Data Backup

Top 10 External Hard Drives For Backing Up Your Data

February 21, 2024

External hard drives are a crucial way to back up important files and data. As our digital lives become more complex, having a reliable external hard drive is essential. Choosing the right external hard drive can be overwhelming with so many options available. In this article, I will provide my top 10 picks for external hard drives to secure your precious data.

1. Western Digital My Passport

The My Passport from Western Digital is my top choice for an external hard drive. I’ve used various versions of the My Passport drives for years and have found them to be extremely reliable. They come in capacities ranging from 1TB to 5TB, so you can choose the right size for your needs.

Here are some key features of the My Passport:

Fast transfer speeds – Uses USB 3.0 connectivity for quick data transfers.
Software suite included – Comes with WD Backup software, WD Security to add password protection, and WD Drive Utilities.
Stylish design – Slim and sleek look available in several colors.
Affordable price – Typically costs between $50-$150, depending on capacity.
2-year limited warranty.

For an easy to use and dependable external hard drive, the My Passport is my top recommendation. It provides great performance at an affordable price.

2. Samsung T5 Portable SSD

If you want blazing fast transfer speeds in a super compact design, the Samsung T5 Portable SSD is a great option. This external SSD comes in sizes from 500GB to 2TB.

Here are some of the pros of the Samsung T5:

Lightning fast speeds – Uses USB 3.1 Gen 2 connectivity for transfer speeds up to 540 MB/s.
Shock resistant – Can withstand drops from up to 6 feet.
Tiny size – Weighs only 1.8 ounces and size of a credit card.
Compatible – Works with PC, Mac, Android.
Security – Optional password protection and AES 256-bit hardware encryption.

The downside is the T5 comes at a higher price point than traditional external hard drives, with costs ranging from $90-$350. However, the performance and portability make it worthwhile for me.

3. Seagate Backup Plus Hub

If you need an external drive with a ton of space, the Seagate Backup Plus Hub is a great choice. It’s available in capacities up to a massive 10TB.

Here are some stand out features:

Huge capacity – Up to 10TB to backup enormous digital libraries.
Built-in hub – Includes 2 integrated USB ports to connect and recharge other devices.
Plug and play – Works right out of the box with Windows and Mac.
Affordable – Typically $150-$260 for high capacities.

I like using the Seagate Backup Plus Hub on my desk as it essentially acts as an external drive and USB hub in one device. It provides flexibility and consolidates my setup.

4. Western Digital My Book Duo

The My Book Duo from Western Digital provides an enormous amount of backup space in a RAID setup. It comes in versions from 4TB up to a gigantic 20TB.

Some key advantages of the My Book Duo:

RAID support – Can be configured as RAID-0 or RAID-1 for flexibility and redundancy.
Huge capacity – Available with up to 20TB for vast storage needs.
Fast speeds – Interface supports USB 3.1 Gen 1.
Builtin software – Includes WD Backup, WD Security, and WD Drive Utilities software.

This is the ultimate external hard drive for adding a ton of backup capacity to your system. The RAID support adds an extra layer of data protection in case a drive fails.

5. LaCie Rugged Mini

For those needing an extremely durable external hard drive, the LaCie Rugged Mini is the top choice. This drive is shock, rain, and drop resistant to protect your data from accidents or the elements.

Here are the highlights:

Durable design – Rugged rubber sleeve and internal shock mounts provide protection.
Resistant – Withstands rain, drops up to 4 feet, and crush resistance up to 1 ton.
Portable – Compact size with USB 3.0 connectivity.
Affordable – Around $75 for 1TB model which is a great value.

If you have concerns about damaging your external hard drive, the LaCie Rugged Mini provides peace of mind your data is well secured.

6. SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD

The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD combines fast performance with rugged durability. This drive can endure major bumps and drops and has fast USB 3.1 Gen 2 connectivity.

Key features:

Blazing speeds – Up to 550MB/s read and write speeds.
Shockproof – Can handle drops from up to 6.5 feet.
Compact – Fits in your pocket nicely.
Water resistant – Can withstand being submerged in water.
Hardware encryption – Keeps your data secure across devices.

Priced at around $100-$200 depending on capacity, the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD is perfect for on-the-go file backups paired with fast access.

7. Buffalo MiniStation Extreme NFC

The MiniStation Extreme NFC from Buffalo has great ruggedness along with built-in data security. This external hard drive has military-grade shock protection and integrated NFC technology.

Highlights include:

Withstands drops – Shock protection up to 7.2 feet.
Integrated cable – Built-in USB 3.0 cable for convenience.
NFC security – Unlock drive using near field communication.
Compatible – Works with PC and Mac.
Affordable – Often priced below $100 even for 2TB model.

For a durable and secure external hard drive, the MiniStation Extreme NFC is a cost-effective option.

8. WD My Passport Wireless Pro

The My Passport Wireless Pro from Western Digital provides a completely portable WiFi enabled backup solution. You can access and share files wirelessly from any WiFi connected device.

Here are the main benefits:

Wireless 802.11ac – Creates its own WiFi network for wireless access.
All day battery – Up to 10 hours of continuous use.
SD card reader – Built-in card reader for backing up photos.
USB power bank – Can charge phones and other USB devices.
Efficient – Allows multiple users to access/stream simultaneously .

At around $150-$200 depending on capacity, the My Passport Wireless Pro gives you excellent versatility for wirelessly backing up data on the go.

9. G-Technology ArmorATD

The ArmorATD from G-Technology is an ultra-rugged external hard drive that can withstand crushing pressure, drops, water, and dust. It provides reliable performance in harsh environments.

Key features:

Drop tested – Can endure drops up to 10 feet.
Crush resistant – Withstands up to 1000 pounds of pressure.
Rain resistant – Can operate in rain and dust.
Capacity – Available in 1TB to 5TB models.
USB-C ready – Supports the latest USB 3.1 Gen 1.

If you work outdoors or in extreme environments, the ArmorATD provides the ultimate protection for your data. The rugged design gives you peace of mind even in the harshest conditions.

10. Adata SD700 External SSD

The Adata SD700 External SSD has great durability along with fast transfer speeds. It can withstand being submerged, dropped, and other environmental hazards.

Here are the key features:

Tough – Can withstand drops, crush pressure, being submerged in water, and more.
Speedy – Read/write speeds up to 440MB/s over USB 3.0.
Compact – Slim and lightweight for portability.
Affordable – Costs around $100 for 1TB capacity.

For a durable and speedy external SSD, the Adata SD700 delivers reliable performance. It can make for a perfect backup drive for travel and outdoor use.

Key Considerations When Buying an External Hard Drive

There are a few important factors to consider when choosing an external hard drive for your backup needs:

Capacity – Make sure to get a drive with enough storage space for your backups. Consider how much data you need to store now and what you may need in the future.
Connectivity – Most modern drives use a USB 3.0 or USB-C connection for fast data transfer speeds. Ensure your device has the right ports.
Portability – If you travel frequently, choose a compact and lightweight drive that can be easily transported. SSDs tend to be smaller than traditional HDDs.
Durability – Rugged, shockproof drives can better withstand being dropped, crushed, exposed to dust and water, etc. Check the durability specs if your drive may get exposed to abuse.
Security – Some drives incorporate password protection and hardware encryption to keep your data safe if the drive gets lost or stolen.
Warranty – A longer warranty provides more peace of mind in case your drive fails. Most quality drives include a 2 to 4 year limited warranty.

Conclusion

Protecting your data by regularly backing it up to an external hard drive is critical. My top overall recommendation is the Western Digital My Passport for its reliability, performance, software, and affordability. However, there are excellent options available to suit a variety of needs and budgets. Pay attention to capacity, speed, durability, and security features when choosing the right backup external hard drive for your situation.