10 bestExternal Hard Drivesof May 2025
112M consumers helped this year.
20% off
1
UnionSine HD2510 500GB USB 3.0 Ultra Slim Portable External Hard Drive HDD Compatible with PC, Mac, Laptop, Xbox, Xbox One, PS4 (Black)
UnionSine
10.0
2
SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD external drive, up to 1050 MB/s, read, 1,000MB/s write, external SSD, USB-C, solid state drive, IP65 rated for dust and water resistance, Black
SanDisk
10.0
15% off
3
ModusTech External Hard Drive 1TB – Portable USB 3.0/ Type-C High-Speed HDD –Compatible with Windows Mac Laptop PC Desktop PS4 Xbox One–Slim External Storage Backup for Data Movie Game & Photo(1 TB)
ModusTech
9.9
4
Seagate Game Drive for PS4/PS5 2TB, External HDD, USB 3.0, Officially Licensed, Blue LED, incl 2 weeks Playstation+ (STLV2000202)
Seagate
9.7
5
Toshiba Canvio Partner 1TB Portable 2.5’’ External Hard Drive, USB 3.2, Mac & Windows compatible. Xbox, PS4, PS5 (HDTB510EK3AB)
Toshiba
9.5
OtherUp to 12% off
LaCie Rugged Mini 2TB, 2.5", Portable External Hard Drive, for PC and Mac, Shock, Drop and Pressure Resistant, Data Rescue Services (LAC9000298)
Seagate Game Drive Hub 8TB, External Hard Drive Desktop, USB 3.2 Gen 1, Dual USB-C and USB-A ports, Xbox Certified, with RGB LED lighting, Data Rescue Services (STKW8000402)
WD 5TB My Passport for Mac portable external storage, USB 3.0, Mac Compatible external hard drive, software for device management, backup and password protection, Time Machine Ready, Midnight Blue
SanDisk Professional 4TB G-Drive ArmorATD, portable rugged external hard drive, HDD up to 130 MB/s, Dust, Drop, Shock & Water resistant, USB-C (5Gbps), USB 3.0, Thunderbolt 3
6
Crucial X9 1TB Portable External SSD - Up to 1050MB/s, External Solid State Drive, Works with PlayStation, Xbox, PC and Mac, USB-C 3.2 - CT1000X9SSD902
Crucial
9.3
7
ezekers 500GB USB 3.0 USB C Ultra Slim Portable External Hard Drive HDD Compatible with PC, Mac, Laptop, Xbox, Xbox One, PS4 & PS5, iPhone 15 & 16, Android (Samsung, Sony)
ezekers
9.1
8
Samsung T7 Portable SSD - 1 TB - USB 3.2 Gen.2 External SSD Indigo Blue (MU-PC1T0H/WW)
Samsung
8.9
9
Seagate Portable Drive 2TB, External Hard Drive, Dark Grey, for PC Laptop and Mac, Data Rescue Services, Amazon Exclusive (STGX2000400)
Seagate
8.7
10
WD 8TB Elements External Hard Drive, Desktop HDD storage, USB 3.0 compatible, Fast Transfer rates, Easy add on storage for all your pictures, videos, music and documents, Black
WD
8.4
A Guide to Selecting the Best External Hard Drives
When choosing an external hard drive, it's important to consider your specific needs and how you plan to use the device. External hard drives are used for expanding storage, backing up data, and transferring files between devices. Understanding the key specifications will help you select a drive that meets your requirements in terms of capacity, speed, portability, and durability.
Storage Capacity
Storage capacity refers to the amount of data that the external hard drive can hold. This is one of the most important factors to consider, as it determines how much information you can store. Capacities typically range from 500GB to several terabytes (TB). If you need to store large files like videos or a large number of files, opt for a higher capacity drive. For basic document storage or occasional backups, a smaller capacity may suffice.
Drive Type
External hard drives come in two main types: Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) and Solid State Drives (SSDs). HDDs are generally cheaper and offer larger storage capacities, but they are slower and more prone to physical damage. SSDs are faster, more durable, and consume less power, but they are more expensive and typically offer less storage space. Choose an HDD if you need a lot of storage at a lower cost, and an SSD if speed and durability are more important to you.
Transfer Speed
Transfer speed determines how quickly data can be read from or written to the drive. This is influenced by the drive type (SSDs are faster than HDDs) and the connection interface (such as USB 3.0, USB-C, or Thunderbolt). Faster transfer speeds are beneficial if you frequently move large files or need quick access to your data. Consider your patience level and the size of files you typically handle when deciding on the necessary speed.
Portability
Portability refers to how easy it is to carry the external hard drive around. Smaller, lighter drives are more portable and convenient for travel, while larger drives may offer more storage but are bulkier. If you plan to use the drive on the go, prioritize a compact and lightweight model. For home or office use, portability might be less of a concern.
Durability
Durability is important if you plan to use the drive in environments where it might be exposed to physical shocks, drops, or extreme conditions. Some drives are designed to be rugged and can withstand more wear and tear. If you need a drive for outdoor use or travel, look for one with a durable casing and shock resistance. For stationary use, standard durability may be sufficient.
Compatibility
Compatibility ensures that the external hard drive can connect and work with your devices. Most drives are compatible with both Windows and Mac, but some may require reformatting. Check the connection interface (USB, Thunderbolt, etc.) to ensure it matches your device's ports. Consider your current and future device ecosystem to avoid compatibility issues.
Best Reviews Guide Newsletter
Get exclusive articles, recommendations, shopping tips, and sales alerts
Sign up for our newsletter to receive weekly recommendations about seasonal and trendy products
Thank you for subscribing!
By submitting your email address you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy