As digital data continues proliferating across personal and professional spheres, effectively expanding computer storage recurs as a priority for individuals and organizations alike. While onboard, internal storage suffices for rudimentary computing needs, more intensive multimedia, gaming, creative, and business applications compel substantial supplementary capacity. Consequently, external drives that simply connect to computers via USB, Thunderbolt, or other interfaces thrive as a convenient solution for augmenting storage and transporting files.
I outline the top 10 external storage devices for expanding computer hardware capacity based on performance benchmarks, intended use cases, and overall value. Rather than limiting selections to single-drive direct-attached storage (DAS), I also incorporate more powerful but transportable RAID models boasting accelerated speeds, redundancy, and higher capacity. As computing tasks evolve to manage, create, and process voluminous high-definition content, uncompromising transfer rates, security, and mobility grow indispensable. For context, magnetic HDDs deliver raw throughput of around 100-200MB/s while SSDs achieve 400-500MB/s and certain RAIDs exceed 1000MB/s.
1. Seagate Backup Plus
This 2.5-inch portable HDD functions as a plug-and-play USB drive well-suited to daily backup and storage expansion. Available up to 5TB, the Backup Plus costs less than $150 and qualifies as an affordable, durable solution for amassing photos, videos, projects, and other personal files, especially for laptops. Compatibility across Windows and Macs maximizes convenience while bundled software assists users with moving folders and scheduling backups.
2. Western Digital My Book
Offering up to 18TB capacity in a desktop form factor, the My Book external HDD delivers ample storage for backing up enormous local libraries. Optimized for desktops, creative professionals, and other power users, it costs around $300 for 8TB. This higher-performance drive leverages USB 3.0 speeds for efficiently transferring and storing mountains of high-definition footage. Users praise the drive’s speed, value, and software package for simplifying the migration process.
3. Seagate Backup Plus Ultra Touch
This highly portable external SSD encapsulates versatile performance in a slim, tactile case. Ranging from 500GB to 2TB, Seagate’s Plus Ultra Touch qualifies as one of the best high-speed portable drives thanks to its compact size, USB-C and USB 3.0 compatibility, durable fabrication, and affordable sub-$100 1TB pricing. Password protection and folder syncing also boost convenience and security. Whether shuttling files or expanding laptop capacity, the Ultra Touch offers a compelling blend of speed, resilience, and mobility.
4. WD My Passport (5TB)
WD’s popular My Passport external HDD warrants inclusion for delivering exceptional capacity in a genuinely pocketable form factor. The 2.5-inch 5TB model measures only .75 inches thick yet provides enough portable storage for archiving photos, videos, projects, and other personal files at roughly $130. USB 3.2 GEN 1 connectivity supplies sufficient speeds while WD’s bundled utilities assist with importing, organizing, and backing up data. For users focused on maximizing affordable capacity and portability, the 5TB Passport secures a top spot.
5. Seagate FireCuda Gaming Hub
This uniquely designed desktop HDD caters specifically to gamers needing copious storage and rapid transfer speeds. As an 8TB 7200 RPM USB 3.2 GEN 2 HDD with programmable RGB lighting, the FireCuda Gaming Hub centralizes game storage thanks to dual front-facing USB 3.2 ports which allow extra peripherals to connect directly. Seagate’s proprietary and user-friendly toolkit helps gamers easily back up and transport their entire library. With a $250 price, this niche device makes an excellent addition to gaming PCs and laptops.
6. WD Black P10 Game Drive
WD’s aptly named Black P10 Game Drive also ranks among the top storage solutions explicitly engineered for expanding game capacity and enhancing overall gaming performance. Available in 2TB to 5TB capacities, the durable metal casing includes an integrated, detachable cable while visually complementing gaming hardware aesthetics. Combining 7200 RPM drive speeds with USB 3.2 GEN 1 connectivity enables quick transfer times when installing or migrating game files externally. At under $150 for 5TB, the Black P10 Game Drive delivers excellent value for gamers.
7. LaCie 2big RAID
This powerful RAID solution features dual hot-swappable bays to configure up to 60TB of desktop storage expanded through RAID 0 high-speed striping or RAID 1 real-time mirroring. Transfer rates exceed 500MB/s via Thunderbolt 3, while USB-C connectivity also qualifies the 2big RAID as a flexible content production station for transferring massive files from external drives or cameras. Despite the nearly $800 price for 16 TB, the substantially accelerated performance warrants inclusion for media editors and studios.
8. ADATA HD710M Pro External Hard Drive
For industrious users like photographers, videographers, engineers, and field technicians needing to safely transport data in challenging environments, ADATA’s HD710M Pro easily withstands dust, drops, water, vibrations, and extreme temperatures thanks to stringent MIL-STD-810G 516.6 impact resistance and IP68 ingress protection certification. While not matching top transfer speeds, the cost-effective durability and 3TB capacity render this HDD suitable for harsh conditions across worksites and the outdoors.
9. SanDisk Professional G-Drive ArmorATD
This rare portable HDD meeting MIL-STD-810G 516.6 requirements also promises to reliably endure travel and outdoor use despite bumps, rain, dust, and pressure equivalent to a one-ton car. The armored aluminum enclosure optimizes impact absorption while a customizable protective bumper and removable braided cable add further resilience. Sustained 140MB/s speeds fully support RAW and 4K video editing and storage, with USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 options. For media pros and front-line workers pushing the limits, the G-Drive ArmorATD delivers 2TB peace of mind.
10. LaCie Mobile Drive
Lastly, LaCie’s signature Mobile Drive offers professionals and general users alike a stylish, space-gray external HDD solution available from 500GB up to a 5TB capacity. Thanks to versatile USB-C compatibility, the drive easily links with Thunderbolt 3, USB 3.0, and USB 2.0 ports across Apple and Windows machines for fast file transfers and backups. While transfer speeds top out around 130MB/s and the physical design lacks ruggedization, the sub-$150 5TB config entices through class-leading portable capacity perfect for photo, video, and project archiving alongside daily applications.
