10 bestExternal Hard Drives For Photoof May 2025
112M consumers helped this year.
1
Toshiba Canvio Partner 1TB Portable 2.5’’ External Hard Drive, USB 3.2, Mac & Windows compatible. Xbox, PS4, PS5 (HDTB510EK3AB)
Toshiba
9.9
2
Seagate Game Drive for PS4/PS5 2TB, External HDD, USB 3.0, Officially Licensed, Blue LED, incl 2 weeks Playstation+ (STLV2000202)
Seagate
9.8
3
Seagate Portable Drive 2TB, External Hard Drive, Dark Grey, for PC Laptop and Mac, Data Rescue Services, Amazon Exclusive (STGX2000400)
Seagate
9.7
11% off
4
Samsung T7 Portable SSD - 1 TB - USB 3.2 Gen.2 External SSD Titanium Grey (MU-PC1T0T/WW)
Samsung
9.5
5
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
9.4
OtherUp to 43% off
SAMSUNG T7 Shield Portable Solid State Drive USB 3.2 1TB, IP65 Water Resistant, External SSD Compatible with PC/Mac/Android/Gaming Consoles, MU-PE1T0S/WW, 2023, Black
LaCie d2 Professional, 8TB, External Hard Drive Desktop, Thunderbolt 3 USB-C, 7200 RPM Enterprise Class Drives, for Mac and PC Desktop, 1 Month Adobe CC, 5 year Rescue Services (STHA8000800)
LaCie Rugged USB-C 2TB External Hard Drive Portable HDD – USB 3.0 compatible, Drop Shock Dust Rain Resistant, for Mac and PC Computer Desktop Workstation Laptop, Orange
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
12% off
6
SanDisk 1TB Extreme portable external SSD, up to 1050 MB/s, read, 1,000MB/s write, USB-C, SSD external drive, IP65 rated for dust and water resistance, Monterey
SanDisk
9.2
20% off
7
UnionSine HD2510 500GB USB 3.0 Ultra Slim Portable External Hard Drive HDD Compatible with PC, Mac, Laptop, Xbox, Xbox One, PS4 (Black)
UnionSine
9.0
20% off
8
Meyritech 1TB USB 3.0 Hard Drive Type-C for Portable External Data Storage, Macbook, iMacs, PCs, Laptops, Xbox One & PS4 Consoles (Capacity, 1TB)
Meyritech
8.8
9
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
8.5
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
8.3
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A Guide to Selecting the Best External Hard Drives For Photo
When choosing an external hard drive for storing photos, it's important to consider factors that will ensure your data is safe, easily accessible, and organized. Photos can take up a lot of space, especially if they are high-resolution, so you'll want a drive that can accommodate your current collection and allow for future growth. Additionally, consider how often you'll need to access your photos and whether you'll be transporting the drive frequently, as these factors will influence the type of drive you should choose.
Storage Capacity
Storage capacity refers to the amount of data that the hard drive can hold. This is crucial for photographers or anyone storing large photo libraries, as high-resolution images can quickly consume space. Storage capacities for external hard drives typically range from 500GB to several terabytes (TB). If you have a modest collection of photos, a 1TB drive might suffice. However, for extensive collections or if you plan to store videos as well, consider a drive with 2TB or more. Always think about your future needs; it's better to have extra space than to run out.
Transfer Speed
Transfer speed determines how quickly data can be moved to and from the hard drive. This is important if you frequently transfer large batches of photos, as faster speeds can save you time. Transfer speeds are influenced by the type of connection (USB 3.0, USB-C, Thunderbolt, etc.) and the drive's technology (HDD vs. SSD). USB 3.0 is common and offers decent speeds, but USB-C and Thunderbolt are faster options. If speed is a priority, especially for professional use, consider an SSD with a USB-C or Thunderbolt connection.
Drive Type (HDD vs. SSD)
The type of drive affects both performance and durability. HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) are traditional drives that offer more storage for less money, but they are slower and more prone to physical damage due to moving parts. SSDs (Solid State Drives) are faster, more durable, and better for frequent travel, but they are more expensive per gigabyte. If you need a drive for stationary use and large storage, an HDD might be sufficient. For faster access and better durability, especially if you travel often, an SSD is a better choice.
Portability
Portability is about how easy it is to carry the drive around. This is important if you need to access your photos on the go or work in different locations. Portable drives are typically smaller, lighter, and powered via USB, making them easy to transport. Desktop drives are larger, require external power, and are better suited for stationary use. If you need to carry your drive frequently, opt for a portable model. For home or office use where the drive stays in one place, a desktop model might be more appropriate.
Durability
Durability refers to how well the drive can withstand physical impacts and environmental factors. This is crucial if you plan to travel with your drive or use it in various conditions. Some drives are designed to be rugged, with shock resistance and water or dust protection. If you need a drive for outdoor shoots or travel, look for these features. For home use, standard durability might be sufficient, but always consider the potential for accidents and choose a drive that offers some level of protection.
Compatibility
Compatibility ensures that the drive will work with your devices. This is important to avoid connectivity issues. Most external hard drives are compatible with both Windows and Mac, but some may require reformatting. Check the drive's specifications to ensure it supports your operating system. Additionally, consider the type of connection ports available on your devices (USB, USB-C, Thunderbolt) and choose a drive that matches or includes adapters. Ensuring compatibility will save you from potential headaches and additional costs.
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