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BEST EXTERNAL HARD DRIVES OF 2026

Updated
Updated
BEST OF THE BEST
Seagate Backup Plus Hub
Seagate
Backup Plus Hub
Fast, Reliable Storage
Offers massive storage capacity and fast data transfer speeds, making it an ideal choice for both personal and professional use.
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Pros & Cons
PROS
  • High storage capacity
  • Quick data transfer
  • Additional USB ports
  • Easy to set up
CONS
  • Bulky size
  • Requires external power supply
BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK
Western Digital My Passport
Western Digital
My Passport
Portable, High-Capacity Drive
The WD My Passport offers a compact design with high storage capacity, making it perfect for users who need reliable storage on the go.
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Pros & Cons
PROS
  • Portable design
  • Large storage capacity
  • Data encryption
  • Easy backup software
CONS
  • Plastic casing
  • No SSD option
LaCie Rugged Mini
LaCie
Rugged Mini
Rugged, Durable Storage
Stands out for its durability and resistance to drops, making it a great choice for outdoor or travel use.
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Pros & Cons
PROS
  • Durable design
  • Compact size
  • High storage capacity
  • Quick transfer speeds
CONS
  • Higher price
  • Heavier than some competitors
Samsung T7 Touch
Samsung
T7 Touch
Portable, Secure Storage
Combines portability with advanced security features, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize data protection.
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Pros & Cons
PROS
  • Advanced security
  • Fast transfer speeds
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Durable build
CONS
  • Higher cost
  • Limited storage options
SanDisk Extreme Pro
SanDisk
Extreme Pro
High-Performance SSD
Offers blazing fast speeds and rugged durability, perfect for professional users who need reliable performance.
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Pros & Cons
PROS
  • Blazing fast speeds
  • Rugged and durable
  • Compact design
  • High storage capacity
CONS
  • Expensive
  • Requires compatible ports for max speed
BEST OF THE BEST
Seagate Backup Plus Hub
Fast, Reliable Storage
Capacity: 8TB
Interface: USB 3.0
Dimensions: 198.1 x 41 x 118 mm
Weight: 1.06 kg

The Seagate Backup Plus Hub is designed to provide ample storage space for all your files, apps, and media. With its large capacity, it is perfect for users who have a lot of data to store, including high-resolution photos, videos, and important documents.

The inclusion of USB 3.0 ports ensures that data transfer is quick, minimizing wait times during backups or file transfers. Additionally, the integrated USB hub functionality allows you to connect and charge your devices, adding an extra layer of convenience to your setup.

PROS
  • High storage capacity
  • Quick data transfer
  • Additional USB ports
  • Easy to set up
CONS
  • Bulky size
  • Requires external power supply
BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK
Western Digital My Passport
Portable, High-Capacity Drive
Capacity: 5TB
Interface: USB 3.0
Dimensions: 107.2 x 75 x 11.15 mm
Weight: 210 g

Western Digital's My Passport is a go-to solution for those who need a portable storage device that doesn't compromise on capacity. Its sleek, compact design allows you to easily carry it in your bag or pocket, while the high storage capacity ensures you have plenty of space for all your files.

The drive is equipped with password protection and hardware encryption to keep your data secure, and it comes with backup software to make data management simple. Whether you're a student, professional, or casual user, the My Passport offers the reliability and convenience you need.

PROS
  • Portable design
  • Large storage capacity
  • Data encryption
  • Easy backup software
CONS
  • Plastic casing
  • No SSD option
LaCie Rugged Mini
Rugged, Durable Storage
Capacity: 2TB
Interface: USB 3.0
Dimensions: 86 x 135 x 19 mm
Weight: 240 g

The LaCie Rugged Mini is engineered to withstand the harshest conditions, making it ideal for users who need a reliable storage solution in challenging environments. Its rugged design includes shock resistance, drop resistance, and water resistance, ensuring that your data remains safe even in extreme conditions.

The compact size makes it easy to carry, while the high storage capacity provides ample space for your files. The Rugged Mini also offers fast data transfer speeds via its USB 3.0 interface, allowing you to quickly back up and access your data.

PROS
  • Durable design
  • Compact size
  • High storage capacity
  • Quick transfer speeds
CONS
  • Higher price
  • Heavier than some competitors
Samsung T7 Touch
Portable, Secure Storage
Capacity: 1TB
Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2
Dimensions: 85 x 57 x 8 mm
Weight: 58 g

Samsung's T7 Touch is a portable SSD that offers both high performance and advanced security features. With read/write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s, you can transfer large files quickly and efficiently.

The T7 Touch also includes a built-in fingerprint scanner, providing an additional layer of security to keep your data safe. Its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry, while the durable metal casing ensures it can withstand everyday wear and tear.

The T7 Touch is compatible with a wide range of devices, making it a versatile choice for users who need fast, secure storage on the go.

PROS
  • Advanced security
  • Fast transfer speeds
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Durable build
CONS
  • Higher cost
  • Limited storage options
SanDisk Extreme Pro
High-Performance SSD
Capacity: 2TB
Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2x2
Dimensions: 110 x 57.34 x 10.22 mm
Weight: 82 g

The SanDisk Extreme Pro Portable SSD is designed for users who require top-tier performance and reliability. With NVMe solid-state performance featuring read/write speeds up to 2,000 MB/s, this drive allows you to transfer large files quickly and efficiently.

The drive's rugged design includes IP55 water and dust resistance, as well as shock and vibration resistance, ensuring that it can handle tough environments. Its lightweight and compact form factor makes it easy to carry, while the durable casing provides extra protection.

The Extreme Pro is an excellent choice for photographers, videographers, and other professionals who need fast, reliable storage.

PROS
  • Blazing fast speeds
  • Rugged and durable
  • Compact design
  • High storage capacity
CONS
  • Expensive
  • Requires compatible ports for max speed

How our picks compare

SpecificationSeagate Backup Plus HubWestern Digital My PassportLaCie Rugged MiniSamsung T7 TouchSanDisk Extreme Pro
Capacity8TB5TB2TB1TB2TB
InterfaceUSB 3.0USB 3.0USB 3.0USB 3.2 Gen 2USB 3.2 Gen 2x2
Dimensions198.1 x 41 x 118 mm107.2 x 75 x 11.15 mm86 x 135 x 19 mm85 x 57 x 8 mm110 x 57.34 x 10.22 mm
Weight1.06 kg210 g240 g58 g82 g