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10 Best Portable External Hard Drives of 2023: Reviewed & Ranked

Maybelle McGlynn
  Mar 20, 2023 8:03 PM

Portable external hard drives have become essential devices for data storage and backup. They offer a reliable and convenient way to store large amounts of data, such as photos, videos, music, and documents, without taking up space on your computer's internal storage. In this review, we will discuss the best portable external hard drives, along with a buying guide and answers to frequently asked questions.

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1
WD_BLACK 5TB P10 Game Drive - Portable External Hard Drive HDD, Compatible with Playstation, Xbox, PC, & Mac - WDBA3A0050BBK-WESN
WD_BLACK 5TB P10 Game Drive - Portable External Hard Drive HDD, Compatible with Playstation, Xbox, PC, & Mac - WDBA3A0050BBK-WESN
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  • SCORE
    9.6
    AI Score

    JG Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our JG Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more

  • Brand
    WD_BLACK
  • Portable form factor with sleek metal top covering that provides fast access to your growing game library
  • Premium HDD with 3-year limited warranty, purpose-built for gamers based on WD_BLACK quality and reliability  more
TOP Choice
2
Seagate (STGD2000100) Game Drive for PS4 Systems 2TB External Hard Drive Portable HDD – USB 3.0, Officially Licensed Product
Seagate (STGD2000100) Game Drive for PS4 Systems 2TB External Hard Drive Portable HDD – USB 3.0, Officially Licensed Product
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  • SCORE
    9.6
    AI Score

    JG Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our JG Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more

  • Brand
    Seagate
  • Do not delete games from PS4 consoles just to make room for new ones; Store 50 plus games with 2TB of portable hard drive storage
  • This game drive features the classic black and blue design of PS4; It’s the perfect accessory for any gaming setup and its compact; Travel ready form factor means the adventure can go anywhere  more
TOP Choice
3
Seagate Desktop 8TB External Hard Drive HDD – USB 3.0 for PC, Laptop And Mac, 1-Year Rescue Service (STGY8000400), Black
Seagate Desktop 8TB External Hard Drive HDD – USB 3.0 for PC, Laptop And Mac, 1-Year Rescue Service (STGY8000400), Black
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  • SCORE
    9.4
    AI Score

    JG Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our JG Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more

  • Brand
    Seagate
  • An external hard drive for Windows or Mac computers, simply back up with a quick drag and drop
  • The perfect laptop hard drive or PC drive, just plug into to a computer for automatic recognition no software required  more
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4
WD 5TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive HDD, USB 3.0, Compatible with PC, Mac, PS4 & Xbox - WDBU6Y0050BBK-WESN
WD 5TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive HDD, USB 3.0, Compatible with PC, Mac, PS4 & Xbox - WDBU6Y0050BBK-WESN
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  • SCORE
    9.4
    AI Score

    JG Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our JG Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more

  • Brand
    Western Digital
  • Memory Storage Capacity: 5TB
  • Fast Data Transfers, Improve PC Performance  more
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5
WD_BLACK 8TB D10 Game Drive - Portable External Hard Drive HDD Compatible with Playstation, Xbox, PC, & Mac - WDBA3P0080HBK-NESN
WD_BLACK 8TB D10 Game Drive - Portable External Hard Drive HDD Compatible with Playstation, Xbox, PC, & Mac - WDBA3P0080HBK-NESN
View on Amazon
  • SCORE
    9.4
    AI Score

    JG Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our JG Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more

  • Brand
    WD_BLACK
  • Extra storage to capture and collect your best in-screen game captures.
  • Purpose-built for gamers based on WD_Black quality and reliability.  more
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6
UnionSine 320GB 2.5" Ultra Slim Portable External Hard Drive HDD-USB 3.0 for PC, Mac, Laptop, PS4, Xbox one,Xbox 360,HD-006(Black)
UnionSine 320GB 2.5" Ultra Slim Portable External Hard Drive HDD-USB 3.0 for PC, Mac, Laptop, PS4, Xbox one,Xbox 360,HD-006(Black)
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  • SCORE
    9.2
    AI Score

    JG Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our JG Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more

  • Brand
    UnionSine
  • 【Plug and Play】 - With no software to install, just plug it in and the drive is ready to use.The hard disk chip is wrapped with an aluminum anti-interference layer to increase heat dissipation and protect data
  • 【What You Get 】- 1 x Portable Hard Drive, 1 x USB 3.0 Cable, 1 x User Manual, Gift-type shell packaging ,Three-year manufacturer's warranty and free technical support services  more
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7
LaCie Mobile Drive 5TB External Hard Drive Portable HDD – Moon Silver USB-C USB 3.0, for Mac and PC Desktop, 1 Month Adobe CC (STHG5000400)
LaCie Mobile Drive 5TB External Hard Drive Portable HDD – Moon Silver USB-C USB 3.0, for Mac and PC Desktop, 1 Month Adobe CC (STHG5000400)
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  • SCORE
    9.2
    AI Score

    JG Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our JG Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more

  • Brand
    LaCie
  • Turn footage into flawless productions with one free month of Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps Plan
  • Back up files with a single click or schedule automatic backups  more
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8
WD 2TB My Passport Ultra Silver Portable External Hard Drive HDD, USB-C and USB 3.1 Compatible - WDBC3C0020BSL-WESN
WD 2TB My Passport Ultra Silver Portable External Hard Drive HDD, USB-C and USB 3.1 Compatible - WDBC3C0020BSL-WESN
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  • SCORE
    9.0
    AI Score

    JG Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our JG Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more

  • Brand
    Western Digital
  • USB-C and USB 3.1 compatible
  • Innovative style with refined metal cover  more
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9
Portable External Hard Drive USB3.0 SATA HDD Storage — External Hard Drive Silicone Case Anti-Drop, Shockproof and Rainproof, for Game, PC, Mac, Windows(120G, Black)
Portable External Hard Drive USB3.0 SATA HDD Storage — External Hard Drive Silicone Case Anti-Drop, Shockproof and Rainproof, for Game, PC, Mac, Windows(120G, Black)
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  • SCORE
    9.0
    AI Score

    JG Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our JG Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more

  • Brand
    FEISHUO
  • A Set Of 1x Portable External Hard Disk; 1x Usb 3.0 Cable; 1x User Manual; 1x External Hard Drive Silicone Case; 3-Year Manufacturer Warranty And Friendly Customer Service.
  • Additional Storage Devices For Computers, Ps4 And Xbox Can Be Used. You Can Save Game Data And Play Movies, Music And More Content Directly From The Hard Disk, Or Even Install Games Directly To The External Hard Disk.  more
Most Saving
10
External Hard Drive 1TB HIKVISION New Upgrade Portable Hard Drive USB3.0 HDD Storage Compatible for PC, Desktop, Laptop, Xbox one, Xbox 360, PS4(Black)
External Hard Drive 1TB HIKVISION New Upgrade Portable Hard Drive USB3.0 HDD Storage Compatible for PC, Desktop, Laptop, Xbox one, Xbox 360, PS4(Black)
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  • SCORE
    8.8
    AI Score

    JG Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our JG Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more

  • Brand
    Hikvision
  • 【The package contains】 1 x mobile hard drive, 1 x USB 3.0 data cable, 1 x user manual, 3 years manufacturer’s warranty and free technical support services. Note that due to the use of different measurement standards, your computer may show a lower capacity. (1TB≈931GB)
  • 【Ultra-fast data transmission】 USB 3.0 interface provides ultra-fast transmission speed. In theory, USB3.0 can transfer data at a speed of up to 5.0 Gbit/s (125 MB/s), which is about 10 times that of USB 2.0. (Still compatible with USB 2.0)  more

Last update on 2023-03-20 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

BUYING GUDIE

When choosing a portable external hard drive, there are several factors to consider:

  1. Capacity: The capacity of the hard drive determines how much data it can store. Choose a capacity that suits your needs, keeping in mind that you may need more space in the future.

  2. Speed: The speed of the hard drive determines how quickly data can be transferred to and from the drive. Look for a drive with fast transfer speeds, especially if you will be transferring large files.

  3. Durability: Portable external hard drives are designed to be carried around, so choose one that is rugged and durable. Look for a drive with shock resistance and a sturdy casing.

  4. Connectivity: Most portable external hard drives connect to your computer via USB. However, some drives may offer additional connectivity options, such as Thunderbolt or Wi-Fi.

  5. Price: Portable external hard drives come in a range of prices, so choose one that fits your budget. Keep in mind that higher-capacity drives and faster speeds will generally cost more.

Best Portable External Hard Drives:

  1. WD My Passport: This is one of the most popular portable external hard drives on the market, offering a range of capacities and fast transfer speeds. It is also affordable and comes with backup software.

  2. Samsung T5: This drive offers blazing-fast transfer speeds and a compact, lightweight design. It is also durable and features password protection.

  3. Seagate Backup Plus Slim: This is another affordable and reliable option, with a sleek design and fast transfer speeds. It also comes with backup software and a range of capacities.

  4. LaCie Rugged Mini: This drive is built to withstand harsh environments, with shock resistance and a water-resistant casing. It also offers fast transfer speeds and a range of capacities.

  5. SanDisk Extreme Portable: This drive is designed for speed, with fast transfer speeds and a compact, rugged design. It also offers password protection and a range of capacities.

FAQs

  • How do I transfer data to a portable external hard drive?

You can transfer data to a portable external hard drive by connecting it to your computer via USB and dragging and dropping files to the drive.

  • How do I protect my data on a portable external hard drive?

You can protect your data on a portable external hard drive by using password protection or encryption software. Many drives come with these features built-in.

best portable external hard drives

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, portable external hard drives are essential devices for data storage and backup. When choosing a drive, consider factors such as capacity, speed, durability, connectivity, and price. The WD My Passport, Samsung T5, Seagate Backup Plus Slim, LaCie Rugged Mini, and SanDisk Extreme Portable are some of the best portable external hard drives on the market, offering a range of features and capabilities.

Thank you for reading!

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