10 bestExternal Drive For Ipadof May 2025
112M consumers helped this year.
11% off
1
Samsung T7 Portable SSD - 1 TB - USB 3.2 Gen.2 External SSD Titanium Grey (MU-PC1T0T/WW)
Samsung
9.8
15% off
2
SSK 1TB USB C Drive Up to 550MB/s, Fast USB Stick Dual Drive Type-c +USB A USB3.2 Gen2 Solid State Drive, External SSD USB Memory Stick for Android Phone Laptop Tablet Mac Business Travel Essential
SSK
9.6
3
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
WD
9.5
25% off
4
iDiskk 128G Lightning USB Flash Drive for iPhone, MFi Certified iPhone USB Flash Drive External Storage for iPhone Compatible with iPad Mac and PC
iDiskk
9.2
16% off
5
WD 5TB My Passport Works with USB-C, portable external hard drive, USB 3.2 Gen 1, software for device management, backup, password protection, Works with PC, Mac, Chromebook, Gaming Consoles, Grey
WD
9.0
OtherUp to 33% off
USB Stick 128GB,Flash Drive for iPhone-4 in 1 Photo Memory Stick External Storage Pen Drive Compatible for IOS/Android/Tablet/PC and Devices with Micro USB 3.0/OTG (Blue, 128G)
SanDisk iXpand Go Flash Drive, 128GB Flash drive for iPhone, iPad, PC and Mac, iPhone USB Flash Drive, Lightning and USB 3.0 connectors, Automatic Backup, iXpand app, Keychain, Black
SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 1TB up to 550MB/s read Solid State Drive
SanDisk 256GB Phone Drive, USB Flash Drive for iPhone, iPad, PC and Mac (2-in-1 iPhone storage, Lightning & USB Type-C Connectors, Automatic Backup, Password Protection, Metallic Sky
25% off
6
Apple MFi Certified 128GB iPhone Photo Stick iPhone Memory iPhone Photo Storage Memory Stick for Photos Videos Contacts iPhone USB Flash Drive Thumb Drive for iPad External iPhone Storage USB Stick
JSL JDTDC
8.7
7
Rugged Mini external SSD 1TB, 40 Gb/s, 2.000 MB/s, compatible with PC / Mac / iPad / Thunderbolt 4 u. 3, incl. 3 Years Rescue Service, Modelno.: STMF1000400
LaCie
8.4
11% off
8
SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO USB 3.2 Solid State Flash Drive, USB stick, up to 420 MB/s read speeds, up to 380 MB/s write, Password protection, RescuePRO data recovery software, Durable casing, Black
SanDisk
8.1
14% off
9
WD 6TB My Book Desktop External Hard Drive, USB 3.0
Western Digital
7.8
7% off
10
LaCie Rugged Mini 4 TB External Hard Drive Portable HDD – USB 3.0 USB 2.0 Compatible, Drop Shock Dust Rain Resistant Shuttle Drive & Amazon Basics External Hard Drive Case
LaCie
7.5
A Guide to Selecting the Best External Drive For Ipad
When choosing an external drive for your iPad, it's important to consider how you plan to use it. Whether you're looking to expand your storage for media files, back up important documents, or transfer data between devices, the right external drive can make a big difference in your iPad experience. Understanding the key specifications will help you select a drive that meets your needs and works seamlessly with your device.
Storage Capacity
Storage capacity refers to the amount of data the external drive can hold. It's important because it determines how much content you can store. Capacities typically range from 128GB to several terabytes (TB). If you plan to store large files like videos or a large number of photos, consider a drive with at least 1TB. For basic document storage or occasional use, a smaller capacity like 256GB might suffice. Assess your storage needs based on the type and volume of data you plan to store.
Compatibility
Compatibility ensures that the external drive can connect and work with your iPad. This is crucial because not all drives are compatible with iPads. Look for drives that support iPadOS and have a compatible connection type, such as USB-C or Lightning, depending on your iPad model. Check if the drive requires any additional apps or software to function properly with your iPad. Choose a drive that offers seamless integration with your device to avoid connectivity issues.
Connection Type
The connection type refers to how the external drive connects to your iPad. This is important for ensuring fast data transfer speeds and compatibility. Common connection types include USB-C and Lightning. USB-C is more common in newer iPad models and offers faster data transfer rates. Lightning is used in older models. Choose a drive with a connection type that matches your iPad's port to ensure optimal performance and ease of use.
Transfer Speed
Transfer speed indicates how quickly data can be moved between the external drive and your iPad. It's important for efficiency, especially when transferring large files. Speeds are usually measured in megabytes per second (MB/s). Drives with higher transfer speeds, such as those using USB 3.0 or USB-C, are ideal for tasks that require quick data access, like video editing. If speed is not a priority, a drive with lower transfer speeds may be sufficient for basic storage needs.
Portability
Portability refers to how easy it is to carry the external drive with you. This is important if you plan to use the drive on the go. Smaller, lightweight drives are more portable and convenient for travel. Consider the physical size and weight of the drive, as well as any protective features like shock resistance. If you need a drive for frequent travel, prioritize portability. For home or office use, a larger drive may be acceptable.
Durability
Durability is about how well the external drive can withstand physical wear and tear. This is important for protecting your data, especially if you plan to carry the drive with you frequently. Look for features like shock resistance, water resistance, and solid-state drive (SSD) technology, which are more durable than traditional hard drives. If you need a drive for rugged use or travel, prioritize durability. For stationary use, durability may be less of a concern.
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