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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD - Up to 1050MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, IP65 Water and dust... | $139.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
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Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive HDD — USB 3.0 for PC, Mac, PlayStation, & Xbox -1-Year... | $74.98 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 3 |
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Seagate Portable 5TB External Hard Drive HDD – USB 3.0 for PC, Mac, PS4, & Xbox - 1-Year Rescue... | $129.00 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 4 |
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UnionSine 1TB Ultra Slim Portable External Hard Drive HDD-USB 3.0 for PC, Mac, Laptop, PS4, Xbox... | $54.19 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 5 |
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LaCie Rugged 5TB Portable External HDD - USB 3.0/2.0 Compatible, Shock/Dust/Rain Resistant for Mac &... | $169.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 6 |
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WD 2TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive for Windows, USB 3.2 Gen 1/USB 3.0 for PC & Mac, Plug... | $85.32 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 7 |
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WD 5TB My Passport Ultra for Mac Silver, Portable External Hard Drive, backup software with defense... | $139.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
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Toshiba Canvio Basics 2TB Portable External Hard Drive USB 3.0, Black - HDTB520XK3AA | $67.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 9 |
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SanDisk 1TB Portable SSD - Up to 800MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Updated Firmware - External Solid... | $80.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 10 |
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Archgon Premium Aluminum External USB 3.0 UHD 4K Blu-Ray Writer Super Drive for PC and Mac | $125.49 | Buy on Amazon |
When considering the best buy external hard drive in 2024, you want to make sure you’re not only getting reliable storage but also the best value for your money. An external hard drive can help you back up crucial files, expand storage for your devices, and transport large files between locations. In this article, we will explore the top 10 external hard drives available on Amazon and provide a robust buying guide to help you select the best option for your needs.
Contents
- Best Buy External Hard Drives on Amazon
- 1. Seagate Expansion Portable External Hard Drive
- 2. Western Digital My Passport
- 3. Toshiba Canvio Basics
- 4. LaCie Rugged Mini External Hard Drive
- 5. Samsung T7 Portable SSD
- 6. G-Technology G-Drive Mobile SSD
- 7. SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD
- 8. Adata HD710 Pro External Hard Drive
- 9. Plugable USB 3.0 SATA Hard Drive Docking Station
- 10. Seagate Backup Plus Slim
- Buying Guide for the Best Buy External HD
Best Buy External Hard Drives on Amazon
External hard drives come in various capacities, speeds, and designs, making it crucial to find one that suits your requirements. Below are the top 10 external hard drives recommended for various users in 2024. Each review gives insights into the specifications, advantages, and potential drawbacks of each product.
1. Seagate Expansion Portable External Hard Drive
The Seagate Expansion Portable External Hard Drive is a popular choice for users who require a balance of storage, portability, and affordability. It comes in multiple capacities, ranging from 500GB to 5TB, allowing you to choose the right size for your needs. With a sleek and lightweight design, it’s easy to carry along with your laptop.
This hard drive is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems. Plug-and-play functionality makes it easy to use with minimal setup required. Data transfers are quick and efficient, thanks to USB 3.0 speeds, ensuring that even large files are moved rapidly.
However, it has no built-in encryption or backup software, which might be a drawback for some users. Overall, the Seagate Expansion Portable provides the best buy external HD experience when looking for an affordable and efficient storage solution.
- Easily store and access 5TB of content on the go with the Seagate portable drive, a USB external hard Drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
2. Western Digital My Passport
The Western Digital My Passport is another excellent external hard drive that offers robust features. Available in multiple capacities up to 5TB, this device comes with a sleek and stylish design, ideal for everyday use. It features automatic backup software that allows users to set schedules as per their preference.
Designed with physical security in mind, the My Passport includes password protection with hardware encryption, safeguarding sensitive files. USB 3.0 connectivity ensures fast data transfer speeds, while the compact design makes it easy to take on the go.
Some users have expressed concerns over the drive’s longevity, so storing backups in different locations might be advisable. Still, it stands out as one of the best buy external HD options due to its reliability and security features.
- Slim durable design to help take your important files with you
- Vast capacities up to 6TB[1] to store your photos, videos, music, important documents and more
- Back up smarter with included device management software[2] with defense against ransomware
- Help secure your important files with password protection and hardware encryption
- 3-year limited warranty
3. Toshiba Canvio Basics
The Toshiba Canvio Basics is an excellent choice for those who prefer a straightforward and affordable external hard drive. With storage options ranging from 1TB to 4TB, it provides ample capacity for your files. The drive has a simple plug-and-play design, making it compatible with various systems without additional software installation.
This hard drive is especially desirable for budget-conscious consumers who still want quality and reliability. Data transfer is decent, with USB 3.0 providing enough speed for most users. However, it lacks advanced features like encryption and automatic backup, which may deter some potential buyers.
Overall, the Toshiba Canvio Basics is an excellent choice for those who need a reliable but basic external hard drive, making it a strong contender for the best buy external HD category.
- Sleek profile design with a matte, smudge-resistance finish
- Plug & Play - Easy to use with no software to install
- Quickly add more storage capacity to your PC and other compatible devices
- USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 compatible with no external AC power cord needed
- Pre-formatted NTFS for Windows PC (reformatting required for Mac computers)
4. LaCie Rugged Mini External Hard Drive
If you’re looking for a rugged hard drive built to withstand the rigors of travel and challenging environments, the LaCie Rugged Mini is an ideal contender. With storage options ranging from 1TB to 5TB, it’s encased in a durable design that offers shock resistance and water and dust protection.
This hard drive is particularly favored by creatives who often work on location and need a robust solution for their data. It also supports USB-C connectivity, making it compatible with newer devices. The performance is commendable with USB 3.0 speeds, ensuring data transfers are achieved quickly even in demanding scenarios.
However, its rugged features come at a slightly higher price point. Still, the LaCie Rugged Mini is undoubtedly one of the best buy external HD options, providing the protection and durability many professionals require.
- Shock, drops up to 4 feet, dust and water resistant for all-terrain use.Specific uses: Personal
- For Mac compatibility this Hard Drive requires reformatting. Refer to Application Guide for more details
- Password protection built in
- Uses USB 3.0 which is up to 4 times faster than USB 2.0 (USB 2.0 compatible)
- Includes 1-month complimentary membership to Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps Plan. Must redeem by January 31, 2020
5. Samsung T7 Portable SSD
The Samsung T7 Portable SSD offers superior speed and performance compared to traditional external hard drives. With read and write speeds of up to 1,050 and 1,000 MB/s respectively, this device is perfect for users who require fast access to files. Storage capacities range from 500GB to 2TB.
This compact SSD is highly durable, with a metal casing that provides added protection against drops. The T7 Portable SSD has built-in AES 256-bit encryption to keep your data secure, making it an excellent choice for those concerned about privacy.
However, SSDs tend to be more expensive than HDDs, and the price point might not be affordable for every consumer. Nevertheless, for speed enthusiasts and professionals, the Samsung T7 is one of the best buy external HD solutions available in 2024, combining exceptional speed and security.
- MADE FOR THE MAKERS: Create; Explore; Store; The T7 Portable SSD delivers fast speeds and durable features to back up any endeavor; Build your video editing empire, file your photographs or back up your blogs all in an instant
- SHARE IDEAS IN A FLASH: Don’t waste a second waiting and spend more time doing; The T7 is embedded with PCIe NVMe technology that brings fast read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s¹, making it almost twice as fast as the T5
- ALWAYS MAKE THE SAVE: Compact design with massive capacity; With capacities up to 4TB, save exactly what you need to your drive – from large working files to game data and everything in between
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether using a PC or mobile phone, count on the T7 for extensive compatibility²; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- HI RESOLUTION VIDEO RECORDING: Record Ultra High Resolution (4K 60fs) videos directly onto the T7 Portable SSD with your favorite camera or mobile devices; Supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps video and more³
6. G-Technology G-Drive Mobile SSD
The G-Technology G-Drive Mobile SSD is designed for users who need a portable, high-speed external drive. This SSD provides read speeds up to 560 MB/s, making it suitable for quick file transfers, particularly useful for video and photography professionals. It comes in capacities ranging from 500GB to 2TB.
The rugged design includes IP67 water and dust resistance, making it ideal for outdoor use. It also features a three-year limited warranty for added peace of mind. However, it is relatively pricier than traditional HDD options.
Nonetheless, the G-Drive Mobile SSD represents the best buy external HD choice if you’re prioritizing speed and durability.
- Water/dust resistance
- Data transfer rates up to 560 MBps
- Connect USB, USB-C
7. SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD
SanDisk’s Extreme Portable SSD is another outstanding choice for users needing fast and reliable storage. With speeds up to 1,050 MB/s, it allows for quick file transfers, making it especially useful for photographers and videographers who often deal with large files. It comes in various capacities, ranging from 500GB to 2TB.
This SSD is built tough, featuring an IP55 rating for water and dust resistance, ensuring your data remains safe in challenging environments. The design is compact and lightweight, making it perfect for on-the-go storage needs.
Though slightly on the pricier side, this drive offers excellent features and performance, making it one of the best buy external HD options currently available.
- Get NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds in a portable, high-capacity drive(1) (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device & other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance mean this tough drive can take a beating(3) (Previously rated for 2-meter drop protection and IP55 rating. Now qualified for the higher, stated specs.)
- Use the handy carabiner loop to secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind.
- Help keep private content private with the included password protection featuring 256‐bit AES hardware encryption.(3)
- Easily manage files and automatically free up space with the SanDisk Memory Zone app.(5). Non-Operating Temperature -20°C to 85°C
8. Adata HD710 Pro External Hard Drive
The Adata HD710 Pro is a rugged external hard drive that combines durability with performance. It offers 1TB and 2TB options and is resistant to shocks, water, and dust. The drive’s high-tech silicone casing adds to its durability, ensuring it withstands even the toughest conditions.
It features USB 3.1 support for fast transfer speeds and includes software for automatic backup and synchronization. However, there have been some user concerns regarding its size compared to other portable options.
Considering its rugged features and competitive pricing, the Adata HD710 Pro stands out as a commendable choice for anyone searching for the best buy external HD.
- USB 3.1 Interface that works with PC, Mac, Linux
- IP68 Waterproof, tested for 60 minutes in 2 meter of water
- IP68 Military-Grade Shockproof MIL-STD-810G 516.6
- IP6X Dustproof
- 3 Year Warranty
9. Plugable USB 3.0 SATA Hard Drive Docking Station
The Plugable USB 3.0 SATA Hard Drive Docking Station offers a unique approach to external storage by allowing users to connect internal drives externally. This device can accommodate 2.5” and 3.5” SATA drives, making it versatile for various users.
With USB 3.0 support, it provides excellent speeds and allows for hassle-free access to multiple drives. It’s an excellent option for tech-savvy individuals looking for flexibility in their storage solutions. However, it lacks built-in storage, so it’s essential to have separate drives to utilize its features.
For users who frequently swap out drives or test various storage solutions, the Plugable Docking Station is one of the best buy external HD choices, offering versatility and performance.
- Versatile: Connect 3.5 inch and 2.5 inch SATA hard drives and solid state drives to your USB 3.1 Gen 2 compatible computer
- Featured Packed: Supports USB Attached SCSI Protocol (UASP), Bulk-Only Transport (BOT), 512e and 4K sector sizes, and LBA48 addressing
- Fast: Supports USB-C or USB up to 10Gbps, and SATA III up to 6Gbps
- Important Notes: Compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux; data transfer rates may be limited by USB host controller, drive speed, file system, or method of file transfer
- Enhance your data storage and transfer capabilities with seamless compatibility across multiple operating systems
10. Seagate Backup Plus Slim
The Seagate Backup Plus Slim is a compact and stylish external hard drive that offers a sleek profile and multiple color options. With storage capacities of 1TB and 2TB, it’s easy to transport without sacrificing space in your bag.
The drive comes with customizable backup solutions and automated backup options to facilitate secure storage. It also supports the Seagate Dashboard software for easy file management. However, some users might find the transfer speeds slower compared to SSDs.
Overall, the Seagate Backup Plus Slim is a competitively priced and reliable option, making it one of the best buy external HD choices for students and casual users.
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Buying Guide for the Best Buy External HD
When purchasing an external hard drive, several factors come into play that need to be considered to ensure you make a suitable choice. Below is a comprehensive buying guide to help you navigate through your options:
1. Storage Capacity
When considering an external hard drive, storage capacity is one of the primary factors. Assess how much data you plan on storing to determine what size hard drive you need. Common sizes range from 500GB to 5TB, depending on your requirements.
2. Speed
Data transfer speeds are crucial for efficient file handling. Look for drives with USB 3.0 or USB-C connections for faster data transfer rates. SSDs generally offer superior speeds compared to traditional HDDs, making them a better choice for heavy users.
3. Durability
If you intend to carry your external hard drive frequently, opt for rugged models that provide water and shock resistance. This ensures your data is safe even under challenging conditions.
4. Security Features
For users handling sensitive data, security features such as password protection and encryption can offer peace of mind. Hard drives like the Western Digital My Passport come equipped with such features.
5. Software Compatibility
Ensure the drive is compatible with your devices. Some hard drives work best with Windows systems, while others have seamless functionality with Mac. Understanding your operating system will prevent any future inconvenience.
6. Price
Lastly, consider your budget. External hard drives are available at various price points. Evaluate the features you need against your budget to select the best buy external HD that fits both your requirements and financial plan.
In conclusion, 2024 offers a plethora of options for external hard drives on Amazon. Whether you’re looking for speed, durability, or affordability, you’re sure to find a product that fits your criteria. Conclusively, as you decide on the best buy external HD, remember to assess your unique needs, examine product specifications, and consider what features are most important to you. Happy storage hunting!
Last update on 2024-09-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API | votechriscarrillo.com is a participant in the Amazon Associate program and will earn from qualifying purchases.