External Hard Drives
Best Overall
WD My Passport Portable SSD
This drive is known for its small size, great value, and fast speeds. It features a USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface, allowing transfer speeds up to 1.05GB/s. The metal casing is rugged and dependable, and it comes with a 5-year warranty. It’s available in capacities from 500GB to 4TB, making it a reliable and highly portable option for various storage needs.
Best Budget
Seagate Backup Plus Slim
This drive offers excellent value with its mechanical hard drive, providing capacities between 1TB and 5TB. While the read and write speeds of around 120MB/s are slower than SSDs, it remains a cost-effective solution for those needing substantial storage space without the higher price of SSDs.
Best for Speed
Sabrent Rocket XTRM-Q
This high-performance drive can achieve speeds up to 2700MB/s on Thunderbolt 3 or 900MB/s on standard USB connections. It’s made of solid aluminum for better durability and heat dissipation. It’s available in sizes ranging from 500GB to 8TB, making it suitable for those needing fast and large storage.
Best for Security
Apricorn Aegis Padlock DT
Designed for storing sensitive data, this drive features an integrated PIN pad, separate admin and user modes, and 256-bit AES XTS hardware encryption. It offers capacities ranging from 2TB to 18TB, making it perfect for secure and large-scale data storage.
Best for Durability
ADATA HD710 Pro
This rugged drive is IP68 waterproof, military-grade shockproof, and dustproof. It’s designed to withstand tough conditions, making it ideal for fieldwork or outdoor activities. It comes in capacities from 1TB to 5TB.
Best for Capacity
SanDisk Professional G-Drive
This drive combines a USB-C interface with a 7200RPM motor, offering speeds up to 200MB/s. It’s perfect for backing up large amounts of data, with capacities ranging from 4TB to 18TB. It can also provide power to your laptop while transferring files, making it highly versatile for professional use.
