While cloud storage services like Google Drive and OneDrive are convenient, having a local backup of your data is crucial for peace of mind. External hard drives offer a reliable and portable solution, especially for laptops with limited storage. Here are some of the best external hard drive deals available now, catering to different needs and budgets.
LaCie Rugged Mini 2TB portable hard drive — $93, was $110
If you need to access digital files on the go or in demanding environments, the LaCie Rugged Mini is a trusted choice. With shock, dust, and water resistance, it’s built for durability. Its 2TB capacity offers ample space, and the USB 3.0 connection ensures fast data transfer.
Western Digital My Passport 4TB portable hard drive — $95, was $130
Western Digital’s My Passport series is known for its affordability and portability. While it uses spinning drives instead of SSD technology, it delivers impressive storage capacity at a reasonable price. This 4TB model is a great value for those seeking a large storage solution.
Seagate 6TB portable expansion hard drive — $150, was $160
For maximum storage space at a budget-friendly price, Seagate offers a range of portable drives with capacities up to 18TB. This 6TB model is a great value, compatible with both Mac and PC. Seagate’s 1-year rescue service provides extra peace of mind.
Crucial X9 Pro 2TB — $168, was $200
If speed is a priority, the Crucial X9 Pro delivers with its USB 3.2 Gen2 standard and read/write speeds of 1,050 Mbps. It’s also drop-resistant and offers 256-bit AES hardware encryption for added security.
Seagate FireCuda Gaming 8TB — $174, was $220
Gamers looking to expand their storage can benefit from the Seagate FireCuda Gaming, featuring a customizable LED, the latest USB standard, and 3 years of data recovery service. It’s a solid choice for high-capacity storage needs.
Samsung T7 Shield 2TB — $180, was $285
For ruggedness and speed, the Samsung T7 Shield offers IP65 water and dust resistance, making it ideal for travel and outdoor use. It boasts read speeds up to 1,050 Mbps and write speeds up to 1,000 Mbps for fast file transfers.
WD BLACK D10 8TB — $190, was $270
Western Digital’s BLACK series is renowned for its high-performance hard drives, and the WD BLACK D10 is no exception. With 8TB of storage and a 7,200 rpm rotation speed, it delivers solid read/write speeds for gaming and other demanding tasks.
WD easystore 14TB — $280, $310
When massive storage is the primary concern, the WD easystore is an excellent solution. Available in capacities up to 22TB, it provides ample space for extensive file storage. While its USB 3.0 connection isn’t the fastest, its sheer storage capacity makes it a compelling option.
More external hard drive deals
For even larger storage needs, the Western Digital Easystore external hard drive with 22TB of storage space is available for just $400. This is a significant savings from its regular price of $600.
Solid-state drives (SSDs) offer portability and speed, making them excellent external storage options. The 2TB SanDisk Extreme Pro external SSD is currently discounted from $295 to $175.
External hard drive deals FAQ
How to choose an external hard drive
When choosing an external hard drive, consider your budget, required storage space, and usage. If portability is essential, choose a smaller, portable drive. For home and office use, a larger drive with greater storage capacity is suitable. Consider the speed requirements based on your usage. If you’ll be actively reading and writing data, opt for a drive with high read and write speeds and modern connectivity standards like USB 3.0.
HDDs vs. SSDs
External hard drives typically fall into two categories: HDDs (hard disk drives) and SSDs (solid-state drives). HDDs are mechanical drives with moving parts, offering larger capacities at a lower cost per gigabyte. SSDs use flash memory, providing faster read/write speeds and improved reliability. Hybrid drives (SSHDs) combine HDDs with a small amount of flash storage for enhanced performance.
External hard drive enclosures
External hard drive enclosures house the internal hard drive, connecting it to your computer via USB or other ports. They provide a protective shell and often include a power adapter for larger HDDs.
Reliability and performance
External hard drives are as reliable as their internal counterparts, especially when sourced from reputable manufacturers like Western Digital, Seagate, SanDisk, Samsung, and Kingston. Consider read/write speeds, with 7,200 rpm HDDs being the standard. Avoid older 5,400 rpm models, as they offer slower performance. SSDs offer the fastest read/write speeds but are typically more expensive. Always opt for USB 3.0 or newer for faster data transfers.
Power requirements
Most external hard drives draw power through the USB connection. Larger HDDs may require an external AC adapter, which is included with the drive. Remember to consider power outlet availability when setting up your drive.
