5 Best External Drives for Backups, Storage, and More

You're probably aware by now just how important backing up your data is, which is why investing in a good external hard drive or two can be one of the most helpful things you can do. Knowing which one to choose, though, is the difficult part. So let's make it a little simpler for you by listing out our top 5 picks and why they're so great.

Top 1. Seagate Backup Plus Slim 2TB

This one's perfect for people who need lots of storage space and want to save some money while doing so. It's a great backup drive, and it just so happens to be both inexpensive and incredibly durable. It's also a very energy-efficient device, which means you can use it without worrying about it overheating or having any problems with your computer. However, the biggest benefit of all is that this external hard drive is backed by Seagate's legendary 3-year warranty.

Top 2. WD My Passport Ultra Portable External Hard Drive (1TB)

If you're looking for something clearly not designed for business purposes, then this portable hard drive is a great choice. WD My Passport can easily fit right into your backpack or messenger bag without sacrificing speed or portability. It's a great device to travel with and even better if you're going to be using it outside of your home a lot. And while it's not quite as fast as the Seagate mentioned above, it will still save you money over a long time when calculated against its actual cost per GB.

It features an ultra-fast transfer rate of up to 300MB/s while operating at its maximum speed, which means you can easily access and enjoy all sorts of multimedia content and even large files from a single external hard drive. In addition, its high-density design allows you to make the most out of the available storage space by incorporating multiple disks without compromising system performance, durability, and compatibility.

Top 3. WD 4TB My Book Desktop External Hard Drive

If there's one thing we like about this model, it looks just like a book. It also looks expensive and professional, which can be important for businesses that want to pack everything up at the end of the day. It holds almost four terabytes' worth of data. WD 4TB My Book Desktop has ample capacity for holding other things like movies or documents for business meetings. It's also backed by a 3-year warranty.

This versatile storage device will let you easily back up your data with just a single click. It features a convenient USB 3.0 connection interface to be connected to any computer that supports this type of connection. This allows you to effectively use the 2TB storage capacity as if it were 2 separate 1 TB hard drives on your computer. This device also provides excellent protection and security for all your important files through its comprehensive backup options and password protection technology.

Top 4. WD Elements USB 3.0 2TB Portable Hard Drive

If you're traveling with your hard drive, then this one is a great choice because it has a lightweight and comes in at just over three pounds. WD Elements USB 3.0 2GB portable hard drive is also very energy-efficient, which means it won't overheat when you're using it to back up all of your data on the go. The security features make this one great for keeping things safe, especially at home or on the road. The included software allows you to access your files from anywhere at any time, even if you forget about your portable drive for a little bit.

This portable hard drive can easily transfer large files quickly and is highly reliable. In addition, it features a USB 3.0 connection interface, which allows you to connect it directly to any computer that supports this type of connection. It also comes with pre-installed backup software that lets you take full advantage of the easy plug-and-play functionality of the device, as well as its 2 TB high storage capacity.

Top 5. Toshiba Canvio Basics 2.5 Inch USB 3.0 Portable Hard Drive ()

This one is perfect for someone who needs a light external hard drive that still stores plenty of data. It's quite durable, and it can hold just short of two terabytes' worth of files, which isn't a small amount by any means. Toshiba Canvio Basics 2.5 Inch USB 3.0 portable hard drive also has a very fast transfer rate, so you'll be able to access everything with ease and speed from anywhere you're using it. The software is simple to use and allows you to access your files from anywhere at any time, which is usually something you don't need from an external drive. Still, it's just one more thing this device has going for it.

The 2.5-inch form factor allows you to store your files in a smaller and more compact space. In addition, it features a USB 3.0 connection interface, which will enable you to connect it directly to any computer that supports this type of connection. It also comes with pre-installed backup software that lets you take advantage of the easy plug-and-play functionality of the device, as well as its 2 TB high storage capacity.

What do you think? Which of these drives is the best for you?