12 Best External Storage Drive For 2024

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Are you in dire need of more storage space for your files and documents? Look no further, because we have compiled a list of the 12 Best External Storage Drive For 2023. With options ranging from compact and portable to larger, more powerful drives, we have got you covered. These drives will provide you with the necessary storage to keep your information safe and your workflow efficient in the upcoming year. Read on to discover which one suits your needs best.

SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD

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Overall Score: 9/10

The SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD is a rugged portable storage device that delivers fast speeds of up to 1050MB/s read and up to 1000MB/s write. With up to 2-meter drop protection and IP55 water resistance, the high-capacity drive is perfect for photographers and videographers. It features password protection with 256‐bit AES hardware encryption, and a handy Carabiner loop for extra peace of mind. Back up mobile content quickly and easily thanks to compatibility with a range of USB Type-C smart phones. The small and compact design is easy to carry, and it doesn't require a separate power supply. The drive is compatible with USB 3.2 Gen 2 and USB-C, and is ideal for use with mobile devices, desktops, and laptops.

If you’re a photographer, videographer, or just need a portable and rugged storage device, the SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD is an excellent choice. With fast speeds and reliable performance, it’s perfect for creating amazing content or backing up important files. The compact and durable design, along with password protection and encryption, makes it easy to carry and keep your data safe. While the short cable and potential for slower speeds depending on usage conditions may be minor drawbacks, overall this is a great choice for anyone in need of fast and secure storage on the go.

Toshiba Canvio Basics 2TB Portable External Hard Drive

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Overall Score: 8/10

The Toshiba Canvio Basics 2TB Portable External Hard Drive is a sleek and reliable storage solution. With its matte, smudge resistance finish, it offers a visually appealing design. The plug-and-play functionality makes it easy to use without any software installation. It quickly adds more storage capacity to your PC and is compatible with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0, eliminating the need for an external AC power cord. However, Mac OS users may need to reformat the drive. Overall, this Toshiba hard drive is a great option for those looking for additional storage space.

The Toshiba Canvio Basics 2TB Portable External Hard Drive is an excellent choice for individuals in need of extra storage capacity. Its sleek design and plug-and-play functionality provide a user-friendly experience. With compatibility for USB 3.0 and USB 2.0, it ensures high-speed data transfer. The lack of an external power cord adds convenience to its usage. The only drawback lies in the requirement for reformatting for Mac OS users. Nevertheless, its reliability and performance make it a worthwhile investment for anyone seeking additional storage for their PC or compatible devices.

EATOP USB 3.0 Flash Drive 1TB for iPhone/iPad/Android and Computer

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Overall Score: 8/10

The EATOP USB 3.0 Flash Drive 1TB is a 4-in-1 device that supports devices such as Android, iPhone, iPad, and PC. The device has high-speed transfers with USB 3.0 and supports various video and audio formats. The iPhone memory stick provides a simple and quick way to transfer photos and videos. The device is equipped with file encryption function, providing privacy protection. The flash drive sports a sleek design and offers vast storage space for your files, music, images, and videos. The one-click backup feature saves you time and memory space via a thumb drive.

The EATOP USB 3.0 Flash Drive is a versatile device that offers vast storage space and high-speed transfers, making it ideal for those who want to free up phone or device space. Its file encryption function provides privacy protection, while its sleek design makes it easier to carry around. The one-click backup feature also saves users’ time and memory space through the thumb drive, and the device provides secure sharing with friends and colleagues. The compatibility of the device with multiple devices, including smartphones, iPhones, computers, and tablets, makes it an excellent buy. Overall, it’s an excellent device that provides value for money.

Seagate Portable 2TB HDD

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Overall Score: 8/10

The Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive HDD is a reliable and portable storage device that allows you to easily store and access your files on the go. With 2TB of storage space, it provides ample capacity to store all your important data. The hard drive is designed to work with both Windows and Mac computers, making it versatile and convenient. It features plug and play simplicity, allowing for easy setup without the need for any software installation. The USB 3.0 interface ensures fast data transfer speeds and the included 18-inch cable provides added convenience. With its compact size and durable design, this external hard drive is perfect for both PC and Mac users who require extra storage capacity.

The Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive HDD is a reliable and versatile storage solution for both PC and Mac users. With its high storage capacity, plug and play simplicity, and compact design, it offers convenience and ease of use. While it may have some minor drawbacks such as the cord disconnecting easily and slower transfer speeds, overall it provides excellent value for its price. Whether you need extra storage for your PC, Mac, PlayStation, or Xbox, this external hard drive is a great choice. It’s perfect for storing and accessing your files on the go, making it a practical and reliable option for anyone in need of portable storage.

WD_BLACK 5TB P10 Game Drive

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Overall Score: 9/10

The WD_BLACK 5TB P10 Game Drive is a portable external hard drive built specifically for gamers. With a sleek metal top covering, it has a capacity of up to 5TB that can hold up to 125 games. It is compatible with Playstation, Xbox, PC, & Mac and comes with an 18-inch USB Type-A to Micro-B cable with SuperSpeed interface up to 5Gbps. The premium HDD is purpose-built for gamers based on WD_BLACK quality and reliability and comes with a 3-year limited warranty. The drive provides fast access to your growing game library, and it's available in a portable form factor. The drive has a black color and dimensions of 4.65Lx3.46Wx0.82H.

Overall, the WD_BLACK 5TB P10 Game Drive is an excellent investment for any gamer looking to improve their gaming experience. The drive’s large capacity, lightning-fast speeds, and durability make it the ultimate storage solution for gamers. The only downsides are its inability to store and play PS5 games, the unchangeable LED, and the relatively short cable. But, considering its affordable price, this external hard drive is an amazing value for gamers.

WD 5TB Passport Portable Hard Drive

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Overall Score: 8/10

The WD 5TB My Passport Portable External Hard Drive offers backup software and password protection to keep your files safe and secure. With its slim design and SuperSpeed USB 3.0 port, you can transfer your data quickly and easily. The drive also features 256-bit AES hardware encryption for added security. It comes with a 3-year limited warranty. The device management and backup software is available for download, registration may be required. This hard drive provides plenty of space in a small package that feels sturdy and reliable. However, the software setup may be frustrating for some users.

The WD 5TB My Passport Portable External Hard Drive is a great option for reliable, secure backup and storage. While some users may find the software setup frustrating, the hard drive itself is sturdy and offers plenty of space in a compact design. With its fast transfer speeds and 3-year warranty, it’s a solid choice for those looking to upgrade their storage capacity.

WD 6TB Elements Desktop External Hard Drive

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Overall Score: 8/10

The WD 6TB Elements Desktop External Hard Drive is an excellent storage solution for anyone who needs high-capacity external storage. With fast data transfer speeds, plug-and-play setup, and a sleek black design, this hard drive is sure to satisfy. Additionally, its compatibility with WD backup software adds extra convenience and protection to your data. However, the included utilities may have issues and the capacity may not be exactly as advertised.

Overall, the WD 6TB Elements Desktop External Hard Drive is a reliable and convenient storage option for personal or professional use. Despite some minor drawbacks, its competitive price, fast data transfer speeds, and great value make it a solid choice for those who need to store large files or multiple backups.

WD 5TB Elements Portable HDD

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Overall Score: 8/10

The WD 5TB Elements Portable HDD is a small, lightweight external hard drive that offers up to 5TB of storage capacity for your music, videos, photos, and files. It connects to your PC or Mac via USB 3.0, allowing you to transfer data at maximum speed, and it is also USB 2.0 compatible. The device is designed to improve PC performance by freeing up space on your internal hard drive, providing an ideal solution for consumers on the go. Plus, it comes plug-and-play ready for Windows PC. While the device itself is sturdy, some reviewers have expressed concerns about the USB cable that comes with it, which can become unresponsive. Nevertheless, this portable hard drive has received high ratings from satisfied customers on Amazon, warranting a score of 8 out of 10.

Overall, the WD 5TB Elements Portable HDD external hard drive is an excellent option for consumers who need additional storage for their PCs and Macs. It is portable, easy to use, and offers a large capacity at a reasonable price. However, users should be aware of the potential issues with the USB cable and the durability of the device itself. Despite these drawbacks, this portable hard drive has received high ratings from satisfied customers, who recommend it for offline games and simple media storage.

Maxone 500GB Ultra Slim Portable External Hard Drive

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Overall Score: 8/10

The Maxone 500GB Ultra Slim Portable External Hard Drive is a reliable and sturdy device ideal for PC, Mac, Laptop, PS4 and Xbox One. It is designed with a scratch-resistant metal body and powered by USB 3.0 technology for faster transfer speeds. The Maxone 500GB Ultra Slim Portable External Hard Drive features a plug-and-play design, and it’s ready to use right out of the box without any external power supply or software installation. The hard drive comes equipped with a 19-inch USB 3.0 cable, 3-year manufacturer warranty, and free technical support service. Although Time Machine backup on Apple devices may change the formatting of the drive, setting it up on Windows and Mac devices is made easier with the Maxone 500GB Ultra Slim Portable External Hard Drive providing improved PC performance.

Overall, the Maxone 500GB Ultra Slim Portable External Hard Drive is an excellent device that ticks all the right boxes. It’s built to last with a sturdy design, fast transfer speed, and reliable performance. For people looking for a compact and portable external hard drive, this device is a great option. It’s also budget-friendly, making it an excellent value for its price. However, Apple users must use it with caution and avoid Time Machine backup because it can change the formatting of the drive and lead to data loss when not formatted back.

WD My Book 4TB External HDD with Password Protection

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Overall Score: 8/10

The WD 4TB My Book Desktop External Hard Drive is a trusted, reliable storage solution. It has an enormous capacity of up to 22TB and comes with software for device management, backup, and password protection. The device boasts of 256-bit AES hardware encryption and supports SuperSpeed USB (5 Gbps) and USB 2.0. This external hard drive is built with the trusted WD reliability and it's great for the people who have huge data that they need to store. However, some customers reported that the device can be noisy and vibrates quite often.

Overall, the WD 4TB My Book Desktop External Hard Drive is a great investment for people who are looking for reliable storage devices. It comes with software for device management and backup, and has a massive capacity of up to 22TB. The device also boasts of 256-bit AES hardware encryption. However, users should be aware that it can be noisy and vibrates quite often.

SAMSUNG T7 Shield Portable SSD

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Overall Score: 9/10

The SAMSUNG T7 Shield Portable SSD is a tough, rugged, and compact device built for endurance with 1 TB of storage capacity. It boasts an IP65 rating for Dust and Water resistance and a high-tech rubber exterior that controls heat to maintain steady performance. The USB 3.2 Gen 2 and PCIe NVMe enable soaring sequential read/write speeds of up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s, allowing you to transfer massive files in seconds and edit directly from the drive. The T7 Shield is compatible with PC, Mac, Android devices, gaming consoles, and Samsung Smart TVs. The package includes USB Type C-to-C and Type C-to-A cables for convenience. It has received a 4.7/5 rating from customers and comes with a two-month membership of Adobe Creative Cloud Photography plan on purchase.

The SAMSUNG T7 Shield Portable SSD is an excellent choice for professionals, content creators, and anyone in need of reliable and secure portable storage. It offers impressive features like waterproofing and shock resistance coupled with fast reading and writing speeds. The device is compatible with a wide range of devices and includes convenient USB Type C-to-C and Type C-to-A cables for added ease of use. The two-month membership of Adobe Creative Cloud Photography plan on purchase is an icing on the cake. However, it may be relatively expensive for some users, and software limitations with some devices may pose a problem. All in all, if you need a top-tier storage solution that delivers on its promises, the SAMSUNG T7 Shield Portable SSD should be on your list.

AUAMOZ USB iOS Memory Stick Photo Stick External Storage

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Overall Score: 8/10

The Flash Drive for iPhone 1TB by AUAMOZ is a 4-in-1 USB flash drive with multiple plug models and supports devices such as Android (with OTG Function), iPhone, iPad, and PC. It offers high-speed transfers with USB 3.0, up to 80 MB/s reading and 30 MB/s writing speed, and supports various video and audio formats. The flash drive can perform one-click backup and provides file encryption function for privacy protection. The 1TB storage capacity allows users to free up their memory space and store favorite movies, music, images, and other files. The product comes with different connector ends for different device connections. The device can be used after downloading the Y-Disk app. It is a portable and versatile solution to mobile storage problems.

The Flash Drive for iPhone 1TB provides a great solution for individuals with mobile device storage problems. With its 1TB storage capacity and versatility, users can easily transfer files between different devices. The device is portable, easy to use, and offers various privacy protection options. Although there are some minor drawbacks, such as the flimsy ends and app download required, the product is overall an excellent choice for individuals needing extra storage space for their mobile devices.

Buyer's Guide: External Storage Drive

External storage drives are used to store and backup important data such as documents, photos, videos, music, and other files. Choosing the right type of external storage drive can be crucial to ensure data security, portability, and ease of use. In this buyer's guide, we will go through the key factors that you need to consider when buying an external storage drive.

Types of External Storage Drives:

• Hard Disk Drive (HDD): Stores data on spinning platters and are available in larger capacities at lower prices. They are available in various sizes and formats (3.5", 2.5", and portable).
• Solid State Drive (SSD): Use flash memory to store data and are more expensive but faster than HDDs. They are more durable and reliable due to the lack of moving parts.
• USB Thumb Drive: Small, portable, and lightweight. They are cheaper with a smaller capacity and are available in various sizes and designs.
• SD Card: Used for cameras and other devices that require extra storage. Available in various sizes and formats.

Factors to Consider:

• Capacity: Determine the amount of storage you need and choose a drive with sufficient capacity. A minimum of 1TB is recommended for general use, and higher capacity drives are ideal for professionals and businesses.
• Portability: Consider the size and weight of the drive for portability. Portable drives are small, lightweight, and easier to carry, while desktop drives are larger and bulkier but provide more storage and advanced features.
• Connectivity: Choose a drive that is compatible with your computer's interface (USB-A, USB-C, Thunderbolt). USB-C and Thunderbolt are faster than USB-A, but not all devices support them.
• Speed: Consider the speed of the drive that you need, especially if you transfer large files frequently. SSDs are faster than HDDs, and USB 3.0 and higher are faster than USB 2.0.
• Reliability: Choose a drive from a reputable brand with a good warranty and customer support. SSDs are more reliable than HDDs due to their durability and lack of moving parts.

Other Features:

• Encryption: Some drives come with built-in encryption (hardware or software) for added security and protection.
• Backup and Sync: Some drives come with backup and sync software that allows you to automatically backup and synchronize your data to the cloud or another device.
• Durability: Consider a rugged external drive if you intend to use it in harsh environments like outdoor activities or travel.
• Thunderbolt: If your computer supports Thunderbolt, it is worth considering a Thunderbolt drive as they provide faster data transfer speeds than USB.