7 best portable hard drives
Portable hard drives are external storage devices that provide additional space for storing digital files.They are commonly used to expand the storage capacity of computers, laptops, gaming consoles, and other devices. Here is some information about portable hard drives:
External Hard Drives:
- External hard drives are standalone storage devices that connect to a computer or other device via a USB or other compatible port.
- They come in various sizes and capacities, ranging from a few hundred gigabytes to multiple terabytes.
- They are designed to be portable, making them easy to carry around and use with multiple devices.
Data Storage:
- Portable hard drives are used to store a wide range of digital content, including documents, photos, videos, music, software applications, and more.
- They serve as a reliable backup solution for important files and can help free up space on a computer's internal storage.
Connectivity:
- Portable hard drives typically use USB connections, with common types being USB 2.0, USB 3.0, and USB-C.
- Newer models may also support Thunderbolt or other high-speed interfaces, offering faster data transfer rates.
Form Factors:
- Portable hard drives come in different physical sizes, including 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch drives.
- The 2.5-inch drives are more compact and are often powered directly through the USB connection, making them highly portable.
- 3.5-inch drives are larger and usually require an external power source, which can limit their portability.
Durability and Reliability:
- Many portable hard drives are designed to be shock-resistant and durable to withstand minor drops or bumps during transport.
- Some models also come with additional features like rugged casing or water resistance for added protection.
File Systems and Compatibility:
- Portable hard drives are typically formatted with a specific file system, such as NTFS or exFAT for Windows or HFS+ for Mac.
- Some drives come pre-formatted, while others may require formatting before use.
Security Features:
- Some portable hard drives offer built-in encryption or password protection to secure sensitive data.
- This can be especially important for individuals or businesses handling confidential information.
Backup and Synchronization Software:
- Some portable hard drives come with bundled software for automatic backups or synchronization of files.
Price Range:
- The cost of portable hard drives varies based on factors like capacity, speed, and additional features.
- Generally, higher capacity and faster drives tend to be more expensive.
Remember, the information provided here is based on knowledge available . If there have been significant developments or changes after this date, we would not be aware of them.
Below you can find our editor's choice of the best portable hard drives on the marketProduct description
Every journey needs a passport. The My Passport for Mac drive is trusted, portable storage that perfectly complements your on-the-go lifestyle. Compatible with USB-C and USB-A, the My Passport for Mac drive comes equipped to connect with today's latest technology. With a new, stylish design that fits in the palm of your hand, there's space to store, organize, and share all the photos, videos, music and documents that fill your life. Perfectly paired with Apple's time Machine backup software and password protection, the My Passport for Mac drive helps keep your files safe and your life Driving forward. Compatibility macOS 10.13+ , May require reformatting for other operating systems and Compatibility may vary depending on user’s hardware configuration and operating system.
- Designed for Mac and Time Machine ready
- USB-C and USB-A compatible
- Password protection + 256-bit AES hardware encryption
- WD Discovery software for WD Backup, password protection and drive management
- SuperSpeed USB port; USB 2.0 compatible
Product features
Genius Compatible
My Passport for Mac portable storage works straight out of the box with Mac devices which makes it easy to keep you moving on your journey. Simply drag and drop files to and from, or setup a backup routine with Apple’s Time Machine software to help protect the contents of your digital life.
Plays Nicely
The My Passport for Mac drive includes USB-C and USB-A cables, so you can save tomorrow's content with the Mac computers of both today and yesterday.
Product description
LaCie Rugged USB-C is a powerful, trusted external hard drive for Mac and Windows computers. Quickly and easily connect to the latest laptops and PCs using Rugged’s reversible USB-C cable—or the included USB 3.0 adapter for legacy USB 3.0 devices. Enjoy a high-speed USB-C 5Gb/s interface and confidently tackle any terrain with drop, crush, and rain resistance. Plus—take advantage of a complimentary one-month membership to the Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps Plan for access to awesome photo and video editing apps! It even includes two-year limited warranty protection plan and Rescue Data Recovery services for long-term peace of mind.
- Quickly and easily connect to the latest Windows and Mac computers with Rugged’s reversible USB-C cable, or legacy computers using the included USB 3.0 adapter
- Enjoy fast USB-C 5Gb/s file transfers, backups, and image browsing
- Confidently tackle any terrain with drop, crush, and rain resistance
- Take advantage of a complimentary one-month membership to the Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps Plan for access to awesome photo and video editing apps
- Enjoy long-term peace of mind with an included two-year limited warranty protection plan and Rescue Data Recovery services
- System Ram Type: ddr3l_1600_sdram
Product features
Meet the Rugged Side of USB-C
From urban jungles to backwood trails, Rugged USB-C is ready to survive and ready to connect. Fusing legendary toughness with USB-C, USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 compatibility, it works seamlessly with Mac and Windows alike. Fast transfers. Easy, reliable backups. It's all there.
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.
Product description
"
No More Deleting Your Favorite Games
The Armor A60 allows you to easily free up the storage of your console's internal drive for Xbox and PS4. Just plug the A60 directly into your USB port on your Xbox or PlayStation 4 console and run through an easy setup process within just a few minutes, and you will have more space to store your latest games.
Military-grade Shockproof & Water-resistant
Armor A60 incorporates ultra-rugged rubber casing and internal suspension system, which enable perfect buffer effect and assure rigid protections against crushes, dust and spraying water.
Cable-carry Design
The innovative slot design is equipped for simple cable carrying and storing.
Anti-slip, Anti-scratch
Armor A60 exercises the special surface texture that can not only allow anti-slip function but also keep the drive from damages caused by fingerprints and scratches.
Ultra-fast Transfer Speed
SuperSpeed USB 3.0 interface enables blazing-fast speed performance to quickly transfer large files including HD videos, high-resolution photos and great numbers of documents in seconds.
3-year Warranty
The Armor A60 is backed by a 3-year warranty that guarantees complete services and technical support.
Box Contains
1 x Silicon Power Armor A60 External Hard Drive
1 x USB 3.0 Cable
*MUST READ – 4GB Large File Transferring*
The A60 is pre-formatted to FAT32, so you could use it directly on Mac or Windows without formatting. However, if you’d like to transfer a single file larger than 4GB, please re-format the drive to exFAT before doing so. (*Please backup your drive before reformat.)
"
- PS4 / XBOX COMPATIBLE: Ideal for gaming enthusiasts Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS4, PS4 Pro and PS4 Slim (PS4 System Software version 4.50 or higher)
- ALL-ROUND DATA PROTECTION: Military-grade shockproof and IPX4 water-resistant protection,
- NO MORE MISSING CABLES: Cable-carry design for easy cable storage, Supported OS: Windows 10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP, Mac OS 10.5.x, Linux 2.6.x,
- For Windows User: The A60 is pre-formatted as NTFS, so you could use it directly on Windows .
- [For Mac Users] Reformatting will be required for Mac operating systems]
Product description
The My Book drive is trusted desktop storage designed to complement your personal style with a massive amount of space to store your photos, videos, music and documents. Equipped with password protection and perfectly paired with WD Backup or Apple Time Machine, My Book desktop storage helps keep your files safe.
- Auto backup with included WD Backup software and Time Machine compatibility
- Password protection with hardware encryption
- Trusted storage built with WD reliability
- USB 3.0 port; USB 2.0 compatible
- 3-year manufacturer's limited warranty
User questions & answers
Question: | How many RPM |
Answer: | I am 100% certain that the drive inside is 5400 RPM. The 4TB is a ASIN:B013HNYV8I WD Blue WD40EZRZ 5400rpm.See my review: https://www.amazon.com/review/R388G5P0ACHROS |
Question: | I did not realize this has a a/c power cord. does it require a/c power to work or will the usb power it |
Answer: | A desktop hard drive requires both 12 volts and 5 volts for power while a USB port only supplies 5 volt power. A laptop hard drive does not require 12V power which is why portable drives based on such drives can be powered by the USB port. |
Question: | What is the hd speed for this storage device? do they spin at 7500 rpm |
Answer: | We'll need to clarify "speed" vs. rpm to answer the spirit of your question. First, to answer one of the above commenters,- Having RAID doesn't alter the disk spin rate of each drive, and for the original poster the hard drive rpm speed is not necessarily directly tied to the ultimate "speed" you're thinking of, for general questions of speed you should be looking at the Data Read/Write speeds. This unit does have RAID 0 setup out of the box with two 4TB WD Red 5400 rpm drives. But the fact that it's 5400 rpm isn't because it's "cheapo" as mentioned above, it's a very deliberate decision on behalf of the product manufacturers, for very good reason. Most "NAS Certified" spinning hard drives, as the WD Red series is, are 5400 rpm, this is because NAS devices are generally always left on, so that any PC on the network can access the device when needed. Using 5400 rpm drives in this way saves power consumption for each drive; it also keeps the radiant heat down coming off each and every drive in the NAS unit (this unit only has two hard drives but they can have any number of drives: 2, 4, 5, 8, 12, even more in high end units), so if you keep a unit like this on in your room or office it keeps the temperature of the room cooler; it also extends the life of each of the drives, slower spinning disks are proven to be less likely to run into issues than their faster spinning counterparts, and a longer life is CRITICALLY important given the use case of these drives as RAID enabled backup/storage destinations- If RAID 1 is being used, the higher the drive failure rate, the more often you need to be reacting quickly to replace the failed drive, because the second a drive dies in a RAID array you're up against a clock of unknown time-limit counting down to the loss of your data, because if another drive dies before you replace the first and rebuild the array, you will lose all the data on the NAS (in most cases); If RAID 0 is being used as is setup by default, you lose ALL the data the moment EITHER drive dies. So drive longevity is very important. Beyond all those benefits, there's one very important reason to note regarding why it doesn't really negatively impact speed very noticeably when 5400 rpm drives are used- Drives used in a RAID array work as a team, and generally speaking the more drives in a RAID array the faster the read speed, because reads for each file are distributed across all of the spinning disks, meaning the 2 discs in RAID 0 only need to spin up to retrieve half the file each. 3 Discs? 1/3 the seek time (i'm oversimplifying but that's generally a good way to look at it). Given these massive speed increases while working in parallel, any speed bottlenecks you may run into are just as likely to be due to any number of other interface areas. TL;DR- 5400 rpm is GOOD for NAS devices! Increasing to 7200 rpm provides negligible data access speed increases, and could cause various long-term issues. If you need a drive speed increase nowadays you simply pay-up for SSD drives and live in luxury. |
Question: | Does somebody know which hdd is inside the new wd my book 8 tb ? maybe a helium hitachi or a red wd |
Answer: | Previously in the case of the 8TB model WD80EZAZ. As of Jan 2021 (and probably earlier) they use WD80EDAZ, mine was manufactured late Sept. 2020. These new ones don't appear to be helium sealed and run quite a bit hotter. Previously the EZAZ drew 400/500mA while these newer EDAZ draw 700/900mA from the +5/12V rails so that probably accounts for the extra heat. |
Product features
Complete Backup
My Book desktop storage comes equipped with WD Backup software and Time Machine compatibility* to help make sure your photos, videos, music and documents don’t get lost. You can set it to run automatically to your schedule. Just pick the time and frequency to back up important files from your system.
*Reformatting required.
Product description
The WD Black P10 Game Drive gives your console or PC the performance-enhancing tools it needs to keep your competitive edge. It's a top-tier external HDD in available in capacities up to 5TB, built specifically for gamers looking to expand the potential of their console or PC by saving their game library in an on-the-go form factor. Now, with WD Black P10 Game Drive, you can drive your game the way you choose.
- Up to 5TB that can hold up to 125 games, so that you can save old favorites and still have room for new titles. Number of games based on a 36GB average per game. The number of games will vary based on file size, formatting, other programs, and factors.
- Portable and durable form factor that provides fast access to your gaming library, anywhere you go.
- High-performance HDD to optimize your console or PC gaming experience and drive your game.
- Purpose-built for gamers based on WD Black quality and reliability so you can play without limits.
User questions & answers
Question: | Where is this made? no more ccp stuff for this household |
Answer: | Really? Where have you been for the last 50 years? Damn near EVERY major American company manufacturers in China or uses parts made in China. Those Ford luxury cars (and most other luxury American car brands) that people are so envious of? MADE OVERSEAS. Most other American cars? Assembled out of parts manufactured in CHINA. xboxes, playstations, computers, iphones, android phones, board games, dice, radios, speaker systems, video cards, ram cards, motherboards, remote controls, our tvs, our batteries and power cords, our baking pans and plates bowls cups, 90% or our childrens toys, printers, cameras, modems, air conditioners, our food seasonings and herbs, the list is endless, ALL MADE IN CHINA OR ASSEMBLED IN CHINA OR ASSEMBLED IN THE USA WITH CHINESE PRODUCTS AND PARTS. Our major brand (SUNBEAM, HAMILTON BEACH, STANLEY, BLACK AND DECKER, FABERWARE, SONY, PIONEER, TECHNICS, KENMORE, RAY BAN, HUSH PUPPIES, ARROW CLOTHING, WOOLRICH, GILETTE, HUFFY, FISHER PRICE, CONVERSE, NIKE, LEVI, SCHWINN, RADIO FLYER, SAMSONITE, BRACHS, FENDER MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS, DELL, HP, CRAFTSMAN, COLEMAN, FORD, CHEVROLET, AMERICAN GIRL, GERBER, UNDER ARMOUR, AND EVEN ALL OF THE TRUMP MAGA GEAR EXCEPT THE HATS AND LITERALLY 95% OF THE REST that if i were to type them all this would be 800 times longer than it already is). Name brand Toothpaste, soaps and shampoos, cleaning chemicals and supplies, Toasters, toaster ovens, microwaves, grills, griddles, vacuum cleaners, brooms, mops, towels, garbage bags, dvds, blu rays, dvd players, equalizers, amps, recievers, food storage containers, glassware, mixers, every other appliance in our homes? MADE IN CHINA. Why? Because our "capitalism" has been perverted to the point where it no longer has anything to do with Patriotism, America, or supporting American workers with living wages. Its about nothing but greed and filling the pockets of the most wealthy even fuller than they already are. The few brands that ARE all American cost so much that most of us couldnt even afford to buy them anyway. Like Kitchen Aid with even simple hand mixers costing up to 7 times more than other leading brands at 70-160 bucks instead of 20 Or 3-500 dollars for a table top mixer instead of 100. |
Question: | Can I use this hard drive for backing up my PC for pictures, movies, excel, word files |
Answer: | yes, it works just like a normal external harddrive, just more reliable and has a quicker read /write speed |
Question: | Does it come with the necessary usb cable? lots of marketing blah-blah-blah but little useful information |
Answer: | It should come with a 2-3 foot long cable 3.0 cable (B-type to A-type). I have yet to buy an external USB HDD or HDD enclosure without some kind of USB cable. |
Question: | The press release for the P10 states it is USB 3.1 Gen 1 capable but it doesn’t advertise it in the current listing. Can anyone confirm this |
Answer: | The USB Forum is confusing as hell. Are you ready? Okay: USB 3.0 is SuperSpeed, which would make it too easy to determine which USB is which, so of course they don't use that name. So it's called 3.0, except now it's not. 3.0 and 3.1 gen 1 are the same thing, same speed and all (5gbps). Then you have USB 3.1 gen 2. It's a genuine upgrade over gen 1 speed, but PSYCH! Name swap again! Now 3.1 is 3.2 gen 1, and 3.2 gen 2, and now there is a new one called 3.2 gen 2 by 2! It's maddening! Anyway, in summary, yes this drive is USB 3.0, or 3.1 gen 1, or 3.2 gen 1, whichever you wanna call it. |
Product features
Compact SSD, shaped by performance
The WD_Black P50 Game Drive SSD has a portable form factor that can withstand battlefields due to its durable and shock-resistant design.
Massive storage with active cooling
With the WD_Black D10 Game Drive added storage, there's no need to waste time clearing room on your console or PC for new games—now you can keep your old favorites intact as you grow your library.
Level Up to NVMe SSD Performance
The WD_Black SN750 NVMe SSD delivers top-tier performance for gaming and hardware enthusiasts who are looking to build or upgrade their PC.
- ✔ Ultra Slim and Sturdy Metal Design: Merely 0.4 inch thick. All-Aluminum anti-scratch model delivers remarkable strength and durability, keeping this portable hard drive running cool and quiet
- ✔ A Reliable Game Drive: This PS4 external hard drive features fast and stable performance for PS4, PS4 Pro, and Xbox One, does not refuse or delete a game. Compatible with Microsoft Windows and Mac OS(10.6.5 and above) in the meantime
- ✔ Improve PC Performance: Powered by USB 3.0 technology, this USB hard drive is much faster than - but still compatible with - USB 2.0 backup drive, allowing for super fast transfer speed at up to 5 Gbit/s
- ✔ Plug and Play: This external drive is ready to use without external power supply or software installation needed. Ideal extra storage for your computer and game console
- ✔ What's Included: Portable external hard drive, 19-inch(48.26cm) USB 3.0 hard drive cable, user's manual, 3-Year manufacturer warranty with free technical support service
User questions & answers
Question: | Does this gove 1tb of extra storage on my xbox or only 330gb |
Answer: | It works for my iPhone 8+, it suppose to work for any |
Question: | What is the read write speed?p |
Answer: | It probably depends on how much storage your USB is. I got 128GB and I transferred around 4,100 pictures and videos of different lengths and I used up 11% of it. Which is 17. 8GB used. Books probably take up a lot more room. |
Question: | Is this hard drive able to be used for storing basic files and documents or is it meant only for gaming data |
Answer: | This usb drive can work on a Chromebook. |
Question: | Does it come with the cable to hook to a computer |
Answer: | Sure. Through the backup function of app, you can backup the contacts in iPhone to this USB drive. |
Product features
Introducing Maxone Ultra Slim Portable Hard Drive
Powered by USB 3.0 technology, Maxone portable hard drives are much faster than USB 2.0, allowing for speedy transfer when organizing your files.
This portable hard drive by default is formatted as exFAT, which works well with Windows and Mac. Some of the old devices may need reformat.
No reformat required for Windows and Mac, just plug it in and play. Y cable will be needed for Wii U.
To maximize performance, please connect your hard drive to a USB 3.0 port, also compatible with USB 2.0.
Easy to Use
Maxone Ultra Slim external hard drive is ready to use without external power supply or software installation needed. Simply drag and drop files you want to save.
Improve PC Performance
Offering high storage capacity up to 2TB, this drive is made to free up more space and effectively improve the performance of your PC and laptop.
Ultra Compact and Light Weight
All-Aluminum anti-scratch model offers stronger exterior protection, delivering remarkable strength and durability. Yet this drive is also compact and light weight. Easy to carry around wherever you go.
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