10 Best External Hard Drives

The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 1TB is a high-performance external hard drive designed for those who need fast, reliable storage on the go. The drive uses NVMe SSD technology, offering impressive read speeds of up to 1050 MB/s and write speeds up to 1000 MB/s. This makes it ideal for tasks that require quick access to large files, such as video editing or gaming. With a storage capacity of 1TB, it provides ample space for your files, whether they be documents, photos, or videos.

Its portability is enhanced by its compact size and lightweight design, and it even includes a carabiner loop to easily attach to your belt or backpack. Durability is a standout feature, with the drive boasting IP65 water and dust resistance and the ability to withstand drops from up to three meters. This means it can handle rough conditions, making it a reliable choice for outdoor use or travel. Compatibility is broad, supporting a range of devices including laptops, gaming consoles, tablets, and smartphones through its USB-C connectivity.

Additionally, it comes with password protection and 256-bit AES hardware encryption, ensuring your private content remains secure. However, one potential drawback is its higher price point compared to traditional hard drives, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious users. Still, the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 1TB offers excellent performance, durability, and security features that make it a strong choice for anyone needing fast, portable storage.

The SanDisk Portable SSD 1TB is a compact and reliable external drive that suits anyone needing fast and portable storage. Its 1TB capacity offers ample space for photos, videos, and documents. As a solid-state drive (SSD) with NVMe technology, it delivers speedy read speeds up to 800 MB/s via USB 3.2 Gen 2, which means transferring large files or backing up data is quick and efficient compared to traditional hard drives.

Weighing just about 41 grams and measuring under 5cm in width and length, it’s very easy to carry around. The handy rubber loop lets you attach it securely to bags or belts, adding convenience for people on the move. Durability is improved thanks to the rubberised fastening loop, though the drive itself should be handled with some care. Compatibility is broad, working well with laptops, desktops, and game consoles, making it versatile for various uses.

The product description mentions a 7200 RPM rotational speed, which usually applies to traditional hard drives and seems out of place for an SSD—it’s likely an error or leftover detail. This SanDisk SSD is well-suited for those seeking fast, portable, and reliable storage with simple plug-and-play use, especially useful for photographers or travellers who need to move large files quickly.

The WD 20TB Elements External Hard Drive is a solid choice if you need a large amount of storage space for photos, videos, music, and documents. With a whopping 20TB capacity, it gives you plenty of room to free up space on your computer and help it run faster. It uses a mechanical 3.5-inch desktop drive, which means it's designed to stay on your desk rather than being carried around frequently. The USB 3.0 connection ensures faster transfer speeds compared to older USB standards, making it easier to move large files quickly. It also works with older USB 2.0 ports, so compatibility with a wide range of PCs is guaranteed.

Setup is simple—just plug it in and you’re ready to go, especially with Windows 10 and newer. The drive’s enclosure offers good durability and shock resistance, but since it’s a desktop-sized drive, it’s less portable and not ideal for frequent travel. At about 300 grams, it's lightweight for a desktop drive but still bulkier than portable external drives.

Some users might prefer a solid-state drive (SSD) for even faster speeds and better durability, but for the price and massive storage size, this drive offers great value. If you want a reliable way to store a lot of data without spending too much and don’t need to carry it around, the WD Elements 20TB desktop HDD is a dependable option.