What’s one of the best exterior drive?
Whereas cloud storage appears extra handy, many individuals nonetheless want exterior drives for storing knowledge in a secure and safe method. Working low on house for these valuable household pictures or vital work information? Investing in an exterior exhausting drive or solid-state drive (SSD) may very well be precisely what you want. We have examined the highest storage choices in the marketplace that will help you discover dependable gadgets that provide nice worth in your cash.
Storage costs have come down through the years, however high-capacity SSDs will nonetheless want an even bigger funding. That is why you can even go for conventional exhausting disk drives. They don’t seem to be as quick as SSDs, however they offer you extra cupboard space in your greenback. When selecting your drive, bear in mind to verify what cables you will want, as this could have an effect on each compatibility and comfort.
All of CNET’s prime picks for exterior exhausting drives and SSDs are appropriate throughout platforms, together with Home windows PCs, Macs and gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox. Simply understand that you would possibly must format the drive in your particular system. Typically, they will be designated to work with a selected platform and generally they arrive with backup software program that’s platform-specific. Except in any other case indicated, all of the PC drives talked about listed below are appropriate with Home windows however may be formatted for Mac. Plus, a lot of them embrace USB-C and USB-A cables or adapters. In the event that they don’t occur to be included, you’ll be able to simply purchase dongles for about $12.
Console players will need to maintain a watch out for platform-specific particulars. For instance, the PS5 helps you to retailer and play PS4 video games from an exterior drive however not PS5 video games. The Xbox Sequence X, however, can retailer Sequence X video games on an exterior exhausting drive, however you will need to switch them to inside storage earlier than enjoying them. Each consoles will allow you to broaden inside storage. The Xbox Sequence X makes use of a proprietary Seagate-made storage enlargement card, and the PS5 makes use of a extra customary M.2 SSD.
With these caveats in thoughts, our present prime picks for one of the best exterior exhausting drive and exterior solid-state drive are under. These (or practically equivalent fashions with much less storage capability) have been used or anecdotally examined by CNET editors. We’ll replace our listing of one of the best exterior exhausting drives and SSDs as we take a look at new merchandise. Ideally, you must have redundant backups — both off-site or within the cloud — for vital knowledge and enormous information like household pictures, in case of theft or hearth. Make sure that to encrypt your knowledge, too.
Finest exterior drives of 2025
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Western Digital, which owns SanDisk, sells its WD My Passport SSD as effectively this SanDisk Exterior Transportable SSD for mainly the identical value. I just like the design of this mannequin a bit higher, and it is technically ruggedized with an IP65 ranking, which means it may face up to a sustained spray of water. Additionally, it is dust- and shock-resistant and has a USB-C interface.
The most recent model provides speeds as much as 1,050MB/s (simply over 1GB per second) and is true round $90 for the 1TB model. Whereas step-up fashions just like the SanDisk Excessive Professional supply quicker learn/write speeds with the appropriate pc, that could be overkill except you usually work with very giant information.
Your pace will range in the event you’re shifting a mishmash of information to or from the USB drive, however when copying a single giant file you must be capable of get near that quick switch pace.
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First launched in 2022, the WD Black P40 has come down in value and is now fairly inexpensive. It is an ultrafast SSD that is extra geared towards latest Home windows PCs outfitted with USB 3.2 Gen2x2 dual-lane structure that permits for a theoretical 20Gbps knowledge switch charge. It may also be used with consoles and Macs. It is able to speeds as much as 2,000MB/s.
Rated for surviving drops of as much as 2 meters, the drive is sturdy and has an RGB lighting component that may be personalized with a Home windows PC.
You do pay a little bit of a premium over the WD Black D30 (see under), which comes with a stand and is extra geared to sport consoles. This drive is extra future-proof as PCs are more and more outfitted with USB 3.2 Gen2x2. Kingston’s XS2000 has related specs for round $10 much less for the 1TB mannequin, however some customers have famous this drive provides barely higher write speeds.
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For higher or worse, there’s presently just one method to broaden the storage in your Xbox Sequence X/S for next-gen Sequence X/S video games: the Seagate Enlargement Card. Just like the storage scenario with the PS5, you’ll be able to plug in any exterior SSD or exhausting drive to broaden the storage for normal Xbox video games (previous-gen), however you’ll be able to retailer solely native Xbox Sequence X/S video games on the sport console’s inside reminiscence or the Seagate Enlargement Card.
It plugs right into a proprietary slot on the again of the Xbox Sequence X/S and “replicates the Xbox Velocity Structure” (Microsoft’s inside NVMe SSD tech) with peak speeds of as much as 2.4GBps of uncooked I/O throughput. Microsoft says that is greater than 40x the throughput of the Xbox One.
The enlargement card is available in 1TB ($150) and 2TB ($250) variations.
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That is SanDisk’s entry-level SSD, and whereas it does not have fairly the identical speedy efficiency because the step-up Excessive mannequin, it nonetheless has strong efficiency only a step or two behind with 800MB/s speeds in contrast with 1,050MB/s (that is about 1GB per second). The Excessive mannequin can be ruggedized, whereas this one is not. SanDisk says it is drop-tested to 2 meters. To get the 1TB SSD capability model prices round $85, whereas the 2TB goes for round $140. They provide greater than sufficient pace for basic use (by that I imply people who aren’t shifting round tons of of gigs of video information).
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You’ll be able to broaden storage for PS4 video games in your PS5 by including an ordinary exterior SSD as a result of you’ll be able to play PS4 video games immediately from an exterior SSD. That is not the case for PS5 video games, which take up a ton of house and may be performed solely from the PS5’s inside drive or an M.2 SSD that you just set up in a particular enlargement bay inside your PS5.
Whereas the Seagate FireCuda 530 technically is not an exterior SSD, it is not so completely different from Seagate’s Storage Enlargement Card for the Xbox Sequence X/S in that it is an NVMe SSD with a really excessive switch pace (as much as 7,300MB/s, based on Seagate, although my PS5 listed the highest charge at 6,800MB/s).
A number of M.2 SSDs will work with the PS5 (see our full listing) however ideally, you need one with an built-in heatsink. In any other case, you will have so as to add one.
The Seagate FireCuda 530 with heatsink begins round $67 for the 500GB model and jumps to roughly $140 for the 1TB model (hottest). The 2TB goes for round $200, whereas the 4TB sells for round $600.
Learn extra: Here is The way to Enhance Your PlayStation 5 Storage
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As its identify implies, Kingston’s XS2000 is able to speeds as much as 2,000MB/s. Just like the WD Black P40 Sport Drive and SanDisk Excessive Professional (see under), it is an ultrafast SSD that is extra geared towards latest Home windows PCs outfitted with USB 3.2 Gen2x2 dual-lane structure that permits for a theoretical 20Gbps knowledge switch charge. It may also be used with consoles and Macs. (Be aware that the XS2000 is silver, whereas its predecessor is black).
Its design is a bit more plain than some SSDs on this listing, however the XS2000 is compact (it is about half the dimensions of a harmonica), light-weight and comes with a rubber sleeve that is alleged to make the machine water-, shock- and dust-resistant, though it does not have an IP ranking. It is a respectable worth at roughly $105 for the 1TB mannequin.
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In the event you’re on the lookout for a high-capacity exterior drive in your Xbox One, the WD Black P10 2TB transportable exhausting drive is an effective worth at round $75 (the 5TB model is about $150). It provides you transportable storage in your coveted sport assortment. This exterior drive additionally comes with a digital code that provides you one month of Microsoft’s Sport Cross Final in the event you’re a brand new subscriber. There’s additionally an ordinary model of the transportable exhausting drive, which additionally works with PCs and the PS4 for barely much less (it is lacking the Xbox branding however is in any other case the identical drive). The transportable drive can ship speeds as much as 130MBps.
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Whereas this drive works with each the PS4 and PS5, it may solely retailer PS4 video games in the event you’re utilizing it with a PS5 (you’ll be able to play PS4 video games with out lag immediately from the transportable exhausting drive). The 5TB model is $148.
Be aware that Seagate makes an SSD Sport Drive For Xbox however not PS4. The storage drive prices round $200 for 1TB.
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You need to use any SSD together with your PlayStation PS4/PS5 or Xbox One, Xbox One Sequence X or Sequence S to retailer PS4 and Xbox One video games and different content material and choose up a pleasant pace bump when loading video games in contrast with an ordinary exterior exhausting drive just like the WD Black P10 above. Be aware that with the Xbox Sequence X, you’ll be able to solely archive Xbox Sequence X and S video games to this drive, you’ll be able to’t retailer full video games on it (the Seagate Storage Enlargement Card is required for that). The PS5 has the identical restriction — you’ll be able to solely retailer full PS4 video games on exterior drives.
On its floor, then, the WD Black D30 sport drive is not all that particular. It has as much as a 900MBps switch charge, which is mainly what a console’s USB 3.1 connection caps out at. It is the design that units it aside. It is thicker and extra rugged-looking than your typical SSD or flash drive and features a removable stand with rubber toes to maintain it from shifting round wherever you place it. That is an NVMe SSD (Non-Unstable Reminiscence Categorical) that gives wonderful efficiency and interoperability. It primarily seems like a mini exhausting drive, which is type of cool.
The usual model works with PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and One X and S consoles, in addition to PCs. The Xbox model proven within the picture merely consists of an Xbox brand and a month of Sport Cross Final, a $15 worth, for $20 extra. Alas, solely new subscribers can use the included code, so if you have already got a Sport Cross Final subscription, you are paying the additional $20 for the emblem.
The 1TB model is $150 or much less when on sale.
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SanDisk makes the Excessive Transportable SSD (see above) that delivers speeds as much as 1,050MB per second switch charges. In the event you’re a photographer or videographer on the lookout for a fair quicker SSD drive in your PC or Mac, the Excessive Professional Transportable SSD is the way in which to go for further cupboard space. The most recent model can ship as much as 2,000MBps (2GBps) learn/write speeds in the event you pair it with the appropriate tools. To get the utmost pace, you want a number system that helps USB Gen 3.2 Gen 2×2 speeds.
Appropriate with Macs and Home windows PCs, it is technically ruggedized with an IP65 ranking, which means it may face up to a sustained spray of water and is dust-resistant. It is also shock-resistant (3-meter drop safety) and is supplied with a cast aluminum chassis that acts as a heatsink. It has a USB-C interface and consists of each USB-C-to-USB-C and USB-A-to-USB-C cables. The 1TB model is round $130 whereas the 2TB has dipped to round $220.
Be aware: Some customers say they’ve encountered reliability points with this drive and even had information mysteriously erased. SanDisk has acknowledged some firmware issues with sure drives. It is unclear if these points have been resolved or not, however we did not encounter any issues with the take a look at drive we had been utilizing.
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SanDisk’s flagship Professional-G40 SSD begins at round $180 for a 1TB drive, whereas the 1TB model of Different World Computing’s Envoy Professional FX goes for $280. Each supply top-end speeds (the Envoy Professional FX will get as much as a 2,800MB/s switch pace whereas the Professional-G40 tops out barely larger at as much as 3,000MB/s). Whereas the drive will work simply nice with Home windows and Linux computer systems, OWC has lengthy catered to the Mac market, and this exterior SSD definitely performs effectively with Macs.
Sure, it prices greater than the Professional-G40, nevertheless it appears very effectively constructed with an aluminum chassis that does a great job dissipating warmth (it does not warmth up an excessive amount of). Alas, it does not include some kind of carrying case, nevertheless it’s a powerful drive in the event you can afford it and are on the lookout for ultrafast switch pace.
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Sure, even drive makers like Seagate are beginning to incorporate recycled supplies into their merchandise. The Extremely Contact is available in 4TB and 5TB storage capacities (we tried the 5TB) and other than the eco angle, it is a fairly customary mechanical drive that options USB-C connectivity (sure, it is appropriate with quite a lot of gadgets, together with Macs, Home windows machines and Chromebooks). It weighs in at 267g or 0.589 kilos.
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This drive provides related specs to the SanDisk Excessive SSD, with as much as 1,050MB learn/write speeds, nevertheless it does not have a ruggedized exterior. I’ve used one usually and it is held up effectively and provides a comparatively quick efficiency. I’ve included it right here as a result of the 2TB is best priced than some comparable 2TB fashions.
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The WD My Ebook desktop drive is offered in as much as a 24TB configuration. This drive has been round for some time and is geared towards individuals who want loads of storage however do not need to pay a ransom to get it.
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After Seagate acquired LaCie a number of years in the past, LaCie grew to become the corporate’s premium model, and this exterior HDD 5TB mannequin may be discovered on loads of video editors’ desks (together with loads at CNET). This rugged exhausting disk drive makes use of a USB-C interface, is appropriate with Mac and Home windows PCs and is water- and shock-resistant. A 4TB Thunderbolt with USB-C model is offered for Thunderbolt-equipped Macs for about $260.
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Essential’s X6 exterior SSD is taken into account entry-level as a result of it is simply not as quick as higher-end fashions, which may supply learn/write speeds which are twice and even 4 instances as quick (the Essential X8 is the step-up mannequin). Even so, the X6 is about 4x quicker than a drive that is not solid-state, with a switch pace of as much as 540MB per second for the 1TB and 2TB variations and as much as 800MB/s for the brand new 4TB model, which has one of many lowest costs for a 4TB SSD at round $280.
Comparatively, the 4TB SanDisk Excessive SSD, which has a switch pace ranking of as much as 1,050MB/s, prices $300. So that you’re mainly taking a look at a $20 financial savings in the event you’re prepared to take a little bit of a small pace hit (once more, at the least the 4GB model of the Essential X6 has been bumped as much as 800MB/s from 540MB/s).
Finances
Earlier than the rest, you will need to determine how a lot you are prepared to spend on a brand new exhausting drive. Compact solid-state drives that use flash reminiscence are pricier than slower and greater mechanical drives, however they’ve gone down in value during the last couple of years. In the present day, you will get a 1TB exterior SSD for as little as $65 or so. Very high-capacity SSDs are typically fairly expensive, so in the event you’re wanting for lots of storage for not an excessive amount of cash, you will possible need to go for a mechanical drive.
Capability
Exterior drives begin at 500GB and go all the way in which as much as 22TB or so. For lots of people, particularly in the event you’re taking a look at a quicker SSD, the storage candy spot is 1TB or 2TB. In the event you want greater than that, you will possible be deciding between spending lots on a 4TB SSD or choosing a extra inexpensive however slower 4TB or 5TB mechanical drive.
Knowledge switch pace
Stable state drives are delivering quicker and quicker knowledge switch speeds. SSDs that provide the quickest speeds are additionally fairly expensive. You will need to determine simply what sort of efficiency you need and wish primarily based in your use case and the PC you will have (to get the quickest switch pace you want a pc with the most recent USB expertise). Except you usually switch huge video information, you in all probability do not want a “professional” stage storage machine. Be aware that even the slowest SSDs are typically about 5 instances as quick as a standard mechanical drive.
Compatibility
Most exterior drives are appropriate with all kinds of computer systems, together with Macs, Home windows PCs and Chromebooks. Issues get extra difficult whenever you get into the realm of sport consoles. To retailer PS5 or Xbox Sequence X or S video games, you will must buy a drive particularly for that activity. You need to use most exterior drives to retailer and play PS4 video games or customary Xbox One video games (off the drive), however you will want to put in an inside drive to retailer and play PS5 video games. Xbox Sequence X and S machines require you to purchase both the WD Black C50 enlargement card or Seagate Storage enlargement card to retailer and play Xbox Sequence X or S video games.
Safety
A few of it’s possible you’ll be storing delicate knowledge in your exterior storage drive. If that is the case, search for drives that embrace security measures, together with encryption.
We take a look at exterior drives primarily based on three key standards, evaluating equally styled and priced fashions. These standards are design, efficiency and worth.
- Design: We assess not solely the dimensions and weight of the drive (portability components) however its total construct high quality and sturdiness, together with water-, shock- and dirt resistance.
- Efficiency: We consider learn/write efficiency by transferring 50GB of information to and from each a PC and a Mac pc a number of instances. We additionally consider how a lot a drive heats up.
- Worth: We evaluate drives with related efficiency specs in opposition to one another and assess how good a price they’re primarily based on their value for a similar capability drive.
Many drives are plug-and-play, however you will have to format a drive in your specific working system. Some drives include their very own software program utilities to arrange the drive for no matter working system you are utilizing.
Most of as we speak’s drives use USB-C interfaces and infrequently include a USB-C-to-USB-A adapter that means that you can join the drive to older USB-A ports. To get most speeds, you will want to attach the drive through USB-C.
USB-C connectors have 4 metallic pins which are used to switch knowledge. They’re generally known as “lanes.” USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps) and USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) use one TX lane to transmit knowledge and one RX lane to obtain knowledge. Many of the newest computer systems supply at the least these speeds, and extra computer systems are getting USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, which provides as much as two lanes of 10 Gbps operation for a theoretical 20Gbps knowledge switch charge.
USB4 and Thunderbolt ports (Macs use Thunderbolt) will let you switch knowledge in addition to video and audio. Meaning you’ll be able to join each exterior drives and shows. Thunderbolt/USB4 provides as much as a 40Gbps theoretical knowledge switch charge. Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 ports look and act like USB-C ports and help USB-C connectivity. A pc with customary USB-C ports doesn’t help Thunderbolt gadgets.
To get the quickest speeds, you sometimes want a appropriate USB-C cable (the drive ought to include the appropriate cable to maximise knowledge switch charges). A Thunderbolt-compatible cable is required for computer systems outfitted with Thunderbolt ports to realize a most knowledge switch pace. Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 ports seem like USB-C ports and use a cable that appears like a USB-C cable however has a Thunderbolt insignia on it. Earlier Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2 ports used their very own kind of connector (the port additionally accommodates a Mini DisplayPort cable for connecting to displays). You should buy an adapter that converts a Thunderbolt 2 cable to Thunderbolt 3 and 4. There are additionally USB-C to Mini DisplayPort cables.
USB sorts and theoretical burst switch speeds.
