14 Best External Storage For 2024

(Many of the links in this article redirect to a specific reviewed product. Your purchase of these products through affiliate links helps to generate commission for Storables.com, at no extra cost. Learn more)

If you're someone who is always running low on storage space on their devices, investing in an external storage device can be a wise decision. Not only do they offer you extra space to store your important files and data, but they are also convenient and easy to use. With several options available in today's market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for you. In this article, we have compiled a list of the 14 best external storage devices that are predicted to be among the top contenders in the year 2023.

Maxone 500GB Ultra Slim Portable External Hard Drive

Check Latest Price

This product has a rating of A.*What does this rating mean?

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.

SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD

Check Latest Price

This product has a rating of A.*What does this rating mean?

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.

256GB USB Flash Drive for iPhone and Android

Check Latest Price

This product has a rating of A.*What does this rating mean?

Overall Score: 8/10

The Flash Drive 256GB for iPhone USB Memory Stick Thumb Drives High Speed USB Stick offers high-quality storage with a unique retractable design and convenient keychain style. Its multi-port USB drive features USB/iPhone connection port/micro USB/type C interfaces to facilitate data transfer between different devices. It also comes with one-click backup to save time and protect data privacy with password encryption and touch ID. The memory stick supports photos, videos, and documents and functions efficiently on iPhone, iPad, Android, and PC. It received a customer rating of 4.3/5 and has garnered a mix of positive and negative feedback. The product is backed by TRYVAT USB memory stick, which provides excellent customer service, including refunds and replacements.

The Flash Drive 256GB for iPhone USB Memory Stick Thumb Drives High Speed USB Stick provides a convenient all-in-one solution for data storage and transfer for iOS, Android, and PC users. Despite its flaws, the large storage capacity, one-click backup, and excellent customer service make it a solid purchase for those seeking a reliable storage device. Some users may find the locking design or heat buildup an issue, but the password encryption and touch ID provide a level of data privacy and security in addition to its functionality.

Seagate Portable 2TB HDD

Check Latest Price

This product has a rating of A.*What does this rating mean?

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

Check Latest Price

This product has a rating of A.*What does this rating mean?

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.

Toshiba Canvio Basics 2TB Portable External Hard Drive

Check Latest Price

This product has a rating of A.*What does this rating mean?

Overall Score: 8/10

The Toshiba Canvio Basics 2TB Portable External Hard Drive comes with an sleek design and a matte, smudge-resistant finish. It can be used easily and doesn't require any software to install. With just a plug-in, you can add more storage capacity to your PC and other compatible devices. It is USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 compatible with no external power cord needed. The product is pre-formatted to NTFS for Windows PC (reformatting required for Mac computers). With 4.7/5 rating on Amazon, this product has been well received by customers. The product has a few cons, including issues while transferring files and its reliability compared to an SSD, but the pros outweigh the cons. Services offered by the product include an easy-to-use system, high transfer rates, and a large storage capacity.

Overall, the Toshiba Canvio Basics 2TB Portable External Hard Drive is a great product that offers fast transfer rates and a large storage capacity. It is easy to use and requires no external power source. While it may not be as reliable in comparison to an SSD, the benefits of this product are many and make up for any potential concerns. The Toshiba Canvio Basics 2TB Portable External Hard Drive is a great investment for anyone looking for a portable and reliable place to store their files.

WD 6TB Elements Desktop External Hard Drive

Check Latest Price

This product has a rating of A.*What does this rating mean?

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

Check Latest Price

This product has a rating of A.*What does this rating mean?

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.

WD 5TB Passport Portable Hard Drive

Check Latest Price

This product has a rating of A.*What does this rating mean?

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.

AUAMOZ USB iOS Memory Stick Photo Stick External Storage

Check Latest Price

This product has a rating of A.*What does this rating mean?

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.

1TB USB Flash Drive for Smartphone 4 in 1 Photo Stick

Check Latest Price

This product has a rating of A.*What does this rating mean?

Overall Score: 8/10

The corfurio 1TB Thumb Drive USB Flash Drive for Smartphone 4 in 1 Photo Stick is a versatile and high-capacity external storage solution for anyone who wants to free up space on their devices. With a true 4-in-1 design, this flash drive is compatible with most devices and allows for easy file transfer. It features one-click backup for files, photos, and videos, as well as fingerprint and password unlocking for privacy protection. With a USB 3.0 interface, the flash drive boasts high-speed transfer rates and can quickly copy or move files from your phone. The 1TB capacity is ideal for storing files, applications, games, and pictures, and makes it easy to free up memory on your storage devices without the need for cables or cloud storage. This flash drive is plug-and-play, and comes with detailed instructions.

The corfurio 1TB Thumb Drive USB Flash Drive for Smartphone 4 in 1 Photo Stick is a great external storage option for anyone looking to free up space on their devices. With a versatile 4-in-1 design and high-speed transfer rates, this flash drive makes it easy to transfer files between devices. It also offers robust privacy protection and ample storage space. The main downside is that it may not be compatible with all Android devices. Overall, it’s a convenient and reliable tool for anyone who needs more storage space.

LaCie Rugged Mini 2TB HDD

Check Latest Price

This product has a rating of A.*What does this rating mean?

Overall Score: 8/10

The LaCie Rugged Mini 2TB External Hard Drive is a portable HDD that offers shock, drop, dust, and water resistance for all-terrain use. It requires reformatting for Mac compatibility and comes with built-in password protection. The hard drive uses USB 3.0, which is up to 4 times faster than USB 2.0, and is compatible with USB 2.0 as well. It also includes a 1-month complimentary membership to Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps Plan. The orange-colored hard drive has a dimension of 5.30Lx3.40Wx0.79H and a storage capacity of 2TB. With a customer rating of 4.6/5, this hard drive is highly regarded for its durability, compactness, and fast transfers.

The LaCie Rugged Mini 2TB External Hard Drive is a reliable and rugged storage solution that offers durability, speed, and data protection. While it requires reformatting for Mac compatibility and some users reported issues with Windows compatibility, its overall performance and compact design make it a great choice for on-the-go storage. The fast transfer speeds and built-in password protection add to its appeal, and the complimentary Adobe Creative Cloud membership is a nice bonus for creative professionals. The orange color and shock-resistant design provide peace of mind, ensuring that your important files are well-protected in various environments. Overall, the LaCie Rugged Mini 2TB External Hard Drive is an excellent storage option for both Mac and PC users.

Toshiba Canvio Flex 2TB External Hard Drive

Check Latest Price

This product has a rating of A.*What does this rating mean?

Overall Score: 9/10

The Toshiba Canvio Flex 2TB Portable External Hard Drive is perfect for people who want cross-device compatibility, fast transfer speeds, and versatile design. It is USB-C ready, USB 3.0 compatible, and can be used with PCs, Macs, and Tablets. It is exFAT-formatted, meaning that it is compatible with different devices. The drive has a silver color, a size of 4.37Lx3.15Wx0.53H, and a capacity of 2TB. The drive comes equipped with two cables: a USB-C cable and a USB-A cable. This Toshiba Canvio Flex 2TB Portable External Hard Drive is an excellent deal and offers high-quality performance, although it may be slower than other external hard drives on the market.

Overall, the Toshiba Canvio Flex 2TB Portable External Hard Drive is a great choice for those who need compatibility, versatility, and convenience. It’s perfect for people who need a lot of space to store their files, and it’s compatible with a variety of devices. Although it may not be as ruggedly built as other models, it offers high-quality performance and does exactly what it’s supposed to do. If you need an external hard drive that can do it all, the Toshiba Canvio Flex 2TB Portable External Hard Drive is an excellent choice.

iOS MFi Certified 256GB Flash Drive for iPhone/iPad/PC

Check Latest Price

This product has a rating of A.*What does this rating mean?

Overall Score: 8/10

The iOS MFi Certified iDiskk 256GB Flash Drive Photo Stick Mobile for iPhone (14/13/12/12 pro/12 pro max/11/11 Pro/XR/X) Memory Stick iPad External Photo Storage for MacBook/Laptops/PC Photo Stick is an external memory storage device that makes it easy to transfer photos and videos between Apple devices and computers. The flash drive has a vast 256GB capacity, which helps free up memory on mobile devices without using a cable or iCloud. It supports most video and audio formats and allows you to watch movies and play music directly from the device. You can also capture every moment of your life since the drive automatically backs up your photos and videos. Its USB 3.0 connection ensures fast and stable data transfer, and the lightning connector provides a more stable App software and encrypted protection. The device comes with a 24-month warranty and dedicated email customer support. However, some reviews mention that the device sometimes experiences issues with file transfer and can be challenging to use.

The iDiskk 256GB flash drive is an excellent storage solution for people who need more space on their Apple devices. It is compatible with most video and audio formats, which allows you to watch movies or listen to music directly from the device. The automatic photo and video backup is convenient and ensures that you never lose important memories. However, some users complain that the device can be challenging to use and sometimes experiences issues with file transfer. Overall, this flash drive is an excellent accessory for people who need more storage space on their Apple devices.

Buyer's Guide: External Storage

External storage is an essential tool for anyone looking to expand their storage capacity, back up important data, or transfer files between different devices. With so many different options available on the market, it can be hard to know where to start. Below, we've put together a buyer's guide for external storage to help you make an informed decision on the best option for your needs.

Types of External Storage

• Hard Disk Drive (HDD): A traditional external storage solution that uses a spinning disk to store data
• Solid State Drive (SSD): A newer external storage option that uses flash memory to store data, resulting in faster transfer speeds and improved durability
• USB Flash Drive: A small, portable data storage device that connects to a USB port on a computer or other device
• Memory Card: A tiny removable storage device used in cameras, smartphones, and tablets

Factors to Consider

• Storage Capacity: Determine how much storage you need based on what you plan to use the external drive for. Generally, HDDs offer more storage at a lower cost, while SSDs offer faster transfer speeds and are more durable.
• Connectivity: Consider what devices you plan to use the external storage with. Most external drives come with USB connectivity, but some may also offer other options such as Thunderbolt or eSATA.
• Portability: If you plan to take your external storage on the go, consider the weight and size of the drive. USB flash drives and memory cards are the most portable options, while HDDs and SSDs may be bulkier.
• Durability: Consider the type of environment you plan to use the external drive in. SSDs are generally more durable than HDDs but may be more expensive. Some external drives also come with added features such as shock resistance or water resistance.
• Price: Set a budget for your external storage purchase. HDDs and USB flash drives tend to be more affordable, while SSDs and memory cards can be more expensive.

Pros and Cons of Each Type of External Storage

Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

• Pros:
• Affordable, offering more storage for a lower cost
• Widely available and compatible with most devices
• Cons:
• Slower transfer speeds compared to SSDs
• Can be more fragile than other external storage options

Solid State Drive (SSD)

• Pros:
• Faster transfer speeds and improved durability compared to HDDs
• Less prone to damage from being bumped or dropped
• Cons:
• More expensive per GB of storage compared to HDDs
• May not be compatible with all devices

USB Flash Drive

• Pros:
• Small and portable for on-the-go use
• Affordable and widely available
• Cons:
• Limited storage capacity compared to other external storage options
• Can be easier to lose or misplace

Memory Card

• Pros:
• Small and portable for use in cameras and other mobile devices
• Widely available and generally affordable
• Cons:
• Limited storage capacity compared to other external storage options
• May not be compatible with all devices