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10 Best Backup Drives 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
Crucial X10 1TB Portable SSD, Up to 2,100MB/s, USB 3.2 USB-C, External Solid State Drive, Compatible with Windows, Mac & Android, Durable Storage for Games, Photos & Files, Blue - CT1000X10SSD9-02
The Crucial X10 1TB Portable SSD is a solid choice if you need a fast and durable external storage drive for backing up files like photos, videos, or game data. With 1TB of storage, it offers ample space for most everyday users, students, and gamers. Unlike traditional hard drives, its solid-state design means it transfers data much quicker, reaching speeds up to 2,100MB/s, so backups and file access are noticeably faster. The drive uses USB-C connectivity but also works with USB-A, making it compatible across Windows, Mac, Android devices, and gaming consoles like PS4, PS5, and Xbox. Portability is a strong point here—the drive is compact, lightweight, and built tough with dust and water resistance (IP65 rating) and can survive drops from nearly 10 feet, making it great for travel or on-the-go use. Additionally, it includes three months of backup and photo organizing software, which adds value for users looking for easy ways to manage their data.
Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,389
Speed
Portability
Durability
Most important from
1772 reviews
#2
Seagate One Touch SSD 2TB External SSD Portable – Black, speeds up to 1030MB/s, 6mo Mylio Photo+ subscription, 6mo Dropbox Backup Plan and Rescue Services (STKG2000400)
The Seagate One Touch SSD 2TB is a reliable and portable backup drive offering 2TB of storage, ideal for photos, videos, and important files. As a solid state drive (SSD), it provides faster data transfers and greater durability compared to traditional hard drives, with resistance to bumps or drops.
Rating
7.6
Portability
Backup Software
Durability
Most important from
979 reviews
#3
G-Technology 18TB G-DRIVE USB-C (USB 3.1 Gen 1) Desktop External Hard Drive - 0G10826-1
The G-Technology 18TB G-DRIVE USB-C is a large-capacity desktop external hard drive that offers plenty of space for backing up huge amounts of data, making it ideal for users who need reliable, long-term storage. Its 18TB capacity means you can store thousands of photos, videos, and documents without worrying about running out of space. It connects via USB-C with USB 3.1 Gen 1, providing good data transfer speeds suitable for everyday backup tasks, though it’s not the fastest drive available if you need very high-speed transfers.
Rating
7.6
Storage Capacity
Drive Type
Connectivity
Most important from
1039 reviews
Top 10 Best Backup Drives 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
Crucial X10 1TB Portable SSD, Up to 2,100MB/s, USB 3.2 USB-C, External Solid State Drive, Compatible with Windows, Mac & Android, Durable Storage for Games, Photos & Files, Blue - CT1000X10SSD9-02
Crucial X10 1TB Portable SSD, Up to 2,100MB/s, USB 3.2 USB-C, External Solid State Drive, Compatible with Windows, Mac & Android, Durable Storage for Games, Photos & Files, Blue - CT1000X10SSD9-02
Storage Capacity: 1 TB
Drive Type: Solid State Drive
Connectivity: USB-C, USB-A
Portability: Compact and lightweight
Durability: IP65 dust/water resistant, drop proof
Backup Software: Three months included
Speed: Up to 2,100MB/s
Chosen by 1389 this week
Seagate One Touch SSD 2TB External SSD Portable – Black, speeds up to 1030MB/s, 6mo Mylio Photo+ subscription, 6mo Dropbox Backup Plan and Rescue Services (STKG2000400)
Seagate One Touch SSD 2TB External SSD Portable – Black, speeds up to 1030MB/s, 6mo Mylio Photo+ subscription, 6mo Dropbox Backup Plan and Rescue Services (STKG2000400)
Storage Capacity: 2TB
Drive Type: Solid State Drive
Connectivity: USB-C, USB 3.0 speeds
Portability: Lightweight, compact
Durability: Resistant to bumps and drops
Backup Software: Mylio Photo+, Dropbox Backup
Speed: Up to 1030MB/s
G-Technology 18TB G-DRIVE USB-C (USB 3.1 Gen 1) Desktop External Hard Drive - 0G10826-1
G-Technology 18TB G-DRIVE USB-C (USB 3.1 Gen 1) Desktop External Hard Drive - 0G10826-1
Storage Capacity: 18 TB
Drive Type: Desktop
Connectivity: USB-C, USB 3.1 Gen 1
Portability: Portable, desktop-sized, 4+ pounds
Durability: All-aluminum enclosure
Backup Software: Apple Time Machine ready
Speed: USB 3.1 Gen 1
G-Technology 18TB G-DRIVE with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C Desktop External Hard Drive, Silver - 0G10804-1
G-Technology 18TB G-DRIVE with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C Desktop External Hard Drive, Silver - 0G10804-1
Storage Capacity: 18 TB
Drive Type: 3.5-inch desktop external drive
Connectivity: Dual Thunderbolt 3, USB-C (3.1 Gen1)
Portability: Portable, heavier, over 4 pounds
Durability: All-aluminum case
Speed: Fast transfer speeds
SanDisk 4TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD - Up to 2000MB/s - USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance, Updated Firmware - External Solid State Drive - SDSSDE81-4T00-G25
SanDisk 4TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD - Up to 2000MB/s - USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, IP65 Water and Dust Resistance, Updated Firmware - External Solid State Drive - SDSSDE81-4T00-G25
Storage Capacity: 4TB
Drive Type: Solid State Drive
Connectivity: USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, USB-C
Portability: Compact, lightweight (2.75 ounces)
Durability: Aluminum body, silicone shell, IP65
Backup Software: SanDisk Memory Zone app
Speed: Up to 2000MB/s
Related Products
Up to 27% off
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 4TB, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 External Solid State Drive, Seq. Read Speeds Up to 2,000MB/s for Gaming, Students and Professionals,MU-PG4T0B/AM, Black (pack of 1)
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 4TB, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 External Solid State Drive, Seq. Read Speeds Up to 2,000MB/s for Gaming, Students and Professionals,MU-PG4T0B/AM, Black (pack of 1)
Storage Capacity: 4 TB
Drive Type: Solid State Drive
Connectivity: USB 3.0, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2
Portability: Compact, 4.3 ounces
Durability: Rugged, survives 9.8 ft drop
Backup Software: Samsung Magician
Speed: Up to 2,000 MB/s
SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD, 4TB External Solid State Drive, Speeds Up to 1,050MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Reliable Storage for Gaming, Students, Professionals, MU-PC4T0T/AM, Gray
SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD, 4TB External Solid State Drive, Speeds Up to 1,050MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Reliable Storage for Gaming, Students, Professionals, MU-PC4T0T/AM, Gray
Storage Capacity: 4 TB
Drive Type: Solid State Drive
Connectivity: USB 3.2 Gen 2
Portability: Compact, lightweight
Durability: Shock resistant, aluminum, 6 feet drop
Backup Software: Samsung backup software
Speed: Read 1,050 MB/s, Write 1,000 MB/s
G-Technology 2TB G-DRIVE mobile SSD Durable Portable External Storage - USB-C (USB 3.1), Up to 560 MB/s - 0G06054-1, black
G-Technology 2TB G-DRIVE mobile SSD Durable Portable External Storage - USB-C (USB 3.1), Up to 560 MB/s - 0G06054-1, black
Storage Capacity: 2 TB
Drive Type: Solid State Drive
Connectivity: USB-C, USB 3.1 Gen 2
Portability: Compact and lightweight
Durability: IP67 water/dust, 3M drop, 1000 lbs crush
Speed: Up to 560 MB/s
Crucial X10 Pro 4TB Portable SSD, Up to 2100MB/s Read, 2000MB/s Write, 3.2 USB-C, External Solid State Drive, Durable Storage for PC & Mac, for Professional Creators, Black - CT4000X10PROSSD902
Crucial X10 Pro 4TB Portable SSD, Up to 2100MB/s Read, 2000MB/s Write, 3.2 USB-C, External Solid State Drive, Durable Storage for PC & Mac, for Professional Creators, Black - CT4000X10PROSSD902
Storage Capacity: 4 TB
Drive Type: Solid State Drive
Connectivity: USB-C, USB-A
Portability: Small, lightweight design
Durability: Water, dust resistant; drop-proof 7.5ft
Backup Software: Backup software with encryption
Speed: Up to 2100MB/s read, 2000MB/s write
#10
Crucial X6 4 TB Portable Solid State Drive - Internal
Crucial X6 4 TB Portable Solid State Drive - Internal
Storage Capacity: 4 TB
Drive Type: SSD
Connectivity: USB 3.2
Portability: Portable
Speed: 800 MB/s
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Buying Guide for the Best Backup Drives
Choosing the right backup drive is essential to ensure your data is safe and easily accessible. Backup drives come in various types and sizes, and selecting the right one depends on your specific needs, such as the amount of data you need to store, how often you need to access it, and where you plan to use the drive. Understanding the key specifications will help you make an informed decision.Storage CapacityStorage capacity refers to the amount of data a backup drive can hold. This is important because it determines how much information you can store on the drive. Storage capacities typically range from a few hundred gigabytes (GB) to several terabytes (TB). If you have a lot of large files, such as videos or high-resolution photos, you might need a drive with several terabytes of storage. For basic document storage, a few hundred gigabytes might be sufficient. Consider your current data needs and potential future growth when choosing the capacity.
Drive TypeBackup drives come in different types, primarily Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) and Solid State Drives (SSDs). HDDs are generally cheaper and offer larger storage capacities, but they are slower and more prone to physical damage. SSDs are faster, more durable, and have no moving parts, making them ideal for frequent access and portability, but they are more expensive and typically offer less storage capacity. If you need a lot of storage and cost is a concern, an HDD might be the best choice. If speed and durability are more important, consider an SSD.
ConnectivityConnectivity refers to how the backup drive connects to your computer or other devices. Common options include USB 3.0, USB-C, Thunderbolt, and wireless connections. USB 3.0 is widely compatible and offers decent speeds, while USB-C and Thunderbolt provide faster data transfer rates but may require compatible ports. Wireless drives offer convenience but can be slower and less reliable. Choose a connectivity option that matches your device's ports and your need for speed and convenience.
PortabilityPortability is about how easy it is to carry the backup drive around. Portable drives are smaller, lighter, and often more durable, making them ideal for travel or frequent movement. Desktop drives are larger and typically offer more storage but are designed to stay in one place. If you need to carry your data with you, look for a portable drive. If the drive will stay on your desk, a desktop drive might be more suitable.
DurabilityDurability refers to how well the backup drive can withstand physical damage, such as drops or spills. This is particularly important for portable drives that are frequently moved. SSDs are generally more durable than HDDs because they have no moving parts. Some drives are specifically designed to be rugged and resistant to shocks, water, and dust. If you plan to use the drive in harsh conditions or travel with it often, look for a durable, rugged model.
Backup SoftwareBackup software is the program that helps you manage and automate the backup process. Some drives come with their own software, which can offer features like automatic backups, encryption, and cloud integration. Good backup software can make the process easier and more reliable. If you want a hassle-free backup experience, look for drives that include robust software options.
SpeedSpeed refers to how quickly data can be read from or written to the backup drive. This is important if you need to transfer large files or perform backups frequently. SSDs are generally faster than HDDs, and connectivity options like USB-C and Thunderbolt can also affect speed. If you need quick access to your data or plan to perform regular backups, prioritize speed in your selection.