External hard drive leaders in 2024

An external hard drive is designed to store and transfer large amounts of information that a flash drive cannot handle. This is the same hard drive (HDD) packed in a box with a power supply and controller. It is convenient to take it on the road to transfer information, it can be connected to a TV.

For larger volumes and at a lower price, you can purchase an HDD. Writing / reading is carried out by rotating the disk and the magnetic head. The vulnerability of such a drive is noise during operation, susceptibility to mechanical damage, low speed. If you need to transfer movies, music, text files, a compact, but more expensive SSD will do. This disk, like a flash drive, belongs to solid state drives.

The size and type of drive is called the form factor. The following types are distinguished: 1.8 "(up to 2 TB), 2.5" (up to 4 TB). The 3.5 ”drive (up to 8 TB) is a desktop option, since the large capacity implies both large dimensions and weight.

How to choose the right external hard drive?

What is the fundamental difference between flash drives and external hard drives?

Flash drives and external hard drives belong to completely different classes of devices. Their only similarity is their purpose as information storage. But there are also differences, and significant ones.

Comparison criterion	Flash drive	External hard drive
Volume	The most capacious model at the moment holds 2 terabytes	Portable models up to 4 terabytes, fixed network attached storage (NAS) units hold up to 12 units. The most capacious disks are 10 terabytes, that is, in total, about 120 gigabytes are obtained
The cost	A drive with a capacity of 2 terabytes costs 58 thousand rubles, and for 4000 rubles you can buy a model for 128 gigabytes	A disk with a volume of 1 terabyte costs about 4 thousand rubles, 2 terabytes - 6 thousand rubles
Work speed	High-quality models for writing provide a speed of at least 80 megabytes per second, reading - from 140 megabytes	The best representatives write - 90-95 megabytes per second, read - 100-110 megabytes per second
Dimensions	Compact	Larger
Protection from external influences	Flash drives withstand mechanical stress better, but both classes have rugged models
Resource	Flash drives have significantly less resource, but the vast majority of users will have enough of this.

What to look for when buying an external hard drive?

The choice of external drive depends on purpose, size, and personal preference. What parameters should be considered when choosing a drive:

1. Capacity. The smallest storage capacity for 128GB and 256GB SSDs is also the most popular.This capacity is sufficient for movies, music, file copies;
2. Performance. The vast majority of disks are equipped with a connection device, a USB port. Modern models have USB0, with a bandwidth of up to 5 Gb / s, but the computer must also match this speed. The USB 2.0 ports have slower read / write speeds, but are fine for watching movies and music. The maximum speed of SSD disks can reach 550 MB / s;
3. The read / write speed depends on the amount of RAM: the larger it is, the higher the speed;
4. Protection against external influences is also important for the operation of the disc. SSDs are most reliable because they have no moving parts inside. It is resistant to external influences. The plastic case had to contain metal and rubberized parts to keep the case strong;
5. Product weight matters if the disc needs to be carried. Modern external drives have a weight of 140 to 300 g;
6. If the storage medium is intended to be used in conditions far from cleanliness, then protection from dust and dirt is required. Choose a drive with certified protection (IPXX or military grade);
7. You also need to take care of data protection. The larger the drive, the more information you can store on it and the more you can lose it. There are hardware protection methods that are supported by conventional drives and solid state drives. This will help protect data from loss;
8. Before buying an external hard drive, you need to study the market, read reviews in order to choose a high-quality device for storing information. You need to decide how much disk space you need and based on this, make a choice

Proven external hard drives.

Seagate STDR4000200.

Seagate has been a world leader in storage solutions for nearly 40 years.

The model is attractive, above all, for its compact form and large capacity. 4 TB is enough for data storage and backup. It's hard to find a drive with such a 2.5 ”form factor on sale. The previous version of the Seagate 4TB Backup Plus Slim with the same capacity contains two 2TB drives. The speed of such a disk will certainly be higher due to RAID, but in the case of RAID 0, reliability decreases (if both disks fail).

USB 3.0 Connection Included with the disc is the Seagate Dashboard Copying Software CD. The presence of the NTFS driver allows working with two operating systems: Microsoft and MacOS (for Macintosh computers).

• Large volume;
• Easy-to-use software;
• Compact form;
• USB 3.0 connection.

• High price.

Average price: 9,000 rubles.

Seagate Expansion 1 TB

The line of drives of this series is represented by the STEA1000400 model, which has five modifications in volumes from 500 GB to 4 TB. Connection via USB 2.0 and 3.0 is possible. The same port is used for receiving power. The speed during the passage of write / read - 129/121 Mb / s. Formatted to work with Microsoft.

• High speed;
• Connection via USB0 and USB 3.0;
• Low price.

• To work with Mac, you need to reformat (the factory setting assumes the presence of NTFS, formatted for Microsoft);
• Only black.

The price is from 3700 to 7600 rubles, the cost must be checked at the sales centers.

Video review and unpacking of the product:

SEAGATE STCD500202.

Seagate STC500202 - 500 GB disk, compact, lightweight. The metal body has roughness to prevent slipping on the surface. The USB 3.0 connection interface provides a good speed - 600 Mb / s.

The software provides automatic downloading of photos from social networks and saving to media. Data backup is easily configured.

• Compactness, noiselessness;
• Convenient software.

• Short cable.

The cost is about 4000 rubles.

Western Digital My Passport 4 TB.

This disk is suitable for large amounts of information. There is also USB 3.0 connectivity, support and USB 2.0. With the help of the supplied software, you can set up your backup schedule, set a password for protection.It is possible to add a "return if found" message when prompted for a password in case of disk loss.

• Large volume;
• Automatic copying;
• Password protection;
• USB 2.0 support;
• Stylish body in several colors;
• Three-year warranty.

• Slight vibration during operation is possible.

Disc complete set - in the video:

Average price: 9,500 rubles.

Transcend TS2TSJ25M3.

If you need to use a disc for frequent transportation, then this model is designed just for these purposes. The body is rubber, anti-slip, shock protection is made according to army standards. The connectors are not covered and therefore not protected against water ingress.

Has a high-tech hard drive suspension mechanism. On the case there is a button for remote shutdown of the disk (without disconnecting from the port). Also, using a button on the body, automatic data copying is provided.

Supports USB 3.0 and 2.0 interfaces Average read speed 32 Mb / s.

• High protection of the case;
• Two interfaces;
• Automatic copying through a button on the body.

• The connectors loosen quickly.

Average price: 7000 rubles.

ADATA DashDrive Durable HD710 2TB.

It is also a military grade IPX7 disc with a high degree of shock resistance. With a hermetically sealed connector, it can be submerged in water to a depth of one meter for 60 minutes. This is achieved thanks to a silicone body covered with a thick rubber layer. The hard drive demonstrates a speed of 76.5 MB / s. USB 3.0 has a bandwidth of 5 Gb / s. Disk volume 2 TB.

• Reinforced hull protection;
• The interface cable is attached to the case.

• The software must be downloaded from the Internet.

Average price: 7000 rubles.

Western Digital My Passport 2 TB.

Western Digital is a well-known American company that has been producing hard drives since 1988. The Western Digital My Passport 2 TB external drive has a speed of up to 85 MB / s. The USB 3.0 interface is supported and work through the 2.0 port.

The drive comes with an automatic copy software.

• Reliable manufacturer;
• Sufficient volume at good speed.

• Scratch marks are visible on the case;
• Short cable.

About 5000 rubles.

Professional video review of the device:

Toshiba Canvio Basics 1TB.

The Canvio Basics 1TB is a budget option with a modest design and no unnecessary elements - just a port and a status LED. On the bottom of the case there are rubber pads that allow you to conveniently place the disc on the surface. Disk space 1TB, USB 3.0 compatible with USB 2.0 Transfer rate 5Gb / s, there is little vibration or noise during operation.

• Compactness;
• Affordable price.

• Short cable;
• Little vibration and noise.

Average price: 4000 rubles.

Silicon Power Armor A30 1TB.

Silicon Power Armor A30 1TB refers to a portable type of external storage medium. Stylish design in orange-black color, the body is made of plastic and rubber. The cable can be fastened around the device. The disk is characterized by good read / write speed, absence of extraneous sounds and vibration. The disc does not heat up during prolonged use.

The disc has a 3-year warranty, to obtain it you need to register on the official website.

• Unusual stylish design;
• No noise and vibration at good speed;
• 3 year warranty.

• Short cable;
• Not all devices recognize the disc.

Average price: 5000 rubles.

Video review of the device:

ADATA DashDrive Durable HD650 1TB.

It is a stylish small size external drive. The reliable case is made of composite plastic with rubber inserts and has a low weight of 201 g and dimensions of 121x81x21 mm. Even if dropped, the disc is not damaged. Due to its small size, the disc will easily fit in your pocket

This model is available in volumes: 500 MB, 1 and 2 TB. The test speed is 116 MB / s when reading and 112 MB / s - when writing. The disk works silently and is quickly recognized.

• Compact, stylish in several colors;
• Durable body;
• Silent work;
• It is quickly recognized.

• Weak connector, loosening over time;
• Small cable.

Average price: 5000 rubles.

Toshiba Canvio Connect II 1 TB

Reliable compact external storage. Differs in the presence in the set of two high-quality software utilities. The disc is available in volumes: 500 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB, 3 TB and colors: black, blue, red, white and white-pink. The disk provides work via USB 3.0 and USB 2.0, the speed corresponding to the ports.

The set includes two powerful programs: copying NTI Backup Now EZ and Pogoplug PC, which allows remote access to files via a mobile device using the utility. You can buy Pogoplug PC on the manufacturer's website for $ 30. Owners of this disk model get an additional 10GB of cloud storage using this utility (for more information on expanding the volume, see the website). When passing through the USB 3.0 port, the write speed is 100MB / s, reading is 98MB / s.

• An easy way to access information on a disk from anywhere via the Internet;
• Automatic reliable copying program;
• Low cost.

• Not identified.

Price from 3000 to 8000 rubles, depending on the volume.

Professional hard drive review - in the video:

TOSHIBA Canvio Basics 500GB.

This is a budget option from a popular manufacturer. On the case there is an LED indicator of the status of operation, as well as rubber "feet" that hold the disk on the surface. USB 3.0 port interface adapted for USB 2.0

The Canvio Basics model is available in five sizes: 500 GB, 750 GB, 1 TB, 1.5 TB, 2 TB. Warranty from 1 to 3 years. There is no software included, which is a disadvantage. Nevertheless, TOSHIBA disks are attractive primarily for their reliability.

When buying a disc, you need to know that when replacing the cable, only the original one will do. The set does not include a cover that you may need for transportation.

• Good value for money;
• The presence of small rubber pads on the body.

• Light vibration when working;
• Short cable.

Average price: 3500 rubles.

Product video review:

So what should you choose?

When choosing an external drive, you must focus primarily on the volume. Currently, the smallest is the 500 GB drive. What can be recorded on such a medium:

• 300 films;
• 2000 CDs of good quality;
• Copies of information from a PC.

The most popular and affordable prices are 1 TB disks. This volume is quite enough to record two hundred FullHD movies.

Two terabytes - such a disk can be used for a complete copy of the system, movies of 4K UltraHD quality, about 50 pieces.

4TB drives for very large volumes, in most cases, they are stationary, designed for professionals.

When choosing an external drive, the manufacturer is of no small importance, since reliability is the main indicator of a storage device. Appearance and durability are also relevant for some user group.