What Is The Best External Hard Drive?

Despite the numerous advancements in data storage technology like the introduction of faster, more efficient, and more durable SSDs, it’s clear that HDDs are here to stay. This is because no storage option available can beat the value proposition of HDDs. The gist is that hard disk drive storage is significantly cheaper per GB compared to SSDs. For this reason, people choose portable HDDs over portable SSDs despite the latter being notably lighter and smaller, which makes them easy to carry around.

Cloud Storage or an External Hard Drive?

The current data storage evolution is being driven by cloud storage. However, most people and businesses still use external hard drives for local storage and cloud storage as a complementary option for data backup. Additionally, many people and enterprises that don’t want to deal with monthly subscription costs associated with cloud storage rely solely on portable hard drives for storage backup over portable SSD. Here are the best possible portable HDDs for your laptop or desktop that you can choose in 2022:

1. Seagate Backup Plus 5TB portable HDD

This external hard drive is available in 1TB, 2TB and 5TB storage options, with the 5TB option being the best deal. It measures 7.62 by 11.43 by 1.9 cm, weighs 0.58lbs, and features a USB 3.0 interface.

You should buy it because: 

  • It’s competitively affordable and portable.
  • It’s available in multiple colors.
  • It’s compatible with a wide variety of computer devices and operating systems.

You might want to consider another option because:

  • It doesn’t support the Thunderbolt standard.
  • It lacks in-built encryption or any other security features.

2. WD Elements 12 TB external HDD

This external hard drive is targeted at users who need a lot of storage capacity as it’s available in capacities ranging from 3TB to 18 TB. Its dimensions are 4.80 by 13.49 by 16.58 cm, and it weighs 1.92lbs. This WD Elements external HDD has a USB 3.0 interface.

Why you should purchase it:

  • Outstanding large storage capacity.
  • The most storage bang for the buck.
  • Great airflow.
  • Vertical HDD arrangement saves desk space.

Why you might be better off with another option:

  • It is too large; it’s barely portable.
  • An external power source is required to use it.
  • It can be risky when used around kids.

3. SanDisk G-Drive Professional 18TB portable HDD

The G-Drive is available in 4TB, 6TB, 12TB and 18TB configurations and measures 13 by 21 by 4.55 cm. It weighs 2.6lbs and features a USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 (x1) and a Thunderbolt 3 interface.

Reasons to buy it:

  • It has a five-year warranty.
  • You can daisy chain up to six G-Drives using Thunderbolt.
  • It can be USB-powered or AC-powered.
  • Formatted for Mac.
  • It’s a fast 7200 RPM drive.

Reasons to consider another option:

  • It must be reformatted for use on Windows or Linux.
  • It’s expensive per GB.

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