The 8 Best External Hard Drives of 2025

The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD stands out in the 'Best Overall' category primarily due to its impressive speed and robust durability. With NVMe solid state technology, it offers remarkable read speeds of up to 1050MB/s and write speeds close behind at 1000MB/s. This performance level is perfect for those who need to transfer large files quickly or run intensive applications directly from the drive.

Durability is another key strength. The drive boasts a rugged design, with up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65-rated resistance against water and dust. This makes it ideal for use in a variety of environments, from urban commutes to outdoor adventures.

A thoughtful addition is the carabiner loop, providing convenient carry options while securing the drive to your gear. In terms of security, its 256‐bit AES hardware encryption offers peace of mind for those storing sensitive data.

While its software features like the SanDisk Memory Zone app provide added functionality, the general user experience focuses largely on its speed and resilience, which are truly where this SSD shines.

When it comes to value for money, the Toshiba Canvio Basics hard drive certainly makes a compelling case for itself. Its sleek profile design isn't just about aesthetics; the matte, smudge-resistant finish ensures it remains pristine, even after regular use. One of its standout features is the simplicity it offers with plug-and-play functionality—no software needed to get started. This makes it particularly user-friendly, as you can easily expand your storage without jumping through technical hoops.

Its compatibility with both USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 allows for versatile connections across various devices, and the absence of an external AC power cord is a plus for hassle-free portability. While it comes pre-formatted for Windows PCs, reformatting for Mac is a bit of an extra step but manageable. Overall, the Toshiba Canvio Basics delivers excellent storage efficiency, balancing practicality and performance without stretching your budget.

The Seagate Expansion HDD truly shines in the 'Best Capacity' category, offering a practical and user-friendly solution for those with substantial storage needs. It's designed for effortless setup, requiring no more than plugging in a power adapter and USB cable. This simplicity, paired with the large capacity options it offers, makes it a go-to option for anyone needing significant storage space with minimal hassle.

Its performance is further enhanced by USB 3.0 technology, which ensures rapid data transfer speeds. This feature is particularly beneficial for users dealing with large files, making storing and retrieving data a breeze. Another notable advantage is the drive’s immediate compatibility with both Windows and Mac computers, although reformatting is necessary for Time Machine use on Macs.

The Seagate Expansion HDD also comes with a limited warranty and Rescue Data Recovery Services, adding a reassuring layer of security. While its design and portability might be considered average, the dependable performance and exceptional capacity make it a standout choice for those prioritizing storage space.

The Samsung T7 Portable SSD shines brightly in the Best Compact category, seamlessly blending speed, capacity, and durability. This nimble storage device is perfect for creators on the move, whether you're editing videos, capturing high-resolution photographs, or backing up essential files. Thanks to its PCIe NVMe technology, the T7 impresses with blazing-fast read and write speeds of up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s, ensuring you spend more time creating and less time waiting.

With up to 4TB of storage, the T7 can accommodate a vast array of files, making it an ideal companion for gamers, videographers, or anyone with substantial storage demands. Its compact, lightweight design doesn't compromise on toughness, boasting solid aluminum construction and shock resistance to withstand falls from up to six feet. Samsung, a leader in flash memory, ensures these SSDs match their claim for reliable performance, cementing the T7 as a top choice for those seeking a speedy, dependable storage solution in a compact package. While its features set the bar high, the price might be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers. However, the value it brings could well justify the investment for many professionals.

The LaCie Rugged Mini stands out in the 'Best Rugged' category, bringing a sturdy performance to your storage needs. Designed for those who live life on the go, this hard drive impressively withstands shocks and drops up to four feet, making it an ideal companion for adventures or a hectic work environment. Its dust and water resistance enhance its all-terrain usability, ensuring resilience in myriad conditions.

A significant boost comes from the USB 3.0 interface, offering transfer speeds up to four times faster than USB 2.0, while retaining backward compatibility. This speed means less waiting and more doing, perfect for quickly backing up data on the fly. Additionally, built-in password protection keeps your valuable information secure, giving peace of mind while traveling or working in public spaces.

While Mac users should note that reformatting is needed for compatibility, LaCie sweetens the deal with a one-month Adobe Creative Cloud membership, catering to creatives eager to explore their craft. Balancing durability with thoughtful features, the Rugged Mini is a reliable choice for rugged storage needs.

The SAMSUNG T7 Shield is an impressive SSD that stands out in the 'Best For Speed' category. Its USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface ensures that transferring large files is a breeze, clocking in read and write speeds of up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s, which is nearly double the speed of its predecessor, the T5. This speediness makes it ideal for demanding tasks, from editing high-resolution video content to backing up extensive files quickly, a feature that digital creators will particularly appreciate.

On top of its speed, the T7 Shield shines with its rugged design. The SSD boasts water, dust, and drop resistance, allowing it to endure harsh environments without compromising performance. This is perfect for adventurers or professionals who often work in less predictable conditions. While the storage capacity options from 1TB to 4TB are pretty standard, they serve well for diverse needs. Overall, the impressive speed and robust build make the T7 Shield a top pick for those prioritizing quick and reliable data handling.

In the fast-paced world of gaming, having a reliable and spacious storage solution is crucial, and that's where the WD_BLACK P10 shines. Boasting a massive capacity of up to 6TB, this portable hard drive offers ample space to accommodate up to 150 of your treasured games. This means you can hold onto beloved classics while still being prepared for the latest releases, a real boon for any avid gamer.

The WD_BLACK P10's sleek metal top covering not only adds a touch of sophistication to its design but also ensures durability during travel. Gamers will appreciate its compatibility with both Xbox and PlayStation consoles, allowing for seamless gaming experiences across platforms. Plus, with speeds reaching up to 130MB/s, loading times are significantly reduced, enabling smoother gameplay.

While the speed might not be groundbreaking, it's certainly dependable for the needs of most casual to serious gamers. Overall, the WD_BLACK P10 is a strong contender for any gamer seeking to expand their library without compromising on ease or style.

For those who prioritize backing up their valuable data, the WD My Passport stands out as a reliable contender. One of its most notable features is the impressive storage capacity it offers, reaching up to a whopping 6TB. This ensures you have ample space for everything from cherished photos to critical documents.

The design of the WD My Passport is both slim and robust, making it a practical choice for users who need to transport their data safely. The device management software included adds extra value, offering a smart way to manage backups effectively. Additionally, it provides a defense against ransomware, which is a fantastic added layer of security that many users will appreciate.

Security is further enhanced with password protection and hardware encryption, giving peace of mind that sensitive information remains confidential. Coupled with a reassuring 3-year limited warranty, the WD My Passport competently supports everyday backup needs with efficiency and reliability.