Last updated on 16/05/2026
Advertising disclosure
Last updated on 16/05/2026
Advertising disclosure

Best External Hard Drives of 2026

Best Choice
1
9.8
Exceptional
Save 13%
WD 16TB Elements External Hard Drive, Desktop HDD storage, USB 3.0 compatible, Fast Transfer rates, Easy add on storage for all your pictures, videos, music and documents, Black
WD

WD 16TB Elements External Hard Drive, Desktop HDD storage, USB 3.0 compatible, Fast Transfer rates, Easy add on storage for all your pictures, videos, music and documents, Black

13% Off
Key Highlights
  • Sleek and stylish design.
  • Boosts computer performance.
  • Impact-resistant and durable.
Main Highlights
  • Extend with the WD Elements desktop storage simply your computer's storage space. Thanks to the slim and stylish design, the external hard drive is also visually eye-catching
  • Die WD Elements 16 TB external hard drive allows you to store all your photos, videos, music files and documents in one place in proven WD to ensure quality
  • With the WD Elements HDD hard drive allows you to transfer the data from your full computer to desktop storage to improve your computer's performance
  • Thanks to its impact resistance and durability, the WD external hard drive in proven WD -Quality to keep your data safe. Compatible with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0
  • Box contents WD Elements desktop storage 16 TB (desktop storage, USB 3.0 compatible, additional storage for photos, music, videos and all other files, shockproof) black; 2-year warranty
  • Note This device should only be used with the compatible UL listed power supply
9.8
Exceptional
Save 13%
Amazon Logo
🛡️Data-Driven ComparisonsHow?
3
9.7
Exceptional
Crucial X10 8TB External Portable SSD Drive - Up to 2100MB/s, USB-C 3.2 Gen2, IP65 Dust and Water Resistant, External Solid State Drive, Matte Blue - CT8000X10SSD9-02
Crucial

Crucial X10 8TB External Portable SSD Drive - Up to 2100MB/s, USB-C 3.2 Gen2, IP65 Dust and Water Resistant, External Solid State Drive, Matte Blue - CT8000X10SSD9-02

Key Highlights
  • Massive storage capacity available.
  • Lightning-fast file transfer speeds.
  • Robust and durable design.
Main Highlights
  • Save More: Get up to 8TB of storage to save up to 500,000 4K photos, 114 games, 2.6 million MP3 music files and 133 4K videos
  • Quick File Transfers to Up Your Game: With read speeds up to 2,100MB/s, the X10 offers fast, convenient storage to easily expand your PC gaming library
  • Long-Lasting Durability: IP65 dust and water resistant; drop resistant up to 3 meters
  • Broad Compatibility: Works with Windows, Mac, Android, iPad, PC, Linux and more via included USB-C connection
  • Micron Quality: With 45 years of memory and storage leadership, Micron engineered the Crucial X10 Portable SSD with rigorous testing and professional quality in mind; includes 3 year limited warranty
9.7
Exceptional
Amazon Logo
4
9.6
Superb
Save 3%
WD 5TB Elements AE Portable External Hard Drive, SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 1/USB 3.0, Plug-and-Play, Formatted for Windows, Black
WD

WD 5TB Elements AE Portable External Hard Drive, SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 1/USB 3.0, Plug-and-Play, Formatted for Windows, Black

3% Off
Key Highlights
  • Effortless expandability in seconds.
  • High capacity up to 6TB.
  • Eco-friendly recycled materials used.
Main Highlights
  • Effortless Expandability This plug-and-play hard drive lets you expand your capacity in seconds, so you can keep your important files without any stress or complications.
  • High Capacity Discover expansive storage with up to 6TB capacity, offering ample room for your cherished photos, memorable videos, and essential documents on-the-go.
  • Easy-to-Use Backup Software Equipped with backup software - Simply download, plug in your drive and set your hourly, daily, or monthly schedule.
  • Transfer faster Experience fast data transfer speeds with USB 3.2 Gen 1, enabling you to quickly access and share your files with ease.
  • Designed with the Planet in Mind The enclosure of this drive is composed of more than 50% post-consumer recycled plastic. Packaging is made of over 50% post-consumer recycled pulp and is fully recyclable.
9.6
Superb
Save 3%
Amazon Logo
5
9.4
Superb
Save 14%
WD 5TB My Passport portable external storage, external hard drive, USB 3.0, portable HDD with software for device management, backup and password protection, works with PC, Xbox &Playstation, Black
Western Digital

WD 5TB My Passport portable external storage, external hard drive, USB 3.0, portable HDD with software for device management, backup and password protection, works with PC, Xbox &Playstation, Black

14% Off
Key Highlights
  • Portable, stylish and user-friendly design.
  • Comes with backup software.
  • Built-in encryption ensures security.
Main Highlights
  • Every journey needs a passport. The My Passport drive is trusted, portable storage that gives you the confidence and freedom to drive forward in life. With a stylish design that fits in the palm of your hand, there’s space to store, organize, and share your photos, videos, music, and documents. Perfectly paired with backup software and password protection, the My Passport drive helps keep your digital life's contents safe.
  • Slim style. It features a convenient, slim form factor and is available in a range of vibrant colors.
  • Backed up. The My Passpor drive comes equipped with backup software to help make sure everything you create while on your own life journey - photos, videos, music and documents - does not get lost. You can set it to run automatically to your schedule. Just pick the time and frequency to back up important files from your system onto your My Passport drive.
  • Locked down. The My Passport drive’s built-in 256-bit AES hardware encryption with password protection helps keep your digital life's contents secure. Just install our software2 and set your password to activate password protection.
  • Super Easy. My Passport portable storage is ready right out of the box with the necessary cable. And with SuperSpeed USB (5Gbps), you can quickly start backing up everything in your life and keep driving forward.
  • Ongoing confidence. There's no telling what's ahead in your own Journey. That's why WD builds drives to demanding requirements for durability, and long-term reliability. On top of that, it comes with a 3-year limited warranty
  • This product has been certified to meet Google's compatibility standards. Chromebook and the works with Chromebook badge are trademarks of Google LLC
9.4
Superb
Save 14%
Amazon Logo
7
9.3
Superb
WD 4TB Elements AE Portable External Hard Drive, SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 1/USB 3.0, Plug-and-Play, Formatted for Windows, Black
WD

WD 4TB Elements AE Portable External Hard Drive, SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 1/USB 3.0, Plug-and-Play, Formatted for Windows, Black

Key Highlights
  • Effortless expandability in seconds.
  • Ample storage for important files.
  • Eco-friendly design and packaging.
Main Highlights
  • Effortless Expandability This plug-and-play hard drive lets you expand your capacity in seconds, so you can keep your important files without any stress or complications.
  • High Capacity Discover expansive storage with up to 6TB capacity, offering ample room for your cherished photos, memorable videos, and essential documents on-the-go.
  • Easy-to-Use Backup Software Equipped with backup software - Simply download, plug in your drive and set your hourly, daily, or monthly schedule.
  • Transfer faster Experience fast data transfer speeds with USB 3.2 Gen 1, enabling you to quickly access and share your files with ease.
  • Designed with the Planet in Mind The enclosure of this drive is composed of more than 50% post-consumer recycled plastic. Packaging is made of over 50% post-consumer recycled pulp and is fully recyclable.
9.3
Superb
Amazon Logo
8
9.2
Superb
Seagate Portable Drive 5TB, External Hard Drive, Dark Grey, for PC Laptop and Mac, Data Rescue Services, Amazon Exclusive (STGX5000400)
Seagate

Seagate Portable Drive 5TB, External Hard Drive, Dark Grey, for PC Laptop and Mac, Data Rescue Services, Amazon Exclusive (STGX5000400)

Key Highlights
  • Easy backup for PC, Mac.
  • Automatic detection simplifies setup.
  • Plug-and-play with fast transfer.
Main Highlights
  • Amazon Exclusive
  • Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external drive makes making backups a snap with drag and drop
  • To install the drive, simply connect it to your computer and it will be automatically detected without the need for any software
  • Mac compatibility: Reformat compatible
  • This USB drive offers plug-and-play simplicity with the included 46cm USB 30 cable Fast file transfer with USB 30 (backwards compatible with USB 20)
  • Gain lasting peace of mind with the included two-year limited warranty and two-year rescue data recovery services
9.2
Superb
Amazon Logo
9
9.0
Superb
Toshiba Canvio Flex 4TB – Portable 2.5’’ External Hard Drive (HDD) for Mac, Windows PC, Smartphone and Tablet Use, Compatible with Most USB-C and USB-A Devices, Warm Silver (HDTX240ESCCA)
Toshiba

Toshiba Canvio Flex 4TB – Portable 2.5’’ External Hard Drive (HDD) for Mac, Windows PC, Smartphone and Tablet Use, Compatible with Most USB-C and USB-A Devices, Warm Silver (HDTX240ESCCA)

Key Highlights
  • Compact and portable design.
  • Compatible with multiple devices.
  • Convenient USB-C and USB-A cable.
Main Highlights
  • One Drive, many Devices: The Canvio Flex offers storage in its most compatible form, enabling you to seamlessly store and access your data on smartphones, tablet devices, Macs and Windows PCs* interchangeably with a simple one-stop solution.
  • High-Capacity Storage: The Toshiba Canvio Flex 4TB provides you with an enormous amount of storage space, allowing you to store all of your important files, documents, photos, and videos in one convenient location, and freeing up space on your computer's hard drive.
  • High-Speed Data Transfer: Equipped with a USB 3.0 interface, this Canvio Flex drive delivers fast transfer speeds of up to 5 Gbit/s, enabling you to quickly and easily transfer large files between devices.
  • Stylish and Sleek: With its warm silver finish, the Canvio Flex not only offers high-performance storage but also adds a touch of style to your workspace or home office. Its modern and sophisticated design will complement any décor, making it a great addition to your tech setup.
  • Portable and Durable: Designed for on-the-go use, the Canvio Flex features a compact and lightweight form factor that makes it easy to carry with you wherever you go.
9.0
Superb
Amazon Logo
10
8.9
Excellent
Save 7%
LaCie Rugged Mini 2TB — shock‑resistant, USB‑C Portable External Hard Drive, 2.5‑inch, for Mac & Windows — Rescue Data Recovery included
LaCie

LaCie Rugged Mini 2TB — shock‑resistant, USB‑C Portable External Hard Drive, 2.5‑inch, for Mac & Windows — Rescue Data Recovery included

7% Off
Key Highlights
  • Shock and drop resistant.
  • Compatible with multiple USBs.
  • Includes two-year warranty.
Main Highlights
  • Shock and drop resistant up to 1.2 m in non-operating mode, USB 3.0 speed. No USB Type A included
  • Pressure resistant up to 1000 kg (2205 lbs)
  • Automatic backup software and AES 256-bit encryption provide seamless protection of your important data
  • Compatible with USB-C, USB 3.0, USB 3.2 Gen 1, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Thunderbolt 3. USB Micro B to USB C cable included
  • Enjoy long-term peace of mind with the included two-year limited warranty and two-yr Rescue Data Recovery Services
  • Shock and drop resistant up to 1.2 m in non-operating mode
  • Pressure resistant up to 1000 kg (2205 lbs)
  • Automatic backup software and AES 256-bit encryption provide seamless protection of your important data
  • Compatible with USB-C and Thunderbolt 3. Micro B to USB C (included) . USB Micro B to USB Type A cable (not included)
  • Enjoy long-term peace of mind with the included two-year limited warranty and two-yr Rescue Data Recovery Services
8.9
Excellent
Save 7%
Amazon Logo
  • Public data sources - ratings, prices & specs
  • Affiliate commission on purchases - free for you
  • Rankings based on data, not commissions

Prices, availability, and deals shown may change at any time. You will be redirected to the retailer's site for the final price and purchase.

How We Rank

🔍

Expert Analysis

Our team of experts highlights useful information so you can easily compare products to find the one that's right for you.

Award-Winning Tech

Our technology analyzes thousands of purchase trends to bring you the top product recommendations.