Top 12 Best External Hard Drives of 2022
External Hard Drive – Opinions, Analysis and Comparison
When internal hard drives fill up or when your TV, Smart TV Box or corporate network needs additional space, having an external hard drive is the best solution. These external hard drives come in a wide variety of capacities and designs, with attractive prices and all kinds of features, depending on what you need. This is what we find in the Maxtor HX-M201TCB/GM external hard drive, which offers you 2TB of space and USB 3.0 connectivity in a product that weighs just 168 grams and is similar in size to a smartphone. If you prefer a 2TB high-endurance model, trust the Silicon Power Rugged Armor A65 drive, with a design resistant to water, shock and any external threat.
The 12 Best External Hard Drives – Opinions 2022
The external hard drive has now become a quality tool with which to make copies of our documents, as well as take them with us wherever we want. A versatile product that helps us in a remarkable way in our daily tasks and that, thanks to the advice in our guide to buying the best external hard drive, you will be able to select without many worries and without having to spend more in the process.
1TB external hard drive
1. Maxtor STSHX-M101TCBM 1TB
If a 1 TB external hard drive is enough for you, the Maxtor STSHX- model may be just what you were looking for. This 1TB USB 3.0 external hard drive further speeds up the data transfer process, saving you time accessing your data. So you won’t have to wait to save or access your data when working with devices that support this new USB 3.0 interface.
A 1 TB external hard drive that is also compact, with dimensions of 11.8 centimeters long by 8.2 wide and 2 high, weighing just 168 grams. Therefore, it is also the best proposal to use it in mobility.
And if that wasn’t enough, since the model is among the cheapest external hard drives we’ve reviewed, it could very well be the best value for money external hard drive at the moment.
Let’s discover some more details about this external hard drive, located among the cheap models, although with adequate efficiency when it comes to protecting your data.
Pros
USB 3.0: The 3.0 connectivity that includes the hard drive allows you to speed up data transfer even more and save time in these processes.
Portability : It is one of the most compact and light devices that we have analyzed, so you can take it with you wherever you want.
Finish : The external finish of the disk, which simulates cloth in different shades of black, gives the device a look that is almost out of place.
Cons
USB cable: The USB cable included with the device can be somewhat short for those users who have to connect the drive to USB ports that are somewhat remote or difficult to access.
Heat : In hot environments, the performance of the hard drive may not be adequate, so it is recommended to maintain proper ventilation in the room and the device.
2. Verbatim 53023 1TB USB 3.0
The Verbatim 53023 model is another interesting 1TB external hard drive with adequate capacity for those who do not require more disk space. A simple model and from a quality manufacturer, so you don’t have to worry about the security of your data when making backup copies or always having all your data at hand.
A model that, despite being a cheap external hard drive, has quality details such as USB 3.0 connectivity, which speeds up file transfer and saves you time in this process. The disk is also very compact, with measurements similar to those of a mobile phone and weighing about 180 grams, so it will not be difficult to take it with you wherever you want.
Learn more about this product and what it offers you when it comes to better managing your data.
Pros
Size: This hard drive practically fits in your pocket, without space problems.
USB 3.0: Its 3.0 speed gives you high performance when transferring data.
Recognized brand: We are talking about a model of a recognized brand, which gives you extra security when using your data.
Cons
Cable: The included cable may be somewhat shorter than desirable, depending on some comments.
Power: If you use it for a DTT or Smart TV, the power supplied may not be enough.
2TB external hard drive
3. Silicon Power Rugged Armor A65 2TB
If you’re looking for a high-endurance 2TB external hard drive, the Silicon Power Rugged Armor A65 has you covered. And it is that this model has been designed just for those who need products that withstand shocks, humidity or dust without deteriorating. To do this, it has a high quality silicone outer cover, which complies with the IP67 standard. Enough to protect the model adequately and meet the testing standards of the US Army efficiently.
Inside we find those 2 TB of storage with remarkable performance in terms of speed, thanks to its USB 3.0 connectivity. A hard drive that is compatible with both Windows and Mac computers, not requiring external power to function properly.
This disk gives you all the necessary security so that the device does not deteriorate, as you will see below.
Pros
Protection : This disk withstands shocks, humidity and all kinds of risks during use.
Speed : USB 3.0 connectivity gives extra speed when moving your data.
Compatible : The hard drive is compatible with both Windows and Mac computers.
Cons
Dimensions: Even though it is compact, we are talking about a somewhat bulkier disk due to its casing.
Cord storage: Cord storage is tricky, so it can coil up during use.
4. Seagate Backup Plus Slim 2TB
If you are looking for a cheap external hard drive within the 2TB line, the Seagate Backup Plus Slim model has both the capacity and the quality and design necessary to perform adequately when it comes to managing your data. This disc offers you a slim-cut design, so it will be easy for you to take it wherever you want. And it is that this hard drive has measures similar to those of a mobile, weighing only 159 grams.
This 2TB external hard drive also has USB 3.0 connectivity, thus speeding up the data transfer process compared to other similar models. A functionality that is finished off with the quality of this manufacturer, which gives extra security to the data you store on the device no matter how much you move or use it.
We analyze this model below, so that you are clear about what you can find when using it.
Pros
Slim: The slim design offers a really compact size and weighs about 159 grams.
Quality : Seagate is always a guarantee of quality when it comes to the product.
Backup : The drive has been optimized for backup.
Cons
Speed: Even with a USB 3.0 port, the model only transfers 220 MB of data per second.
Protection : It is missed that it does not have password protection or its own software.
PS4 external hard drive
5. Seagate STGD2000400 Game Drive 2TB
If you need an external hard drive for PS4, there are models specially designed for this type of product, such as the Seagate STGD2000400. This external hard drive for PS4 has a nominal capacity of 2 GB and, as we say, it has been specially designed for this game console. Something that allows you to store up to 50 games inside, also having a configuration that allows you to access your game library in just a few seconds.
A model that is also compatible with both the original PS4 and its Slim or Pro versions and, as if this were not enough, the product maintains Seagate quality, so you will not have to worry about problems transferring files or in the security of the data you have stored inside.
Complete the storage of your PS4 with this hard drive designed for this console, which we analyze below.
Pros
Compatibility: Being a specific product, you will not have device connectivity problems.
Space : Inside you will be able to store up to 50 PS4 games without complications.
Fast boot: The hard drive only needs a few seconds to give you access to your games.
Cons
Actual Capacity: Due to the drive system, the actual capacity of the drive is 3.6TB.
Cable : The cable tends to be somewhat weak, so it should be treated with care.
4TB external hard drive
6.WD My Passport 4TB USB 3.0
The 4 TB WD My Passport Black external hard drive is one of the most interesting models on the market for those who need good storage capacity. And it is that this hard drive is capable of storing a large amount of data with a good transfer speed based on the new USB 3.0 system.
This 4TB external hard drive is highly efficient, so it is recommended for both backup and use as a home entertainment center. A resistant model that also has an elegant design, so it does not clash anywhere you place it.
And to make everything easier, WD’s own software makes the backup process easier, both from your PC and when importing data from social networks or cloud services.
Considered by many users as the best brand of external hard drives, let’s see some more details of one of its most recognized representatives.
Pros
Capacity: Located in the mid-range for storage capacity, the 4 TB that this external hard drive has is more than adequate in both professional and home environments.
Transfer speed: The transfer speed of the disk is considerable, reaching about 125 MBps in read mode according to the tests carried out by some users.
Software: WD’s backup software is very efficient and well-known among users, so it will help make this process easier.
Cons
Connection cable: The connection cable has a manufacturer’s own connector, so if it breaks or you lose it, you will have to buy another cable.
Partitions : You may need to partition the internal space depending on the use you are going to give the computer and the disk capacity that the connected device can handle.
SSD external hard drive
7. Seagate STEB4000200 Expansion Desktop 4TB
One of the biggest novelties we have on the market is the external SSD hard drive. A technology that we can enjoy with models such as the Seagate STEB4000200 external hard drive.
This technology allows the hard drive to reach speeds of up to 550 Mbps when connected via USB 3.0 to compatible products. An efficient system that is also safer than conventional models, since this disc does not need moving parts to work. Something that is finished off with an IP55 certification with which the product withstands drops of up to 2 meters on hard ground.
And so you can take it wherever you want, this external SSD hard drive is about the size of a credit card, so it won’t even take up much space in your pocket. By the way, although this model has 500 GB of capacity, Sandisk offers disks of this type with up to 2 TB of storage capacity.
Specially designed for when you have to work on the move, let’s analyze some more aspects about this model and its characteristics.
Pros
SSD system: The SSD system significantly accelerates data transfer speed compared to conventional disks, saving you time in the process.
Size: It is one of the smallest and most compact products on the market, so it is much easier to take it with you wherever you want.
Safety : Since the product does not include mechanical parts, it is possible to move it while it is in operation without the risk of breakdowns.
Cons
USB 3.0 connectivity: It is necessary to have devices with a USB 3.0 port to speed up the data transfer process as much as possible.
Cable size: The size of the connection cable is somewhat tight, although if you need it you can always change it for another longer cable.
500 GB external hard drive
8. Toshiba Canvio Basics 500GB USB 3.0
Although they are less and less in demand, it is still possible to find a 500 GB external hard drive, as the Toshiba Canvio Basics model shows us. This adjusted capacity hard drive is interesting for those who do not need more storage and do not want to spend more.
That doesn’t mean giving up anything, as this 500GB external hard drive features USB 3.0-based high-speed technology, dedicated USB power, and a quality finish.
The same goes for its measurements, 13.8 centimeters long by 12.5 wide and just 3.8 centimeters high. As for the weight, this is only 149 grams, which guarantees its adequate portability.
If you are not sure what this model offers you, we will give you some more details about the product.
Pros
USB 3.0: The USB 3.0 port accelerates drive performance to give you faster speeds.
Version : This version of the product has been released in 2018, for better quality and safety.
Portable : The drive weighs just 150 grams and is similar in size to a smartphone.
Cons
Quality: Some user comments that the product tends to fail over time if it is used intensively.
Case : The case is not firm and slides, which may damage the device inside.
3TB external hard drive
9. Transcend StoreJet 25H3 3TB USB 3.0
The Transcend StoreJet 25H3 model is an interesting 3 TB capacity hard drive, combined with an exterior design that prevents damage or deterioration of it. And it is that this model reaches the demanding military grade in terms of resistance, counting for this with an outer cover that absorbs shocks and prevents moisture from doing its thing when using the device.
A hard drive strong on the outside and powerful on the inside, thanks to its compatibility with USB 3.1 connectivity. Something that speeds up performance and data transfer, saving you time on all your tasks. It also saves you time the software included in the hard drive, which allows you to better organize your backups and copy your files as well as recover deleted or lost files from the drive.
Designed for those who need more data capacity, let’s learn more about this product and its characteristics.
Pros
Capacity: Its capacity is suitable for users with high storage demand.
Protection : The external military-grade protection gives the device great resistance, even in the harshest conditions.
Software : The included software facilitates the comprehensive management of the device, as well as the execution of backup copies and other similar tasks.
Cons
Power: Depending on where it is connected to, it may not get enough power to work via USB.
Dimensions and weight: The outer casing slightly increases the size and weight of this device.
Other products
10. Maxtor HX-M201TCB/GM 2TB
If a 1TB external hard drive isn’t enough for you, the Maxtor HX-M201TCB/GM may be just what you’re looking for. This 2TB USB 3.0 external hard drive further speeds up the data transfer process, saving you time accessing your data. So you won’t have to wait to save or access your data when working with devices that support this new USB 3.0 interface.
All this in a really compact product, with dimensions of 11.8 centimeters long by 8.2 wide and 2 high, weighing just 168 grams. That is why it is also the best proposal to use it in mobility.
And as if that were not enough, since the model is among the cheapest external hard drives we have analyzed, it could well be the best external hard drive for value for money of the moment.
Let’s discover some more details about this external hard drive, located among the cheap models, although with adequate efficiency when it comes to protecting your data.
Pros
USB 3.0: The 3.0 connectivity that includes the hard drive allows you to speed up data transfer even more and save time in these processes.
Portability: It is one of the most compact and light devices that we have analyzed, so you can take it with you wherever you want.
Finish: The external finish of the disc, which simulates fabric in different shades of black, gives the device a look that is almost out of place.
Cons
USB cable: The USB cable included with the device can be somewhat short for those users who have to connect the drive to USB ports that are somewhat remote or difficult to access.
Heat: In hot environments, the performance of the hard disk may not be adequate, so it is recommended to maintain the correct ventilation in the room.
11. Lacie LAC9000604 Porsche Design 3TB
If when deciding which is the best external hard drive for you, space is key, the Lacie LAC9000604 model will surely interest you. And it is that this external hard drive has a capacity of up to 8 TB of data, so it is suitable for storing everything you need, both at home and in your office.
A high-capacity product that is compatible with the modern USB 3.0 interface, thus accelerating the data traffic process when working with considerable volumes. This is helped by the included automatic backup software, which simplifies procedures and avoids problems.
As for its exterior, the equipment is protected with a 3-millimeter aluminum casing, which absorbs possible shocks during transport and placement of the device, for greater security.
If you are still not sure which external hard drive to buy, get to know this model in depth in case its characteristics could be of interest to you.
Pros
Capacity : Its 8 TB of capacity generates one of the highest capacities of all the models we have analyzed.
Compatibility : The product can be used with MAC or PC equipment, as well as using USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports, depending on what you need at any given time.
Aluminum casing: The aluminum casing combines high resistance when it comes to protecting your data with an elegant exterior design.
Cons
Transfer speed: Some users comment that the transfer speed may be lower than expected, although formatting the disk can solve it.
Noise : The level of noise generated by the device, without being especially annoying, is somewhat higher than what other models on the market have been generating.
12. SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 500GB
One of the biggest innovations we have in the portable hard drive market is SSD technology. A technology that we can enjoy with models such as the SanDisk Extreme external hard drive.
This technology allows the hard drive to reach speeds of up to 550 MBs if connected via USB 3.0 to compatible products. An efficient system that is also safer than conventional models, since this disc does not need moving parts to work. Something that is finished off with an IP55 certification with which the product withstands drops of up to 2 meters on hard ground.
And so you can take it wherever you want, this external hard drive is about the size of a credit card, so it won’t take up much space even in your pocket. By the way, although this model has 500 GB of capacity, Sandisk offers disks of this type with up to 2 TB of storage capacity.
Specially designed for when you have to work on the move, let’s analyze some more aspects about this model and its characteristics.
Pros
SSD system: The SSD system significantly accelerates data transfer speed compared to conventional disks, saving you time in the process.
Size : It is one of the smallest and most compact products on the market, so it is much easier to take it with you wherever you want.
Safety : Since the product does not include mechanical parts, it is possible to move it while it is in operation without the risk of breakdowns.
Cons
USB 3.0 connectivity: It is necessary to have devices with a USB 3.0 port to speed up the data transfer process as much as possible.
Cable size: The size of the connection cable is somewhat tight, although if you need it you can always change it for another longer cable.
Shopping guide
The external hard drive has now become a quality tool with which to make copies of our documents, as well as take them with us wherever we want. A versatile product that helps us in a remarkable way in our daily tasks and that, thanks to the advice in our guide to buying the best external hard drive, you will be able to select without many worries and without having to spend more in the process.
External hard drive type
If we had done this guide some time ago, the first section we would have dedicated ourselves to would be the capacity of the disk. But the current market situation currently leads us to have to consider what type of hard drive suits us, beyond that capacity. And it is enough to take a look at any comparison of external hard drives to see that there are two large groups of products today.
One of these groups would be formed by conventional hard drives, which are currently the most suitable for backup copies and massive data storage, as long as they are not going to be used frequently. The cost per GB of storage is cheaper and, generally, the disks have quality to withstand the passage of time without deterioration. Although it is true that they are somewhat more sensitive to shock than SSD products.
The other group is one of the new models that have reached the market, such as external SSD hard drives. These have a reading speed that can multiply by 10 the speed of conventional discs, also dispensing with mechanical parts in the process. Therefore, these disks are faster and more efficient, although at a higher cost per GB of storage. So they are suitable for drives that are used frequently and require high transfer speed.
Storage capacity
Now is the time to talk about the storage capacity of the external hard drive that we are evaluating. Something that has a notable influence on how much the product costs and that also depends on the type of hard drive that we are considering buying, as we will see below.
In the case of conventional hard drives, it is currently not convenient to buy any model that is less than 500 GB in capacity, these being the cheapest external hard drives that we find. A capacity that increases to 4 TB of conventional external hard drives. However, the measurement is increased to 8 or 10 TB, either through NAS systems and other more advanced options to take advantage of that space.
As for external SSD-type hard drives, the capacity is much tighter today. Specifically, the most common disks are between 128 and 512 GB of storage. A tight capacity, although it should be remembered that it will normally be dedicated to frequent uses, so you may not need as much space as a conventional disk. In any case, although its cost is not exactly cheap, it is possible to find models with up to 2 TB of capacity, in case you need them.
Product portability and connectivity
To finish our advice, it is time to talk about the connectivity and portability of the model that we are evaluating. Starting at the end, it would be necessary for the hard drive to have an adjusted weight, as well as adequate measurements, so that it is not difficult for you to take it with you wherever you want, both inside and outside your office.
Regarding connectivity, it is essential that the product we choose already has modern USB 3.0 connectivity. Something key so that the data transfer reaches a high level and, therefore, you do not have to wait too long to move large amounts of data, as you have good transfer speeds. Something that does not excessively increase the cost of the product and that will save you time in those transfers.
A process in which it is also convenient to verify that the product has a system that does not require external power, as is the case with older hard drives. So it will only be necessary to proceed to connect the disk to your computer through that USB socket, so that the hard disk starts to work, without further complications.
Frequently asked questions
Q1: Why doesn’t my computer recognize my external hard drive?
One of the main reasons why a computer does not recognize an external hard drive has to do with the connection cable. These cables tend to deteriorate over time, especially if they are bent or plugged in and out frequently. So, as a first step, we must verify the correct connection of the cable and its status.
If this is adequate, it may be convenient for us to change both that connection cable and the port to which we are connecting the hard drive. And if both elements work correctly but we still do not see the hard drive on another computer, perhaps the port on the drive itself may have been damaged, which has a bad fix.
Q2: How to format external hard drive for MAC?
The process of formatting a hard drive is the first step that we must take to use it on a Mac computer. To do so, we will access the disk utility that Mac offers and we will choose the type of hard drive that we want, depending on where we want the disk to be. itself can be read. In this case, the most convenient system would be Mac OS plus, which is the system that Apple uses in its computers. We will add a name to the hard disk and we will give it to apply so that the formatting process begins. Once it is finished, we will be able to use the hard drive without any problem with our Mac computer.
Q3: How to eject an external hard drive?
The process of ejecting an external hard drive, just like any other external storage drive, is critical to preventing drive damage and data loss. To proceed with this expulsion, we will go to the Windows clock area, we will look for the corresponding icon to eject elements safely and we will select the letter of the hard drive that we want to eject.
Once the process is finished, we will see a warning on the screen, from which moment we can physically disconnect the hard drive from the computer without risk. It is importa
