Best external hard drives
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Our top 3 picks
WD 16TB Elements Desktop External Hard Drive, USB 3.0 for plug-and-play storage - WDBWLG0160HBK-NESN
The Western Digital 16TB Elements Desktop External Hard Drive offers a massive storage solution for those with extensive data needs. With its 16TB capacity, it's perfect for photographers, videographers, and anyone needing to store large files or backups. The plug-and-play feature ensures easy setup, especially for Windows users, making it an accessible choice for non-technical individuals. Users have praised its reliability and the excellent customer support provided by Western Digital. While the drive is designed primarily for desktop use, its compact size allows for easy transport when necessary. This drive is a solid investment for those prioritizing ample storage space and brand reliability.SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD, 2TB External Solid State Drive, Speeds Up to 1,050MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Reliable Storage for Gaming, Students, Professionals, MU-PC2T0T/AM, Gray
The Samsung SSD T7 is a standout portable storage solution, offering 2TB of space in a sleek, lightweight design. With USB 3.2 Gen 2 technology, it delivers impressive transfer speeds, making it ideal for tasks such as 4K video editing and gaming. Its durability, thanks to a robust aluminum unibody, ensures data protection even from falls up to 6 feet. Users appreciate its compatibility across various platforms, including PCs, Macs, and gaming consoles, and its ease of use with included cables for USB Type C and A connections. The SSD's advanced thermal management keeps it cool during intensive use. Overall, the Samsung SSD T7 is highly regarded for its speed, portability, and reliability, making it a top choice for professionals and creatives on the go.Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive HDD — USB 3.0 for PC, Mac, PlayStation, & Xbox -1-Year Rescue Service (STGX2000400)
The Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive is an excellent choice for those seeking reliable and portable storage solutions. With its generous 2TB capacity, it allows users to store a vast amount of data, including photos, videos, and documents, making it perfect for both personal and professional use. The drive's plug-and-play functionality requires no additional software, simplifying the backup process with a straightforward drag-and-drop method. Its compatibility with both Windows and Mac systems, as well as gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox, makes it a versatile option for various users. Customers frequently praise its reliability and performance, noting its ability to maintain data integrity over time. Despite being a mechanical hard disk, it offers decent transfer speeds, especially with larger files, and its compact design ensures easy portability. Ideal for those who need a cost-effective backup solution, the Seagate Portable Drive stands out for its ease of use and dependable storage capabilities.
Essential tips for choosing the external hard drives
External hard drives are portable storage devices that are used to store and back up data. They are an essential accessory for anyone who needs to store or transfer large amounts of data, whether it’s in the form of media files, documents, or software. When choosing an external hard drive, there are a few things to consider, such as capacity, connection type, and data transfer speed. In this buying guide, we will discuss the different types of external hard drives and their features to help you make the right choice.
The two most common types of external hard drives available are HDD and SSD. HDD (Hard Disk Drive) is the traditional type of hard drive and is usually cheaper than SSD (Solid State Drive). HDD is better for storing large amounts of data, while SSD is faster and more reliable but more expensive. Both types come in different sizes, from 500GB to 4TB, depending on your storage needs.
The capacity of an external hard drive is measured in gigabytes (GB) or terabytes (TB). Depending on your storage needs, you can find an external hard drive with a capacity that fits your requirements. If you need to store large amounts of data, such as media files, choose a hard drive with a higher capacity.

External hard drives are available in two connection types: USB and Thunderbolt. USB is the most common connection type, and is compatible with most computers and devices. Thunderbolt is faster and more advanced, but requires a Thunderbolt-compatible device. It is also more expensive than USB.
Data transfer speed is an important factor to consider when choosing an external hard drive. It is measured in megabytes per second (MB/s) and determines how quickly data can be transferred from the hard drive to your computer or device. The higher the data transfer speed, the faster the transfer of data.
Choosing the right external hard drive for your needs can be a daunting task. It is important to consider your storage needs, connection type, and data transfer speed to ensure you get the most out of your purchase. With the information provided in this buying guide, you should now be able to make an informed decision when selecting an external hard drive.
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