April 25th, 2019 | Updated on February 1st, 2024
The world over computers and laptops has transformed our lives. By now it has become very smooth for us to store unlimited data in our devices and access them as and where we want.
But doing so also comes with its share of risks as there is always the danger of losing crucial information. In that context, it is always advised to opt for an external hard drive to store your data. However, with the dearth of options in the same available, we are most likely to get confused over which to pick.
Here we are bringing for you a list of the Top 10 Best External Hard Drives to Buy In 2019. These according to us are the most suitable ones in the category of storage devices.
We have analysed all of them according to their features and then only given our recommendations. You can go through the information and pick up the one that would work the best for you.
1. WD 8TB My Book Desktop External Hard Drive
My book drive is trusted desktop storage designed to complement your personal style with a massive amount of space to store your photos, videos, music, and documents. Equipped with password protection and perfectly paired with wd backup or apple time machine, my book desktop storage helps keep your files safe.
Review: PCmag
Pros: Comes in a variety of large capacities. Three-year warranty.
Cons: Requires external power adapter.
Bottom Line: With a full 8TB for less than $250, the 8TB version of the Western Digital My Book is a deep well of affordable storage for your photos, music, videos, and more.
2. Samsung T3 Portable SSD – 250GB
Portability is the key element shared among all digital devices today where everything, including you, is constantly moving. When you are always on-the-go, your data should be, too.
Born and bred with potent portability in its core, the Samsung portable SSD t3 is built strong and light and is equipped with a built-in security feature.
Most of all, it offers the blazing-fast data transfer speed of up to 450 MB/s. With compatibility across multiple operating systems and devices, the t3 will take your data to another level of accessibility.
Review: Cnet
I say “Likely” because, in testing, the new t3 was actually a bit slower than the previous model while costing slightly more, at $130, $230 and $430 for 250gb, 500gb and 1tb respectively (£99, £159 and £302 in the UK). That’s compared to the current cost of $85, $158 and $349 for the t1 at the same capacities (£88, £149 and £250 in the UK).
3. Toshiba Canvio Basics 1TB Portable Hard Drive
Discover one of the easiest ways to add storage to your computer with Toshiba’s canvio basics portable hard drive, offering simple plug-and-play operation. Ready to use with your pc (2) and no software installation required. Intuitively drag and drop files to and from your pc or laptop.
Canvio basics offer the space to collect in a size you can take anywhere. Introducing a new sleek, matte-black design that is more compact than ever, the canvio basic is a true portable hard drive – easy to carry and store in any pocket or bag.
The canvio basics are built to Toshiba’s world-class quality standards.
Review: STRATEGIST
I bought this to easily store my pictures and videos. It was easy to use, straight out of the box, just plug in the usb cord and move my items from my pc to the drive, disconnect, and I’m on my way. No need to install anything. Simple and tons of storage. The files transferred pretty quickly, too. About 11 minutes to transfer around 69 videos and a bunch of pictures. It is small, fits in the palm of your hand. Definitely worth the price.
4. WD 3TB My Book Desktop External Hard Drive
For movies, music, and video games, the need for plenty of storage is clear. This hard drives huge storage capacity ensures you’ll never need to decide how many backups is enough or which media to keep or delete – there’s enough space for it all. 3tb storage capacity.
Maximum data transfer rates up to 5gbps in USB 3.0 mode and up to 480mbps in USB 2.0 mode. Compatible with Windows(r) 8. Wd Smartware pro backup software and Acronis true image system-level backup software.
Review: GADGET REVIEW
The western digital my book (model: wdbfjk0030hbk) for mac 3tb hard drive offers a good balance of storage, features, and speed. With 3tb of storage, the drive is hfs+ formatted out-of-the-box, ensuring compatibility with os x. It is fully compatible with a time machine and uses USB 3.0 for its connectivity, ensuring fairly fast I/o. Unfortunately, western digital does not advertise the speed at which the drive spins. It can be found as cheap as $109.
5. Samsung T5 Portable SSD – 1TB
The Samsung T5 Portable SSD has the latest in Samsung V-NAND flash memory technology. Its portable design, blazing fast transfer speeds of up to 540 MB/s, shock resistance, and secure encryption make it the best portable SSD on the market.
Review: DIGITAL TRENDS
Drawing inspiration from its predecessor, the Samsung t5 is a compact, affordable, high-speed storage drive that looks and feels like a top-tier portable storage solution. Utilizing the latest generation of Samsung’s 3d v-nand technology, it packs up to 2tb of storage space in a tiny design, though it comes in a variety of storage sizes at different prices.
6. ADATA SE730H 1TB USB 3.1
External solid state drive built for life on the go Today’s active lifestyles have completely redefined mobile computing and designs for portable gadgets. Adata se730h USB 3.1 gen 2 type-c waterproof portable solid state drive (SSD) is designed specifically to perform at the highest standards and protect your data from everyday accidents. The bonus is that we were able to keep it looking cool and compact for convenient everyday use.
Built for high performance in a compact stylish design the se730h external SSD is furiously fast. SSD technology and USB 3.1 gen 2 type-c enable top transfer speeds of 500 MB/s compared to a traditional external hard drive at only about 100 MB/s, enabling large files to be transferred in a much shorter time. Adata se730h is extremely compact and portable, measuring only 2.8” x 1.7” with a thickness of 0.7”.
Review: PCmag
Pros: Spiffy look. Pocket-size, all-metal shell. USB Type-C interface at both ends of the cable. Fast performance. Resists water, dirt, and dust.
Cons: Storage space tops out at 512GB. Not appreciably faster than USB 3.1 Gen 1 external SSDs.
Bottom Line: The chic, compact ADATA SE730H External SSD delivers speedy data transfers over USB Type-C-and you can dunk it or drop it as much as you like.
7. Samsung 850 EVO – 120GB – 2.5-Inch SATA III Internal
Upgrading your pc with a Samsung SSD is the most economical way to breathe new life into an aging pc. The 850 Evo reads, writes and multi-tasks at incredible speeds, enhancing boot-up speed, application loading, and multi-tasking performance. It’s more than an upgrade, it’s a complete transformation of your pc.
Review: Cnet
If you’ve been eyeing the Samsung SSD 850 pro but can’t quite afford it, the 850 evo is an excellent alternative. Actually, it may even be the better choice, especially since it’s the cheaper of the two, while still achieving fast — although not consistently as fast as the 850 pros — performance.
8. Silicon Power 1TB Rugged Portable External Hard Drive
Military-grade Shockproof, IPX7 Waterproof and Pressure-resistant Protections Armor A80 incorporates heavy-duty aluminum casing, interior rubber sealing and internal suspension system which altogether assure rigid protections against any unexpected situations such as rain, liquid-spillage or accidental drops.
Cable-Carry Design
The innovative slot design is especially equipped for simple cable carrying and storing by which you can easily stick the cable to the drive.
Sturdy And Stylish Metallic Casing
Armor A80 is equipped with the aluminum exterior which can not only provide strong protection against outer pressure but also show the trendy look that complements your fashion style on-the-go.
Review: STRATEGIST
I got this drive to replace the identical one-terabyte drive I purchased four years ago that just now started to make a few noises, but still works (better safe than sorry). My first drive took some abuse! Besides the typical knocking it off a counter, off a desk, into the middle of an equipment cabinet, I’ve traveled around the world several times with this drive in a backpack, and it keeps on working, even after several of my colleagues’ plastic drives that are just a couple bucks cheaper have split, cracked, the cable shorts out, and they are stuck without data.
My one-terabyte version has been referred to as magical, mythical, and near bulletproof … it uses a standard USB, not the mini or micro, which seems to be a bit more durable on the cable when abusing this drive, and comes with two cables, a three-foot cable, and a little three-inch cable that is fitted into the side of the drive, so if you’re in a pinch and can’t find the longer one, you can make do.
After four years, that little cable still stays securely in the drive as it is tossed around my backpack all day. If you are a road warrior, clumsy, or just plain need a drive that won’t fail should a small child start helping you ‘clean’ your desk, drop the extra couple bucks and get a drive that can handle the abuse? It’s the Nokia brick phone of external hard drives.
9. Seagate Backup Plus Ultra Slim 2TB Portable External Hard Drive
The backup plus ultra slim portable drive is one of Seagate’s thinnest and most eye-catching portable hard drives. Available in stunning gold and platinum colors- style meets storage- and easily slips into your backpack along with your other essentials.
At 9.6mm thin, capacity is not sacrificed with 1tb and 2tb options-bring your most important files and head out the door. Back up and manage your favorite files from your computer, tablet and mobile devices using the Seagate dashboard. Run a one-click backup or schedule an automatic backup plan to help protect your files.
Convenient tools for local, mobile, cloud and social media backup at the ready. With high-speed USB 3.0 and 2.0 connectivity, you can depend on seamless plug-and-play functionality. And the USB bus-power eliminates the need for an external power supply, letting you access your files while on the move.
Review: DIGITAL TRENDS
If you’re looking for something portable that’s also reasonably priced, the Seagate Backup Plus Ultra Slim Portable will likely fit the bill. Not only does the mechanical drive weigh a paltry 4.8 ounces and measure a mere 9.65 millimeters thick, but it touts an affordable price tag ($80 for 2TB, or $60 for 1TB).
The speeds aren’t going to rival that of a solid-state drive, but our benchmarks show it can compete with any mechanical external on the market despite its extremely portable footprint. The case is currently available in either silver or gold and is primarily made of plastic with an aluminum top.
10. Silicon Power 1TB USB 3.0 Portable External Hard Drive
No More Deleting Your Favorite Games
The armor a60 allows you to easily free up the storage of your console’s internal drive for xbox and ps4. Just plug the a60 directly into your usb port on your xbox or playstation 4 console and run through an easy setup process within just a few minutes, and you will have more space to store your latest games.
Military-grade Shockproof & Water-resistant
Armor a60 incorporates ultra-rugged rubber casing and internal suspension system, which enable perfect buffer effect and assure rigid protections against crushes, dust and spraying water.
Cable-carry Design
The innovative slot design is equipped for simple cable carrying and storing.
Review: GADGET REVIEW
The silicon power armor a60 is an extremely rugged external hard drive that offers military-grade shockproof and waterproof performance. This USB 3.0 hard drive is ideal for on-the-go and outdoor use, and is available in both 1tb and 2tb configurations. The drive can be found for $58 and $97 respectively. We think this as one of the best portable external hard drives for Macs.
