What’s the perfect exterior drive?
Whereas cloud storage appears extra handy, many individuals nonetheless choose exterior drives for storing information in a secure and safe method. Operating low on house for these valuable household pictures or necessary work information? Investing in an exterior onerous drive or solid-state drive (SSD) might be precisely what you want. We have examined the highest storage choices in the marketplace that can assist you discover dependable gadgets that supply nice worth in your cash.
Storage costs have come down over time, however high-capacity SSDs will nonetheless want a much bigger funding. That is why you can even go for conventional onerous disk drives. They are not as quick as SSDs, however they offer you extra cupboard space in your greenback. When selecting your drive, keep in mind to test what cables you will want, as this could have an effect on each compatibility and comfort.
All of CNET’s prime picks for exterior onerous drives and SSDs are appropriate throughout platforms, together with Home windows PCs, Macs and gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox. Simply remember that you would possibly have to format the drive in your particular system. Usually, they’re going to be designated to work with a particular platform and generally they arrive with backup software program that’s platform-specific. Until in any other case indicated, all of the PC drives talked about listed below are appropriate with Home windows however will be formatted for Mac. Plus, a lot of them embody USB-C and USB-A cables or adapters. In the event that they don’t occur to be included, you possibly can simply purchase dongles for about $12.
Console avid gamers will wish to maintain a watch out for platform-specific particulars. For instance, the PS5 permits you to retailer and play PS4 video games from an exterior drive however not PS5 video games. The Xbox Sequence X, then again, can retailer Sequence X video games on an exterior onerous drive, however you will should switch them to inner storage earlier than taking part in them. Each consoles will allow you to broaden inner storage. The Xbox Sequence X makes use of a proprietary Seagate-made storage growth card, and the PS5 makes use of a extra normal M.2 SSD.
With these caveats in thoughts, our present prime picks for the perfect exterior onerous drive and exterior solid-state drive are beneath. These (or almost similar fashions with much less storage capability) have been used or anecdotally examined by CNET editors. We’ll replace our record of the perfect exterior onerous drives and SSDs as we check new merchandise. Ideally, you need to have redundant backups — both off-site or within the cloud — for necessary information and huge information like household pictures, in case of theft or fireplace. Be certain that to encrypt your information, too.
Finest exterior drives of 2025
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Western Digital, which owns SanDisk, sells its WD My Passport SSD as properly this SanDisk Exterior Transportable SSD for mainly the identical worth. I just like the design of this mannequin slightly higher, and it is technically ruggedized with an IP65 ranking, that means it could actually stand up to a sustained spray of water. Additionally, it is dust- and shock-resistant and has a USB-C interface.
The most recent model gives speeds as much as 1,050MB/s (simply over 1GB per second) and is correct round $90 for the 1TB model. Whereas step-up fashions just like the SanDisk Excessive Professional supply quicker learn/write speeds with the precise pc, which may be overkill except you repeatedly work with very massive information.
Your velocity will fluctuate should you’re transferring a mishmash of information to or from the USB drive, however when copying a single massive file you need to be capable of get near that quick switch velocity.
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First launched in 2022, the WD Black P40 has come down in worth and is now fairly reasonably priced. It is an ultrafast SSD that is extra geared towards current Home windows PCs outfitted with USB 3.2 Gen2x2 dual-lane structure that enables for a theoretical 20Gbps information switch charge. It will 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 aspect that may be custom-made with a Home windows PC.
You do pay a little bit of a premium over the WD Black D30 (see beneath), 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 gives 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 Growth Card. Just like the storage scenario with the PS5, you possibly can plug in any exterior SSD or onerous drive to broaden the storage for traditional Xbox video games (previous-gen), however you possibly can retailer solely native Xbox Sequence X/S video games on the sport console’s inner reminiscence or the Seagate Growth 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 inner 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 growth card is available in 1TB ($150) and 2TB ($250) variations.
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That is SanDisk’s entry-level SSD, and whereas it would 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 also 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 velocity for basic use (by that I imply people who aren’t transferring round a whole lot of gigs of video information).
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You may broaden storage for PS4 video games in your PS5 by including a normal exterior SSD as a result of you possibly can play PS4 video games straight from an exterior SSD. That is not the case for PS5 video games, which take up a ton of house and will be performed solely from the PS5’s inner drive or an M.2 SSD that you just set up in a particular growth bay inside your PS5.Â
Whereas the Seagate FireCuda 530 technically is not an exterior SSD, it isn’t so totally different from Seagate’s Storage Growth Card for the Xbox Sequence X/S in that it is an NVMe SSD with a really excessive switch velocity (as much as 7,300MB/s, in keeping with 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 record) however ideally, you need one with an built-in heatsink. In any other case, you will have so as to add one.Â
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: This is 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 beneath), it is an ultrafast SSD that is extra geared towards current Home windows PCs outfitted with USB 3.2 Gen2x2 dual-lane structure that enables for a theoretical 20Gbps information switch charge. It will 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 record, however the XS2000 is compact (it is about half the dimensions of a harmonica), light-weight and comes with a rubber sleeve that is purported to make the machine water-, shock- and dust-resistant, though it would not have an IP ranking. It is a first rate worth at roughly $105 for the 1TB mannequin.
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Should you’re on the lookout for a high-capacity exterior drive in your Xbox One, the WD Black P10 2TB transportable onerous drive is an effective worth at round $75 (the 5TB model is about $150). It offers you transportable storage in your coveted sport assortment. This exterior drive additionally comes with a digital code that offers you one month of Microsoft’s Sport Go Final should you’re a brand new subscriber. There’s additionally a normal model of the transportable onerous 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 could actually solely retailer PS4 video games should you’re utilizing it with a PS5 (you possibly can play PS4 video games with out lag straight from the transportable onerous 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 should use any SSD along 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 decide up a pleasant velocity bump when loading video games in contrast with a normal exterior onerous drive just like the WD Black P10 above. Be aware that with the Xbox Sequence X, you possibly can solely archive Xbox Sequence X and S video games to this drive, you possibly can’t retailer full video games on it (the Seagate Storage Growth Card is required for that). The PS5 has the identical restriction — you possibly can 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 transferring round wherever you place it. That is an NVMe SSD (Non-Unstable Reminiscence Categorical) that gives glorious efficiency and interoperability. It basically seems like a mini onerous drive, which is type of cool.Â
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 Go Final, a $15 worth, for $20 extra. Alas, solely new subscribers can use the included code, so if you have already got a Sport Go 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. Should 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 best way to go for further cupboard space. The most recent model can ship as much as 2,000MBps (2GBps) learn/write speeds should you pair it with the precise tools. To get the utmost velocity, you want a bunch system that helps USB Gen 3.2 Gen 2×2 speeds.
Suitable with Macs and Home windows PCs, it is technically ruggedized with an IP65 ranking, that means it could actually stand up to a sustained spray of water and is dust-resistant. It is also shock-resistant (3-meter drop safety) and is provided 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 check 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 velocity whereas the Professional-G40 tops out barely increased at as much as 3,000MB/s). Whereas the drive will work simply superb with Home windows and Linux computer systems, OWC has lengthy catered to the Mac market, and this exterior SSD definitely performs properly with Macs.
Sure, it prices greater than the Professional-G40, but it surely appears very properly constructed with an aluminum chassis that does an excellent job dissipating warmth (it would not warmth up an excessive amount of). Alas, it would not include some kind of carrying case, but it surely’s a formidable drive should you can afford it and are on the lookout for ultrafast switch velocity.
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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 normal 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 gives related specs to the SanDisk Excessive SSD, with as much as 1,050MB learn/write speeds, but it surely would not have a ruggedized exterior. I’ve used one repeatedly and it is held up properly and gives a comparatively quick efficiency. I’ve included it right here as a result of the 2TB is healthier priced than some comparable 2TB fashions.
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The WD My E book desktop drive is out there in as much as a 24TB configuration. This drive has been round for some time and is geared towards individuals who want a number of storage however do not wish 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 will be discovered on a number of video editors’ desks (together with a lot at CNET). This rugged onerous 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 out there 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 might supply learn/write speeds which are twice and even 4 occasions 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 velocity 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 velocity ranking of as much as 1,050MB/s, prices $300. So that you’re mainly a $20 financial savings should you’re keen to take a little bit of a small velocity hit (once more, no less than the 4GB model of the Essential X6 has been bumped as much as 800MB/s from 540MB/s).
Funds
Earlier than the rest, you will wish to determine how a lot you are keen to spend on a brand new onerous drive. Compact solid-state drives that use flash reminiscence are pricier than slower and greater mechanical drives, however they’ve gone down in worth over the past couple of years. As we speak, you may get a 1TB exterior SSD for as little as $65 or so. Very high-capacity SSDs are usually fairly dear, so should you’re trying for lots of storage for not an excessive amount of cash, you will seemingly should go for a mechanical drive.
Capability
Exterior drives begin at 500GB and go all the best way as much as 22TB or so. For lots of people, particularly should you’re a quicker SSD, the storage candy spot is 1TB or 2TB. Should you want greater than that, you will seemingly be deciding between spending lots on a 4TB SSD or choosing a extra reasonably priced however slower 4TB or 5TB mechanical drive.
Information switch velocity
Strong state drives are delivering quicker and quicker information switch speeds. SSDs that supply the quickest speeds are additionally fairly dear. You will should determine simply what sort of efficiency you need and wish primarily based in your use case and the PC you might have (to get the quickest switch velocity you want a pc with the most recent USB expertise). Until you repeatedly switch huge video information, you most likely do not want a “professional” stage storage machine. Be aware that even the slowest SSDs are usually about 5 occasions 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 sophisticated whenever you get into the realm of sport consoles. To retailer PS5 or Xbox Sequence X or S video games, you will have to buy a drive particularly for that activity. You should use most exterior drives to retailer and play PS4 video games or normal Xbox One video games (off the drive), however you will want to put in an inner drive to retailer and play PS5 video games. Xbox Sequence X and S machines require you to purchase both the WD Black C50 growth card or Seagate Storage growth card to retailer and play Xbox Sequence X or S video games.
Safety
A few of chances are you’ll be storing delicate information in your exterior storage drive. If that is the case, search for drives that embody security measures, together with encryption.
We check 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 occasions. We additionally consider how a lot a drive heats up.
- Worth: We examine drives with related efficiency specs in opposition to one another and assess how good a worth they’re primarily based on their worth for a similar capability drive.
Many drives are plug-and-play, however you will have to format a drive in your explicit 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 in the present day’s drives use USB-C interfaces and infrequently include a USB-C-to-USB-A adapter that lets you 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 steel pins which are used to switch information. 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 information and one RX lane to obtain information. Many of the newest computer systems supply no less than these speeds, and extra computer systems are getting USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, which gives as much as two lanes of 10 Gbps operation for a theoretical 20Gbps information switch charge.
USB4 and Thunderbolt ports (Macs use Thunderbolt) mean you can switch information in addition to video and audio. Meaning you possibly can join each exterior drives and shows. Thunderbolt/USB4 gives as much as a 40Gbps theoretical information switch charge. Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 ports look and act like USB-C ports and assist USB-C connectivity. A pc with normal USB-C ports doesn’t assist Thunderbolt gadgets.
To get the quickest speeds, you usually want a appropriate USB-C cable (the drive ought to include the precise cable to maximise information switch charges). A Thunderbolt-compatible cable is required for computer systems outfitted with Thunderbolt ports to attain a most information switch velocity. Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 ports appear 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 purchase an adapter that converts a Thunderbolt 2 cable to Thunderbolt 3 and 4. There are additionally USB-C to Mini DisplayPort cables.
USB varieties and theoretical burst switch speeds.