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

Typical price i
76.– to 140.–

Offers sufficient space for everyday files, including documents, photos, and smaller media libraries.

Ideal for casual users who need to store personal data without extensive requirements, such as students or home users.

Typical price i
140.– to 420.–

Provides a substantial amount of storage, suitable for larger media collections, including high-definition videos and extensive photo libraries.

Recommended for creative professionals or enthusiasts who work with large files, such as photographers or videographers.

Typical price i
400.– to 1000.–

Accommodates extensive data needs, perfect for businesses, data backups, or media production environments.

Essential for users requiring significant storage for large-scale projects or multiple users, such as video editors or organizations managing big data.

Typical price i
150.– to 710.–

A versatile connection that supports fast data transfer and charging in a single cable.

Ideal for modern devices, USB-C provides high-speed access and ensures compatibility with newer laptops and smartphones.

Typical price i
85.– to 260.–

Offers up to 5 Gbps data transfer speed, significantly faster than USB 2.0.

Great for everyday use, USB 3.0 is suitable for transferring large files quickly, such as videos or backups.

Typical price i
710.– to 1600.–

Supports data transfer speeds up to 40 Gbps, allowing for rapid file transfers and high-performance tasks.

Perfect for professionals, Thunderbolt 3 is ideal for video editing or running multiple high-bandwidth devices simultaneously.

Typical price i
100.– to 370.–

Enhances USB 3.1 technology to deliver up to 20 Gbps data transfer speeds.

Beneficial for users with high-capacity storage needs, USB 3.2 is effective for quickly backing up large datasets or media libraries.

Typical price i
94.– to 420.–

Offers data transfer speeds of up to 10 Gbps, doubling the speed of USB 3.0.

A solid choice for general users, USB 3.1 provides faster backups and quicker access to stored files, improving overall efficiency.

Typical price i
80.– to 170.–

Utilizes a USB connection to provide power, allowing for faster data transfer speeds and compatibility with various devices.

Ideal for users who prioritize portability and convenience, as it reduces the need for additional power adapters and clutter.

Typical price i
240.– to 990.–

Requires a direct electrical outlet for power, often providing more stable and consistent energy supply.

Best suited for users needing high-capacity storage solutions for extensive data tasks, such as video editing or backups, where performance is critical.

Typical price i
80.– to 150.–

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

Ideal for users who need on-the-go storage for laptops, gaming consoles, or backups without added bulk.

Typical price i
240.– to 990.–

Larger size allows for increased storage capacity, often exceeding several terabytes.

Best suited for stationary use, such as home or office setups, where high-capacity storage is needed for large files or media libraries.

Known for its vast range of reliable external hard drives, catering to both personal and professional use.

Offers robust data protection features, making it an excellent choice for users requiring secure data storage.

Renowned for high-capacity drives that are ideal for gamers and professionals needing extensive storage.

Provides a variety of user-friendly software tools, enhancing the overall functionality of their products.

Specializes in stylish, rugged external hard drives designed for creative professionals on the go.

Combines aesthetic design with high performance, making it suitable for users who value both form and function.

Offers a balance of affordability and performance, catering to budget-conscious consumers.

Ideal for everyday use, providing reliable storage solutions for casual users and students.

Focuses on providing cost-effective external drives with decent performance for general use.

Perfect for basic data backup needs, making it a practical choice for those who need simple solutions.