10 Best Backup Drives 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
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)
The Samsung T9 Portable SSD with 4TB capacity offers a large amount of storage, which is great if you need to back up many files, including videos, photos, and documents. It uses solid-state drive (SSD) technology, meaning it’s faster and more reliable than traditional hard drives. With USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 connectivity, you can expect very fast data transfer speeds—up to 2,000MB/s—which helps when moving large files or working directly from the drive.
Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,113
Speed
Most important from
2885 reviews
#2
Samsung MU-PE4T0S/AM T7 4TB Shield Portable SSD, USB 3.2, Black Bundle with Hard Shell Case & Converter Adapter Type C Adapter, Type-C USB C Female to USB2.0 USB 2.0 A Male
The Samsung T7 Shield Portable SSD offers a sizable 4TB storage capacity, which is ample for storing large backups including photos, videos, and documents. Being an SSD (solid state drive), it is faster and more reliable than traditional hard drives, with read/write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s thanks to USB 3.2 Gen 2 and PCIe NVMe technology. This makes data transfers quick and efficient. The drive is highly portable, compact at just over 3 inches long and half an inch thick, and comes with a protective hard shell case, ensuring it’s easy to carry and reasonably safe from physical damage.
Rating
10.0
Durability
Storage Capacity
Portability
Most important from
15 reviews
#3
Crucial X10 8TB 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 - CT8000X10SSD9-02
The Crucial X10 8TB Portable SSD is a strong choice if you need a large, fast, and reliable backup drive. With 8TB of storage, it offers plenty of space for photos, videos, games, and important files, making it ideal for students, gamers, and creative professionals. Its solid-state technology means it’s much faster than traditional hard drives, reaching read speeds up to 2,100MB/s, so transferring large files won’t take long.
Rating
9.4
Speed
Portability
Durability
Most important from
2305 reviews
Top 10 Best Backup Drives 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
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
Chosen by 1113 this week
Samsung MU-PE4T0S/AM T7 4TB Shield Portable SSD, USB 3.2, Black Bundle with Hard Shell Case & Converter Adapter Type C Adapter, Type-C USB C Female to USB2.0 USB 2.0 A Male
Samsung MU-PE4T0S/AM T7 4TB Shield Portable SSD, USB 3.2, Black Bundle with Hard Shell Case & Converter Adapter Type C Adapter, Type-C USB C Female to USB2.0 USB 2.0 A Male
Storage Capacity: 4TB
Drive Type: Solid State Drive
Connectivity: USB-C, USB-A, USB 3.2, USB 2.0
Portability: 3.46x2.32x0.51 inches, portable, case
Durability: IP65, drop resistant to 9.8 ft
Speed: Read/write up to 1050/1000 MB/s
Crucial X10 8TB 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 - CT8000X10SSD9-02
Crucial X10 8TB 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 - CT8000X10SSD9-02
Storage Capacity: 8 TB
Drive Type: Solid State Drive
Connectivity: USB-C
Portability: 32g, 1.96"L x 2.55"W x 0.39"Th
Durability: IP65 dust/water resistant, 9.8ft drop
Backup Software: 3 months backup/photo software
Speed: 2100 MB/s
ioSafe Solo G3 4TB Fireproof & Waterproof External Hard Drive, Pewter Gray (SK4TB)
ioSafe Solo G3 4TB Fireproof & Waterproof External Hard Drive, Pewter Gray (SK4TB)
Storage Capacity: 4 TB
Drive Type: External Hard Drive
Connectivity: USB 3.0, eSATA
Portability: Portable; 15 Pounds; 3.5-inch
Durability: Fireproof, Waterproof, Theft-proof
Speed: 625 MB/s; 7200 RPM
Related Products
Crucial X10 6TB 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 - CT6000X10SSD9-02
Crucial X10 6TB 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 - CT6000X10SSD9-02
Storage Capacity: 6 TB
Drive Type: Solid State Drive
Connectivity: USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, USB-C
Portability: Small, lightweight, IP65, drop protection
Durability: IP65 dust/water resistant, drop proof
Backup Software: Mylio Photos+, Acronis True Image
Speed: 2100 Megabytes Per Second
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
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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.