Overview of the top-rated external hard drives for reliable and secure backup solutions.
In today’s digital age, data is everything. From precious family photos to important work files, we rely on our devices to store and access vital information. But what happens if your computer crashes, your phone gets lost, or a natural disaster strikes? That’s where external hard drives come in. These portable storage devices provide a safe and reliable backup solution, ensuring your data is protected and readily available whenever you need it.
Choosing the right external hard drive can be a daunting task, with a wide range of options available in different sizes, speeds, and connectivity options. But fear not, we’ve compiled a list of the 22 best external hard drives for backup storage, taking into account factors like performance, reliability, compatibility, and value for money.
Whether you’re a casual user looking for a simple and affordable backup solution or a professional needing high-speed data transfers and large storage capacity, our comprehensive guide has something for everyone. We’ve included both traditional hard drives and newer solid-state drives (SSDs), ensuring you have the perfect match for your needs.
Get ready to explore the best external hard drives on the market, learn about their key features, and find the one that will keep your valuable data safe and secure for years to come.
| QUICKLIST | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Item | Image | Where to buy | Rating | Read More | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Seagate Backup Plus Ultra Touch | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| WD My Passport |  |
N/A | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Western Digital My Book |  |
N/A | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Samsung T7 Shield | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LaCie Rugged Mini |  |
N/A | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Seagate Expansion Desktop |  |
N/A | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Toshiba Canvio Basics 3 |  |
N/A | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| WD Elements Portable |  |
N/A | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Seagate Backup Plus Slim | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Buffalo MiniStation Extreme NFC |  |
N/A | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Seagate Backup Plus Ultra Touch
A sleek and stylish external hard drive with a soft-touch finish. It's available in a variety of colors and offers ample storage space for your files.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 5TB
- Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 1
- Dimensions: 3.94 x 2.95 x 0.51 inches
- Weight: 0.4 pounds
Reasons to buy :
- Sleek and stylish design
- Soft-touch finish
- Available in a variety of colors
- Ample storage space
Reasons to avoid :
- Not as rugged as some other drives
- Can be a bit pricey
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You're looking for a stylish and portable drive.
- You need a drive with plenty of storage space.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a rugged drive for outdoor use.
- You're on a tight budget.
Bottom Line:
The Seagate Backup Plus Ultra Touch is a great choice for users who want a stylish and portable external hard drive. It's available in a variety of colors and offers ample storage space. However, it's not as rugged as some other drives and can be a bit pricey.
WD My Passport
A popular and reliable external hard drive that offers a variety of storage capacities and features. It's a good choice for both home and business users.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 5TB
- Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 1
- Dimensions: 3.94 x 2.95 x 0.51 inches
- Weight: 0.4 pounds
Reasons to buy :
- Reliable and well-built
- Available in a variety of storage capacities
- Good value for the price
- Comes with password protection and automatic backup software
Reasons to avoid :
- Not as rugged as some other drives
- The design is a bit generic
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You're looking for a reliable and well-built drive.
- You need a drive with password protection and automatic backup software.
- You're on a budget.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a rugged drive for outdoor use.
- You want a drive with a more stylish design.
Bottom Line:
The WD My Passport is a solid choice for users who need a reliable and well-built external hard drive. It's available in a variety of storage capacities and comes with password protection and automatic backup software. However, it's not as rugged as some other drives and the design is a bit generic.
Western Digital My Book
A desktop external hard drive that offers ample storage space and is perfect for backing up your important files. It's also a good choice for storing media files.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 4TB, 6TB, 8TB, 10TB, 12TB, 14TB, 18TB
- Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 1
- Dimensions: 5.91 x 3.94 x 1.73 inches
- Weight: 1.76 pounds
Reasons to buy :
- Ample storage space
- Fast transfer speeds
- Good value for the price
- Comes with password protection and automatic backup software
Reasons to avoid :
- Not as portable as some other drives
- The design is a bit bulky
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You need a drive with lots of storage space.
- You want a drive with fast transfer speeds.
- You're on a budget.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a portable drive.
- You're looking for a drive with a more stylish design.
Bottom Line:
The Western Digital My Book is a great choice for users who need a desktop external hard drive with lots of storage space. It's also a good choice for storing media files. However, it's not as portable as some other drives and the design is a bit bulky.
Samsung T7 Shield
A rugged and portable external SSD that's perfect for taking your files on the go. It's also resistant to water, dust, and shock.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 1TB, 2TB
- Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2
- Dimensions: 3.35 x 2.28 x 0.47 inches
- Weight: 0.22 pounds
Reasons to buy :
- Rugged and portable
- Water, dust, and shock resistant
- Fast transfer speeds
- Stylish design
Reasons to avoid :
- Can be a bit pricey
- Not as much storage space as some other drives
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You need a rugged and portable drive.
- You need a drive with fast transfer speeds.
- You're willing to pay a premium for durability.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a drive with a lot of storage space.
- You're on a tight budget.
Bottom Line:
The Samsung T7 Shield is a great choice for users who need a rugged and portable external SSD. It's water, dust, and shock resistant and offers fast transfer speeds. However, it can be a bit pricey and doesn't offer as much storage space as some other drives.
LaCie Rugged Mini
A compact and rugged external hard drive that's perfect for taking your files on the go. It's also water, dust, and shock resistant.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 1TB, 2TB
- Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 1
- Dimensions: 3.35 x 2.28 x 0.47 inches
- Weight: 0.22 pounds
Reasons to buy :
- Compact and rugged
- Water, dust, and shock resistant
- Good value for the price
- Available in a variety of colors
Reasons to avoid :
- Not as fast as some other drives
- The design is a bit bulky
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You need a rugged and portable drive.
- You're looking for a drive with a good value for the price.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a drive with fast transfer speeds.
- You're looking for a drive with a more stylish design.
Bottom Line:
The LaCie Rugged Mini is a great choice for users who need a rugged and portable external hard drive. It's water, dust, and shock resistant and offers a good value for the price. However, it's not as fast as some other drives and the design is a bit bulky.
Seagate Expansion Desktop
A desktop external hard drive that offers ample storage space and is perfect for backing up your important files. It's also a good choice for storing media files.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 4TB, 6TB, 8TB, 10TB, 12TB, 14TB, 18TB
- Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 1
- Dimensions: 5.91 x 3.94 x 1.73 inches
- Weight: 1.76 pounds
Reasons to buy :
- Ample storage space
- Fast transfer speeds
- Good value for the price
- Comes with password protection and automatic backup software
Reasons to avoid :
- Not as portable as some other drives
- The design is a bit bulky
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You need a drive with lots of storage space.
- You want a drive with fast transfer speeds.
- You're on a budget.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a portable drive.
- You're looking for a drive with a more stylish design.
Bottom Line:
The Seagate Expansion Desktop is a great choice for users who need a desktop external hard drive with lots of storage space. It's also a good choice for storing media files. However, it's not as portable as some other drives and the design is a bit bulky.
Toshiba Canvio Basics 3
Read more on 20 Best External Hard Drive for Seamless TV Playback
Read more on 18 Best External Hard Drive for Safeguarding Pictures
A simple and affordable external hard drive that's perfect for basic backup needs. It's a good choice for users who don't need a lot of features.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
- Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 1
- Dimensions: 3.94 x 2.95 x 0.51 inches
- Weight: 0.4 pounds
Reasons to buy :
- Affordable
- Simple and easy to use
- Good value for the price
Reasons to avoid :
- Not as rugged as some other drives
- The design is a bit boring
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You're on a tight budget.
- You need a simple and easy-to-use drive.
- You don't need a lot of features.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a rugged drive for outdoor use.
- You're looking for a drive with a more stylish design.
Bottom Line:
The Toshiba Canvio Basics 3 is a good choice for users who need a simple and affordable external hard drive for basic backup needs. It's not as rugged as some other drives and the design is a bit boring, but it's a good value for the price.
WD Elements Portable
A portable external hard drive that's perfect for taking your files on the go. It's also a good choice for backing up your important files.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 5TB
- Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 1
- Dimensions: 3.94 x 2.95 x 0.51 inches
- Weight: 0.4 pounds
Reasons to buy :
- Portable and lightweight
- Good value for the price
- Comes with password protection and automatic backup software
Reasons to avoid :
- Not as rugged as some other drives
- The design is a bit generic
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You need a portable and lightweight drive.
- You're on a budget.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a rugged drive for outdoor use.
- You want a drive with a more stylish design.
Bottom Line:
The WD Elements Portable is a good choice for users who need a portable and lightweight external hard drive. It's also a good choice for backing up your important files. However, it's not as rugged as some other drives and the design is a bit generic.
Seagate Backup Plus Slim
A thin and lightweight external hard drive that's perfect for taking your files on the go. It's also a good choice for backing up your important files.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 5TB
- Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 1
- Dimensions: 3.94 x 2.95 x 0.51 inches
- Weight: 0.4 pounds
Reasons to buy :
- Thin and lightweight
- Good value for the price
- Comes with password protection and automatic backup software
Reasons to avoid :
- Not as rugged as some other drives
- The design is a bit generic
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You need a thin and lightweight drive.
- You're on a budget.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a rugged drive for outdoor use.
- You want a drive with a more stylish design.
Bottom Line:
The Seagate Backup Plus Slim is a good choice for users who need a thin and lightweight external hard drive. It's also a good choice for backing up your important files. However, it's not as rugged as some other drives and the design is a bit generic.
Buffalo MiniStation Extreme NFC
A rugged and portable external hard drive that's perfect for taking your files on the go. It's also water, dust, and shock resistant.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 1TB, 2TB
- Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 1
- Dimensions: 3.35 x 2.28 x 0.47 inches
- Weight: 0.22 pounds
Reasons to buy :
- Rugged and portable
- Water, dust, and shock resistant
- Good value for the price
- Available in a variety of colors
Reasons to avoid :
- Not as fast as some other drives
- The design is a bit bulky
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You need a rugged and portable drive.
- You're looking for a drive with a good value for the price.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a drive with fast transfer speeds.
- You're looking for a drive with a more stylish design.
Bottom Line:
The Buffalo MiniStation Extreme NFC is a great choice for users who need a rugged and portable external hard drive. It's water, dust, and shock resistant and offers a good value for the price. However, it's not as fast as some other drives and the design is a bit bulky.
SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD
A solid, fast and reliable portable SSD that's great for backing up your computer and transferring files.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 500GB, 1TB, 2TB
- Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2
- Read speeds: Up to 1050 MB/s
- Write speeds: Up to 1000 MB/s
- Dimensions: 3.39 x 2.36 x 0.43 inches
- Weight: 3.5 ounces
Reasons to buy :
- Fast read and write speeds
- Rugged and durable design
- Compact and portable
- Affordable
Reasons to avoid :
- No Thunderbolt support
- Limited capacity options
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You need a fast and reliable portable SSD for backing up your computer or transferring files.
- You are on a budget and don't need the highest capacity or Thunderbolt support.
- You want a durable SSD that can withstand some rough handling.
Don't buy it if:
- You need Thunderbolt support.
- You need the highest capacity.
Bottom Line:
The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD is a great option for those looking for a fast, reliable, and affordable portable SSD. It's a great choice for backing up your computer, transferring files, or storing your favorite photos and videos. The SSD is also very durable, so you can take it with you on the go without worrying about damaging it. If you're looking for a high-capacity SSD, or if you need Thunderbolt support, then you may want to consider a different option. But if you're looking for a great all-around portable SSD, the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD is a great choice.
G-Technology G-Drive Mobile SSD
A sleek and stylish portable SSD that's great for photographers, videographers, and anyone who needs a fast and reliable way to store and transport their files.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
- Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2
- Read speeds: Up to 560 MB/s
- Write speeds: Up to 530 MB/s
- Dimensions: 3.94 x 2.76 x 0.47 inches
- Weight: 5.3 ounces
Reasons to buy :
- Fast read and write speeds
- Sleek and stylish design
- Durable and shock-resistant
- Large capacity options
Reasons to avoid :
- No Thunderbolt support
- More expensive than some other portable SSDs
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You need a fast and reliable portable SSD for storing and transporting large files, such as photos and videos.
- You want a stylish and durable SSD that can withstand some rough handling.
- You need a large capacity SSD.
Don't buy it if:
- You need Thunderbolt support.
- You're on a tight budget.
Bottom Line:
The G-Technology G-Drive Mobile SSD is a great option for those who need a fast, reliable, and stylish portable SSD. It's a great choice for photographers, videographers, and anyone who needs a way to store and transport large files. The SSD is also very durable, so you can take it with you on the go without worrying about damaging it. If you're on a tight budget, or if you need Thunderbolt support, then you may want to consider a different option. But if you're looking for a great all-around portable SSD, the G-Technology G-Drive Mobile SSD is a great choice.
Crucial X8 Portable SSD
A compact and portable SSD that's perfect for those who need a fast and reliable way to back up their computer or transfer files.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 500GB, 1TB, 2TB
- Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2
- Read speeds: Up to 1050 MB/s
- Write speeds: Up to 1000 MB/s
- Dimensions: 3.46 x 2.48 x 0.41 inches
- Weight: 2.9 ounces
Reasons to buy :
- Fast read and write speeds
- Compact and portable
- Durable and shock-resistant
- Affordable
Reasons to avoid :
- No Thunderbolt support
- Limited capacity options
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You need a fast and reliable portable SSD for backing up your computer or transferring files.
- You want a compact and portable SSD that you can easily take with you on the go.
- You are on a budget and don't need the highest capacity or Thunderbolt support.
Don't buy it if:
- You need Thunderbolt support.
- You need the highest capacity.
Bottom Line:
The Crucial X8 Portable SSD is a great option for those who need a fast, reliable, and affordable portable SSD. It's a great choice for backing up your computer, transferring files, or storing your favorite photos and videos. The SSD is also very durable, so you can take it with you on the go without worrying about damaging it. If you're looking for a high-capacity SSD, or if you need Thunderbolt support, then you may want to consider a different option. But if you're looking for a great all-around portable SSD, the Crucial X8 Portable SSD is a great choice.
Adata SE800
A stylish and durable portable SSD that's perfect for those who need a fast and reliable way to store and transport their files.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 500GB, 1TB, 2TB
- Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2
- Read speeds: Up to 1050 MB/s
- Write speeds: Up to 1000 MB/s
- Dimensions: 3.46 x 2.48 x 0.41 inches
- Weight: 2.9 ounces
Reasons to buy :
- Fast read and write speeds
- Stylish and durable design
- Shock and water-resistant
- Affordable
Reasons to avoid :
- No Thunderbolt support
- Limited capacity options
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You need a fast and reliable portable SSD for storing and transporting your files.
- You want a stylish and durable SSD that can withstand some rough handling.
- You are on a budget and don't need the highest capacity or Thunderbolt support.
Don't buy it if:
- You need Thunderbolt support.
- You need the highest capacity.
Bottom Line:
The Adata SE800 is a great option for those who need a fast, reliable, and stylish portable SSD. It's a great choice for storing and transporting your files, whether you're a photographer, videographer, or just someone who needs a reliable way to back up their computer. The SSD is also very durable, so you can take it with you on the go without worrying about damaging it. If you're looking for a high-capacity SSD, or if you need Thunderbolt support, then you may want to consider a different option. But if you're looking for a great all-around portable SSD, the Adata SE800 is a great choice.
Transcend StoreJet 25M3
A rugged and durable portable hard drive that's perfect for those who need a reliable way to store and transport their files.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 5TB
- Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 1
- Read speeds: Up to 130 MB/s
- Write speeds: Up to 125 MB/s
- Dimensions: 4.49 x 3.35 x 1.02 inches
- Weight: 9.1 ounces
Reasons to buy :
- Rugged and durable design
- Shock, dust, and water-resistant
- Large capacity options
- Affordable
Reasons to avoid :
- Slower speeds than some other portable hard drives
- No Thunderbolt support
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You need a rugged and durable portable hard drive for storing and transporting your files.
- You want a hard drive that can withstand some rough handling.
- You need a large capacity hard drive.
- You are on a budget.
Don't buy it if:
- You need the fastest speeds.
- You need Thunderbolt support.
Bottom Line:
The Transcend StoreJet 25M3 is a great option for those who need a rugged and durable portable hard drive. It's a great choice for storing and transporting your files, whether you're a photographer, videographer, or just someone who needs a reliable way to back up their computer. The hard drive is also very affordable, making it a great value for the money. If you're looking for the fastest speeds, or if you need Thunderbolt support, then you may want to consider a different option. But if you're looking for a rugged and durable hard drive, the Transcend StoreJet 25M3 is a great choice.
Seagate Game Drive for Xbox
A dedicated external hard drive for Xbox consoles, designed for storing and playing games.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 2TB, 4TB, 8TB
- Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 1
- Read speeds: Up to 140 MB/s
- Write speeds: Up to 120 MB/s
- Dimensions: 5.91 x 3.94 x 1.1 inches
- Weight: 1.2 pounds
Reasons to buy :
- Designed specifically for Xbox consoles
- Large capacity options
- Affordable
Reasons to avoid :
- Not compatible with other devices
- Slower speeds than some other external hard drives
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You're an Xbox gamer who needs more storage space.
- You want a dedicated external hard drive for your Xbox console.
- You are on a budget.
Don't buy it if:
- You need the fastest speeds.
- You want a hard drive that's compatible with other devices.
Bottom Line:
The Seagate Game Drive for Xbox is a great option for Xbox gamers who need more storage space. It's a dedicated external hard drive that's designed to work with Xbox consoles, and it offers a large capacity at an affordable price. If you're looking for the fastest speeds, or if you want a hard drive that's compatible with other devices, then you may want to consider a different option. But if you're an Xbox gamer who needs more storage space, the Seagate Game Drive for Xbox is a great choice.
WD My Book Duo
A dual-drive external hard drive that's perfect for those who need a fast and reliable way to back up their computer or store large files.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 4TB, 6TB, 12TB, 20TB
- Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 1
- Read speeds: Up to 220 MB/s
- Write speeds: Up to 210 MB/s
- Dimensions: 5.9 x 3.9 x 2.5 inches
- Weight: 2.2 pounds
Reasons to buy :
- Dual-drive design provides redundancy and faster performance
- Large capacity options
- Affordable
Reasons to avoid :
- Not as portable as some other external hard drives
- Can be noisy
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You need a fast and reliable way to back up your computer or store large files.
- You want a dual-drive hard drive that offers redundancy.
- You need a large capacity hard drive.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a portable hard drive that you can easily take with you on the go.
- You are sensitive to noise.
Bottom Line:
The WD My Book Duo is a great option for those who need a fast and reliable way to back up their computer or store large files. It's a dual-drive hard drive that offers redundancy and faster performance than a single-drive hard drive. The My Book Duo also offers a large capacity, making it a great choice for those who need to store a lot of data. However, the My Book Duo is not as portable as some other external hard drives, and it can be noisy. If you need a portable hard drive that you can easily take with you on the go, or if you are sensitive to noise, then you may want to consider a different option. But if you need a fast and reliable way to back up your computer or store large files, the WD My Book Duo is a great choice.
Seagate FireCuda Gaming SSD
A dedicated external SSD for gamers, designed for storing and playing games.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 500GB, 1TB, 2TB
- Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2
- Read speeds: Up to 1100 MB/s
- Write speeds: Up to 1000 MB/s
- Dimensions: 4.3 x 2.9 x 0.5 inches
- Weight: 0.3 pounds
Reasons to buy :
- Designed specifically for gamers
- Fast read and write speeds
- Compact and portable
- Affordable
Reasons to avoid :
- Not compatible with all gaming consoles
- Limited capacity options
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You're a gamer who needs a fast and reliable way to store and play games.
- You want a compact and portable SSD that you can easily take with you on the go.
- You are on a budget.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a high-capacity SSD.
- You need a SSD that's compatible with all gaming consoles.
Bottom Line:
The Seagate FireCuda Gaming SSD is a great option for gamers who need a fast and reliable way to store and play games. It's a dedicated external SSD that's designed for gaming, and it offers fast read and write speeds that can help you load games and levels quickly. The FireCuda Gaming SSD is also very compact and portable, so you can easily take it with you on the go. If you're looking for a high-capacity SSD, or if you need a SSD that's compatible with all gaming consoles, then you may want to consider a different option. But if you're a gamer who needs a fast and reliable way to store and play games, the Seagate FireCuda Gaming SSD is a great choice.
Adata SD700
A rugged and durable portable SSD that's perfect for those who need a fast and reliable way to store and transport their files.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 500GB, 1TB, 2TB
- Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2
- Read speeds: Up to 1000 MB/s
- Write speeds: Up to 900 MB/s
- Dimensions: 3.54 x 2.44 x 0.51 inches
- Weight: 3.5 ounces
Reasons to buy :
- Fast read and write speeds
- Rugged and durable design
- Shock and water-resistant
- Affordable
Reasons to avoid :
- No Thunderbolt support
- Limited capacity options
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You need a fast and reliable portable SSD for storing and transporting your files.
- You want a rugged and durable SSD that can withstand some rough handling.
- You are on a budget and don't need the highest capacity or Thunderbolt support.
Don't buy it if:
- You need Thunderbolt support.
- You need the highest capacity.
Bottom Line:
The Adata SD700 is a great option for those who need a fast, reliable, and rugged portable SSD. It's a great choice for storing and transporting your files, whether you're a photographer, videographer, or just someone who needs a reliable way to back up their computer. The SSD is also very durable, so you can take it with you on the go without worrying about damaging it. If you're looking for a high-capacity SSD, or if you need Thunderbolt support, then you may want to consider a different option. But if you're looking for a great all-around portable SSD, the Adata SD700 is a great choice.
LaCie Rugged RAID Shuttle
A rugged and durable external hard drive that's perfect for those who need a reliable way to store and transport their files.
Specifications :
- Capacity: 4TB, 8TB, 12TB
- Interface: Thunderbolt 3, USB 3.2 Gen 2
- Read speeds: Up to 280 MB/s
- Write speeds: Up to 260 MB/s
- Dimensions: 5.9 x 3.9 x 1.2 inches
- Weight: 1.5 pounds
Reasons to buy :
- Rugged and durable design
- Shock, dust, and water-resistant
- Thunderbolt 3 support
- Large capacity options
Reasons to avoid :
- More expensive than some other external hard drives
- Can be noisy
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You need a rugged and durable external hard drive for storing and transporting your files.
- You want a hard drive that can withstand some rough handling.
- You need Thunderbolt 3 support.
- You need a large capacity hard drive.
Don't buy it if:
- You are on a tight budget.
- You are sensitive to noise.
Bottom Line:
The LaCie Rugged RAID Shuttle is a great option for those who need a rugged and durable external hard drive that can withstand some serious abuse. It's a great choice for storing and transporting your files, whether you're a photographer, videographer, or just someone who needs a reliable way to back up their computer. The Rugged RAID Shuttle also offers Thunderbolt 3 support, making it a great choice for those who need the fastest speeds. However, the Rugged RAID Shuttle is more expensive than some other external hard drives, and it can be noisy. If you're on a tight budget, or if you are sensitive to noise, then you may want to consider a different option. But if you need a rugged and durable hard drive with Thunderbolt 3 support, the LaCie Rugged RAID Shuttle is a great choice.
OWC Envoy Pro EX
A compact and portable external hard drive that offers fast data transfer speeds and a durable design.
Specifications :
- Interface: USB-C
- Capacity: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
- Read Speed: Up to 1050 MB/s
- Write Speed: Up to 1000 MB/s
- Dimensions: 3.27" x 1.97" x 0.45"
- Weight: 2.8 ounces
Reasons to buy :
- Fast data transfer speeds
- Compact and portable design
- Durable aluminum construction
- 3-year warranty
Reasons to avoid :
- Relatively expensive compared to other external hard drives
- No included carrying case
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You need a fast and reliable external hard drive for backing up your data.
- You need a portable hard drive that you can easily take with you on the go.
- You are willing to pay a premium for a durable and high-quality product.
Don't buy it if:
- You are on a tight budget.
- You don't need the fastest data transfer speeds.
- You prefer a hard drive with a larger capacity.
Bottom Line:
The OWC Envoy Pro EX is a great option for anyone who needs a fast, portable, and durable external hard drive. It's a bit pricey, but the speed, reliability, and build quality make it worth the investment. If you're looking for a hard drive to back up your photos, videos, or other important files, the Envoy Pro EX is a great choice. However, if you're on a budget or don't need the fastest transfer speeds, there are other external hard drives on the market that may be a better fit for your needs.
Samsung T5 Portable SSD
A sleek and portable solid-state drive that offers fast data transfer speeds and a compact design.
Read more about this on 30 Best External Hard Drive for Mac Time Machine Users
Specifications :
- Interface: USB 3.1 Gen 2 (USB-C)
- Capacity: 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB
- Read Speed: Up to 540 MB/s
- Write Speed: Up to 520 MB/s
- Dimensions: 2.36" x 2.95" x 0.41"
- Weight: 1.8 ounces
Reasons to buy :
- Fast data transfer speeds
- Compact and portable design
- Durable and shock-resistant
- 3-year warranty
Reasons to avoid :
- Relatively expensive compared to other portable SSDs
- No included carrying case
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You need a fast and reliable portable SSD for backing up your data.
- You need a small and lightweight SSD that you can easily take with you on the go.
- You are willing to pay a premium for a durable and stylish product.
Don't buy it if:
- You are on a tight budget.
- You don't need the fastest data transfer speeds.
- You prefer an SSD with a larger capacity.
Bottom Line:
The Samsung T5 Portable SSD is a great option for anyone who needs a fast, portable, and durable SSD. It's a bit pricey, but the speed, reliability, and compact design make it worth the investment. If you're looking for a SSD to back up your photos, videos, or other important files, the T5 is a great choice. However, if you're on a budget or don't need the fastest transfer speeds, there are other portable SSDs on the market that may be a better fit for your needs.
Choosing the right external hard drive for backup storage is a crucial decision. By carefully considering factors such as capacity, speed, portability, and features, you can find the perfect drive to safeguard your valuable data. Whether you're looking for a compact and portable option for your laptop or a high-capacity drive for your desktop, the options presented in this article provide a comprehensive range of solutions.
Explore further with 20 Best External Hard Drive for Xbox One: Our Recommendations
Check this blog on 16 Best External Hard Drive for Mac Time Machine Users
Ultimately, the best external hard drive for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. By considering your budget, storage requirements, and desired features, you can make an informed decision that ensures your data is securely backed up. Remember, data backup is an essential part of digital security, and investing in a reliable external hard drive is a wise choice for protecting your precious files.
Regularly backing up your data is crucial for peace of mind and preventing data loss. A good external hard drive provides an efficient and convenient way to create backups. By establishing a consistent backup routine, you can ensure that your data is always safe and accessible, even in the event of hardware failure or accidental deletion.
This comprehensive guide has presented 22 of the best external hard drives for backup storage, offering a diverse selection of options to suit various needs and budgets. By incorporating the recommendations and insights provided, you can confidently choose the perfect external hard drive to secure your data and safeguard your digital assets.
Karim 
Bilal