
Top rated External hard drives
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1. WD Elements Portable
Discover the reliability and large storage capacity of the WD Elements portable hard drive. With fast data transfer and seamless connectivity to USB 3.2 Gen 1/USB 3.0 devices, you can effortlessly back up your photos, videos, and other files on the go.
Smooth Expansion
With this plug-and-play hard drive, you can expand your capacity in seconds, allowing you to store your important files easily and worry-free.
High Capacity
The enormous storage capacity of up to 6 TB provides ample space for your valuable photos, unforgettable videos, and important documents while on the move.
Faster Data Transfer
Thanks to the high transfer speed of USB 3.2 Gen 1, you can quickly and easily access and share your files.
Designed for the Environment
The casing of this hard drive is made of over 50% recycled plastic. The packaging is made of over 50% recycled paper and is fully recyclable.
Technical Specifications
- Capacity: 5 TB
- Connection: Micro-B
- Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 1; USB 3.0
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 110 mm x 82 mm x 15 mm
- Weight: 0.13 kg
- Model Number: WDBUZG7500ABK-WESN
- Operating Temperature: 5 °C to 35 °C
- Non-Operating Temperature: -20 °C to 65 °C
- Certifications: FCC-ICES, CE, BSMI, RCM, VCCI, EAC, KC, UKCA
Product Features
- Plug-and-play expansion
- Huge storage capacities for photos, videos, music, important documents, and more
- SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbit/s)
Compatibility
- Windows 10 and above
- Reformatting may be required for other operating systems.
- Compatibility depends on the user's hardware configuration and operating system.
Package Contents
- WD Elements Portable Hard Drive
- SuperSpeed USB-A Cable (5 Gbit/s).
Pro
- Small and handy. Does what it has to do. BAckup.
- Lightweight and handy for travelling
- Small & compact on the outside, 5TB on the inside
Contra
- USB sticks are easier to handle - but generally much slower :-)
- If used on the desktop, the USB cable should be slightly longer
- Too slow for film and video editing

2. WD Elements Portable
The Western Digital Elements Portable external hard drive offers 4 TB of storage capacity in a compact, portable design. This black external storage solution provides ample space for files, photos, videos, and backups while maintaining a lightweight form factor for easy transport. The device features a USB 3.0 connection with backward compatibility to USB 2.0 ports, enabling efficient data transfer speeds when connected to compatible USB 3.0 interfaces. By offloading files from your computer's internal hard drive to this external storage medium, you can maintain system performance and responsiveness. The robust construction includes shock-resistant internal components designed for reliability during transport, complemented by a protective external casing. This storage solution is ideal for users who require significant portable storage capacity for personal or professional use, with the 4 TB model providing ample space for extensive media collections and backup needs. The device operates without an external power supply, drawing power directly through the USB connection for simplified setup and use. The Western Digital Elements Portable external hard drive represents a practical storage expansion option for computers and compatible devices, offering substantial capacity in a portable format with straightforward USB connectivity.

3. LaCie Rugged USB-C
The LaCie Rugged USB-C is a powerful, trusted external hard drive for Mac and Windows computers. Connect it quickly and easily to the latest laptops and PCs with the Rugged's reversible USB-C cable.
Rugged's reversible USB-C cable lets you quickly and easily connect to the latest Windows and Mac computers. It also works with the iPad to add extra storage to your Apple tablet. Enjoy fast USB-C 5Gb/s file transfers, backups and image browsing. Tackle any terrain with confidence thanks to drop, pressure and rain resistance. Take advantage of a free one-month subscription to the Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps plan to get access to the best photo and video editing apps.
Whether in the urban jungle or on forest trails, Rugged USB-C is ready to survive and connect. It combines legendary ruggedness with USB-C compatibility and works seamlessly with both Mac and Windows. Fast transfers. Simple, reliable backups. It's all there.
Experience unrivalled durability with Rugged USB-C, which can withstand drops of up to 1.2m (4ft), withstand the elements with its rainproof construction and support the weight of up to 1 tonne1 It's the ultimate companion for your active lifestyle - tough, rugged and ready for anything.
Turn RAW footage into flawless productions with a free one-month membership to the Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps plan.3 Explore the entire collection of desktop and mobile apps - from must-have programmes like Adobe Photoshop CC and Premiere Pro CC to innovative new tools for photography, 3D compositing and more.
Pro
- Robust and reliable
- Everything you need is included. 2 different USB cables.
- great design
Contra
- Very slow
- Slightly more expensive than a normal USB disc
- Loose contact USB-C connection

4. WD Elements Desktop
Reliable storage with enormous capacity for ultra-fast data transfers. This drive is compatible with the latest USB 3.0 devices and backward compatible with USB 2.0. It is formatted in NTFS and compatible with Windows 10, Windows 8.1, and Windows 7. Compatibility depends on the user's hardware configuration and operating system.
Pro
- Old batches fitted with good WhiteLabel RED and quiet
- Reliable and quiet
- Extends storage space ideally.
Contra
- loud... very loud...
- >4T too expensive
- It's just not an ssd so it's a bit slow with large data

5. WD Elements Desktop 4TB Externer USB 3.0 Festplatte
The Western Digital Elements Desktop 4TB external hard drive offers an extensive storage capacity of 4 terabytes, making it ideal for backing up and storing large amounts of data such as media collections, documents, and system files. With USB 3.0 technology, it enables fast data transfers and is backward compatible with older USB 2.0 connections. The compact and minimalist design of the hard drive fits well into any workspace. The plug-and-play functionality ensures that no additional software installation is required, allowing the drive to be used immediately after formatting with Windows and macOS systems. Additionally, it is designed to operate in a temperature range of 5°C to 35°C, providing reliable performance for desktop computers.
- 4 terabytes of storage capacity for extensive data collections
- USB 3.0 for fast data transfers
- Plug-and-play functionality for easy use
- Compact design for space-saving placement.

6. WD Elements Desktop externe Festplatte 14000 GB Schwarz
The Western Digital Elements Desktop external hard drive provides reliable, high-capacity storage for desktop computers. This external storage solution offers substantial data backup and expansion capabilities, featuring a durable design with a USB 3.0 interface for fast data transfer speeds. The drive maintains compatibility with both Windows and Mac operating systems, requiring no additional power adapter for operation. Its plug-and-play functionality ensures straightforward setup without specialized software installation. The compact desktop form factor optimizes space efficiency while delivering consistent performance for demanding storage requirements. Constructed with robust materials, this hard drive prioritizes data protection and long-term reliability. The Western Digital Elements series represents a practical storage solution for users requiring substantial capacity for media files, documents, and system backups. The device operates quietly with minimal heat generation during extended use. This external hard drive serves as a dependable component in comprehensive data management strategies, offering a balance of capacity, performance, and durability for professional and personal computing environments.

7. WD My Passport
Those who are flexible get more out of life. Secure your valuable memories on the go with the My Passport mobile hard drive. This high-capacity storage medium offers a seamless USB connection and allows easy access to your important files anytime and anywhere. Use the included Acronis True Image for Western Digital software for reliable data backup, including ransomware protection. Never lose files again – with the My Passport mobile hard drive, you can safely store your memories and have them readily available at all times.
Sleek Design
A slim and durable design that makes your life on the go effortless and comfortable. Thanks to its robust construction, the hard drive is a reliable companion for your adventures.
Large Capacity
With a storage capacity of up to 6 TB, you can take your photos, videos, music, and important documents with you anywhere, keeping everything securely in hand.
Easy Backups. Including Ransomware Protection.
The included Acronis True Image for Western Digital software simplifies the scheduling of backups for your valuable files. Additionally, back up your important applications and protect your computer system from data loss due to ransomware attacks.
Protection for Important Data
Protect your files from unauthorized access at home or on the go. Use the included software for added security with password protection and integrated 256-bit AES encryption.
Designed for the Environment
The casing of this hard drive is made of over 50% recycled plastic. The packaging is made of over 50% recycled paper and is fully recyclable.
Technical Specifications
- Capacity: 2 TB
- Connection: Micro-B
- Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 1, USB 2.0
- Transfer Speed: Up to 5 Gb/s
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 107.19 mm x 74.93 mm x 13.46 mm.
Pro
- Small, light, great design
- Small, handy, fast
- Absolutely reliable,
Contra
- Very slow
- No USB C (if you need this)
- Supplied USB cable rather short

8. WD My Book
The My Book Desktop hard drive features WD Backup software for Windows, is compatible with Apple Time Machine for Mac, and is a reliable solution for storing photos, videos, music files, and documents. The My Book Desktop hard drive also works excellently with Acronis True Image WD Edition software for scheduling complete system backups. With the built-in 256-bit AES hardware encryption and WD Security, you can set your own password to protect your content.
Pro
- reasonably quiet
- Storage space (14 TB is quite large)
- Robust, reliable and durable > 10 years
Contra
- Much too loud for continuous use
- "Only" USB-3, but sufficient for my purposes
- Short cables

9. WD My Passport - for Mac
My Passport for Mac - 2 TB (Blue)
Model Number: WDBA2D0020BBL-WESN
- Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 1
- Transfer Speed: up to 5 Gb/s
Those who are flexible get more out of life.
Safeguard your precious memories on the go with the My Passport for Mac mobile hard drive. This high-capacity Mac storage device, compatible with USB-C, offers a seamless USB connection and allows easy access to your valuable files anytime, anywhere. Use the included Acronis True Image for Western Digital software for reliable data backup, including ransomware protection. Never lose files again – with the My Passport mobile hard drive, you can securely store your memories and have them readily available at all times.
Ready for Macs. Optimized for Windows.
The My Passport for Mac mobile hard drive is ready to use right out of the box and can be universally connected thanks to its USB-C compatibility. To ensure the hard drive works seamlessly with computers running Windows 10+, a downloadable HFS+ driver is available without the need for reformatting.
Sleek Design
A slim and durable design that makes your life on the go effortless and comfortable. Thanks to its robust construction, the hard drive is a reliable companion for your adventures.
Large Capacity
With a storage capacity of up to 6 TB, you can take your photos, videos, music, and important documents with you anywhere, keeping everything securely in hand.
Easy Backups. Includes Ransomware Protection.
The included Acronis True Image for Western Digital software simplifies the scheduling of backups for your valuable files. Additionally, back up your important applications and protect your computer system from data loss due to ransomware attacks.
Protection for Important Data
Protect your files from unauthorized access at home or on the go. Use the included...
Pro
- Small and handy
- Very compact
- Small and light.
Contra
- Feels cheap
- too expensive
- Does not work properly

10. Toshiba Canvio Basics
High-capacity storage in a practical, compact, matte black case. The Canvio Basics hard drives from Toshiba are available in various sizes and are perfect for storing data, music, movies, and pictures. These devices are powered via USB and can be connected to a PC or laptop with a single USB cable. The portable hard drives with USB 3.0 technology are much faster than, yet still compatible with, USB 2.0 devices, allowing for quick transfers while organizing your files. The device is ready to use with Microsoft Windows and is powered through the USB cable. Intuitively drag and drop files to and from your PC or laptop.
Pro
- Very quiet
- Small and quiet
- Quiet and handy
Contra
- Very short USB cable
- No SSD
- None known to date
