Cloud storage may be more popular than ever, but it hasn’t replaced the need for external hard drives. These devices help free up space on your computer while simultaneously providing a reliable way to store important files without depending on an internet connection. As a bonus, hard drives don’t require monthly subscription fees.
There are many great choices available. The iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3 is known for its software-based encryption, while the Lexar ES5 SSD is known for its durability.
For our March update, we refreshed our guide and added a few new products.
What’s the best external hard drive right now?
After dedicating countless hours to hands-on testing and scouring online reviews, the Lexar SL500 is our pick for the best external hard drive on the market. This drive stands out for being small, fast, highly portable, and tough, but it’s not the only option. Whether your priorities include different storage capacities or a drive that withstands rain and dust, there’s a product for you.
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The best external hard drive of 2026
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Why we like it: Leading the pack as the best external hard drive overall is the Lexar SL500. Roughly the size of a credit card, it earns its top spot for ultrathin design and fast performance. The SL500 can reach read speeds of around 2,000 MB/s and write speeds of 1,800 MB/s, making file transfers super quick. Its unibody is made primarily out of aluminum, allowing the drive to survive the occasional bump and drop.
Review: Lexar SL500
Who it’s for: The Lexar SL500 is perfect for photographers, amateur videographers, and editors who frequently work with large files and need fast, reliable storage. Its design is sleek enough to slip easily into your pocket. I should mention that you can buy a special magnetic kit for the SL500 that lets the drive attach to the back of smartphones and laptops.
Who should look elsewhere: Arguably, the biggest drawback of the Lexar SL500 is that your computer must have a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2×2 port for you to enjoy its fastest speeds. Without this port, data transfer speeds will be slower. Either way, make sure your PC supports this standard so you can use the drive to its fullest.
Lexar SL500 features: USB-C and USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 interface | 1TB to 4TB capacities | 256-bit AES software encryption | 3.3 x 2.1 x 0.3 inches | 5-year limited warranty
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Why we like it: Western Digital’s My Passport Ultra is notable for its durability both inside and out. The exterior of the drive is made of anodized aluminum, making it sturdy and corrosion resistant. Your files are protected by 256-bit AES encryption. If you don’t know, 256-bit AES encryption is often used by governments and financial services for its near-impenetrable security.
Admittedly, there isn’t much to this device. It’s a simple hard drive that does its job very well. Multiple storage capacities are available for purchase, ranging from 1TB to 6TB.
Who it’s for: The WD My Passport Ultra is a great fit for Windows users who are looking for dependable, portable storage for file backups. It works equally well for home use, college, and the office. If you want something that works right away with Windows and includes management files, you can’t get better than the My Passport Ultra.
Who should look elsewhere: The WD My Passport Ultra isn’t particularly fast and lacks features. Again, there isn’t much to this drive. If you want fast transfer speeds, there are better options out there.
WD My Passport Ultra features: USB-C and USB 3.1 interface | 1TB to 5TB capacities | 256-bit AES hardware encryption | 4.33 x 3.21 x 0.55 inches | 3-year limited warranty
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Why we like it: Samsung’s T9 Portable SSD stands out as the best travel option thanks to its rugged design. The outer casing is made of a special rubberized material that provides the drive with solid durability. It can shrug off drops up to three meters in the air. Samsung also equipped its device with Dynamic Thermal Guard, enabling it to withstand extreme temperatures from -40 degrees to 85 degrees Celsius. Plus, it supports the company’s Magician software, which lets users monitor the drive’s health and more.
Other notable features include built-in hardware encryption and transfer speeds up to 2,000 MB/s.
Review: Samsung T9 Portable SSD
Who it’s for: The Samsung T9 is perfect for content creators who need fast, portable storage they can rely on wherever they go. You’ll be able to quickly move video files from a camera to the drive in almost no time. What’s more, it’s compatible with Windows, macOS, and Android.
Who should look elsewhere: The T9 has a couple negative aspects. First, while the rubberized material is great for durability, it attracts dust and lint something awful. Secondly, this is an expensive drive. The 1TB option retails for $225.
Samsung T9 Portable SSD features: USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (20Gbps) | 1TB to 4TB capacities | 2.4-inch form factor | 5-year limited warranty
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Why we like it: Most external hard drives come with some sort of software-based encryption to protect files. The iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3 is one of them, but it takes one step further by incorporating AES-XTS 256-bit encryption. In short, AES-XTS is a version of AES-256 that uses the XTS block cipher mode for stronger encryption. You can think of it as almost double encryption. Rest assured knowing your information is locked up tight.
What’s crazy is that it’s not just the software that is super tough. As ZDNET Senior Contributing Writer Adrian Kingsley-Hughes points out in his review, the internal components are literally “encased in layers of strong epoxy resin.” So even if someone was able to steal and crack open the drive, the only way to access your files is “irreparably damage them.”
Review: iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3
Who it’s for: We recommend the iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3 to anyone who wants maximum data security. Businesses that handle confidential files, IT admins, and government workers all appreciate the level of protection this drive provides. It doesn’t require downloading a special app to use, and it connects to Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android.
Who should look elsewhere: This is not a budget device. Prices for this drive begin at $345 for the 512GB option and go over $2,000 for the 8TB model. If you just need extra storage for documents, photos, or video games, a cheaper and faster external drive will be a better value.
iStroage DiskAshur Pro 3 features: USB 2.0/3.0 interface | 500GB to 2TB capacities | 2.5-inch form factor | 3-year limited warranty
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Why we like it: Apple puts a lot of work into ensuring iPhone cameras are among the best on smartphones. Owners can record videos in ProRes, a visually lossless format that delivers immaculate image quality. The problem with these videos is that they take up a lot of storage space. The solution to this conundrum is to get an external hard drive, and the best is the Lexar ES5.
It’s perfect for iPhone owners because it supports Apple ProRes video recordings. In fact, you can shoot videos directly to the drive in up to 4K resolution at 60 FPS. It also supports MagSafe, so you can attach the drive to the back of an iPhone using the magnetic metal ring included with the purchase.
Review: Lexar ES5
Who it’s for: The Lexar ES5 is ideal for iPhone owners and content creators who want extra storage for videos and photos without carrying a bulky hard drive. I should point out that this is a durable device, boasting a rugged silicone shell that can withstand drops from up to three meters.
Who should look elsewhere: Like the previous entry, this is not a cheap hard drive. Prices start at $200 for the 1TB option. You can use the Lexar ES5 with the Samsung Galaxy S25 models. It accepts videos up to 8K resolution at 30FPS from a Galaxy S25 Ultra, for example. That’s great, but thanks to MagSafe support, the drive is better suited for iPhones.
Lexar ES5 features: USB 3.2 Gen-2 2×2 interface | 1TB to 8TB capacities | 3-year limited warranty
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Why we like it: The Western Digital Elements hard drive is the go-to choice for those who need a large amount of storage without the extra hardware and setup complexities of a NAS (Network Attached Storage) system. Multiple storage options are available, ranging from 6TB all the way up to a massive 26TB. What’s interesting about the Elements is that it’s quite cost-efficient.
The 26TB model retails for about $655, or roughly $25 per terabyte. That’s a cost-per-storage ratio that’s tough to beat. You’ll often find 2TB drives costing $100 online. Performance is solid, with Amazon user reviews praising the drive’s reliable performance.
Also: The best NAS devices
Who it’s for: The WD Elements is a good drive for data hoarders, video editors, drone pilots, or anyone managing huge file libraries. The high storage capacity makes it easy to keep everything in one place. It’s also a good choice for homeowners who want a backup drive for multiple desktops without needing an NAS system.
Who should look elsewhere: One of the more common complaints you see online about the Elements drive is its noise. If you look through Amazon user reviews, you’ll find people saying the device makes a clicking sound or an audible hum. Also, it’s big, measuring 6.53 x 5.31 x 1.89 inches. In addition to its large size, the drive doesn’t run on a battery. You’ll have to carry around its power adapter if you travel with it.
WD Digital Elements features: USB 2.0/3.0 interface | 4TB to 24TB capacities | 3.5-inch form factor | 2-year limited warranty
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Why we like it: Toshiba’s Canvio Basics is a very fitting name for this hard drive because it is as basic as you’re going to get. It’s a simple plug-and-play drive with no extra setup required. It’s ready to go right out of the box; all you need is a USB cable. The device is compatible with both USB 3.0 and 2.0, enabling fast data transfer speeds.
This drive also is compact with the 1TB model measuring 3 x 4.3 x 0.5 inches and weighing 149g. The 4TB is a bit bigger, measuring 3 x 4.3 x 0.59 inches and weighing 217.5 grams. Whichever you get, know that the device will easily slip into your pocket. It’s also tough, sporting a sleek design covered in a matte, smudge-resistant finish.
Who it’s for: We recommend the Toshiba Canvio Basics to students and pro users looking for an affordable hard drive. It works well for backing up documents, photos, and videos, as well as providing extra storage space on laptops.
Who should look elsewhere: Because this is a budget drive, it lacks many of the extras you see on higher-end models. The Canvio Basics does not encrypt its files. It does not come with backup software, nor does Toshiba offer long warranty coverage. You only get a year.
Toshiba Canvio Basics features: USB 2.0/3.0 interface | 1TB to 4TB capacities | 2.5-inch form factor | 1-year limited warranty
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Why we like it: We’re rounding out the guide with the Western Digital My Book Duo. As you can see in the image, this external hard drive is significantly different from most others. It’s big, measuring 6.3 x 3.94 x 7.09 inches. It comes with two individual drives, hence the word “Duo” in the device’s name. This second drive can be used in one of two ways.
It can be used alongside the first, doubling the unit’s storage capacity. Or it can be used as a redundant backup of the first drive in a RAID array. That way, if one drive fails or data is corrupted, your files will be safe on the other drive. Drive failure is rare, but it can happen, especially when you’re transferring a lot of data. If you have irreplaceable data, an external hard drive like this is an important part of the solution to prevent data loss.
Who it’s for: The Western Digital My Book Duo is primarily intended for professionals and content creators who store important or irreplaceable data. The protection against data loss will provide a profound peace of mind. If you work on large projects or maintain long-term archives, RAID support makes it a better choice than a single external drive.
Who should look elsewhere: The My Book Duo is big and expensive. It’s meant to sit on a desk or in its own space. This is not a good choice if you want something portable. Also, similar to the Western Digital Elements drive, it can get loud.
WD My Book Duo features: USB 3.2 interface | 20TB to 44TB capacities | 6.3 x 3.94 x 7.09 inches | 3-year limited warranty
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Your hard drive needs may be different from mine. The goal of this guide is to highlight drives that cover a wide range of use cases and budgets.
For most people, I recommend the Lexar SL500. It’s well-priced, reliable, and provides strong data encryption. That said, it’s not perfect for everyone. Storage needs differ from person to person, as I just mentioned. The list below outlines the key specifications for each external hard drive in this guide.
| External hard drive | Price | Capacity | Interface | Form factor | Hardware encryption | Warranty |
| Lexar SL500 | $200 to $590 | 1, 2, and 4TB | USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 | 3.3 x 2.1 x 0.3 inches | 256-bit AES | 5-year limited |
| WD My Passport Ultra | $75 to $190 | 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6TB | USB 3.1 Gen 1 | 4.33 x 3.21 x 0.55 inches | 256-bit AES | 3-year limited |
| Samsung T9 Portable SSD | $225 to $800 | 1, 2, and 4TB | USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 | 3.5 x 2.4 x 0.6 inches | 256-bit AES | 5-year limited |
| iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3 | $345 to $2,359 | 512GB, 1, 2, 4, 5, and 8TB | USB 3.0 | 5.2 x 3.3 inches | 256-bit AES XTS | 3-year limited |
| Lexar ES5 | $200 to $400 | 1 and 2TB | USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 | 3.34 x 2.12 x 0.43 inches | 256-bit AES | 5-year limited |
| WD Elements | $185 to $656 | 6, 8, 10, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24TB, and 26TB | USB 3.2 Gen 1 | 5.31 x 5.31 x 1.89 inches | No | 2-year limited |
| Toshiba Canvio Basics | $75 to $145 | 1, 2 and 4TB | USB 3.0 | 4.3 x 3.1 x 0.55 inches | No | 1-year limited |
| WD My Book Duo | $631 to $1,284 | 20, 24, 44TB | USB 3.1 | 6.3 x 3.94 x 7.09 inches | 256-bit AES | 3-year limited |
| Choose this external hard drive… | If you want… |
| Lexar SL500 | The best external hard drive. It’s lightweight and available in capacities ranging from 1TB to 4TB. |
| WD My Passport Ultra | A drive for people who want an inexpensive yet reliable drive with the added protection of hardware encryption. |
| Samsung T9 Portable SSD | The best travel-friendly hard drive. It’s made out of a hardy rubberized material that allows it to survive three-meter drops. |
| iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3 | You want insane levels of data security, from built-in 256-bit hardware encryption to brute-force protection. |
| Lexar ES5 | The best hard drive for iPhones. It supports ProRes videos and can attach itself to iPhones via MagSafe. |
| Western Digital Elements | A drive for data hogs who keep everything. Yes, it’s bigger, noisier, and more expensive, but this is a solid, reliable performer. |
| Toshiba Canvio Basics | A minimalist and affordable hard drive. |
| WD My Book Duo | To never get paranoid about losing data. This device has the ability to copy files across two drives for added security |
External hard drives may not be the most exciting pieces of technology, but they’re indispensable for backing up or recovering important data. Choosing the right external hard drive can feel overwhelming given the variety of options. Below, we break down the key factors to consider when selecting an external hard drive to meet your needs.
Reliability
This is one of the most critical factors when choosing an external hard drive. Choose drives from reputable brands known for their durability and performance. While hard drives are generally reliable, they do have a finite lifespan. Most external hard drives are expected to last about five to seven years with proper use, after which replacement is recommended to avoid data loss. Regular backups and monitoring the drive’s health can further ensure reliability.
Features
External hard drives come with a variety of features to suit different needs. Some of the most notable features include:
- Hardware encryption: Automatically encrypts all data on the drive for enhanced security.
- Water and dust resistance: Ideal for users who need extra protection in rugged environments.
- Drive redundancy: Some drives support RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks), which duplicates data across multiple drives for added protection against failures.
Consider your specific use case to determine which features are essential for you.
Capacity
Storage capacity is a key consideration. External hard drives are available in a wide range of sizes, from 500GB to 20TB or more. Choose a capacity that aligns with your needs:
- Casual users: A 1TB or 2TB drive is sufficient for storing documents, photos, and videos.
- Professionals or data hoarders: Larger capacities — 4TB and above — are better for storing large files, such as video projects or extensive backups.
Avoid overpaying for storage you won’t use but also ensure you have enough space for future needs.
Desktop vs Portable
External hard drives come in two main form factors:
- Portable drives (2.5-inch): Lightweight and compact, these drives are powered via USB and are ideal for users who need to carry their data on the go.
- Desktop drives (3.5-inch): Larger and typically require an external power source, these drives are better suited for stationary use, such as at a desk or as part of a home backup system.
Choose based on whether you need portability or a more permanent storage solution.
Encryption
Data security is increasingly important, especially for sensitive information. External hard drives offer three encryption options:
- No encryption: Basic drives without built-in security.
- Software encryption: Requires an application to encrypt and decrypt files.
- Hardware encryption: Automatically encrypts all data on the drive, offering the highest level of security.
If you handle sensitive data, hardware encryption is highly recommended, and in some industries it may be mandatory.
Performance
The speed of your external hard drive depends on its interface and type:
- Interface: USB 3.0, USB 3.1, USB-C, and Thunderbolt are common options. USB-C and Thunderbolt offer faster data transfer speeds, making them ideal for large file transfers.
- Drive type: Solid-state drives (SSDs) are faster and more durable than traditional hard disk drives (HDDs), but they are also more expensive. HDDs, on the other hand, offer larger capacities at a lower cost.
Price
External hard drives are available at a wide range of price points. Budget-friendly options are great for basic storage needs. Premium drives cost more because they include advanced features like SSDs or hardware encryption. It’s important to balance your budget with your storage and feature requirements.
Other considerations
- Brand reputation: Stick to trusted brands like Seagate, Western Digital, or Samsung for quality assurance.
- Warranty: Look for drives with a solid warranty, typically two to five years, to protect your investment.
- Compatibility: Ensure the drive is compatible with your operating system and devices.
Having worked with technology for nearly three decades and being a pro-am photographer and videographer for much of that time, I’ve had extensive experience testing and using backup solutions. Over the years, I’ve handled and tested a wide range of external hard drives from various manufacturers. This hands-on experience has given me practical insights into their features, performance, and long-term reliability.
We have direct personal experience testing most of these external hard drives, enabling us to provide a detailed, informed assessment of their capabilities.
In addition to my own testing, I’ve taken user reviews into account. These reviews are invaluable for identifying and excluding products with potential design flaws or reliability issues. This combination of personal experience and community feedback ensures that the recommendations provided are trustworthy and well-rounded.
Latest news on external hard drives
There isn’t much recent news on external hard drives. Many of the entries on this list are a few years old now and still hold up. However, we did see an interesting announcement from Western Digital. In early February, the company revealed it was working on two new technologies to improve hard drive performance: High Bandwidth Drive Technology (HBDT) and Dual Pivot.
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The former, according to Western Digital, aims to add extra read and write heads to the hard drive to increase bandwidth, while Dual Pivot introduces a second actuator to devices in order to “increase both capacity and performance.” The result is four times the throughput gains. If these technologies are introduced to Western Digital hard drives, it would allow them to perform at a level close to that of SSDs, while potentially being cheaper.
When choosing an external hard drive, it’s important to understand the two primary storage technologies available: Solid State Drives (SSDs) and Hard Disk Drives (HDDs). Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, making them suitable for different use cases. Below is a breakdown of their key characteristics to help you decide which is best for your needs.
SSDs
SSDs are a newer storage technology that uses flash memory instead of mechanical parts. This design offers several advantages:
- Speed: SSDs are significantly faster than HDDs, making them ideal for tasks that require high-speed data transfer, such as video editing or running applications directly from the drive.
- Durability: With no moving parts, SSDs are more resistant to physical shocks and less prone to mechanical failure, making them a great choice for frequent transport.
- Power Efficiency: SSDs consume less power, which is especially beneficial for portable devices like laptops.
- Compact and Lightweight: SSDs are smaller and lighter than HDDs, making them easier to carry.
However, SSDs tend to be more expensive per gigabyte and may not offer the same large storage capacities as HDDs.
HDDs
HDDs are the traditional storage technology, relying on spinning magnetic disks and a mechanical arm to read and write data. While they are slower and less durable than SSDs, they have their own advantages:
- Cost-Effective: HDDs are more affordable, offering a lower cost per gigabyte, which makes them ideal for users who need large amounts of storage on a budget.
- Higher Capacities: HDDs are available in much larger capacities, making them suitable for archiving large files, such as movies, photos, or backups.
- Easier Data Recovery: In some cases, data recovery from a damaged HDD can be easier compared to an SSD.
However, HDDs are more susceptible to physical shock damage due to their moving parts and consume more power than SSDs.
Which should you choose?
- Choose an SSD if you prioritize speed, portability, durability, and power efficiency. SSDs are ideal for professionals, frequent travelers, and anyone who needs fast, reliable performance.
- Choose an HDD if you need a cost-effective solution for storing large amounts of data and don’t require the fastest speeds or the highest durability.
By understanding the differences between SSDs and HDDs, you can select the external hard drive that best suits your specific needs and budget.
Also: The best SSDs
The appropriate capacity for your external hard drive depends largely on your individual storage needs. To make the best choice, it’s important to consider the types of files you plan to store, such as documents, photos, videos, or software, and their respective sizes. Below is a guide to help you determine the right capacity for your use case.
- 500GB to 2TB: This range is suitable for most users. It provides ample space to store documents, photos, and videos, as well as to back up a single device. For casual users or students, a 1TB drive is often the most common and practical choice.
- 4TB and beyond: If you work with large volumes of high-resolution media files like 4K videos or RAW photos, or need to back up multiple devices, a larger capacity drive is essential. Drives in this range are ideal for professionals, content creators, or anyone with significant storage demands.
If the external hard drive uses RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) for data protection, the usable storage capacity may be reduced. RAID works by spreading data across multiple drives to improve reliability and safeguard against data loss. For example:
- RAID 1: Mirrors data across two drives, meaning only half of the total capacity is usable.
- RAID 5 or 6: Uses part of the storage for redundancy, reducing the overall usable space.
When choosing a RAID-enabled drive, ensure you account for this reduction in usable capacity.
To avoid running out of space too quickly, it’s wise to plan for future storage requirements. A good rule of thumb is to:
- Estimate your current data volume.
- Double that capacity to ensure you have enough space for at least the next year or two.
This approach provides flexibility for growing file sizes, additional backups, or new projects.
Yes, you can use one external hard drive with both Windows and Mac computers, but you need to format it with a file system compatible with both operating systems.
The exFAT file system is widely recommended for this purpose because:
- It is supported by both Windows and Mac operating systems.
- It does not have the file size limitations of FAT32, which restricts individual files to a maximum size of 4GB.
- It allows for seamless read and write access on both platforms without the need for additional software.
To use the drive with both systems, you’ll need to format it to exFAT. Keep in mind that formatting will erase all data on the drive, so it’s essential to back up your files before proceeding. Most external hard drives come pre-formatted for one operating system, usually NTFS for Windows or HFS+ for Mac, but they can be reformatted to exFAT for cross-platform compatibility.
Latest updates
- March 2026: We revamped the entire guide. The introduction and many of the entries left from the last update were rewritten. A few new hard drives were added. We also refreshed the FAQ section.
Other external hard drives to consider
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Lexar’s TouchLock Portable SSD is a lightweight drive that uses NFC (Near Field Communication) for security instead of passwords or biometrics.
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Take a high-speed SSD and wrap it in tough alloy and silicone armor, and you have the Mecha O20. This clever combination allows the alloy to dissipate the heat generated by the drive, while the silicone surround provides excellent shock resistance.
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