Top 10 External Hard Drives | Best Portable Hard Drive for Mac & PC

The Samsung X5 Portable SSD is a game-changer, featuring Thunderbolt 3 technology and NVMe interface, delivering blistering data transfer speeds of up to 40Gb/s. With sequential read speeds of up to 2800MB/s and write speeds of 2300MB/s, it ensures rapid data handling for demanding tasks. It boasts a durable design with a full metal body and shock-resistant internal structure, capable of withstanding drops up to 2 meters. The incorporation of Dynamic Thermal Guard technology maintains optimal performance and temperature. Additionally, it offers enhanced security with optional password protection and AES 256-bit hardware encryption, making it a reliable choice for safeguarding personal and private data.

The WD 4TB My Passport Wireless Pro Portable External Hard Drive delivers exceptional performance and versatility. Featuring an SD 3.0 card reader, it ensures rapid media offloads. Its Wireless 802.11ac connectivity supports smooth streaming of 4K videos via the My Cloud mobile app on both iOS and Android devices. Boasting an all-day battery life of up to 10 hours and a built-in power bank, it can effortlessly charge your phone or action camera. Competent across multiple operating systems, including Windows and Mac OS X, and covered by a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty, this device is an excellent choice for on-the-go professionals.

The LaCie Mobile SSD Secure is a powerful tool for managing large files with impressive read speeds up to 1050MB/s and write speeds up to 1000MB/s. Its up to 2TB capacity allows for considerable storage, accommodating hours of 4K video and thousands of high-resolution photos. The LaCie Secure™ Technology with AES-256 self-encryption and file mirroring software ensures robust security and seamless file access across multiple devices. Designed for portability and durability, it’s perfect for an active lifestyle. With USB-C connectivity, it provides easy backups and works directly from your Mac, Windows, iPad, and iPhone devices.

The ADATA HD830 5TB Ruggedized External Hard Drive stands out with its exceptional durability and advanced protection. Designed to withstand extreme conditions, it offers military-grade shock resistance with drop-tested assurance from 1.22 meters and can handle pressures up to 3000kg. Its superior waterproof capabilities, certified beyond IPX8 standards, allow it to survive in 2 meters of water for up to 120 minutes. Additionally, its IP6X dustproof rating and triple-layer construction ensure maximum survival in the harshest environments. This drive is a go-to for professionals needing reliable, rugged storage.

The WD 4TB My Passport Ultra in Blue offers an ideal blend of style and substance, making it a standout choice for on-the-go data storage. Its sleek, refined metal cover pairs well with modern aesthetics. The compatibility with both USB-C and USB 3.1 ensures fast and versatile connectivity. Security is paramount with password protection and 256-bit AES hardware encryption, providing peace of mind for your sensitive data. Pre-formatted for Windows, it includes backup software that defends against ransomware. The 3-year manufacturer’s limited warranty underscores its reliability and durability, making it a trustworthy investment for safeguarding your digital assets.

The Portable SSD T7 is a pocket-sized, lightweight storage solution ideal for transferring large files, including business documents, games, and movies. Boasting USB 3.2 Gen 2 and PCIe NVMe technology, it offers remarkable read/write speeds of up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s, twice as fast as its predecessor. The SSD’s solid aluminum unibody construction ensures durability, withstanding falls from up to 6 feet. It features advanced thermal management to maintain optimal temperatures. Available in 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB capacities and various colors, the T7 is simple to set up with embedded software for secure data management.

The Seagate Backup Plus 5TB Desktop External Hard Drive offers high-speed USB 3.0 and 2.0 connectivity, ensuring quick file transfers and plug-and-play functionality on your PC. With its NTFS driver for Mac, you can use the drive interchangeably between Windows and Mac without the hassle of reformatting. The Seagate Dashboard software allows you to run a one-click backup or schedule automatic backups, protecting your files efficiently. Additionally, the Lyve App enables automatic backup of your mobile device’s photos and videos. The drive comes with a 2-month subscription to Adobe CC Photography, making it a comprehensive and reliable storage solution for all your digital needs.

The Seagate STEL8000100 Backup Plus Hub offers robust external storage with its impressive 14TB capacity, making it perfect for both Mac and Windows users. Equipped with two front-facing USB 3.0 ports, it provides convenient charging and file transfers from mobile devices, cameras, and USB drives. Seamless cross-platform use is ensured by the included NTFS driver for Mac. Additionally, users benefit from a complimentary four-month Adobe Creative Cloud Photography Plan membership, which must be redeemed within a year of registration. The device provides peace of mind with a two-year limited warranty and two-year Rescue Data Recovery Services. Download the Seagate Toolkit for easy, customizable backups.

The MiniStation Extreme NFC from BUFFALO stands out as a robust portable hard drive ideal for both PC and Mac users (with formatting). Its key features include hardware encryption and integrated NFC technology, allowing seamless, password-free access via the included smartcard. Designed to meet military standards, it offers exceptional protection against shocks, water, and dust. The wrap-around USB 3.2 Gen 1 cable ensures easy connectivity and portability. TAA compliance and a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty reinforce its reliability. Made in Japan, this 1TB device is perfect for secure, on-the-go data storage.

The Western Digital 4TB My Book Desktop External Hard Drive offers substantial storage capacity up to 22TB, making it an ideal solution for personal use. This versatile device is designed to safely store your photos, videos, music, and documents. Featuring SuperSpeed USB 3.0 and compatibility with USB 2.0, it ensures quick data transfers. This drive also includes robust security features such as 256-bit AES hardware encryption and password protection. Additionally, the bundled software facilitates straightforward device management and backup, while its compatibility with both WD Backup and Apple Time Machine enhances user convenience. With renowned WD reliability, the My Book Drive is trusted and highly efficient desktop storage.