Too many external hard drives? Here's how to find the right one

Typical price i
76.– to 140.–

Typically suited for everyday users, this capacity can store thousands of photos, videos, and documents.

Ideal for those with moderate storage needs, such as students or professionals who require backups of essential files.

Typical price i
140.– to 420.–

Offers ample space for larger collections of media, including high-definition videos and extensive photo libraries.

Recommended for creative professionals, gamers, or anyone who frequently works with large files and requires quick access to data.

Typical price i
400.– to 940.–

Provides extensive storage options, capable of holding massive amounts of data such as entire media libraries or backup systems.

Best suited for enterprises or tech-savvy individuals who manage large datasets, virtual machines, or extensive archival needs.

Typical price i
110.– to 440.–

Offers the highest data transfer speeds of up to 20 Gbps, significantly reducing file transfer times.

Ideal for users who frequently move large files, such as video editors or gamers, ensuring efficient workflow.

Typical price i
94.– to 420.–

Provides data transfer speeds of up to 10 Gbps, making it suitable for most standard data storage needs.

A versatile option for everyday users who require quick access to files without the need for the fastest speeds.

Typical price i
710.– to 1700.–

Supports data transfer rates of up to 40 Gbps, allowing for extremely fast file transfers and daisy-chaining multiple devices.

Best for professionals who require high performance, such as graphic designers or 4K video editors, enabling seamless multitasking.

Typical price i
150.– to 680.–

Features a reversible connector and supports various protocols, including USB 3.1 and Thunderbolt 3, for versatile connectivity.

Perfect for modern devices and users who value convenience, offering easy plug-in without orientation issues.

Typical price i
80.– to 150.–

Compact and lightweight design, making it easy to carry in a bag or pocket.

Ideal for users who need portable storage for travel, such as students or professionals on the go.

Typical price i
240.– to 990.–

Larger size typically offers higher storage capacities, often exceeding 4TB.

Best suited for desktop use or users requiring extensive storage for video editing or large file backups.

Typical price i
89.– to 230.–

Contains a single hard disk, offering a straightforward and compact storage solution.

Ideal for everyday users who need basic storage for documents, photos, and videos without the complexity of RAID setups.

Typical price i
570.– to 1200.–

Includes two hard disks, often configured for RAID, providing enhanced data protection and potentially improved speed.

Best suited for professionals or businesses that require reliable backup solutions and faster data access for large files.

Recognized for producing reliable and high-capacity external hard drives.

Offers a range of options from portable to desktop drives, catering to both personal and professional users.

Known for innovative storage solutions and a broad selection of products.

Provides excellent value with high transfer speeds, ideal for gamers and content creators needing quick backups.

Famous for stylish designs and rugged external drives preferred by creatives.

Delivers high performance with options specifically built for photographers and video editors, ensuring safe storage of large files.

Offers a range of affordable and reliable external drives for everyday use.

Well-suited for casual users needing straightforward storage solutions without compromising on quality.

Known for budget-friendly external hard drives with decent performance.

A great option for users looking for essential features without a high price tag, perfect for simple file storage.