing you to quickly and efficiently transfer large files and multimedia content within seconds with the incredible speed of USB 3.2 Gen 1, experience seamless performance when transferring data.
  • BUILT STRONG AND DURABLE: Designed to withstand the rigors of everyday use, 1TB External Solid State Drive is built with durability in mind. It features shock-resistant aluminium housing with reinforced inner frame that can withstand shocks, vibrations, and drops of up to 10ft, providing extra protection for your data during travel or rough handling.
  • SLEEK AND COMPACT: The compact and lightweight design of our 1TB External Hard Drive makes it incredibly convenient to carry and use on the go. Whether you're a professional working remotely or a student needing extra storage for assignments, it offers the perfect solution, allowing you to take your files on the go and access data anytime, anywhere.
  • EXCEPTIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE: Our friendly support team is available to address any inquiries, concerns, or technical difficulties you may encounter.
SaleNo. 8
LaCie Rugged Mini 2TB External Hard Drive Portable HDD - USB 3.0/ 2.0 Compatible, Drop Shock Dust Rain Resistant Shuttle Drive, For Mac And PC Computer (LAC9000298), orange
  • Shock, drops up to 4 feet, dust and water resistant for all-terrain use.Specific uses: Personal
  • For Mac compatibility this Hard Drive requires reformatting. Refer to Application Guide for more details
  • Password protection built in
  • Uses USB 3.0 which is up to 4 times faster than USB 2.0 (USB 2.0 compatible)
  • Includes 1-month complimentary membership to Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps Plan. Must redeem by January 31, 2020
  • English (Publication Language)
SaleNo. 9
Maxone 500GB Ultra Slim Portable External Hard Drive HDD USB 3.0 for PC, Mac, Laptop, PS4, Xbox one - Charcoal Grey
  • ✔ 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
  • ✔ A Reliable Game Drive: This PS4 external hard drive features fast and stable performance for PS4, PS4 Pro, and Xbox One, does not refuse or delete a game. Compatible with Microsoft Windows and Mac OS(10.6.5 and above) in the meantime
  • ✔ 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
SaleNo. 10
UnionSine 500GB 2.5" Ultra Slim Portable External Hard Drive HDD-USB 3.0 for PC, Mac, Laptop, PS4, Xbox one,Xbox 360-HD-2510(Black)
  • 【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
SaleNo. 11
Seagate Portable Drive, 1TB, External Hard Drive, Black, for PC Laptop and Mac, 2 Year Rescue Services, Amazon Exclusive (STGX1000400)
  • Simple drag-and-drop functionality
  • Expand your computer's capacity with a lightweight, compact solution
  • Instant Plug and Play PC Compatibility
  • Quickly transfer files with USB 3.0 (backward compatible with USB 2.0)
  • Enjoy long-term peace of mind with the included two-year limited warranty and two-yr Rescue Data Recovery Services
No. 12
Toshiba Canvio Flex 2TB Portable External Hard Drive USB-C USB 3.0, Silver for PC, Mac, & Tablet - HDTX120XSCAA
6,253 Consomer Reviews
Toshiba Canvio Flex 2TB Portable External Hard Drive USB-C USB 3.0, Silver for PC, Mac, & Tablet - HDTX120XSCAA
  • Designed for PC, Mac, and Tablet (check compatibility at Toshiba's Consumer HDD website).
  • Formatted exFAT for cross-device compatibility (2).
  • USB-C ready, USB 3.0 compatible.
  • Versatile design. Includes USB-C and USB-A cables.
SaleNo. 13
SAMSUNG SSD T7 Portable External Solid State Drive 1TB, Up to USB 3.2 Gen 2, Reliable Storage for Gaming, Students, Professionals, MU-PC1T0T/AM, Gray
  • PORTABLE STORAGE ON THE GO: The light, pocket-sized Portable SSD T7 delivers fast speeds with easy and reliable data storage for transferring large files, including crucial business documents, games, or movies
  • TRANSFER IN A FLASH: Transfer massive files with the incredible speed of USB 3.2 Gen 2; PCIe NVMe technology delivers blazing fast sequential read/write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s1, making the T7 2x as fast as the previous T5 model2
  • STRONG & SECURE: Unlike HDDs, the Portable SSD T7 has no moving parts so it's more resistant to shock; Plus, its solid aluminum unibody adds more protection, keeping it safe from falls of up to 6 ft3 and is backed by a 3-year limited warranty4
  • RELIABLE THERMAL SOLUTION: The T7’s advanced thermal solution uses the Dynamic Thermal Guard to withstand and control heat, so the portable SSD stays at an optimal temperature even at fast speeds5
  • SLEEK & COMPACT STYLE: Roughly the size of a credit card and only weighing 2 ounces, the T7 fits comfortably in the palm of your hand and is light enough to take your files on the go
  • FIND YOUR BEST FIT: Pick a color from classic gray to striking blue and red, and choose from three capacities to fit what your lifestyle demands: 500 GB, 1TB, or 2TB
  • SIMPLE SETUP: The T7 comes embedded with software6 to help you set up a password to get the latest firmware updates for your PC, Mac, or Android mobile devices7; You can also download the mobile app for Android smartphones and tablets
  • MULTI-DEVICE COMPATIBILITY: The T7 is compatible with PC, Mac, Android devices, gaming consoles, and more8; Included in the box are USB Type C-to-C and Type C-to-A cables for added convenience
  • WORLD’S #1 FLASH MEMORY BRAND: Performance and reliability from the world’s #1 brand for flash memory since 20039; All firmware and components are produced in-house, including our world renowned DRAM and NAND, for quality and you can trust
  • SUPPORTS iPHONE: Supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps video and more10; Included SSD cable recommended
No. 14
LaCie Rugged 5TB Portable External HDD - USB 3.0/2.0 Compatible, Shock/Dust/Rain Resistant for Mac & PC, Orange, Grey
  • Shock, drops up to 4 feet, dust and water resistant for all-terrain use
  • For Mac compatibility this Hard Drive requires reformatting. Refer to Application Guide for more details
  • Password protection built in
  • Uses USB 3.0 which is up to 4 times faster than USB 2.0 (USB 2.0 compatible)
  • Included Cable: USB-C
SaleNo. 15
Western Digital 5TB My Passport Ultra for Mac Silver Portable External Hard Drive HDD, USB-C and USB 3.1 Compatible - Western DigitalBPMV0050BSL-WESN
  • USB-C and USB 3.1 compatible.Specific uses: Business, personal
  • Innovative style with refined metal cover
  • Password protection with 256-bit AES hardware encryption
  • Formatted for Mac
  • English (Publication Language)
No. 16
Seagate Backup Plus Slim Portable (1TB) USB 3.0 2.5" External Hard Drive - Red
  • Portable Design: Slim 2.5-inch external hard drive with USB 3.0 interface for easy portability
  • High Storage Capacity: 1TB hard drive provides ample digital storage space for your files and media
  • Reliable Performance: Seagate brand external hard drive with fast data transfer speeds and reliable data backup
  • User-friendly Interface: Simple USB 3.0 plug-and-play setup for quick and easy setup
  • Compact Size: Slim 2.5-inch design is lightweight and compact for convenient carrying
No. 17
Bootable DVD DL for Mac OS X 10.11 El Capitan Full OS Install Reinstall Recovery Upgrade
  • Free Technical Support
  • Supported Models : MacBook: Late 2008 or newer, MacBook Air: Late 2008 or newer, MacBook Pro: Mid 2007 or newer, Mac Mini: Early 2009 or newer, iMac: Mid 2007 or newer, Mac Pro: Early 2008 or newer, Xserve: Early 2009
  • These DVDs are NOT original. This product comes with free online technical support. Give it a try if you have issues. Installing or upgrading your software from a DVD is NOT a quick process and can take 45-60 minutes to complete. Important: During the installation DISCONNECT your Mac machine from Internet. Free online technical support. Please check into the Description (bellow) how to get over the most common error that might pop-up when you are trying to boot from DVD.
  • Please be aware that it might not work for every mac! This is the simplest possible install procedure: 1. Insert DVD DL into DVD drives. 2. Restart by holding the Alt key (or Option key, depending on the keyboard model). 3. Once the start options appear on the screen, you can release the ALT key, select the Install option and follow the instructions. You can choose to erase/format the hard disk before installation - recommended.
  • you can RETURN it anytime BUT PLEASE do not chose the reason as "Defective".This Item has over 600 units sold per year with 5% "negative" feedbacks. A non-playing disc is not a sign of a “bad” disc, but rather just means that particular CD/DVD player cannot play it.
  • Plase make sure your DVD drive is compatible with the DVD reader on your mac if not sure plase purchase the usb version just search for Tech Shop pro el capitan
  • If not sure with the compatibility or have any questions please feel free to contact Me
  • Tech-Shop-pro (Publisher)
No. 18
Seagate-IMSourcing Cheetah 15K.7 ST3600057SS 600 GB 3.5" Internal Hard Drive (ST3600057SS) -
  • The Seagate Cheetah 15K.7 is the highest performing, highest capacity 3.5-inch mission critical hard drive with best-in-class reliability for Tier 1 storage environments. This industry-leading enterpr
No. 19
Portable SSD 2TB Mobile Solid State Drive Portable External Drive 3 in 1 OTG Type-c 2000GB High Speed Hard Drive for PC Laptop Mac Data Storage and Transfer and Android Phone, Computers and Tablets
  • Portable SSD 2TB Mobile Solid State Drive Portable External Drive 3 in 1 OTG Type-c 2000GB High Speed Hard Drive for PC Laptop Mac Data Storage and Transfer and Android Phone, Computers and Tablets
  • High-Speed Transfer: Our external SSD uses a USB3.0 MicroB/USB3.1 Type-C (gen1) interface, allowing for fast and stable data transfer speeds. It enables quick backup, storage, and transfer of various file types.
  • Plug and Play & Portable: This portable storage drive features a simple plug-and-play design, requiring no software installation. Simply insert it into the USB port of your computer or other devices . It also has a compact and lightweight design, making it easy to carry and use, meeting your mobile storage needs anytime, anywhere.
  • Reliable and durable with strong compatibility: This external storage is built to be long-lasting and resistant to shocks and falls, ensuring the safety of your data. Our usb hard drive is compatible with multiple operating systems, It can be connected to computers, laptops, smart TVs, and with the use of a phone interface converter, It can be connected to computers, laptops, smart TVs, mobile phone ect.
  • If you encounter any issues during usage, please feel free to contact us. We are committed to providing excellent service and finding satisfactory solutions to ensure your complete satisfaction.
No. 20
SanDisk 1TB Portable SSD - Up to 800MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Updated Firmware - External Solid State Drive - SDSSDE30-1T00-G26
  • Solid state performance with up to 800MB/s read speeds in a portable drive. (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device, interface, usage conditions and other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
  • Back up your content and memories on a storage solution that fits seamlessly into your mobile lifestyle.
  • Take it with you on your adventures—up to two-meter drop protection means this durable drive can take a beating. (Based on internal testing.)
  • Secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind thanks to the tough rubber hook.
  • From SanDisk, a brand professional photographers trust to take on assignments.
  • English (Publication Language)

How to choose a good external harddrives

Does the idea of finding a fantastic external harddrives 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 harddrives. 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 harddrives 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 harddrives 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 harddrives 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 harddrives 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 harddrives 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 harddrives, 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 harddrives.

Durability: Durability and reliability are closely related concepts. You will benefit from a strong and long-lasting external harddrives 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 harddrives. 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 harddrives 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 harddrives.