Whether you’re storing family photos or a latest draft of your most important document, the best external hard drives secure your data and offer fast transfer speeds.
As much as we try to prevent it, it happens. Our computers crash (knock on wood), and we lose our files.
A roundup of the best software and apps for Windows and Mac computers, as well as iOS and Android devices, to keep yourself safe from malware and viruses.
Of course, things are much different now than they were a few years ago. Now there are external hard drives that can protect all of your files and content in another place, so you do not risk losing your most important files.
First, though, you need to know which external hard drives are the best — and that’s where we can help. We conduct in-depth research and scour the market for the best external hard drives for your home and office computers, so you can save time and money while focusing on what really matters.
Seagate Backup Plus Best external hard drive overall
For our pick, the Seagate Backup Plus wins the best external hard drive overall. The device is ultra portable for easy carry, and it offers a straightforward design that works with both Windows and Mac.
The USB 3.0 drive gives easy access to your files, and you also have the ability to set up automatic backups, whether it is daily, weekly, monthly, or on-demand.
Review: Seagate Backup Plus
The minimalist design makes it perfect for tight spaces, and the metal enclosure ensures it’s durable enough to survive a few drops here and there.
As a bonus, with your purchase you’ll receive a free two-month membership to the Adobe Creative Cloud Photography Plan, along with a two-year warranty on the device.
LaCie Rugged Thunderbolt Best rugged external hard drive
LaCie Rugged Thunderbolt tech specs: Capacity: 2TB, 4TB, 5TB, 8TB | Connectivity: Thunderbolt, USB-C | Type: Portable
As the name suggests, the LaCie Rugged Thunderbolt is the best rugged external hard drive for its tough design — but it’s fast, too. The incorporated Rugged Thunderbolt USB-C offers lightning-fast speeds of up to 130Mbps, giving you high-speed file transfers.
Of course, the best part about this external hard drive is its durability. The tough, rugged design is built for life on the road, so it can outlast normal wear and tear. This unit is resistant to drops, dust, and water, so you can maintain peace of mind during every adventure.
Speaking of durability, this external hard drive comes with a three-year warranty. You’ll also gain access to a free month trial of the Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps Plan.
WD My Book Duo Best external hard drive for storage
There is no shortage of capacities for the WD My Book Duo. Its storage ranges from 4TB all the way to 36TB, offering the largest capacity of all the best external hard drives. However, you have to pay for all that storage with a higher price tag.
