10 bestExternal Drive For Ipadof September 2025
112M consumers helped this year.
1
Seagate Portable Drive 1TB, External Hard Drive, Dark Grey, for PC Laptop and Mac, Data Rescue Services, Amazon Exclusive (STGX1000400)
Seagate
9.8
12% off
2
LaCie Rugged SSD 1TB, Externe SSD, voor PC Mac iPad & iPhone, USB-C, 1 maand Adobe CC All Apps, Data Rescue Service (STHR1000800)
LaCie
9.6
3
LaCie Rugged Mini externe SSD 1TB, PC Mac iPad & iPhone, 40 Gb/s, 2.000 MB/s, Rescue Services (STMF1000400)
LaCie
9.4
12% off
4
SSK 1TB USB C Drive Up to 550MB/s, Fast USB-Stick Dual Drive Type-c +A USB3.2 Gen2 Solid State Drive, External SSD Memory Stick for Android Phone Laptop Tablet Mac Business Travel Essential
SSK
9.2
5
Samsung T7 Portable SSD - 1 TB - USB 3.2 Gen.2 External SSD Titanium Grey (MU-PC1T0T/WW)
Samsung
9.0
OtherUp to 6% off
LaCie Rugged RAID Shuttle 8TB, Portable External Hard Drive, USB-C, PC Mac iPad & iPhone, Data Rescue Service (STHT8000800)
LaCie Mobile Drive Moon 4TB, External Hard Drive Portable, USB-C 3.2, PC Mac iPad & iPhone, Data Rescue Services (STLP4000400)
LaCie d2 Professional 8TB, External Hard Drive DeskTBp, for PC Mac & iPad, 1 Month Adobe CC, Data Rescue Service (STHA8000800)
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
6
Crucial X9 2TB Portable External SSD - Up to 1050MB/s, External Solid State Drive, compatible with Xbox, PC and Mac, USB-C 3.2 - CT2000X9SSD902
Crucial
8.7
7
Crucial X10 8TB External Portable SSD Drive - Up to 2100MB/s, USB-C 3.2 Gen2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistant, External Solid State Drive, Matte Blue - CT8000X10SSD9-02
Crucial
8.5
5% off
8
LaCie Rugged Mini, 1TB, 2.5", Portable External Hard Drive, for PC Mac iPad and iPhone, Data Rescue Service (LAC301558)
LaCie
8.3
9
Crucial X10 Pro 2TB Portable External SSD, Up to 2100MB/s Read and 2000MB/s Write, External Solid State Drive, USB-C 3.2, PC and Mac, Dust and Water Resistance -CT2000X10PROSSD902
Crucial
8.0
10
Samsung flash drive FIT PLUS 256GB
Samsung
7.7
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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