hard drives, allowing you to provide greater data storage. A hard drive is the hardware component that stores all of your digital content. Everything stored on a hard drive is measured in terms of its file size. A hard drive determines the size of digital files in terms of megabytes (MB), gigabytes (GB), and terabytes (TB).
A hard disk/drive unit comes with a set rotation speed varying from 4,200 revolutions per minute to 15,000 rpm. Most laptop and desktop PCs use hard disks that fall between 5,400 rpm and 7,200 rpm, while hard disks at higher rpm can be found in high-end workstations and enterprise servers.
External hard drives connect to your computer using either USB or Firewire connections. External hard drives are portable, easy to use, and can provide a large amount of storage whenever you need it.
5 Best Portable Hard Drives
1. WD My Passport 4TB Portable External Hard Drive (Black)
Features:
- Auto backup with included WD backup software
- Password protection with hardware encryption
- Included WD discovery software for social media and cloud storage import.
- Trusted drive built with WD reliability up to 4TB capacity USB 3.0, USB 2.0 compatible back up automatically, equipped with WD backup software so you can automatically back up photos, videos, music, and documents.
- Just pick the time and frequency.
- Easy to use My Passport portable storage is ready to use out of the box so you can start transferring files, saving your memories and backing up.
- The sleek vibrant design of the My Passport drive comes in a wide range of bold beautiful colors so you can pick the one that matches your own unique personal style.
- Easy to use
Pros:
- WD My Passport portable hard drive and auto backup software.
- The My Passport portable hard drive is trusted to store the massive amounts of photos, videos and music you love.
- Available in an array of vibrant fun colors, the sleek style fits comfortably in the palm of your hand so you can easily take your treasured content everywhere you go.
- Auto backup with included WD backup software password protection with hardware encryption, easy and ready to use out of the box, bold vibrant design in wide range of beautiful colors.
- Set it to your schedule. Password Protection built-in 256-bit AES hardware encryption with WD Security software helps keep your content private and safe.
- Easily add a return-if-found message as the password prompt in case your My Passport ever gets lost.
- It comes with all the software you need to help protect all your data; including WD Backup and WD security software. Reimagined design.
- Massive capacity with up to 4TB, you can take the massive amounts of photos, music and videos you love wherever you go and have plenty of room for other important documents too.
- WD quality inside and out WD builds drives to demanding requirements for durability, shock tolerance and long-term reliability.
Cons:
- Slower than average with large files.
2. Seagate 4TB Backup Plus USB 3.0 Portable 2.5 Inch External Hard Drive for PC and Mac
Features:
- Easy customized backup with included Seagate software
- Works interchangeably on PC and Mac computers—without needing to reformat
- Quick file transfer with USB 3.0 connectivity.
- A spacious 4 TB or 5 TB of capacity in a single, compact portable drive for your growing digital library – high-quality, on-the-go storage enhanced by a durable design and exceptional reliability.
- It is your life. Keep it all together.
- USB powered – no power supply necessary
- Includes two-month free membership to Adobe Creative Cloud Photography Plan. Must redeem by January 31, 2020
Pros:
- High capacity
- Slim, portable design
- A classic look with minimal branding
- Lots of software options
- Microsoft OneDrive storage
Cons:
- Pricier than some of the larger 4TB external drives
- Performance is nothing special
3. LaCie 2TB Porsche Design USB 3.0 Portable 2.5 inch External Hard Drive for PC and Mac – Light Grey
Features:
- LaCie, the premium brand of Seagate technology, designs world-class storage solutions for photographers, videographers, audio professionals, and other power users.
- With leading technology, performance, quality, and customer support, LaCie helps you realize your creative vision. We differentiate ourselves with a focus on design, unmatched technical performance, and long-term reliability.
- 3mm solid aluminum casing keeps your data solidly protected
- Elegant, sophisticated finish that matches your MacBook
- Automatic backup software and time machine compatibility provide seamless backup of your important data
- Compatible with PC and Mac
- USB 3.0 interface with USB 2.0 backward compatibility
- LaCie Backup Assistant software to easily setup automatic computer backups
- LaCie Private-Public 256-bit AES encryption
- Eco mode reduces energy usage by up to 40 percent when a product is not in use
Pros:
- Sleek design and lightweight aluminum body.
- Good performance. 256-bit AES encryption.
- Includes both USB 3.0 and USB-C cables.
Cons:
- A little pricey. Few extra features.
4. Transcend StoreJet 25M3 2.5-inch 1TB Portable External Hard Drive
Features:
- SuperSpeed USB 3.0 compliant and backward compatible with USB 2.0
- Connection bandwidth up to 5 5Gb/s
- Durable anti-shock rubber outer case
- 3 years warranty
- Offers vast storage capacity
- Easy plug and play operation, no drivers required
- USB powered, no external adapter necessary
- Military-grade shock resistance*
- Fully Compliant with the Hi-Speed USB 2.0 specification
- Advanced 3-stage shock protection system
- The advanced internal hard drive suspension system
- Quick Reconnect Button – after safely removing the hard drive from the system, press to reconnect the drive without having to unplug and replug the USB connector again
- One Touch Auto-Backup button
- 256-bit AES file & folder encryption**
- Exclusive Transcend Elite data management software
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Rugged
- Performs Well
- Vivid Blue Silicon Case
Cons:
- Short USB 3.0 Cable
5. Toshiba Canvio Basics 2TB USB 3.0 Portable External Hard Drive
Features:
- USB 3.0-powered portable add-on storage.
- Easy to use with no software to install.
- Plug and play operation.
- Accommodates large digital files with spacious storage capacity.
- Protects your drive (Internal Shock Sensor and Ramp Loading Technology).
- Gives you peace of mind (Toshiba 3-Year Limited Warranty).
- Product Specifications Capacity: 2TB1 Interface: USB 3.0 Transfer Rate: Up to 5 Gb/s Speed: 5,400 RPM Average Seek Time: 12ms Cache Buffer: 8MB Size: 3.1in (W) X 0.83in (H) X 4.7in (D) Color: Black Weight: 7.8 oz. Contents Toshiba Canvio Basics 3.0 Portable Hard Drive USB 3.0 Cable (compatible with USB 2.0)
Pros:
- Personal cloud software included.
- Comes with NTFS driver for Mac. Compact.
- Available in several colors.
Cons:
- Only 10GB of online cloud storage included.
- PC must remain on to use PogoPlug software.
- No 4TB option.
