
Too Many External Hard Drives? Here's How to Choose the Right One
Discover the key factors you need to consider when selecting the perfect external hard drive for your needs.
Last updated 2 weeks ago. Automatically generated content.


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Storage capacity refers to the amount of data that an external hard drive can hold, measured in terabytes (TB). Choosing the right capacity is crucial for meeting your data storage needs, whether for personal files, business data, or multimedia projects.
Popular options
Up to 3 TB
Typical price
72.– to 140.–Suitable for storing documents, photos, and small video files.
Ideal for personal or small business use where data storage requirements are minimal.
Bestseller
4 - 8 TB
Typical price
140.– to 320.–Provides ample space for larger files like HD videos and software backups.
Great for users who need to store significant amounts of data without frequent upgrades.
Bestseller
9 - 22 TB
Typical price
340.– to 890.–Offers extensive storage for large-scale data such as 4K videos or extensive databases.
Best for professionals or businesses with high-capacity storage demands, ensuring room for growth.
Bestseller
The interface of an external hard drive determines the type of connection it uses to transfer data to and from a computer. Choosing the right interface affects transfer speed and compatibility with your devices, influencing overall performance and convenience.
Popular options (you can select more than one)
USB 3.0
Typical price
85.– to 230.–Widely compatible with most devices, offering transfer speeds up to 5 Gbps.
Ideal for general use, providing a good balance of speed and accessibility for everyday tasks.
Bestseller
USB-C
Typical price
140.– to 710.–Features a reversible connector and supports transfer speeds up to 10 Gbps.
Perfect for modern devices, offering faster data transfers and improved ease of use with a convenient plug design.
Bestseller
Thunderbolt 3
Typical price
680.– to 2100.–Supports transfer speeds up to 40 Gbps and can daisy chain multiple devices.
Best for professionals needing ultra-fast data transfers, enhancing productivity with high-speed connections and versatility.
Bestseller
USB 3.1
Typical price
85.– to 420.–Provides transfer speeds up to 10 Gbps, doubling that of USB 3.0.
Great for users looking for faster performance without needing the latest devices, offering enhanced speed for data-heavy tasks.
Bestseller

WD My Passport Ultra 20th Emerald Anniversary Edition
2 TB
Form factor in external hard drives refers to the size and dimensions of the drive, affecting compatibility with different devices and portability. Selecting the appropriate form factor is important for ensuring that the hard drive meets your specific storage needs and fits the intended use environment.
Popular options (you can select more than one)
2.5"
Typical price
80.– to 150.–Compact size, typically used in portable external hard drives.
Ideal for users needing a lightweight and travel-friendly storage solution, making it easy to carry in a backpack or laptop bag.
Bestseller
3.5"
Typical price
230.– to 890.–Larger size, usually found in desktop external hard drives.
Best suited for home or office setups where portability is less important, offering higher storage capacities and often more affordable price per gigabyte.
Bestseller
Additional functions in external hard drives enhance their versatility, providing users with more than just storage capabilities. These features can significantly improve user convenience, data security, and overall functionality, making the drive a more valuable tool.
Popular options (you can select more than one)
Hardware encryption
Typical price
130.– to 490.–Offers built-in encryption to secure data on the drive without using additional software.
Ideal for users who need to protect sensitive information, providing an extra layer of security against unauthorized access.
Bestseller
Charging external devices
Typical price
76.– to 200.–Allows the hard drive to charge devices like smartphones through USB ports.
Convenient for users who need to charge devices on the go, reducing the need for carrying multiple chargers.
Bestseller
Hot swapping
Typical price
490.– to 1100.–Enables the drive to be connected or disconnected without shutting down the computer.
Useful for users who frequently switch drives, facilitating easy and efficient data management without interruption.
Bestseller
Choosing the right brand for external hard drives significantly impacts device reliability, performance, and data safety. Brands like WD and Seagate are renowned for their durability and wide-ranging capacities, while LaCie emphasizes design and creative professional use.
Popular brands (you can select more than one)
WD
Recognized for reliable and durable external storage solutions.
Offers a wide range of capacities with robust data protection features.
Bestseller
LaCie
Known for stylish designs and high-performance drives.
Ideal for creative professionals seeking fast data transfer rates and sleek aesthetics.
Bestseller
Seagate
Offers a diverse range of drives with high storage capacities.
Trusted for its balance of performance and affordability, suitable for everyday use.
Bestseller
Toshiba
Provides cost-effective storage solutions with solid performance.
Beneficial for budget-conscious users needing reliable basic storage.
Bestseller

Toshiba Canvio Ready HDTP320EK3AA 2000 GB, 2.5 inch, USB 3.2 Gen1, Black
2 TB
Intenso
Focused on compact and affordable storage options.
Great for casual users looking for simple, straightforward solutions.
Bestseller