Storage space, speed, compact design, and security are the primary factors most people consider when buying an external hard drive. It’s hard to definitively call one external drive “the best,” but it is possible to determine which best suits you. Knowing how much storage space you need and how compact you need the drive to be is a good place to start in the process. The list below includes our favorite external hard drives to help you narrow down the choices and find the next drive that will be home to your photos, media, important documents, and maybe even some of your games.
Samsung T5
The best external hard drive overall
Drawing inspiration from its predecessor, the Samsung T5 is a compact, affordable, high-speed storage drive that looks and feels like a top-tier portable storage solution. Utilizing the latest generation of Samsung’s 3D V-NAND technology, it packs up to 2TB of storage space in a tiny design, though it comes in a variety of storage sizes at different prices.
When we reviewed the Samsung T5, the solid-state drive dominated the competition and its T3 prequel in read and write tests, while maintaining the same physical footprint. Encased in a solid, aluminum shell, Samsung claims this external drive can withstand a drop from as high as six feet without difficulty. Although we would hardly suggest you put such claims to the test, it’s important that external drives — which are not protected by the shell of a desktop or laptop — are sturdy enough to withstand a little punishment.
Thanks to its speed, compact sizing, and additional features like compatible encryption software, there is no other drive we can recommend as highly as the Samsung T5.
Why we love it:
- Up to 2TB of storage space
- Solid aluminum shell can withstand a six-foot drop
- High-speed read times
Western Digital My Passport
The best budget external hard drive
The Western Digital My Passport drive isn’t the lightest on the market, but it does come with WD’s reputation for reliability. It comes with 256-bit AES hardware encryption, and it has ports for both USB and USB 2.0. Best of all, it’s available at a reasonable price point and the drive doesn’t require external power. It showcases a sleek, stylish build, which is likely why it’s the first choice for many. It even comes in different colors.
Why we love it:
- 256-bit AES hardware encryption
- Sleek, stylish, and available in a variety of colors
- Cost-efficient
Adata HD710 Pro
The toughest external hard drive
Searching for an extra-durable SSD drive? You’ve found it! This HD710 Adata model is designed to withstand tough conditions and has an IP68 rating. That means it is dust-proof, offers military-standard shock-proofing, and it’s also waterproof. This allows the drive to survive while submerged in six feet of water for up to an hour without damage, so rain and puddles should pose no danger. The connection uses USB 3.1 Gen 2 type C (for read/write times up to 500 MB/s), which makes it compatible with just about every device you’d want to use it with. While you can take this drive anywhere, you have to be careful not to lose it, as it measures only a few inches across.
Why we love it:
- Dust-,shock-, and waterproof
- Can be submerged in six feet of water for an hour
- Read/write times up to 500 MB/s
Western Digital My Book Duo
The best professional storage
If you want a more robust, long-term external drive, the WD MyBook Duo is a great choice. This massive enclosure comes with up to 36TB of storage, or as little as 3TB of storage — and a many other configurations in between. You can configure the two drives inside this enclosure as a RAID for file redundancy, or take advantage of every byte of storage. No matter how you plan to use it, you get a lot of storage space.
Supporting USB 3.1 for high-speed data transfer, the MyBook Duo’s case is also user-serviceable, meaning you can replace broken drives yourself, and use the enclosure long after the drives break down. And with full support for 256-bit AES hardware encryption, you can make sure nobody can read your data but you.
Why we love it:
- Comes with up to 36TB of storage
- User-serviceable
- 256-bit AES hardware encryption
Seagate Backup Plus Ultra Slim Portable
The most lightweight external hard drive
If you’re looking for a drive that can nearly fit in your pocket, the Seagate Backup Plus Ultra Slim Portable will likely fit the bill. Not only does the mechanical drive weigh a paltry 4.8 ounces and measure a mere 9.65 millimeters thin, but it is affordable and it has ports for both USB-C and USB 3.0. The speeds aren’t going to rival that of a solid-state drive, but our benchmarks show it can compete with any mechanical external on the market despite its extremely portable footprint. The case is currently available in either silver or gold and is primarily made of plastic with an aluminum top.
Why we love it:
- Lightweight, compact and portable
- Supports USB-C and USB 3.0
- Available in either silver or gold
When it comes to storing and backing up your important files, you don’t want to take any risks. You need an external hard drive that you can depend on for years to come. Picking the right external hard drive for you is simple. Opting for a pick that will provide the space, security, and ease of use that you need will give you peace of mind where it counts.
Is SSD better than HDD?
Most of the time, yes. SSDs are generally faster than HDDs but SSDs without a DRAM cache can be easily outperformed by a quality HDD. A DRAM cache is a high-speed memory that SSDs use to perform optimally. Without it, high-speed HDDs can, at times, be faster.
Which lasts longer, SSD or HDD?
SSDs typically last longer than HDDs. Unlike HDDs, SSDs don’t operate using mechanical parts that get worn down over time. The construction of SSDs also makes them more resistant to damages resulting from drops, shocks, vibration, extreme temperatures, and magnetic fields.
About the author
Rusty Davis has been a tech lover for as long as he can remember. From the early days of gaming consoles to the introduction of the smartphone, portable computers, and more, he’s always wanted to get his hands on the latest and greatest. He has years upon years of experience reviewing and testing everything from phone cases to smartwatches, the latest phones and tablets to gaming computers, and even desks. If it’s a piece of tech or tech-adjacent, he’s interested in how it works and who it works best for. He’s now here sharing all of his knowledge with you to help you make the best decision for yourself.
