The 8 Best External Hard Drives of 2024

The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD stands out as a top contender in the 'Best Overall' category, thanks largely to its impressive performance and robust design. Offering up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds, this SSD delivers exceptional speed and efficiency, making it an ideal choice for those who need to transfer large files quickly and without hassle. These speeds ensure smooth performance, though actual results can vary based on the host device and other conditions.

One of the most notable features of this drive is its durability. With an improved drop protection of up to 3 meters and an IP65 rating against water and dust, it's built to withstand the rigors of everyday use and the occasional accident. The inclusion of a carabiner loop also adds a convenient way to transport and secure the drive.

In addition to its physical robustness, the drive is also fortified with 256-bit AES hardware encryption, offering strong data protection. For users keen on efficiency, the SanDisk Memory Zone app facilitates easy file management and storage optimization. While its non-operating temperature range is a common feature, it's sufficient for most users' needs. Overall, the balance of performance, portability, and protective features make the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD a compelling choice.

The Toshiba Canvio Basics effectively stands out in the 'Best Value For Money' category by offering consumers an enticing blend of simplicity and functionality at an affordable price. Its sleek profile design with a matte, smudge-resistant finish not only provides a modern aesthetic but also ensures durability in everyday use. The plug-and-play feature is a significant advantage, allowing users to immediately expand their storage without the hassle of installing any additional software.

Performance-wise, the device supports both USB 3.0 and USB 2.0, making it a versatile option for various devices without needing an external power source. This flexibility is complemented by its pre-formatted NTFS for Windows PCs, catering well to a wide range of users, though Mac users will need to reformat the drive.

While the Toshiba Canvio Basics doesn't boast any groundbreaking features, its reliable performance, coupled with ease of use and affordability, makes it a commendable choice for anyone looking to add extra storage without breaking the bank.

The Seagate Expansion HDD stands out in the 'Best Capacity' category due to its straightforward setup and generous storage options. Users will appreciate the plug-and-play design, requiring only the connection of a power adapter and USB cable to get started. This ease of use is complemented by the fast file transfer capabilities of USB 3.0, allowing for quick backups and transfers, which is especially beneficial for those with large amounts of data.

A notable advantage is its automatic recognition across both Windows and Mac platforms, although Mac users will need to reformat for Time Machine compatibility. This cross-platform flexibility enhances its appeal to a wider audience. Furthermore, the drag-and-drop feature makes saving files a breeze, eliminating any complex software installations.

While it excels with its sizeable storage and ease of use, the standard features like reformatting for Time Machine might feel like a minor hindrance. The included limited warranty and Rescue Data Recovery Services also add an extra layer of security, ensuring that users can trust their important files are safeguarded.

The Samsung T7 Portable SSD stands out in the 'Best Compact' category due to its impressive combination of speed, size, and durability. Its sleek, pocket-sized design combines with high-performance features, making it an excellent choice for creators and tech enthusiasts alike. With read and write speeds reaching up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s, thanks to PCIe NVMe technology, this drive is significantly faster than its predecessor, the T5, enhancing productivity and minimizing wait times.

Offering capacities up to 4TB, the T7 accommodates extensive storage needs, making it perfect for tasks ranging from saving large video projects to gaming data. Its robust aluminum unibody construction provides added shock resistance and fall protection up to six feet, ensuring reliability during travel or outdoor shoots. While average in terms of price compared to other compact SSDs, the T7 excels with its broad compatibility across devices. Overall, its exceptional performance and durability contribute to its top-tier ranking.

The LaCie Rugged Mini is a robust external hard drive designed to withstand challenging environments, making it an excellent choice in the 'Best Rugged' category. Its resilience against shocks and drops from up to four feet, along with its dust and water resistance, ensures reliable performance whether you're working in an office or exploring the great outdoors.

One of its standout features is the use of USB 3.0, significantly enhancing data transfer speeds—up to four times faster than the older USB 2.0 standard. This makes it a practical option for those dealing with large files or frequent backups.

While it requires reformatting for Mac compatibility, its built-in password protection adds an essential layer of security, safeguarding your sensitive information. As a bonus, the inclusion of a one-month membership to the Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps Plan offers additional value, especially for creative professionals. Overall, the LaCie Rugged Mini combines durability and performance with thoughtful extras.

The SAMSUNG T7 Shield shines in the 'Best For Speed' category, delivering exceptionally fast performance, ideal for users who need quick data transfers. Thanks to the embedded PCIe NVMe technology, this portable SSD achieves impressive read and write speeds of up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s. This makes it a formidable choice for those who require speed without sacrificing reliability. The T7 Shield functions seamlessly across various devices, including PCs, Macs, Android devices, and gaming consoles, thanks to its USB 3.2 Gen 2 compatibility.

This SSD isn’t just about speed. Its durability is noteworthy, offering robust protection with an IP65 rating for water and dust resistance, as well as drop resistance up to 9.8 feet. While its comprehensive storage options from 1TB to 4TB cater to diverse storage needs, its Samsung Magician Software provides intuitive tools for optimization and monitoring. Though primarily renowned for its speed, the T7 Shield also champions reliability and versatility.

For gamers seeking a robust storage solution, the WD_BLACK P10 stands out with its impressive 6TB capacity. This spacious drive caters to those who love to keep a large library of games, storing up to 150 titles so that you can revisit old favorites while enjoying the latest releases without constantly juggling storage space. Its portable design, enhanced with a sleek metal top, not only provides durability but also ensures that accessing your growing collection is quick and stylish.

The performance of the P10 doesn't disappoint, either. With transfer speeds reaching up to 130MB/s, it offers a significant boost to load times, ensuring a smoother gaming experience on your console or PC. While it shines in compatibility, especially with Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 systems, it is worth noting that the drive supports game storage and archiving rather than direct PS5 game playback. Nonetheless, its blend of ample storage, style, and speed makes it an excellent choice for dedicated gamers.

The WD My Passport stands out in the "Best For Backup" category, thanks to its slim and durable design that makes it easy to carry your important files wherever you go. One of its most admirable features is the vast storage capacity, reaching up to 6TB, which provides ample space for all your photos, videos, music, and essential documents. This capacity ensures that you won’t run out of space anytime soon, making it a top choice for those with extensive data storage needs.

What truly sets the WD My Passport apart is the included device management software. This smart backup solution not only simplifies the process but also offers protection against ransomware, adding an extra layer of security to your data. Additionally, the hardware encryption and password protection features further enhance the security, giving peace of mind that your files are well-protected. With a 3-year limited warranty, consumers also gain long-term reassurance, backing its reliability. While its performance is solid, it competes in a market with several strong contenders. However, these features make the WD My Passport a compelling choice for reliable data backup.