12 best external hard drives

External hard drives are designed to conveniently store and move large amounts of textual and multimedia information. Modern models are lightweight and compact. This allows you to easily transfer information from one computer to another, upload movies to a disk and connect to a TV, take a device on the road and travel.

When choosing the best external drive, we recommend to pay attention to the following characteristics and indicators:

• Volume depends entirely on your requirements. However, models with less than 1 TB in most cases it is better to skip past. More volume - higher price, but at the same time, with the growth of volume, the cost of 1 GB of memory decreases.
• USB interface version - most devices are equipped with a USB 3.0 interface with a theoretical bandwidth of 8 Gbit / s. If the USB Type-C connector is even better. The new port will not add speed, but it is more convenient to use it.
• Buffer size (MB) - hard disk RAM. The higher this figure, the higher the data transfer rate.
• The quality of the case - ideally, the case of the device should include not only plastic, but also metal and rubberized inserts. This makes the device resistant to drops, scratches, etc.
• Weight of the product - if the device is often planned to take on the road and travel, the disc mass indicator will be of great importance. Modern external disks weigh from 140 to 300 g (and more).
• Dust and moisture protection - you know that an external hard disk will be operated under difficult conditions or you are not sure of your accuracy - choose models with certified protection (IPXX or military standard)
• Reliability - before buying it is better to study the forums, reviews and long-term testing in order to be sure that the newly purchased hard drive will serve you not a month or two, but several years.
• Software from the manufacturer - corporate software can often facilitate or automate the backup of information, protect data from unauthorized access and much more. Again, we look reviews, tests.

Our ranking of the best external hard drives will allow you to choose a device in which you definitely will not be disappointed.

Top 500 GB External Hard Drives

500 GB is the most budgetary category of external drives. 500 GB of disk space is enough to store 300 movies or 2000 CD albums in excellent quality. This amount of memory is suitable for using the device as a backup copy of information from a PC.

In all the models presented below, the best USB 3.0 interface is used today, which significantly increases the speed of transferring multimedia data.

3 Seagate STEA500400

Opening the category external hard drive from the company Seagate pleases with several parameters at once. The first is the cost. Yes, only a hundred rubles cheaper than competitors, but this is good. The second is lightness.For use as a home backup storage, the mass difference of 100 grams does not play any role, but people who are constantly traveling, a mass of only 170 grams will undoubtedly please. Pleases and design: the upper edge is covered with a minimalistic geometric pattern, and in the corner there is a useful but unobtrusive load indicator. The remaining faces are made of matte plastic and, in addition to the USB 3.0 connector on one of them, do not carry anything.

Inside there is a 2.5 ’500 GB disk with an unknown rotational speed. The data transfer rate via USB 3.0, based on data from user reviews, is about 110 MB / s for reading and 75-80 MB / s for writing. It is worthy performance. The advantages of users also include very good endurance. Some copies have already worked more than one year of regular use. The only serious drawback is the short (only 40 cm) cable. For use with a desktop computer, it is desirable to find another.

Advantages:

• Light
• Nice design
• Not bad speed

Disadvantages:

• Short complete cable

2 TOSHIBA CANVIO BASICS 500GB

Toshiba Canvio Basics 500 Gb is one of the most budget models presented in the rating. In addition to the basic set of characteristics, the device has a modern and stylish design. The durable case with rounded corners is made of matte black plastic. A rough surface will not allow the hard drive to accidentally fall out of your hands. And the four rubber feet on the bottom of the device dampen the vibration and give a stable position on the table. On the front side of the device is an indicator that blinks unobtrusively during the transfer of information.

When working with Windows, the disk does not require additional software. To transfer data, simply connect the device using the cable that comes in the kit. The cord is durable and the likelihood that it will break at the folds is minimal. Good speed is guaranteed by connecting via USB 3.0, but the device also supports the previous interface. It is worth considering that during the transfer of information using USB 2.0 speed will be significantly less. Lightweight, compact and powerful at the same time portable drive will appeal not only to ordinary users, but also professionals.

Advantages:

• Practical body with well-thought-out ergonomics
• Durable cable

1 TRANSCEND TS500GSJ25M3

Heads rating device company Transcend. The brand has been manufacturing flash drives and external drives with HDD for more than 9 years. Transcend hard drives are one of the best-selling in the world.

Of the external drives discussed in the TOP-3, only the TS500GSJ25M3 has an additional power connector. The device needs energy to work properly, so the developers added another connector. For example, not all laptops or televisions can provide enough current through a single port.Comes with a Y-shaped cable, with a universal USB 3.0 interface.

It is worth saying that all Store Jet M series products are award-winning for shock resistance. Therefore, the external hard drive from Transcend is very strong and it is not afraid of falling. The combination of black and green color makes the rubberized body fashionable and modern. Another advantage of the model is the one-touch instant backup button. User feedback suggests that the feature helps to transfer large file sizes without losing time.

Advantages:

• Rubberized, protected from shock and scratches body
• Additional connector for stable power
• Separate backup button

Video Review

The best external hard drives for 1 TB

External hard drives with a capacity of 1 TB (ie 1024 GB) are the most popular. The volume is enough to store a sufficiently large library, backup copies of important documents and backups of the system. For example, on models from this category you can fit about 200 two-hour FullHD quality films. At the same time, the cost is quite democratic, so more people can buy the device.

3 Lacie STFD1000400

Open the category of the most advanced hard drive. First of all, attention is drawn to the appearance of the device. Not for nothing on the top face flaunts inscription Porsche Design. The case is minimalistic, metallic. No drawings and textured surfaces - flat everywhere, smooth to the touch and great looking aluminum. The thickness is as good - only 10 mm - even hard drives with a capacity of 500 GB are thicker. The advantages also include the use of USB Type-C - a promising connector, which is now used in smartphones, laptops, and many other equipment. In short, the use of this connector allows you to carry with you only one cable, which is suitable for charging devices, and for connecting an external hard drive.

Inside, everything is much simpler. A regular 2.5 ″ 1 TB disk is used. Writing and reading speeds are about the same and make 118-122 Mb / s. According to users, this is enough to mount the video in 4K directly on the hard drive.

The disadvantage of the model is one - the cost. For a beautiful design and modern port, the buyer will have to pay about one and a half thousand rubles.

Advantages:

• Beautiful design
• USB Type-C
• Worthy read and write speeds

Disadvantages:

• High cost

2 ADATA DashDrive Durable HD650 1TB

The second position in the ranking is ADATA DashDrive Durable HD650 1TB - an external hard drive with a stylish modern design. Perfect for young people who keep up with the times. The device is characterized by work with virtually no noise and vibrations. The shock-proof case with the rubberized inserts will protect the product from various mechanical damages.

Compatibility with any devices containing a USB-input, high speed data transfer - these are the main advantages of ADATA. The device is quickly recognized by the computer, and a large amount of memory makes it possible to store many files.

Thanks to reliability, important information will always remain safe and sound. From several color options, you can choose the one that will suit your taste. Men will be pleased with the black color scheme, and women will enjoy the elegant and glamorous performance in pink. Small size allows you to easily carry a hard drive in your pocket or purse.

Among the main drawbacks, according to real buyers, it is possible to single out the insufficient length of the USB cable and the weak connector on the disk itself, which loosens over time, which can lead to contact failure.

Feedback from the buyer:

After buying the disc never regretted. It often happens that the declared parameters do not correspond to reality. In this case, everything coincided. It works well, the speed is high, it does not slow down. Appearance and size are very pleased. The device looks modern and compact. The coating is made of quality material. Suitable for all televisions in the house, which is very convenient.You can watch your favorite movies anywhere. Very pleased with the acquisition.

Advantages:

• Durable shockproof case
• Large selection of colors

Disadvantages:

• Short cable
• Weak usb connector

1 Western Digital My Passport 1 TB (WDBBEX0010B)

Western Digital is one of the most famous and respected companies in the field of information storage. The considered model with a capacity of 1 TB is sold in a huge number of stores, which means you will almost certainly find it in the nearest electronics store. The design is characteristic of the “My Passport” series - the body is completely made of glossy plastic, but it is textured in two parts: smooth and grooved. Plastic, unfortunately, brand, badly withstands scratches. But there are lots of colors - there are both classic (black, white) and bright (yellow, blue, red, etc.) colors. At the bottom there are rubber feet that prevent slipping on the table. Small weight - only 170 grams. With ports, everything is traditional - one USB 3.0 connector.

Inside, like most other participants, nothing remarkable. HDD is used at 1 TB with a rotational speed of 5400 rpm. The average read / write speed at the level of competitors is 110-120 MB / s. Note that WD has a specialized software that allows you to easily make backups to an external hard drive, check the performance of the disk, protect data with a password, etc.

Advantages:

• High reliability
• Useful proprietary software
• Good speed performance

The best external hard drives for 2 TB

2 TB is a serious volume. It is enough for a giant photo or audio library, storing a huge amount of video, a full backup of the system. Even 4K UltraHD films, occupying approximately 30-50 GB each, will fit around 50 pieces. You can recommend these models to people who are used to storing all their data in their own storage, but want to maintain portability.

3 Transcend TS2TSJ25M3

Some use external hard drives as large home file storage, but many more people regularly transport them. For them it is very important to keep the data safe. Yes, information can be encrypted, but encryption will not save the hard drive from a banal fall or drowning. But a protected case, like a bronze medalist, will save. It meets the requirements of the military standard MIL-STD-810F 516.5, which means it will survive drops, strikes and diving. But the connectors are not covered with plugs. Yes, and users complain that over time they get loose, because of what contact is lost.

The speed of work is also frustrating. The average read speed of about 32 MB / s, which is a bit strange, considering the presence of a USB 3.0 interface. Power is supplied through two USB ports for greater stability. It is a pity the cost is the highest in the top three.

Advantages:

• Military standard security
• Powered by two USB

Disadvantages:

• Loose connector
• Low speed
• Highest cost

2 Seagate STDR2000200

And once again, Seagate products earn the title of the lightest and most compact. The model is not in vain wears included in the lineup Slim - the thickness of the disk with a capacity of 2 TB is only 12.1 mm. Most competitors are at least 20 mm thick! Mala and weight - 159 grams versus 250 for the leader of the rating. But do not think that we face a Chinese hand-made article - numerous tests and user reviews speak of high reliability. Combined housing: on top of the metal, the side faces are covered with glossy plastic, the bottom - durable matte plastic.

Inside, everything is standard. Read / write speeds may vary on different instances. In reviews, users talk about 110-112 MB / s, tests of core resources 120-125 MB / s. In any case, these speeds will be enough for most users. Already from the factory on the disk there are about 500 MB of data. This is a proprietary utility Seagate Dashboard for data backup, warranty terms and other useful information.

Advantages:

• Slim and light body
• High reliability
• Availability of proprietary software

Disadvantages:

• As with the entire line, short and hard cable

1 Western Digital My Passport 2 TB (WDBUAX0020B)

Western Digital is one of the recognized leaders in data storage systems. The external hard drive WD My Passport at 2 TB in technical characteristics differs little from competitors. The reading speed is about 100-110 Mb / s. The interface, of course, is USB 3.0.

Judging by the reviews, there are no complaints about the device. Build quality is excellent, the materials are nice. Is that the gloss very quickly scratches, taking an untidy appearance. Winchester itself does not sin with broken sectors. Reliability is great. I am sure of this and the manufacturer itself, and therefore offers a 3 year warranty.

Advantages:

• Good specifications
• Excellent reliability
• 3 year warranty
• Excellent proprietary software

Disadvantages:

• Glossy scratched case

Top 4 TB external hard drives

To score 4 TB of disk storage is not an easy task. An ordinary user is unlikely to accumulate so much information. But, for example, such devices will be very useful for professional operators. Even a weighty 4K video will fit in about 500 hours. However, it should be borne in mind that not all models will be portable. Most of the storage of this volume is stationary, and therefore does not interest us in this article.

3 Lacie STFS4000800

Open the disc category from the company, which is not very popular among the majority of users - Lacie. Like the previous representative of the company, STFS4000800 is much more expensive than its competitors. But this time, the high price tag is not due to the cool design, but to the reliability and advanced technologies. Let's take it in order.

Initially attracts design. Before us is a very massive (34 mm thick) and heavy (600 grams) aluminum bar in a rubber protective sheath. This allows the device to withstand shocks. There is also protection against water and dust according to the standard IP54 - you should not bathe in water, but the hard drive will survive the splashes of water or light rain.

The next item worth noting is interfaces and speed. To connect to a computer, you can use not only USB Type-C, the advantages of which we described above, but also Thunderbolt. The speed of work is difficult to estimate. Different testers read and write readings ranged from a modest 50 MB / s to 250 MB / s unattainable for most competitors. We advise you to test the selected instance on your computer before purchasing.

Advantages:

• Security
• High speed
• Two current interfaces for connection

Disadvantages:

• High price tag

2 Seagate STDR4000200

External hard drive from Seagate - strong middling. The case is as minimal as possible - just a small bar of matte plastic with small gloss inserts. Practical and at the same time looks good. The speed of work is somewhat lower than that of the leader of the rating, but also worthy. The average write speed of about 85 MB / s. USB 3.0 interface. And the hard drive would not start through the old USB 2.0. There are no claims to vibration, noise or high temperatures - all indicators are within reason. But reliability is mediocre. Quite often come across models with a marriage, and therefore be prepared for the fact that you have to go to the service center.

Advantages:

• Lowest cost
• Practical body
• Good speed performance
• Minimal vibration, noise and heat

Disadvantages:

• There are defective hard drives

1 Western Digital My Passport 4 TB (WDBUAX0040B)

Again, the first line of the rating is occupied by a WD screw. This model is a copy of the leader of the previous category. The case is the same, including the dimensions.Accordingly, the problems remained the same - scratched. But inside it is installed a 4 TB hard drive. The write speed is somewhat higher - about 115 MB / s, USB 3.0 interface. Heating is moderate. The only drawback identified by customers is vibration. Because of the small legs, it is transferred to the table, which is not very pleasant. But with the reliability of any problems - after all, Western Digital is deservedly considered leaders.

The disk originally pre-installed several useful utilities. WD Backup allows you to configure automatic backup of important files to an external hard drive. WD Security - protect your data from unauthorized access with a password. You can also specify your data so that, in case of a disk loss, the finder can find you.

Advantages:

• High speed
• Best reliability
• Useful proprietary utilities

Disadvantages:

• Glossy case is scratched

Popular vote - who is the best manufacturer of external hard drives?
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ADATA

Toshiba

Seagate

Transcend

Western digital

Lacie

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