An external hard drive is designed to store significant amounts of various digital data, for example, text information, photos, video files, applications, and so on. Thanks to this equipment, you can quickly and easily transfer data from one computer to another without establishing a local network between them. The mobility of this device allows you to take it with you when traveling.
Choosing a hard drive is not too difficult, but this first impression is misleading, since you have to take into account a number of points to make the device as convenient to use as possible.
Summary of the rating:
The main criteria for choosing hard drives
There are a number of important characteristics that experts pay attention to and which will have to be considered before buying an external hard drive:
- The maximum amount of data stored - it completely depends on the needs of the user. Today, models with a capacity of less than 1 TB are no longer very relevant, especially since on sale you can find flash drives with a capacity of 256 GB or more. Of course, the capacity of the device will affect its cost, but the price of one gigabyte of memory will decrease;
- The interface version - USB0 is now considered quite outdated, especially considering that its maximum data transfer speed is 480 Mbps, so it’s best to purchase products equipped with USB 3.0, which works much faster - it sends information at a speed of 8 Gbps / from;
- The amount of RAM of the hard drive, which also affects its performance;
- Build quality of the case - ideally it should not be purely plastic, it is best if inserts made of metal or rubber are provided. Thanks to them, the design will be more resistant to falls, the formation of scratches and other surface defects;
- The mass of the device is very important if you plan to constantly take the hard drive with you on the road. On average, such products weigh from 140 to 300 grams, but you can find heavier designs;
- Protection against moisture and dust will be required if the equipment is operated in harsh conditions. For this, there are products equipped with certified IPXX protection;
- The reliability of the device is also quite important, it will certainly affect the life of the product;
- Software that allows you to backup, protect information from unauthorized access.
As you can see, in order to buy a hard drive, you need to take into account many points. We compiled our review based on feedback from users and specialists, in addition, price-quality ratio was taken into account. We hope that after studying it, you can quickly decide which equipment is right for you.
Best 1TB drives
5. ADATA NH13 1TB
This model is characterized by compact overall dimensions - its thickness is only 16 mm with a mass of only 160 grams. Among all the designs presented in our review, it is the thinnest and lightest among all external devices. It is placed in an aluminum case, has a SuperSpeed USB 3.0 interface. Also included is a very convenient and precisely fitted case made of genuine leather, which will give the product even more attractiveness.
The device is perfectly combined with any modern operating systems based on Windows, Linux and others. In addition to useful features and a beautiful appearance, the device has additional useful software. In particular, in the preinstalled version there is the OStoGO utility, due to which it is possible to write the DVD image of the operating system installation files to the hard disk. There is also the HDDtoGo application, which provides synchronization of information, e-mail and performs a number of other useful functions, due to which absolute mobility is created.
Benefits:
- High performance;
- Attractive appearance;
- Compactness;
- Easy to connect;
- There is related software.
Disadvantages:
- There is no protection against dust and moisture;
- If dropped, the housing may bend.
4. Toshiba STOR.E SLIM 1 TB
By default, it has the HFS + data storage format, which allows you to easily work with Macintosh operating systems. If you plan to use it on a Linux or Windows platform, you will have to reformat it in NTFS + format first. The case looks pretty stylish - it is made of thick and durable aluminum, there is a plastic insert around the perimeter. At one of the corners there is a hard drive connection indicator. There are additional programs on the disk –HDD Password Tools, which allows you to protect all data stored on it with a password.
In addition, there is a utility that tracks the speed of reading, copying and writing to the hard drive. The spindle speed in the hard drive itself is 5600 rpm, so it responds to any action almost instantly. USB 3.0 interface, which also positively affects the speed of the product.
Benefits:
- It is very quiet;
- Placed in a durable aluminum case with a beautiful plastic insert;
- During operation does not emit extraneous sounds;
- There is an indicator of work.
Disadvantages:
- It does not always behave confidently when playing video files from it.
3. Silicon Power Stream S03 1TB
One of the best external hard drives with a capacity of less than 1 TB has a great design that will emphasize the importance of secure data storage. The case has a matte surface on which fingerprints and other spots do not remain, has excellent ergonomics and smooth lines. In the upper corner is an indicator that allows you to monitor the status of data transfer. The fact is that the connector on this hard drive is universal and fits both USB 2.0 and USB 3.0. With the first type of connection, the red indicator lights up, with the second - blue, which provides additional practicality of this device.
This design is also compatible with the highest speed interface - USB 3.1 of the latest generation, due to which it is possible to very quickly create backup copies of text information and multimedia files. Information, if necessary, can be encrypted using the SP Widget application, which works on the basis of AEES 256-bit encoding technology.
Benefits:
- Excellent reliability;
- Ease of use
- Strong case;
- Compatible with multiple data transfer interfaces.
Disadvantages:
- Short cable connection.
2. ADATA HD720 1TB
The model appeared on sale in the middle of last summer and almost immediately gained wide popularity among users. The manufacturer recommends this drive for active travel and provides a three-year warranty on it. The cost is in the middle price category, the case is additionally reinforced with stiffeners, which makes the structure stable against various physical influences. The design is available in two main color options - yellow and blue, the models look quite stylish. The mass of the device is 223 grams, the dimensions are small, it can even be carried in your pocket.
The connection cable is mounted on the hard drive itself using special clamps. The outer surface is made of dense silicone with a soft touch coating, it will not slip out of your hands, when dropped, the silicone dampens the force of impact well.It is additionally protected from moisture and dust - the manufacturer claims that the device can withstand immersion in water to a depth of two meters. The connector for connecting to a computer is protected by a silicone plug, and there is also an LED indicator for operation and data transfer via USB 3.0.
Benefits:
- Placed in shockproof housing;
- Good performance;
- Light weight;
- Water resistant;
- Convenient cable mounts.
Disadvantages:
- Short cable length
- The price is still high;
- The cap over time begins to pass through itself water and dust.
1. Seagate Expansion 1 TB
It has standard overall dimensions and works through the USB 3.0 user interface. The manufacturing company is one of the most famous and respected in the whole world. The products are not too expensive, the kit includes a hard drive itself and a cable for connecting to a computer. The case is made quite original, has a matte finish, which will not leave fingerprints. The operation indication is LED, when connected to a personal computer or laptop, it lights up in blue.
It works on the basis of the USB 3.0 interface, but this hard drive is well compatible with the previous generation interfaces. The connection cable, in contrast to the models already considered, has a decent length of 49 cm. It works well on any operating system from Windows and Lunix. It functions reliably and without errors during the entire service life.
Benefits:
- Very reliable brand;
- Low weight - only 170 grams;
- Beautiful appearance;
- Acceptable price.
Disadvantages:
- During operation, a little noise;
- The plastic case may become slightly loose over time.
Best 2TB External Hard Drives
3. Toshiba CANVIO ALU 2TB
The design is placed in a durable aluminum case, despite the large amount of data stored, it takes up minimal space, which facilitates the transportation of this unit. If desired, this hard drive can easily fit in an internal pocket. This is a classic product that does not have any additional functions, designed exclusively for data transfer. The design looks stylish and original, which allows it to stand out from other similar devices. The coating is opaque, slightly rough to the touch, fingerprints will not remain on it, dust will not accumulate, glossy inclusions are completely absent, so you can not be afraid that after a certain time the product will be covered with small scratches.
The assembly is excellent, there are simply no gaps, there are no extraneous creaks or backlashes, the external hard drive itself works almost silently. The LED indicator, it lights up when the device is connected to the computer. There is a small useful utility NTI Backup Now EZ, which allows you to quickly back up information.
Benefits:
- Not too high cost;
- The case is convenient, reliable, insensitive to physical influences;
- Both the disc itself and its packaging look quite attractive.
Disadvantages:
- Not compatible with Macintosh operating systems.
2. Seagate STEA2000400
The model has a cable length of 45 cm, often this is not enough, the connection interface is USB 3.0, however, the products are well combined with earlier interfaces. The dimensions are small - 1.5 cm in thickness, 8 cm in width and about 12 cm in length. The case is plastic, painted black, the plastic is glossy, which may leave fingerprints. In addition, traces of bonding the case are clearly visible, the plastic itself is quite thin, it bends when pressed hard. Despite these minor flaws, the design works quite reliably and can last a long time. Weight is only 130 grams.
In general, this model is one of the newest - it appeared on the market closer to last fall. It is well compatible with operating systems from Windows and Linux. By default, there is a standard free Cristal Disk Info utility on the hard drive, with which you can monitor key parameters of the hard drive, here you can identify existing errors. Copying is very fast even when connected to a USB 2.0 interface.
Benefits:
- It is very quiet;
- Small dimensions;
- Reasonable cost;
- It supports various interfaces and is well compatible with operating systems from different manufacturers.
Disadvantages:
- The case is made of thin plastic.
1. Western Digital My Passport 2TB
This model is one of the best among external hard drives of this volume, largely due to the fact that it is able to work with absolutely any operating systems that are currently used in computers. The only inconvenience in this regard is that it will have to be formatted for this kind of OS. In the design of the device, everything is thought out perfectly, so that it looks stylish. One half is covered with glossy plastic, the other is matte, with beautiful stripes. You should be as careful as possible with the glossy part, as it is easily scratched, abrasions occur on it and fingerprints remain.
The interface is standard - USB 3.0, next to the connection socket is an LED indicator of the hard drive. Four rubberized legs are located on the back side, which do not allow the product to slide on the table surface. The hard drive can be connected not only to a computer, but also to a TV, game consoles, and so on.
Benefits:
- Compact
- Convenient to use;
- Robust construction without backlash.
Disadvantages:
- Part of the case is easily soiled, fingerprints and various scratches remain on it.
The best hard drives with a capacity of 4 TB
2. Western Digital My Passport 4 TB (WDBUAX0040B)
Everything that was said about the same hard drive with only 2 TB is true for this model. This model was developed a couple of years ago, but until today it continues to remain very popular among users. In terms of software, several useful utilities have been added to the hard drive. The product is distinguished by hardware encryption of 256-bit type, supporting AES algorithm.
If necessary, you can back up data to both the hard drive itself and the cloud service Dropbox or Baidu. There is a function that allows you to set the sleep mode, however, in the unconditional priority, all such moments will work only when connected to a TV. It is possible that the operating system will give its installations higher priority.
Benefits:
- Despite the rather large data capacity, the device is thin;
- Good reliability.
Disadvantages:
- The USB controller is soldered to the board, so data recovery will require a lot of time and effort;
- The connector is non-standard.
1. Seagate STDR5000200
It contains 5 TB of data, which is why it has a rather serious thickness for such a device - over 1.5 cm. Connection to a computer, TV or game console is done using the USB 3.0 interface. The mass of the hard drive is 247 grams - the leader among our rating for this indicator, you can’t just take it away in your pocket. The spindle speed here is 5400 rpm, which allows for fast data transfer. By default, the device is designed to work with Windows and Linux operating systems, due to the fact that the product is formatted in NTFS. Although after the transfer to a different format, the products will work well with the Macintosh OS. The software is standard, there are all traditional utilities.
Benefits:
- Great roominess;
- Reliable assembly of the case, has no backlash, there are no extraneous sounds;
- It is well combined with any operating systems.
Disadvantages:
- Besides the fact that during operation it is slightly noisy, there are none.
In custody
We hope that our review will help you choose the right hard drive in terms of both quality and capacity. If you have something to share with other users about the purchase of such devices, then you can express your point of view in the comments.
Suddenly, who cares about internal hdd
(1 ratings, average: 5,00 out of 5)
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