Top 10 Best Portable External Hard Drives of 2024

For people with many data to handle, internal hard drives are not enough. It is thereby essential to have external hard drives. Today, there are varying capacities hard drives that people can get depending on their needs. With drives created with several gigabytes to terabytes, the market gives everybody a chance to have convenient data storage. Well, apart from storage, the drives available in solid-state drives (SSD) and hard disk drive (HDD). Although these drives have the same functions, performance is different.

Generally, SSDs are faster and lighter since they use flash memory. HDDs, on the other hand, are a bit heavy since it comprises of rotating disks. However, hard drives, they are long-lasting since they do not experience dead cells but can suffer damage when subjected to high impact. With a lot of features to consider when buying external drives, quality is critical. To give you reliable ways to store and carry data, here are the best external hard drives in 2021.

List of Best Portable External Hard Drives

10. Silicon Power 1TB Shockproof Rugged Portable External Hard Drive Armor A30, USB 3.0

The silicone power 1 TB hard drive is one of the reliable devices for use with different machines. Whether it’s PC, PS, Mac and other devices, it’s a reliable way to save your data. The military grade rugged construction materials are reliable and protects the disc from damage by shock and impacts. The textured hexagonal surface protects the drive from scratches.

Transferring data from this drive is great since it comes with USB 3.0. This means you can enjoy quick data transfer. Also, the port has reversible compatibility with USB 2.0. The ergonomically created body ensures the device allows high grip and hand contouring handling. Also, integrated cable management and LED light indicate when the drive is connected.

9. G-Technology 2TB G-DRIVE Desktop External Hard Drive, USB 3.0

The G-Technology 2tb external hard drive is the perfect storage device you need for your data. It’s one of the high performing drives created to withstand a variety of conditions. Designed with USB 3.0, the drive enjoys exceptionally high-speed data transfer. This supersedes the traditional USB 2.0 which has lower data transfer. Due to this, it is possible to store and retrieve large data within minutes.

The aluminum body construction ensures the drive enjoys high-quality protection. Also, the aluminum is superb in heat dissipation hence increasing the performance of the disc. There are no drivers needed since this drive is plug and play in different computers like PC and Mac.

8. Seagate Desktop 8TB External Hard Drive, USB 3.0 for PC & Laptop

Expanding your computer storage can be hectic especially adding an internal hard drive. But. The Seagate HDD is one of the best external hard disks available. Made from the latest engineering in the industry, it’s a highly reliable and performing drive to have. Whether you want to store movies, back –up, music and others, this drive is ready with its 8BG storage capacity.

Amazingly, there are no drivers needed as the drive is preformatted for use with Windows PC and laptops. Additionally, set up is simple since the device is automatically detected and recognized by computers without the need for software. 18 inch USB 3.0 cable and 18 watts adapter ensures easy connection.

7. Seagate Backup Plus Hub 8Tetrabyte External Hard Drive Desktop HDD

This backup station by Seagate is one of the reliable hard drives for many years. Boasting 8TB storage capacity, it caters even for the future. Despite the massive storage capacity, it is simple to connect this drive to PC via USB 3.0. The hub is great since it can save a variety of data like movies, backups, and images from cameras.

Unlike other hard drives, this comes with dual USB ports. This lets you connect to a computer as well as charging your smartphone. Amazingly, this external hard drive is compatible with Windows and Mac through NTFS drive provides. Optimized to ease your system backup, the drive is all you need to enjoy instant access to your data.

6. Western Digital USB 3.0 1TB My Passport Portable External Hard Drive

There is every need to improve your storage capacity through external hard drives. The Western Digital 1TB external hard drive is the lasting solution for all your backups and other data storage. Instead of overloading your internal hard drive, it is easy to speed up your devices while enjoying safe and fast access data. Amazingly, this drive comes with WP backup software.

The password-protected drive is safe for storage of sensitive information without allowing access by unauthorized people. Additionally, the security is improved due to hardware encryption hence only people with a password can access the drive. Compatible with USB 3.0 and 2.0 it is ideal for Windows 7, 8, 8.1 and 10.

5. ADATA HD710 Pro 2TB USB 3.1 IP68 Ruggedized External Hard Drive

It doesn’t matter where you are traveling, you can now keep your data safe. All you need is this 2 terabytes external hard drive by ADATA. It one of the reliable and rugged drives that can withstand different conditions without compromising your data. Apart from the rugged body, the drive is shockproof, dustproof and rated IP68 waterproof. Connected through USB 3.0, it is compatible with Mac, Linux as well as PC.

The G-shock sensing technology helps in preventing damage through instant process stoppage when the shock is detected. Moreover, the ergonomic design ensures there is great grip while cable management ensures neat storage and transportation. Despite the heavy-duty construction, the drive is lightweight.

4. Toshiba 1TB Canvio Basics USB 3.0 External Hard Drive

Toshiba Cavio basic external hard drive is one way to store extra data, backups or sensitive information. It has ample space which means it can accommodate a large volume of data. Boasting 1TB storage space, the device is great for videos, music, and others. With a sleek profile, the drive is highly portable and easy to store in your bag pockets.

There is no software needed when plugging this hard drive since it works right away when plugged. On the other hand, USB 3.0 allows fast data transfer and there is no AC power needed. The port is also compatible with USB 2.0 hence great option for most computers.

3. Seagate Portable 1TB External Hard Drive USB 3.0 for PC Laptop & Mac

This is another hard drive from Seagate that is ready to add more storage into your computer. The compact design ensures high portability hence easy access to your data everywhere. It’s USB powered which means it can connect to any computer without any problem. With just drag and drop, this drive makes your backup process a snap.

The good thing is the drive has automatic recognition hence there are no software needed. The long connection cable is classic in ensuring no struggle to connect your drive without causing cluttering in your table. Slim and lightweight style ensures the drive is easy to carry and store.

2. Western Digital 8TB Desktop Hard Drive, USB 3.0

Still looking for an ideal external hard drive to handle your data? The Western Digital 8TB hard drive is among the best buy. Boasting large memory, this drive is ready for keeping a variety of data. With fast connection and data transfer rate, it can be used for different storage purposes.

For everyone with Windows running computer, the device is plug and play. Due to this, it is easy to use this drive even when you buy it for the first time. The housing is designed from durable materials that protect the drive from getting damaged easily. Overall, the drive is sleek and compact.

1. Silicon Power 4TB Rugged Portable Shockproof External Hard Drive Armor A60

Why keep deleting files instead of adding more storage space? Here is one of the best portable hard drives by Silicone Power is the solution to deleting your files. Compatible with computers as well as Xbox and PlayStation, it is powered by USB 3.0. With easy set, it is now possible to add more space for latest games, HD photos, and videos without removing the previous ones.

There are no more disruptions when carrying this drive. It comes with a cable management slot that ensures you carry the cable with great comfort. The textures casing is shockproof and rugged to offer maximum protection. Anti-slip surface and scratch resistant design keep this drive clean.