Updated: October, 2026

Best External Hard Drives of 2026

Save up to 21% Off

1

Western Digital

9.9

Exceptional

WD 22TB My Book external hard drive, Desktop HDD with Password Protection, USB 3.0, SuperSpeed USB, software for device management, backup, hardware encryption, works with PC and Mac, Black

Why we love it

Massive 22TB storage capacity

Automatic data backup for convenience

Strong hardware encryption for security

Main highlights

Large Storage with Advanced Security
Offers 22TB capacity and 256-bit AES hardware encryption, making it ideal for secure, large-scale data backup needs.

Perfect for Reliable Desktop Backup
Designed for expanding PC or Mac storage and automated, easy data backups with included software.

Highly Praised for Ease of Use and Setup
Users commonly commend its reliable and simple setup paired with high storage for local backups.

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How do we rank?

How do we rank
Our AI-powered platform ranks products using multiple weighted factors from millions of products and user reviews across the web, providing the most valuable and real data. Higher scores rank first.
2

Western Digital

9.7

Exceptional

WD 20TB Elements External Hard Drive, Desktop HDD storage, USB 3.0 compatible, Fast Transfer rates, Plug-and-play storage for all your pictures, videos, music and documents, Black

Why we love it

Very large storage capacity

Easy plug-and-play setup

Fast file transfers

Main highlights

High capacity and fast transfer rates
Offers up to 20TB storage and high-speed USB 3.0 connections, making it ideal for handling large files and extensive backups quickly.

Ideal for desktop users with high storage needs
Perfect for users needing extra storage space for photos, videos, music, and documents on their Windows desktop systems.

Easy plug-and-play setup praised by users
Setup is as simple as plugging the drive in and instantly expanding your storage, requiring no complicated installation or configuration.

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3

Toshiba

9.6

Exceptional

Toshiba Canvio Partner 2TB Portable 2.5’’ External Hard Drive, USB 3.2, Mac & Windows compatible. (HDTB520EK3AB)

Why we love it

Large storage for files

Fast data transfers

Portable and compact

Main highlights

High Capacity and Fast Transfers
Offers 2TB storage and USB 3.2 interface for quick file transfers, suitable for a wide array of data types.

Perfect for Travel and On-the-Go Use
Portable, lightweight design makes it ideal for users who travel or work between locations.

Praised for Simple Plug and Play Use
Highly valued for its effortless setup—no extra software or drivers required to get started.

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4

Seagate

9.5

Excellent

Seagate 5TB Portable Hard Drive | USB 3.0 (STGX5000400)

21% Off

Why we love it

Large 5TB storage for extensive files

Simple plug-and-play setup

Includes data recovery services

Main highlights

Easy Backup and High Capacity
Store up to 5TB of data with effortless drag-and-drop backups, ideal for expanding storage on any compatible computer.

Versatile PC and Mac Compatibility
Perfect for users needing simple external storage with automatic setup across Windows or Mac laptops and desktops.

Data Recovery Services Praised by Customers
Customers appreciate the included 2-year rescue data recovery services providing peace of mind for important files.

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5

Western Digital

9.2

Excellent

WD 4TB Elements AE Portable External Hard Drive, SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 1/USB 3.0, Plug-and-Play, Formatted for Windows, Black

Why we love it

Fast data transfer speeds

Simple plug-and-play setup

Portable for on-the-go use

Main highlights

Effortless expandability with fast USB 3.2 Gen 1
Quickly increase your file storage with a plug-and-play 4TB capacity and high-speed transfer for seamless everyday use.

Ideal for storing large libraries on the go
Best for users who need to keep extensive photos, videos, and documents portable and backed up wherever they travel.

High praise for easy setup and backup features
Customers appreciate the simple installation, automatic backup options, and the eco-friendly design of the enclosure.

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6

Seagate

9.1

Excellent

Seagate 4TB Portable Hard Drive | USB 3.0 (STGX4000400)

Why we love it

Large 4TB capacity stores many files

Lightweight and portable for easy transport

Plug-and-play compatibility for simple setup

Main highlights

Spacious Storage for Versatile Devices
This portable drive offers a substantial 4TB of storage space, lightweight design, and compatibility with PC, Mac, Xbox, and PS4 for easy data management.

Effortless Plug-and-Play Operation
Ideal for quick backups or expanding computer space, the simple drag-and-drop functionality supports fast file transfer with broad system compatibility.

Highly Praised Large Capacity and Portability
Customers consistently highlight the drive's generous capacity and the convenience of its portable, compact form factor.

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7

Seagate

8.8

Very Good

Seagate 16TB Expansion Desktop Hard Drive | USB 3.0 (STKP16000400)

Main highlights

Fast file transfers with USB 3.0

Easy-to-use desktop hard drive—simply plug in the power adapter and USB cable

Drag-and-drop file saving right out of the box

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8

Western Digital

8.5

Good

WD 5TB Elements AE Portable External Hard Drive, SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 1/USB 3.0, Plug-and-Play, Formatted for Windows, Black

Why we love it

Large 5TB storage for all your files

Fast and easy data transfers

Simple plug-and-play setup

Main highlights

Effortless plug and play storage expansion
Expand your storage in seconds with hassle-free setup and a generous 5TB capacity, keeping all your important files easily accessible.

Ideal for everyday file storage and backups
Perfect for storing photos, videos, and documents, plus easy scheduled backups for daily, hourly, or monthly needs.

Fast data transfer speeds with USB 3.2
Users appreciate the rapid file transfer speeds delivered by the SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface.

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9

LaCie

8.3

Good

LaCie Mobile Drive Moon 2TB, External Hard Drive Portable, USB-C 3.2, PC Mac iPad & iPhone, Data Rescue Services (STLP2000400)

Why we love it

Easy automatic backup

Sleek portable design

Data rescue included

Main highlights

Sleek portable drive with backup and rescue features
This external drive combines stylish portable design with single-click or automatic backup and three-year data rescue services for worry-free data storage.

Ideal for cross-device backups and travel use
Compatible with PC, Mac, iPad, and iPhone via USB-C, it's perfect for backup on the go or across multiple devices.

High praise for robust warranty and eco-friendly design
Customers appreciate the included three-year limited warranty, data recovery support, and materials made from post-consumer recycled aluminum and plastic.

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10

Samsung

8.2

Good

SAMSUNG T7 Shield Portable Solid State Drive USB 3.2 1TB, IP65 Water Resistant, External SSD Compatible with PC/Mac/Android/Gaming Consoles, MU-PE1T0S/WW, 2023, Black

12% Off

Why we love it

Very fast file transfers

Water and dust resistant

Works with many devices

Main highlights

High-Speed and Durable Performance for On-the-Go Usage
Combines up to 1,050 MB/s speed with IP65-rated water and dust resistance plus shock protection, making it ideal for reliable portable storage.

Great for Professionals and Gamers Needing Secure Storage
Perfect for users who require rapid, protected data transfer across multiple platforms including PC, Mac, Android, and game consoles.

Rugged Protection and Versatile Connectivity Are Customer Favorites
Praised for shock resistance (withstands 3 meter drops) and including both USB-C to C and USB-C to A cables for wide compatibility.

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