External hard drives are an essential tool for backing up important data and files. With so many options available, it can be difficult to determine which one is the best for backup purposes. Choosing the right external hard drive can save time, money, and frustration in the long run.
When selecting an external hard drive for backup, it is important to consider factors such as storage capacity, durability, and transfer speed. The best external hard drive for backup will depend on the individual’s specific needs and preferences. Some users may prioritize storage capacity above all else, while others may require a device that is rugged and can withstand physical damage.
In this article, we will explore some of the best external hard drives for backup in 2023. We will provide an overview of each device’s features and specifications, as well as their pros and cons. By the end of this article, readers will have a better understanding of which external hard drive is best suited for their backup needs.
Factors to Consider
When choosing an external hard drive for backup purposes, there are several factors to consider. These include storage capacity, connectivity options, durability, and portability.
Storage Capacity
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing an external hard drive for backup is storage capacity. The size of the drive you choose will depend on the amount of data you need to backup. For most users, a drive with a capacity of 1TB to 4TB should be sufficient. However, if you have a large amount of data to backup, you may need to consider a drive with a capacity of 8TB or more.
Connectivity Options
Another important factor to consider is connectivity options. External hard drives can be connected to your computer via USB, Thunderbolt, or FireWire. USB is the most common and affordable option, while Thunderbolt and FireWire are faster but more expensive. You should also consider whether the drive requires an external power source or is powered through the USB connection.
Durability
Durability is an important consideration if you plan to take your external hard drive with you on the go. Look for a drive that is built to withstand bumps and drops, and has a sturdy casing. Some drives are also water-resistant or shock-resistant, which can be useful if you plan to use the drive in extreme environments.
Portability
Finally, consider the portability of the drive. If you plan to take the drive with you on the go, you’ll want a drive that is lightweight and easy to transport. Some drives are designed to be slim and pocket-sized, while others are bulkier but offer more storage capacity.
Overall, when choosing an external hard drive for backup, it’s important to consider your specific needs and use case. By considering factors such as storage capacity, connectivity options, durability, and portability, you can find a drive that meets your requirements and provides reliable backup for your important data.
Top External Hard Drives for Backup
- Get NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds in a portable, high-capacity drive(1) (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device & other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance mean this tough drive can take a beating(3) (Previously rated for 2-meter drop protection and IP55 rating. Now qualified for the higher, stated specs.)
- Use the handy carabiner loop to secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind.
- Customize your drive’s RGB lighting with the downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only) to show off your style and make every play personal.
- Kick loading into overdrive with a USB 3.2 Gen2x2 interface and speeds up to 2,000MB/s. (Based on read speed. 1 MB/s = 1 million bytes per second. Based on internal testing; performance may vary depending upon host device, usage conditions, drive capacity, and other factors.)
- Compatible with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S consoles. {Compatible with PlayStation 4 Pro or PS4 with system software version 4.50 or higher, PlayStation 5 (Play and store PS4 games; archive PS5 games), Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S (Play and store Xbox One games; archive Xbox Series X|S games).}
- PORTABLE STORAGE: The light, pocket-sized Portable SSD T7 delivers fast speeds with easy and reliable data storage for transferring large files, including crucial business documents, games, or movies
- TRANSFER IN A FLASH: Transfer massive files within seconds with the incredible speed of USB 3.2 Gen 2; Embedded PCIe NVMe technology delivers blazing fast sequential read/write speeds of up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s*, respectively, making the T7 2x as fast as the previous T5 model**
- BUILT STRONG AND SECURE: Unlike HDDs, the Portable SSD T7 has no moving parts so it's more resistant to shock; Plus, its solid aluminum unibody construction adds further protection, keeping your data safe from falls of up to 6 ft*** and is backed by a 3-year limited warranty****
- ADOBE MEMBERSHIP: Get a two-month membership of Adobe Creative Cloud Photography plan on us when you purchase and register an eligible 1TB or 2TB Samsung SSD*.Specific uses: Personal, gaming, Business
- RUGGED DURABILITY: Tough, fast, and compact, the all new rugged PSSD T7 Shield is built to endure with the space to create thanks to an IP65 rating for Dust and Water resistance, High-tech rubber exterior controls heat to maintain steady performance .date transfer rate:1050.0 megabytes_per_second
- KEEP COOL AT HIGH SPEED: Transfer massive files in seconds; USB 3.2 Gen 2 and PCIe NVMe achieve soaring sequential read/write speeds of up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s, allowing you to edit directly from the drive; The high-tech rubber exterior with Dynamic Thermal Guard controls heat to maintain steady performance for even giant projects
- HUGE CAPACITY: Up to 4TB, storage capacity - enough for up to 20,000 photos, 100 hours of video, 6,000 songs, or 400GB of documents with room to spare
- FAST: Read speeds up to 800MB/s – that's 3.8x faster than most hard drives
- TINY, LIGHTWEIGHT: Fits between your fingertips and weighs less than your car keys
- Incredible performance with read speeds up to 1050 MB/s
- Works with Windows, Mac, iPad Pro, Chromebook, Android, Linux, PS4, and Xbox One with USB-C 3.1 Gen2 and USB-A connectors
- Beautiful and durable design, featuring an anodized aluminum unibody core. Drop proof up to 7.5 feet. Extreme-temperature, shock, and vibration proof
When it comes to backing up important files, having a reliable external hard drive is essential. Here are some of the top external hard drives for backup:
Western Digital My Passport
The Western Digital My Passport is a popular choice for those looking for a reliable and affordable external hard drive for backup. It comes in a range of storage capacities, from 1TB to 5TB, and offers fast transfer speeds. The My Passport also comes with backup software that allows users to schedule automatic backups.
Seagate Backup Plus Slim
The Seagate Backup Plus Slim is another popular choice for those in need of an external hard drive for backup. It is slim and portable, making it easy to take with you on the go. It comes in a range of storage capacities, from 1TB to 5TB, and offers fast transfer speeds. The Backup Plus Slim also comes with backup software that allows users to schedule automatic backups.
Toshiba Canvio Basics
The Toshiba Canvio Basics is a reliable and affordable external hard drive for backup. It comes in a range of storage capacities, from 1TB to 4TB, and offers fast transfer speeds. The Canvio Basics also comes with backup software that allows users to schedule automatic backups.
Samsung T5 Portable SSD
For those who need faster transfer speeds and more durability, the Samsung T5 Portable SSD is a great option. It is an SSD, which means it uses flash memory instead of a spinning disk, making it faster and more durable than traditional hard drives. It comes in a range of storage capacities, from 250GB to 2TB, and offers fast transfer speeds. The T5 also comes with backup software that allows users to schedule automatic backups.
Overall, when choosing an external hard drive for backup, it is important to consider factors such as storage capacity, transfer speeds, and durability. The Western Digital My Passport, Seagate Backup Plus Slim, Toshiba Canvio Basics, and Samsung T5 Portable SSD are all great options to consider.
