The Best External Hard Drives in 2024: Expert Suggestions

Jamarion Simmons
  Mar 29, 2024 12:52 PM

We have evaluated and compared an absurdly large number of external hard drives in an effort to select the very finest. The best external hard drives can be found below, whether it is increasing the storage on your gaming PC that you want or finding some extra space for your laptop. Buy one of these and you won't ever have to bother about a Call of Duty update again.  

2 Transcend 4TB StoreJet 25H3 Anti-Shock Rugged Portable External Hard Drives (Purple) + 2 Compact Hard Drive Cases

Introduction

The best external hard drives are necessary pieces of equipment. External hard drives are vitally essential if you have multiple PCs but a slow local connection. This is due to how simple and quick it is to move large files between your PCs when using an external hard drive. You could save both time and potentially money by doing this. 

Whether you are working at the office or from home, you can have instant access to your files with an external hard drive in your pocket or backpack. The same thing applies when you have to frequently back up your system, which can be assisted by a large external hard drive based on HDD. However, an SSD-based drive will work for you if you need to make an additional backup for a sense of security and keep it in a different place.

And the good news is that modern external drivers are much lighter and faster than the old versions. Every model mentioned in this post is run by the standardized USB 3.0 at the minimum, which can read and write significantly faster than the previous USB 2.0 versions. Many models even utilize the more rapid USB 3.1 and 3.2 specs, and one even boasts the extremely fast Thunderbolt 3 technology. Some of these versions, particularly the smaller SSD drives, have attractive colors and designs that could nearly be regarded as stylish. 

2 Transcend 4TB StoreJet 25H3 Anti-Shock Rugged Portable External Hard Drives (Purple) + 2 Compact Hard Drive Cases

In-depth Reviews

1. WD My Book (WDBBGB, USB 3.0, 4TB) - Best Overall External Hard Drive

Although it may have a monolithic shapeIt may be shaped like a monolith from the sci-fi movie: “2001: A Space Odyssey”, we discovered that the best external hard drive for the price is the WD My Book. For roughly $100, you get 4TB of HDD capacity with WD Backup software and hardware-based AES 256-bit encryption. Additionally, there are up to 18TB storage options available as well. 

In terms of drive standards, WD My Book may not be the highest-quality and most recent external hard drive, but it costs you only pennies for every gigabyte and makes the exact most successful methods. Although it’s a bit cumbersome and requires a power outlet, it gives you a relief in terms of storage capabilities if portability and speed aren’t your top priorities. 

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Interface: USB 3.0

  • Capacity: 3TB to 18TB

  • BlackMagic Disk Speed Test: 171.5 MBps read, 177.3 MBps write

  • Weight: 2.2 pounds

  • Size: 6.7 x 5.5 x 1.9 inches

  • Future File Transfer Test: 3 minutes and 31 seconds

  • PCMark 10 Data Drive Benchmark: 520

  • Cost per gigabyte: $0.03

PROS

  • Anti-water, -pressure, and -dust protection. 

  • Affordable price

CONS

  • Slow-moving performance

  • Lack of bundled software

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2. G-Technology ArmorATD - A fantastic, resilient portable hard drive

Made to be sturdy, the G-Technology ArmorATD portable HDD hard drive features three levels of shock resistance, with interior shock mounts, a rubber bumper that can be removed for extra drop protection, and an enclosure made of aluminum. It also has anti-rain, -dust, and -crushing protection (with 1000 pounds a max).

The 4TB and 2TB versions both have specific sizes to be easily carried around and are equipped with a USB Type-A adapter to be used with their USB Type-C interface. That means they can suit almost every computer. 

Neither of the tested 4TB and 2TB capacities is significantly speedy, although the 2TB receives a higher rating for slightly better speeds. No software for file management is available, either. But considering the price, one of these drives could be a decent choice if your data is put into random territory. 

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Interface: USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C

  • Capacity: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 5TB

  • BlackMagic Disk Speed Test: 2TB: 124.5 MBps read, 124.3 MBps write

  • Weight: 4TB: 12.8 ounces; 2TB: 8 ounces

  • Size: 4TB: 5.2 x 3.5 x 1.2 inches; 2TB: 5.1x 3.4 x 0.8 inches

  • Future File Transfer Test: 4TB: 4 minutes, 32 seconds; 2TB: 4 minutes, 14 seconds

  • PCMark 10 Data Drive Benchmark: 4TB: 504;  2TB: 601

  • Cost per gigabyte: 4TB: $0.04; 2TB: $0.05

PROS

  • Anti-water, -pressure, and -dust protection. 

  • Affordable price

CONS

  • Slow-moving performance

  • Lack of bundled software

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3. SanDisk Extreme Pro Portable SSD 

The SanDisk Extreme Pro Portable SSD can give you whatever you wish for in the best external hard drive. 

In terms of design, it’s light and enough for your hand to grab but not too small to be lost in your bag or pocket. Regarding its appearance, its delicate back, curved edges, red-and-black color palette, and gently pockmarked front give it a look and feel that are both fully contemporary and pleasantly traditional.

What about speed? The Extreme Pro Portable SSD's USB 3.1 version has a sequential read speed rating of 1,050MBps, and in our own tests, it consistently placed close to the top of the rankings. Additionally, general encryption is applied by the SanDisk Secure Access program.

The only drawbacks of this drive are its high price and big-sized built-in carrying loop that makes it unfittable on a normal keychain. Other than that, this storage device is an outstanding choice for heavy-load daily use. 

Since the Extreme Pro Portable SSD was tested, SanDisk has created an additional version that incorporates USB 3.2 that has a similar look to the previous model but can run at speeds of up to 2000Mbps. The later version has a double price, but if you are into extremely fast reads, then definitely check it out. 

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Interface: USB 3.1 Gen 2

  • Capacity:  500GB, 1TB, 2TB

  • BlackMagic Disk Speed Test: 857.7 MBps read, 906.1 MBps write.

  • Weight: 2.8 ounces

  • Size: 4.3 x 2.3 x 0.4 inches

  • Future File Transfer Test: 50 seconds

  • PCMark 10 Data Drive Benchmark: 874

  • Cost per gigabyte: $0.18

PROS

  • Anti-water, -pressure, and -dust protection. 

  • Affordable price

CONS

  • Slow-moving performance

  • Lack of bundled software

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4. Adata SE800 External SSD Ultra Fast - High SSD speeds for an reasonable price

The Adata SE800 External SSD Ultra Fast has a size of only 2.8 x 1.7 x 0.4 inches and a weight of only 1.4 ounces. It is highly valued for its IP68 dust-free protection and the ability to be soakable for 30 minutes in 4.9 feet of water with no issues.

It meets the standard of MIL-STD-810G 516.6 for the ability to resist impact when falling from a distance of 4 feet. Both a USB Type-A or Type-C can be used to connect your computer to this Type-C drive.

Although the 1000MBps speeds were not seen in our tests, this hard drive still ran speedily enough. It also has a rather reasonable price, with the tested 1TB model being offered for below $130 online while the 512GB one could be found for around $80. 

Your only two options are those two capacities and no pre-installed software is provided. However, compared with the significantly slower Adata SC685 or some other smaller drives, the SE800 is still an excellent value that fulfills the promise of its brand. 

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C

  • Capacity:  512GB, 1TB

  • BlackMagic Disk Speed Test: 769.3 MBps read, 865.5 MBps write

  • Weight: 1.4 ounces

  • Size: 2.8 x 1.7 x 0.4 inches

  • Future File Transfer Test: 47.5 seconds

  • PCMark 10 Data Drive Benchmark: 824

  • Cost per gigabyte: $0.13

PROS

  • Very speedy

  • Exceptional value for the money

  • Sturdy feature set

CONS

  • Limited selection of capacity

  • Lack of file management software

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5. Samsung X5 Thunderbolt 3 Portable SSD - Superior speeds for a high price tag

If money is not a problem for you and if your computer has a port for Thunderbolt 3, then don’t hesitate to invest in the Samsung X5 Thunderbolt 3 Portable SSD. 

It’s valued for extremely high speeds with 2300MBps write and 2800MBps read. It’s bulkier and larger than a regular external SSD but assimilates the sportscar style that is characterized by a shiny exterior, a hot red undercarriage and sloping lines. 

The Samsung X5’s performance was slightly unreliable, switching from exceptional to sheerly above average (it did not rank first in our test in terms of performance). Without Thunderbolt which utilizes the similar ports to USB-C, you won’t be able to see its ultimate performance. 

And hell, this is an expensive drive, ranging from $200 for a 500GB model all the way to $900 for the 2TB specs. More money can be saved on other drives that are just equally as speedy, so the X5 won’t be the choice of most people. However, if you want to be on the cutting edge and are ready to pay for it, there is no better option.

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Interface: Thunderbolt 3

  • Capacity:  500GB, 1TB, 2TB

  • BlackMagic Disk Speed Test: 1843.9MBps read, 490.9MBps write

  • Weight: 5.3 ounces

  • Size: 4.7 x 2.4 x 0.8 inches

  • Future File Transfer Test:  2 minutes and 21 seconds

  • PCMark 10 Data Drive Benchmark: 733

  • Cost per gigabyte: $0.30

PROS

  • Extremely speedy

  • Eye-catching design

  • Encryption functionality

CONS

  • Unreasonably expensive

  • Thunderbolt 3 is required for optimum performance.

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The Best External Hard Drives

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Conclusion

How to Select the Best External Hard Drive

Here is our advice on selecting the best external hard drives. 

If speed is your top priority, then SSDs offer data storage in flash memory instead of on spinning platters offered by old-school hard drives, and therefore they can operate much more speedily. The interface can also be a key factor. For instance, Thunderbolt 3 will be much more rapid than USB. 

WD_BLACK 5TB P10 Game Drive - Portable External Hard Drive HDD, Compatible with Playstation, Xbox, PC, & Mac - WDBA3A0050BBK-WESN

In terms of capacity, HDDs or traditional hard drives provide much more choices, but in general, SSDs have the ability to store the same amount of data with less space required.  

Regarding pricing, finding large hard drives (such as 4TB) for under $100 is possible but SSDs can’t be anywhere near that cheap. Smaller drives from 1 to 2TB can be purchased between $100 and more than $200. 

If the appearance of a drive is also important to you, there are a number of options to choose from. Nowadays, suppliers regularly sell portable drives as stylish accessories, offering them in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors.