Best External Hard Drives & External SSDs – In today’s digital age, data storage has become an essential part of our lives.
With the increasing volume of data we generate daily, having a reliable external storage device is crucial.
Whether you’re a professional, a student, or simply someone who wants to keep their data safe, an external hard drive or an external solid-state drive (SSD) is a must-have.
In 2024, the market for external storage devices is more competitive than ever. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one.
That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you navigate the maze of external hard drives and SSDs, and find the perfect fit for your needs.
1. Samsung T7 Shield Portable SSD
When it comes to external SSDs, the Samsung T7 Shield is a standout performer.
This rugged and durable drive is designed to withstand drops, shocks, and even water exposure, making it an ideal choice for adventurers, photographers, and anyone who needs a reliable storage solution on the go.
With read and write speeds of up to 1050MB/s and 1000MB/s, respectively, the T7 Shield is blazingly fast, ensuring seamless data transfers and smooth performance.
Available in capacities ranging from 1TB to 4TB, this drive offers ample space for your files, photos, videos, and more.
Key Features:
- IP65 dust and water resistance
- Drop protection up to 3 meters
- AES 256-bit hardware encryption
- USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface
2. WD My Passport SSD
Western Digital’s My Passport SSD is a sleek and compact external SSD that combines speed, portability, and affordability.
With read speeds of up to 1050MB/s and write speeds of up to 1000MB/s, this drive ensures lightning-fast data transfers, making it perfect for content creators, professionals, and anyone who values speed and efficiency.
Available in capacities ranging from 500GB to 4TB, the My Passport SSD offers ample storage space for your files, while its compact design makes it easy to carry with you wherever you go.
Key Features:
- USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface
- Password protection and hardware encryption
- Shock-resistant and vibration-resistant design
- Compatible with Windows, macOS, and Android devices
3. Seagate Backup Plus SlimSeagate Backup Plus Slim
For those seeking a reliable and affordable external hard drive, the Seagate Backup Plus Slim is an excellent choice.
This slim and portable drive offers capacities ranging from 1TB to 5TB, ensuring ample storage space for your documents, photos, videos, and more.
With transfer speeds of up to 120MB/s, the Backup Plus Slim is no slouch when it comes to performance. It’s compatible with both Windows and macOS systems, making it a versatile option for various users.
Key Features:
- USB 3.0 interface
- Automatic backup software for Windows and macOS
- Slim and portable design
- Available in various colors
4. LaCie Rugged SSD Pro
If you’re a professional or an adventurer who needs a reliable and durable external SSD, the LaCie Rugged SSD Pro is an excellent choice.
This drive is built to withstand extreme conditions, with an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, as well as drop protection up to 3 meters.
With lightning-fast read and write speeds of up to 2800MB/s and 2200MB/s, respectively, the Rugged SSD Pro ensures blazingly fast data transfers,
Making it ideal for video editing, photography, and other demanding tasks. Available in capacities ranging from 1TB to 4TB, this drive offers ample storage space for your files.
Key Features:
- IP67 dust and water resistance
- Drop protection up to 3 meters
- Thunderbolt 3 and USB 3.2 Gen 2 interfaces
- Integrated Rescue Data Recovery Services
5. SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD
The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD is a reliable and compact external SSD that combines speed, durability, and affordability.
With read and write speeds of up to 1050MB/s and 1000MB/s, respectively, this drive ensures lightning-fast data transfers, making it perfect for content creators, professionals, and anyone who values speed and efficiency.
Available in capacities ranging from 500GB to 2TB, the Extreme Portable SSD offers ample storage space for your files, while its compact design and rugged construction make it an ideal companion for on-the-go use.
Key Features:
- IP55 dust and water resistance
- Drop protection up to 2 meters
- USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface
- Integrated carabiner loop for easy carrying
6. Toshiba Canvio Basics
For those seeking a budget-friendly external hard drive with ample storage space, the Toshiba Canvio Basics is an excellent choice.
This drive offers capacities ranging from 1TB to 5TB, ensuring sufficient space for your documents, photos, videos, and more.
While not the fastest drive on the market, the Canvio Basics still offers decent transfer speeds, making it suitable for everyday use and basic backup needs.
Its simple design and compatibility with both Windows and macOS systems make it a versatile option for various users.
Key Features:
- USB 3.0 interface
- Plug-and-play is available in various colors
- Compact and portable design
7. G-Technology ArmorATD
If you’re a professional or a content creator who needs a rugged and reliable external hard drive, the G-Technology ArmorATD is an excellent choice.
This drive is designed to withstand extreme conditions, with an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance, as well as drop protection up to 3 meters.
With transfer speeds of up to 140MB/s, the ArmorATD offers decent performance for various tasks, including video editing, photography, and data backup.
Available in capacities ranging from 1TB to 5TB, this drive provides ample storage space for your files.
Key Features:
- IP54 dust and water resistance
- Drop protection up to 3 meters
- USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface
- Integrated Thunderbolt 3 cable
8. Crucial X8 Portable SSD
The Crucial X8 Portable SSD is a high-performance external SSD that combines speed, durability, and affordability.
With read and write speeds of up to 1050MB/s, this drive ensures lightning-fast data transfers, making it perfect for content creators, professionals, and anyone who values speed and efficiency.
Available in capacities ranging from 500GB to 2TB, the X8 Portable SSD offers ample storage space for your files, while its compact design and rugged construction make it an ideal companion for on-the-go use.
Key Features:
- USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface
- Drop protection up to 2 meters
- Integrated cable and protective case
- Compact and lightweight design
9. WD My Book
For those in need of massive storage capacity, the WD My Book is an excellent choice.
This desktop external hard drive offers capacities ranging from 4TB to 18TB, making it ideal for backup, archiving, and storing large amounts of data.
While not the fastest drive on the market, the My Book still offers decent transfer speeds, making it suitable for everyday use and backup needs.
Its simple design and compatibility with both Windows and macOS systems make it a versatile option for various users.
Key Features:
- USB 3.0 interface
- Automatic backup software for Windows and macOS
- Password protection and hardware encryption
- Available in various capacities up to 18TB
10. Samsung X5 Thunderbolt 3 SSD
If you’re a professional or a content creator who demands the highest level of performance, the Samsung X5 Thunderbolt 3 SSD is the ultimate choice.
This external SSD is designed to deliver blistering-fast speeds, with read and write speeds of up to 2800MB/s and 2300MB/s, respectively.
Available in capacities ranging from 500GB to 2TB, the X5 offers ample storage space for your files, while its compact and sleek design makes it easy to carry with you wherever you go.
Key Features:
- Thunderbolt 3 interface (up to 40Gbps)
- Samsung Magician software for performance optimization
- Dynamic Thermal Guard technology for optimal cooling
- Compact and durable design
Buying Guide: What to Consider When Choosing an External Hard Drive or SSD
When it comes to selecting the best external hard drive or SSD, several factors come into play. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:
1. Storage Capacity
The first and most obvious consideration is the storage capacity you need. Determine how much data you plan to store, and choose a drive with ample capacity to accommodate your current and future needs.
Keep in mind that larger capacities generally come at a higher price point.
2. Speed and Interface
Transfer speeds are crucial, especially if you’ll be working with large files or performing data-intensive tasks.
Look for drives with fast interfaces like USB 3.2 Gen 2, Thunderbolt 3, or NVMe SSDs for optimal performance.
SSDs generally offer faster speeds than traditional hard drives, but they also come with a higher price tag.
3. Portability and Durability
If you plan to take your external drive on the go, consider its portability and durability.
Portable SSDs and rugged hard drives are designed to withstand drops, shocks, and other environmental factors, making them ideal for outdoor use or frequent travel.
4. Security Features
Depending on the sensitivity of your data, you may want to prioritize security features such as hardware encryption, password protection, or biometric authentication.
These features can help protect your data from unauthorized access or theft.
5. Compatibility
Ensure that the external drive you choose is compatible with your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux) and devices (laptops, desktops, or mobile devices).
Some drives may require specific drivers or software to function properly.
6. Brand Reputation and Warranty
When investing in an external storage device, it’s essential to choose a reputable brand with a proven track record for quality and reliability.
Additionally, consider the warranty offered by the manufacturer, as it can provide peace of mind and protection against defects or failures.
Remember, the best external hard drive or SSD for you will depend on your specific needs, budget, and preferences.
By considering these factors and researching various options, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect storage solution for your data.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What’s the difference between an external hard drive (HDD) and an external solid-state drive (SSD)?
Ans: External HDDs use traditional spinning disk technology, while external SSDs use flash-based memory with no moving parts.
SSDs are generally faster, more durable, and more power-efficient than HDDs, but they are also more expensive per gigabyte of storage.
2. How long do external drives typically last?
Ans: The lifespan of an external drive depends on various factors, including usage, storage conditions, and the quality of the drive itself.
Generally, HDDs have a shorter lifespan compared to SSDs due to their moving parts. High-quality HDDs can last 3-5 years, while SSDs can last 5-10 years or more.
3. Do external drives require external power?
Ans: Most portable external drives (both HDDs and SSDs) can be powered via the USB connection from your computer or device.
However, larger desktop external HDDs may require an additional power source, such as an AC adapter or power brick.
4. Can external drives be used for backup and storage across multiple devices?
Ans: Yes, most external drives are designed to be compatible with multiple operating systems and devices, making them suitable for backup and storage across different computers, laptops, and even mobile devices.
5. How do I properly eject or disconnect an external drive?
Ans: It’s important to properly eject or safely remove an external drive before disconnecting it from your computer or device.
This process varies depending on your operating system, but it generally involves using the “Safely Remove Hardware” or “Eject” function to ensure all data transfers are completed and the drive is unmounted before disconnecting it.
6. Can external drives be password-protected or encrypted?
Ans: Many external drives, especially those from reputable brands, offer hardware-based encryption and password protection features to safeguard your data.
This is particularly important if you plan to store sensitive or confidential information on your external drive.
7. How do I format or reformat an external drive?
Ans: Formatting or reformatting an external drive can be done through your operating system’s disk management tools.
However, it’s important to note that formatting will erase all data on the drive, so be sure to back up any important files beforehand.
8. Can external drives be used for gaming or running applications?
Ans: While external drives can be used to store game files or applications, they are generally not recommended for running games or applications directly from the drive, as this can result in performance issues or longer load times.
It’s better to install games and applications on your computer’s internal storage for optimal performance.
9. How do I choose the right external drive for my needs?
Ans: Consider factors such as storage capacity, transfer speed, portability, durability, security features, compatibility, and your budget.
Refer to the buying guide section of the article for more detailed guidance on selecting the best external drive for your specific needs.
10. What should I do if my external drive fails or becomes corrupted?
Ans: If your external drive fails or becomes corrupted, the first step is to stop using it immediately to prevent further data loss. Then, try to recover any data using data recovery software or services.
If the drive is still under warranty, you may be able to get it repaired or replaced by the manufacturer.
