15 Best Portable External Hard Drives

We have analyzed 631 products and 4473 reviews to bring you the best possible Portable External Hard Drives. Read on to learn more which Portable External Hard Drives is the best and why. In today’s fast-paced world, shopping for the right Portable External Hard Drives can be a daunting task. With a plethora of options available, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and end up making a purchase you might regret later. Fear not, as we’ve put together this comprehensive buying guide to help you navigate the world of Portable External Hard Drives and make an informed decision that suits your needs and preferences.

TOP Portable External Hard Drives Ranked:

SaleRanked #1
Seagate Portable 5TB External Hard Drive HDD – USB 3.0 for PC, Mac, PS4, & Xbox - 1-Year Rescue Service (STGX5000400), Black
  • Easily store and access 5TB of content on the go with the Seagate portable drive, a USB external hard Drive
  • Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
  • To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition software required
  • This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
Ranked #2
Toshiba Canvio Basics 2TB Portable External Hard Drive USB 3.0, Black - HDTB520XK3AA
  • Sleek profile design with a matte, smudge-resistance finish
  • Plug & Play - Easy to use with no software to install
  • Quickly add more storage capacity to your PC and other compatible devices
  • USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 compatible with no external AC power cord needed
  • Pre-formatted NTFS for Windows PC (reformatting required for Mac computers)
Ranked #3
WD 5TB Elements Portable HDD, External Hard Drive, USB 3.0 for PC & Mac, Plug and Play Ready - WDBU6Y0050BBK-WESN
  • Adding extra storage for your videos, music, photos, and files..Date transfer rate:5Gbps.Operating temperature: 5°C to 35°C, Non-op. temperature:...
  • Transfer data at maximum speed with USB 3.0; USB 2.0 compatible
  • Improve PC performance - When your internal hard drive is almost full your PC slows down. Don’t delete files. Free up space on your internal hard...
  • Plug-and-play ready for Windows PC
  • High capacity in a small enclosure – The small, lightweight design offers up to 5TB* capacity, making WD Elements portable hard drives the ideal...
SaleRanked #4
SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD, 1TB External Solid State Drive, Speeds Up to 1,050MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Reliable Storage for Gaming, Students, Professionals, MU-PC1T0T/AM, Gray
  • MADE FOR THE MAKERS: Create; Explore; Store; The T7 Portable SSD delivers fast speeds and durable features to back up any endeavor; Build your video...
  • SHARE IDEAS IN A FLASH: Don’t waste a second waiting and spend more time doing; The T7 is embedded with PCIe NVMe technology that brings fast read...
  • ALWAYS MAKE THE SAVE: Compact design with massive capacity; With capacities up to 4TB, save exactly what you need to your drive – from large working...
  • ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether using a PC or mobile phone, count on the T7 for extensive compatibility²; It’s a true team player when it comes to...
  • HI RESOLUTION VIDEO RECORDING: Record Ultra High Resolution (4K 60fs) videos directly onto the T7 Portable SSD with your favorite camera or mobile...
  • ALL FOR THE SHOT: This strong, sturdy sidekick will help you see it through with shock resistance and fall protection up to 6 feet⁴; With its solid...
  • WORLD’S #1 FLASH MEMORY BRAND: Performance and reliability from the world’s #1 brand for flash memory since 2003⁵; All firmware and components...
SaleRanked #5
WD_BLACK 5TB P10 Game Drive - Portable External Hard Drive HDD, Compatible with Playstation, Xbox, PC, & Mac - WDBA3A0050BBK-WESN
  • Available in capacities up to 5TB that can hold up to 125 games, so that you can save old favorites and still have room for new titles (As used for...
  • Comes with an 18-inch (457mm) USB Type-A to Micro-B cable with SuperSpeed interface up to 5Gbps (Cable length may vary.)
  • Compatible with Xbox Series X/S (play and store Xbox One games, archive Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S games) and PlayStation 5 (play and store PS4...
  • Portable form factor with sleek metal top covering that provides fast access to your growing game library
  • Premium HDD with 3-year limited warranty, purpose-built for gamers based on WD_BLACK quality and reliability
  • English (Publication Language)
SaleRanked #6
LaCie Rugged Mini 2TB External Hard Drive Portable HDD - USB 3.0/ 2.0 Compatible, Drop Shock Dust Rain Resistant Shuttle Drive, For Mac And PC Computer (LAC9000298), orange
  • Shock, drops up to 4 feet, dust and water resistant for all-terrain use.Specific uses: Personal
  • For Mac compatibility this Hard Drive requires reformatting. Refer to Application Guide for more details
  • Password protection built in
  • Uses USB 3.0 which is up to 4 times faster than USB 2.0 (USB 2.0 compatible)
  • Includes 1-month complimentary membership to Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps Plan. Must redeem by January 31, 2020
  • English (Publication Language)
Ranked #7
LaCie Rugged 5TB Portable External HDD - USB 3.0/2.0 Compatible, Shock/Dust/Rain Resistant for Mac & PC, Orange, Grey
  • Shock, drops up to 4 feet, dust and water resistant for all-terrain use
  • For Mac compatibility this Hard Drive requires reformatting. Refer to Application Guide for more details
  • Password protection built in
  • Uses USB 3.0 which is up to 4 times faster than USB 2.0 (USB 2.0 compatible)
  • Included Cable: USB-C
Ranked #8
Western Digital WD 2TB My Passport Portable External Hard Drive with backup software and password protection, Blue - WDBYVG0020BBL-WESN
  • Slim Design
  • Software for device management and backup with password protection. (Download and installation required. Terms and conditions apply. User account...
  • 256-bit AES hardware encryption
  • SuperSpeed USB 3.0 port (5Gbps); USB 2.0 compatible
  • 3-year limited warranty
  • English (Publication Language)
SaleRanked #9
Maxone 500GB Ultra Slim Portable External Hard Drive HDD USB 3.0 for PC, Mac, Laptop, PS4, Xbox one - Charcoal Grey
  • ✔ Ultra Slim and Sturdy Metal Design: Merely 0.4 inch thick. All-Aluminum anti-scratch model delivers remarkable strength and durability, keeping...
  • ✔ A Reliable Game Drive: This PS4 external hard drive features fast and stable performance for PS4, PS4 Pro, and Xbox One, does not refuse or delete...
  • ✔ Improve PC Performance: Powered by USB 3.0 technology, this USB hard drive is much faster than - but still compatible with - USB 2.0 backup drive,...
  • ✔ Plug and Play: This external drive is ready to use without external power supply or software installation needed. Ideal extra storage for your...
  • ✔ What's Included: Portable external hard drive, 19-inch(48.26cm) USB 3.0 hard drive cable, user's manual, 3-Year manufacturer warranty with free...
Ranked #10
Toshiba Canvio Flex 2TB Portable External Hard Drive USB-C USB 3.0, Silver for PC, Mac, & Tablet - HDTX120XSCAA
  • Designed for PC, Mac, and Tablet (check compatibility at Toshiba's Consumer HDD website).
  • Formatted exFAT for cross-device compatibility (2).
  • USB-C ready, USB 3.0 compatible.
  • Versatile design. Includes USB-C and USB-A cables.
Ranked #11
VFENG 500GB Portable External Hard Drive, Ultra Slim 2.5" USB 3.0 HDD Compatible with Mac, Xbox, PS4, PC, Laptop, Xbox One/360, Xbox Series X/S, Storage Expansion Backup, Black
  • 【LIGHTWEIGHT & PORTABLE】: This 500gb external hard drive measures 4.74*3.16*0.58 inches and weighs only 0.35 pounds, this portable hard drive can...
  • 【SAFE & DURABLE】: The main board of the external hard drive for Mac adopts JMS578 technology, which makes no noise when used. The USB external...
  • 【WIDE COMPATIBILITY】: Our portable external hard drive is compatible with Mac, PS4, Xbox, laptops, PC, TV. Compatible systems: Windows / Mac /...
  • 【CONVENIENT & STABLE】: This 500 gb hard drive needs to pass multiple performance tests such as a crystal oscillator test, anti-aging test, speed...
  • 【QUALITY ASSURANCE】: VFENG portable hard drive provides a 12-month warranty and 24x7 customer service. Also provide a comprehensive user manual,...
SaleRanked #12
UnionSine 500GB 2.5" Ultra Slim Portable External Hard Drive HDD-USB 3.0 for PC, Mac, Laptop, PS4, Xbox one,Xbox 360-HD-2510(Black)
  • 【Ultra-Fast Data Transfers 】- The external hard drive works with the USB 3.0 thickened copper core cable to provide super fast transfer speed. The...
  • 【Ultra-thin and quiet】-The motherboard adopts JMicron 578 noise-free solution, giving you a quiet working environment. Lightweight and portable...
  • 【Compatibility】Compatible with PS4/xbox one/Windows/Linux/Mac/Android / stable and fast loading on game consoles no difference from fast...
  • 【Plug and Play】 - With no software to install, just plug it in and the drive is ready to use.The hard disk chip is wrapped with an aluminum...
  • 【Double anti-interference】-The external hard drive chip adds a signal shielding layer, the transmission speed of the hard disk will be faster than...
SaleRanked #13
SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD - Up to 1050MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance, Updated Firmware - External Solid State Drive - SDSSDE61-1T00-G25
  • Get NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds in a portable, high-capacity drive(1) (Based on internal testing;...
  • Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance mean this tough drive can take a beating(3) (Previously rated for 2-meter drop...
  • Use the handy carabiner loop to secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind.
  • Help keep private content private with the included password protection featuring 256‐bit AES hardware encryption.(3)
  • Easily manage files and automatically free up space with the SanDisk Memory Zone app.(5)
SaleRanked #14
SanDisk Professional 5TB G-Drive ArmorATD - Rugged, Durable Portable External Hard Drive HDD, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 1 - SDPH81G-005T-GBA1D
  • USB-C (5Gbps) drive for quick file backup and storage
  • USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt 3 compatible
  • Transfer rates of up to 130MB/s read (1 MB/s = 1 million bytes per second. Based on internal testing; performance may vary depending upon host device,...
  • Premium, anodized aluminum enclosure for strength you can feel
  • Built tough with an easy-grip bumper for pro-grade durabilty you can trust
Ranked #15
Maxone Portable External Hard Drives 500GB-USB 3.0 2.5'' HDD Backup Storage for PC, Desktop, Laptop, Mac, MacBook, Xbox One, PS4,TV, Chromebook, Windows - Black
  • ✔Latest Version: 2.5-inch external hard drive, super fast transfer speed with upgrade USB 3.0(up to 5 Gbit / s), which is ten times as fast as - but...
  • ✔System Compatibility: Microsoft Windows 10/ Windows 8.1/ Windows 8/ Windows 7/ Mac OS (10.6.5 and above)/ Xbox/ PS4/ smart TV
  • ✔Plug-and-Play: Ready to go without external power supply and software installation needed
  • ✔Slim Style Pocket Sized Design: Mini portable hard drive protected by sturdy and durable case, comfortably fits your palm
  • ✔What You Get: 1 x portable hard drive, 1 x USB 3.0 cable, 1 x user manual, 3-Year Manufacturer Warranty

Why Invest in a Quality Portable External Hard Drives

Before diving into the nitty-gritty of choosing the best Portable External Hard Drives, it’s essential to understand why investing in a quality product is crucial. A well-crafted Portable External Hard Drives not only enhances your experience but also ensures longevity and value for your money. Here are a few reasons why you should prioritize quality over cost:

  • Durability: A high-quality Portable External Hard Drives is built to last, saving you from the hassle and expense of frequent replacements.
  • Performance: Premium Portable External Hard Drives often boast superior performance, delivering better results and ensuring a more satisfying experience.
  • Safety: Reputable brands prioritize safety standards, ensuring that their Portable External Hard Drives meet all necessary regulations and protect you from potential hazards.
  • Warranty and Customer Support: Top-tier manufacturers typically offer comprehensive warranties and reliable customer support, giving you peace of mind in case of any issues.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Portable External Hard Drives

With the importance of quality established, let’s delve into the key factors you should consider when selecting the best Portable External Hard Drives for your needs.

  1. Brand Reputation
    Brand reputation is a crucial aspect to consider when shopping for a Portable External Hard Drives. Established brands with a proven track record of producing high-quality products are generally more reliable and trustworthy. Research brands thoroughly, read customer reviews, and gather as much information as possible to make an informed decision.
  2. Product Features
    Different Portable External Hard Drives come with varying features and functionalities. Determine your specific needs and priorities, and choose a product that aligns with them. Consider factors such as size, weight, material, ease of use, and any additional features that may enhance your experience.
  3. Performance and Specifications
    Closely examine the performance and specifications of the Portable External Hard Drives you’re considering. Pay attention to details like speed, capacity, efficiency, and compatibility to ensure the product meets your expectations and can handle your intended use.
  4. Price and Value
    While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, remember that quality often comes with a higher price tag. Strike a balance between cost and value by considering the long-term benefits and potential savings of investing in a premium Portable External Hard Drives.
  5. Customer Reviews and Ratings
    One of the best ways to gauge a product’s performance and reliability is to read customer reviews and ratings. Scour reputable online platforms and forums to gain insights from real-world users. Pay attention to both positive and negative feedback to get a well-rounded understanding of the product.
  6. Warranty and Customer Support
    A robust warranty and reliable customer support are essential factors to consider. Reputable manufacturers typically offer comprehensive warranties and responsive customer service, providing peace of mind and ensuring you’re covered in case of any issues or defects.

Tips for Making the Best Purchase

Now that you’re armed with the necessary knowledge, here are some additional tips to help you make the best purchase:

  • Set a Budget: Determine your budget beforehand and stick to it. This will help you narrow down your options and avoid overspending.
  • Do Your Research: Thoroughly research the Portable External Hard Drives you’re interested in. Read reviews, watch videos, and gather as much information as possible from reliable sources.
  • Compare Options: Once you’ve shortlisted a few potential Portable External Hard Drives, compare their features, specifications, and prices side-by-side to make an informed decision.
  • Consider Future Needs: While it’s essential to address your current needs, also consider your future requirements. Choose a Portable External Hard Drives that can adapt and grow with your evolving needs.
  • Buy from Reputable Sellers: Purchase your Portable External Hard Drives from reputable sellers or directly from the manufacturer to ensure authenticity and access to warranty and customer support.
  • Take Advantage of Promotions and Discounts: Keep an eye out for sales, promotions, or discounts that can help you save money while still getting a quality Portable External Hard Drives.

By following this comprehensive buying guide and considering the factors outlined, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the Portable External Hard Drives market and make a purchase that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.

Sophie Delatorre
Sophie Delatorre

I'm Sophie Delatorre, an experienced and trusted product review expert known for my in-depth and unbiased analyses. With over 10 years under my belt reviewing all types of consumer products, from tech gadgets to home appliances, I provide comprehensive feedback to help consumers make informed purchase decisions.

My specialty is putting products through rigorous real-world testing to evaluate quality, durability, ease of use, and overall value. I credit my background in consumer science and engineering for my meticulous eye for detail and technical know-how when breaking down a product's specs and performance.

I also run my own website and YouTube channel where I share videos demonstrating product tests and detailed buying advice.

When I'm not busy buying and reviewing the latest products, I stay on top of consumer trends and innovations. My passion lies in helping everyday shoppers cut through marketing claims to find the best value products that will save time, money, and hassle.