5 best usb hard drive

A USB hard drive is a type of external storage device that connects to a computer or other compatible device via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable. USB hard drives are widely used for data storage, backup, and transferring files between devices. They fall under the category of computer accessories and peripherals and are commonly found in the electronics market.

Here are some key points about USB hard drives:

Storage Capacity: USB hard drives come in various storage capacities, ranging from a few gigabytes (GB) to several terabytes (TB). The choice of capacity depends on the user's storage needs.
Data Transfer Speed: The data transfer speed of a USB hard drive can vary based on the drive's specifications and the USB version it uses (USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB 3.1, or USB 3.2). USB 3.0 and later versions generally offer faster data transfer rates compared to USB 2.0.
Compatibility: USB hard drives are designed to be compatible with a wide range of devices, including desktop computers, laptops, gaming consoles, and smart TVs.They are often plug-and-play devices, meaning they can be connected to a USB port without requiring additional software installation.
Power Source: USB hard drives typically draw power from the USB port they are connected to, eliminating the need for an external power source. Some larger drives may come with external power adapters for additional power when necessary.
Data Backup: Many users use USB hard drives for data backup and storage. They can be used with backup software to automatically back up important files and folders.
Portability: USB hard drives are portable and relatively lightweight, making them convenient for carrying and transferring data between different locations or devices.
Security Features: Some USB hard drives offer encryption and password protection features to secure sensitive data stored on the drive.
Form Factors: USB hard drives come in different form factors, including 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch drives. 2.5-inch drives are generally more compact and suitable for on-the-go use, while 3.5-inch drives are larger and often used as desktop storage solutions.
Price Range: The price of USB hard drives varies based on factors such as storage capacity, brand, and features. Smaller-capacity drives are generally more affordable, while high-capacity drives with advanced features can be more expensive.
File System: USB hard drives are typically formatted with file systems such as NTFS (Windows), HFS+ (macOS), or exFAT (compatible with both Windows and macOS). Users may need to reformat the drive to suit their specific operating system requirements.

In summary, USB hard drives are versatile storage solutions that provide a convenient way to store, back up, and transfer data. They are widely used in the realm of computer accessories and peripherals, offering a range of storage capacities and features to suit different user needs.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best usb hard drive on the market

Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive Portable HDD – USB 3.0 for PC, Mac, PS4, & Xbox - 1-Year Rescue Service (STGX2000400)

Seagate

Based on 96 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Easily store and access 2TB of content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a great laptop hard drive. Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this compact external hard drive makes backup a snap. Just drag and drop To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition—no software required—and enjoy plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable.

Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
Enjoy long-term peace of mind with the included one-year limited warranty and 1 year rescue data recovery services

Product features

Always Spacious. Always Easy.

Back up yesterday’s memories and today’s documents, even on the go. Seagate Portable makes it possible thanks to the plug-and-play simplicity of USB 3.0 and drag-and-drop functionality.

What's Included

Seagate Portable, 18-inch (45.72cm) USB 3.0 cable, Quick start guide

Toshiba Canvio Flex 2TB Portable External Hard Drive USB-C USB 3.0, Silver for PC, Mac, & Tablet - HDTX120XSCAA

Toshiba

Based on 28 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Combining compatibility and portability, the Canvio Flex portable external hard drive is designed to work interchangeably with most major USB devices and operating systems. The Canvio Flex is compatible with both Mac and Windows PC, as well as supported tablet devices with USB-C port . Enjoy the convenience and flexibility for your storage needs with the Canvio Flex - your smart storage companion.

[Note]:

One Terabyte (1TB) means 10{12] = 1,000,000,000,000 bytes using powers of 10. Actual formatted storage capacity may vary. For details, please visit Toshiba's Consumer HDD website.

Compatibility may vary depending on user‘s hardware configuration and operating system. Reformatting may be required for use with Apple Time Machine. Please check compatibility list at Toshiba's Consumer HDD website.

Standard limited warranty terms apply. The warranty brochure is preloaded on the hard drive or can be viewed at Toshiba's Consumer HDD website.

Product specifications, colors, features, and availability are subject to change without notice. Product images may not reflect the actual product.

Designed for PC, Mac, and Tablet (check compatibility at Toshiba's Consumer HDD website).
Formatted exFAT for cross-device compatibility .
USB-C ready, USB 3.0 compatible.
Versatile design. Includes USB-C and USB-A cables.
3-year manufacturer's limited warranty .

Product features

Cross-Device Compatibility(2)

Connection where it counts. The Canvio Flex Portable External Hard Drive is formatted for Windows PC, Mac, as well as compatible iPad and Android tablet devices with USB-C port enabling seamless file access right out of the box.

Versatile Storage

Stay ahead of the curve with the Canvio Flex Portable External Hard Drive, connecting directly to any compatible USB-equipped device. With both USB-A and USB-C cables included, you have the flexibility to easily connect to either old or new devices without the need for a USB adapter.

Simple Elegance

Flexible storage meets flexible style with a sleek, satin silver finish and lightweight design that complements your Mac, Windows PC, and compatible tablet devices.

Canvio Flex Portable External Hard Drive

You aren't limited to just one device, and your storage solution shouldn't be, either. Combining compatibility and portability, the Canvio Flex Portable External Hard Drive is the cross-device storage solution built for your adaptable lifestyle. Designed to work interchangeably with most major USB device platforms and operating systems, the Canvio Flex makes transferring your files easier than ever, with up to 4TB of storage capacity to safely store your data.

Cross-Device Compatibility(2)

Formatted and works interchangeably with Windows PC, Mac, as well as compatible iPad and Android tablet devices with USB-C port out of the box (check device compatibility at Toshiba’s Consumer HDD website).

Storage On-The-Go

Up to 4TB of storage capacity in a portable & lightweight design meant for storage on-the-go. The elegant satin silver finish stylishly complements your Mac, PC, and compatible tablet devices.

USB-C and USB-A Cables Included

Versatile compatibility for new and older devices - directly connect to any compatible USB-A and USB-C device.

USB 3.0 & 2.0 Compatible

USB technology allows high speed data transfer with no external AC power cord needed.

Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S 1TB Solid State Drive - NVMe Expansion SSD for Xbox Series X|S (STJR1000400)

Seagate

Based on 33 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Instantly expand the peak speed capacity of the most-powerful gaming experience Xbox has ever created with the Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S. Effortlessly compatible with the Xbox Velocity Architecture, experience the fastest load times and most dynamic worlds—even improving the overall performance of thousands of Original Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox One games. The ultimate power, speed, and compatibility is now at your fingertips.

SEAMLESS GAMEPLAY: Designed in partnership with Xbox to seamlessly play Xbox Series X|S games from the internal SSD or the expansion card without sacrificing graphics, latency, load times, or framerates
HIGH CAPACITY: 1TB of storage increases the overall capacity of the Xbox Series X|S—collect thousands of games across four generations of Xbox without sacrificing performance
EXCLUSIVE TO XBOX: The only available expansion card that replicates the Xbox Velocity Architecture —providing faster load times, richer environments, and more immersive gameplay
QUICK RESUME: Switch between multiple titles in seconds—directly from the internal SSD or the expansion card
WARRANTY: Enjoy long-term peace of mind with the included 3-year limited warranty

User questions & answers

Question:	I read that Xbox 360 couldn't use more than a 32gb external hard drive, so how will this work
Answer:	yes prewarm hydraulic piston for 15 minutes and ready to rock!
Question:	Does it come with the connecting cord
Answer:	5 year
Question:	do you have to select whether the Xbox uses the internal or external drive when you are loading up a game? or will it find it automatically
Answer:	COMES WITH 3/4" AND 5/8" REDUCER BUSHINGS SO IT CAN TAKE EITHER
Question:	Will any external hard drive work for extra storage or do I have to buy this one
Answer:	Depending upon the length of the mortising chisel you are using, approximately 2-1/2" to 3-1/8" deep.

Product features

Xbox Velocity Architecture

Plugs in and works seamlessly with the Xbox Velocity Architecture—providing faster load times, richer environments, and more immersive gameplay from the both the internal SSD and the storage expansion card.

No Wasted Seconds

Quick Resume enables players to seamlessly switch between multiple titles and resumes instantly from where you last left off—always the same speed from the expansion card and the internal SSD.

Level Up Your Legacy

Syncing with the ultra-powerful Xbox Velocity Architecture’s groundbreaking hardware, CPU, and deep software integration, every game that plays from the Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S plays at peak levels. That includes improving the overall performance of thousands of Original Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox One games.

Amazon Basics 3.5-inches SATA HDD Hard Drive Enclosure - USB 3.0

Based on 4 reviews Check latest price

Product description

An Amazon Brand

3.5-inch hard-drive enclosure supports most 3.5-inch SATA I, SATA II, and SATA III HDDs; hard drive not included
AC powered; provides DC12V power connection, on/off button, USB port, and LED indicator light; USB 3.0 allows for transfer speeds up to 5 Gbps; backward compatible with USB 2.0
Hot swappable; Plug & Play installation (no drivers needed); tool-free design—no tools or screws needed for installing an HDD
Smooth inner surface protects against scratches; self-adhesive sponges ensure an optimal fit; includes AC power adapter, USB 3.0 cable, self-adhesive sponges, and user manual
Compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 and Mac OS X and above; Refer to the PDF attached below in Technical Specification for User Manual

User questions & answers

Question:	What usb chipset does this enclosure use (asmedia, jmicron, etc
Answer:	The one I recently purchased has a VL711-04 chipset from VIA Labs.
Question:	i have a HDD (with windows on it) if i put that drive into the case, and hook it up to my new pc. can i access my files without formatting anything
Answer:	If the drive wasn't encrypted then it should work. If you don't see the drive, try going into disk manager and assigning a drive letter. If the drive was encrypted with Windows Bitlocker, then you'll need the recovery key (looks like a long string of random letters and numbers). See https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4026181/windows-10-find-my-bitlocker-recovery-key for advice on finding this. If the drive was encrypted with TrueCrypt or VeraCrypt, you'll need the encryption password. If it was encrypted and you don't have the recovery key/password, then you might as well format the drive. After all, this is the exact use case those products were made to thwart!
Question:	Will this work with old style 4-pin poweer connector (vs current mini connector
Answer:	This product does not have a 4-pin Molex connector for IDE drives. It has a 15-pin SATA power connection + 7-pin SATA data connection. I think the fourth product photo gives a good view of the connectors.
Question:	Could I use this on an xbox one
Answer:	Yes, I'm using this with a 2TB Seagate Firecuda SSHD with no issues.

Amazon Basics USB 3.0 Cable - A-Male to Micro-B - 3 Feet (0.9 Meters), 10-Pack

Amazon Basics

Based on 35 reviews Check latest price

Product description

An Amazon Brand

10 Pack of USB 3.0 Cable - A-Male to Micro-B
One USB 3.0 Cable - A Male to Micro B - 3 Feet (0.9 Meters)
Ideal for connecting USB 3.0 enabled PC peripherals such as hard drives, printers, network hubs and more
Enables throughput of up to 4.8Gbps when used with a USB 3.0 host and device
Constructed with corrosion-resistant, gold-plated connectors for optimal signal clarity and shielding to minimize interference
USB 3.0 uses less power, but has increased power output – up to 4.8 Gbit/s. Compared with the USB 2.0 transmission speed, USB 3.0 is 10 times faster

User questions & answers

Question:	Will this cord work with my samsung note 3? does it require that i take off my utter case to charge since the end looks thick
Answer:	Yes, it support 100GB and 128GB blu-ray discs.
Question:	Is this cable only for 3.0 usb or will it also work on 2.0 usb hard drives
Answer:	BU40N is a model number of a internal blu-ray optical drive for laptop.
Question:	does this work with the regular kendel fire
Answer:	We have suitable USB enclosure for the 4K blu-ray drive.
Question:	Will this work with Seagate Backup Plus
Answer:	Hello! Support 4k bluray