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10 Best External Hard Drives 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
Seagate Game Drive for Xbox 2TB External Hard Drive Portable HDD - USB 3.2 Gen 1, Black with built-in green LED bar , Xbox Certified, 3 year Rescue Services (STKX2000400)
The Seagate Game Drive for Xbox is a strong choice for gamers looking to expand their storage with its 2TB capacity, allowing you to store a large library of games without worrying about running out of space. With a transfer speed of up to 600 MB/s, it ensures quick loading times for your games, which is crucial for an enjoyable gaming experience. The drive is also USB 3.2 Gen 1 compatible, making it easy to connect to your Xbox Series X, Series S, or any generation of Xbox One, which is a significant advantage for users within the Xbox ecosystem.
Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,267
Storage Capacity
Transfer Speed
Portability
Most important from
24640 reviews
#2
Seagate Game Drive Hub 8TB, Externe harde schijf, USB 3.2 Gen 1, Xbox-gecertificeerd, Groene ledverlichting, Rescue-Services (STKW8000402)
The Seagate Game Drive Hub is a solid choice for gamers looking for a high-capacity external hard drive, especially those who own an Xbox. With a generous 8 TB of storage, it provides ample space for game titles, downloadable content, and save files, helping to create what Seagate calls the ultimate Game Vault. One of its standout features is Xbox certification, ensuring seamless compatibility with Xbox Series X, Series S, and all Xbox One models. This makes it a perfect fit for those who want to expand their gaming library without hassle.
Rating
9.4
Storage Capacity
Transfer Speed
Compatibility
Most important from
69 reviews
#3
WD 20TB Elements Desktop External Hard Drive, USB 3.0 drive for plug-and-play storage - WDBWLG0200HBK-NESN
The WD 20TB Elements Desktop External Hard Drive offers a massive 20 terabytes of storage, making it ideal for users needing extensive space for backups or large files. It connects via USB 3.0, which supports fast data transfers suitable for everyday tasks, though it’s a mechanical drive (3.5 inches), so it won’t be as speedy as solid-state drives and might produce some noise.
Rating
9.1
Storage Capacity
Speed (RPM and Transfer Rates)
Durability
Most important from
23971 reviews
Top 10 Best External Hard Drives 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
9.7 score
Seagate Game Drive for Xbox 2TB External Hard Drive Portable HDD - USB 3.2 Gen 1, Black with built-in green LED bar , Xbox Certified, 3 year Rescue Services (STKX2000400)
Seagate Game Drive for Xbox 2TB External Hard Drive Portable HDD - USB 3.2 Gen 1, Black with built-in green LED bar , Xbox Certified, 3 year Rescue Services (STKX2000400)
Storage Capacity: 2TB
Transfer Speed: 600 MB/s
Portability: 4.72 x 3.15 x 0.79 inches
Durability: 7200 RPM
Compatibility: Xbox Series X, Series S, Xbox One
Security Features: 3-year Rescue Data Recovery Services
Chosen by 1267 this week
Seagate Game Drive Hub 8TB, Externe harde schijf, USB 3.2 Gen 1, Xbox-gecertificeerd, Groene ledverlichting, Rescue-Services (STKW8000402)
Seagate Game Drive Hub 8TB, Externe harde schijf, USB 3.2 Gen 1, Xbox-gecertificeerd, Groene ledverlichting, Rescue-Services (STKW8000402)
Storage Capacity: 8 TB
Transfer Speed: USB 3.2 Gen 1
Portability: 8.07 x 5 x 1.89 inches
Durability: 3-year Rescue Data Recovery service
Compatibility: Xbox Series X, Series S, Xbox One
WD 20TB Elements Desktop External Hard Drive, USB 3.0 drive for plug-and-play storage - WDBWLG0200HBK-NESN
WD 20TB Elements Desktop External Hard Drive, USB 3.0 drive for plug-and-play storage - WDBWLG0200HBK-NESN
Storage Capacity: 20 TB
Speed (RPM and Transfer Rates): 3.5 inch drive, USB 3.0 transfer
Connectivity: USB 3.0
Portability: Not portable, size 5.31x1.89x6.53 inches
Durability: Reliable hardware
Compatibility: PC, Mac (needs reformat)
SAMSUNG T7 Shield 4TB Portable SSD - 1050MB/s, Rugged, Water & Dust Resistant, for Content Creators - Black
SAMSUNG T7 Shield 4TB Portable SSD - 1050MB/s, Rugged, Water & Dust Resistant, for Content Creators - Black
Storage Capacity: 4 TB
Speed (RPM and Transfer Rates): Up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s speeds
Connectivity: USB 3.2 Gen 2
Portability: Compact, 3.39x2.24x0.49 inches
Durability: IP65, rugged, 9.8 ft drop
Security Features: AES 256-bit hardware encryption
Compatibility: PC, Console, iPhone 15/16, Mac
Seagate Expansion 14TB External Hard Drive HDD - USB 3.0, with Rescue Data Recovery Services (STKP14000402)
Seagate Expansion 14TB External Hard Drive HDD - USB 3.0, with Rescue Data Recovery Services (STKP14000402)
Storage Capacity: 14 TB
Transfer Speed: USB 3.0
Durability: solid build
Compatibility: Windows, Mac (reformat for Time Machine)
Related Products
LaCie d2 Professional 10TB External Hard Drive Desktop HDD – USB-C USB 3.0 7200 RPM Enterprise Class Drives, 5 Year Warranty and Recovery Service (STHA10000800)
LaCie d2 Professional 10TB External Hard Drive Desktop HDD – USB-C USB 3.0 7200 RPM Enterprise Class Drives, 5 Year Warranty and Recovery Service (STHA10000800)
Storage Capacity: 10 TB
Transfer Speed: 240MB/s
Durability: Aluminum construction
Compatibility: USB-C, Thunderbolt 3
SAMSUNG T7 Touch Portable SSD 2TB,up to 1050MB/s, USB 3.2 External Solid State Drive, Black (MU-PC2T0K/WW)
SAMSUNG T7 Touch Portable SSD 2TB,up to 1050MB/s, USB 3.2 External Solid State Drive, Black (MU-PC2T0K/WW)
Storage Capacity: 2 TB
Speed (RPM and Transfer Rates): Read 1050MB/s, Write 1000MB/s
Connectivity: USB 3.2 Gen 2
Portability: Slim, 2 ounces
Durability: Drop resistant up to 6 feet
Security Features: Fingerprint, password, hardware encryption
Compatibility: PC, Console, iPhone 15/16, Tablet, Mac
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
Transfer Speed: up to 2,000 MB/s
Portability: 3.46 x 2.36 x 0.55 inches
Durability: up to 9.8 ft drop
Compatibility: PC, Gaming Console, iPhone, Tablet, Mac
Security Features: AES 256-bit hardware encryption
Samsung Portable SSD T5 EVO, 4 TB, USB 3.2 Gen. 1, 460 MB/s Read, 460 MB/s Write, External Hard Drive for Mac, PC, Android, Smart TVs and Game Consoles, Incl. USB-C Cable, MU-PH4T0S/EU
Samsung Portable SSD T5 EVO, 4 TB, USB 3.2 Gen. 1, 460 MB/s Read, 460 MB/s Write, External Hard Drive for Mac, PC, Android, Smart TVs and Game Consoles, Incl. USB-C Cable, MU-PH4T0S/EU
Storage Capacity: 4 TB
Transfer Speed: 460 MB/s
Portability: 102 grams
Compatibility: Mac, PC, Android, smart TVs, consoles
#10
7.0 score
Seagate Expansion Desktop 16TB, External Hard Drive, USB 3.0, 2 Year Rescue Services (STKP16000400)
Seagate Expansion Desktop 16TB, External Hard Drive, USB 3.0, 2 Year Rescue Services (STKP16000400)
Storage Capacity: 16 TB
Transfer Speed: USB 3.0
Compatibility: Windows, Mac (reformatting needed), Laptop, Console, Desktop
Security Features: 2-year Rescue Data Recovery Services
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Buying Guide for the Best External Hard Drives
Choosing the right external hard drive can be crucial for storing and backing up your important data. Whether you need it for work, school, or personal use, understanding the key specifications will help you make an informed decision. Here are the main factors to consider when selecting an external hard drive.Storage CapacityStorage capacity refers to the amount of data the hard drive can hold. This is important because it determines how much information you can store, such as documents, photos, videos, and software. Capacities typically range from 500GB to several terabytes (TB). If you only need to store documents and small files, a lower capacity like 500GB to 1TB might be sufficient. For larger files like high-resolution videos or extensive software libraries, consider drives with 2TB or more.
Speed (RPM and Transfer Rates)Speed is crucial for how quickly data can be read from or written to the hard drive. RPM (revolutions per minute) measures the speed at which the hard drive's disk spins, with common speeds being 5400 RPM and 7200 RPM. Higher RPMs generally mean faster performance. Transfer rates, often measured in megabytes per second (MB/s), indicate how fast data can be transferred between the hard drive and your computer. If you need quick access to large files or plan to use the drive for running applications, opt for higher RPMs and faster transfer rates.
ConnectivityConnectivity refers to how the external hard drive connects to your computer or other devices. Common interfaces include USB 3.0, USB-C, Thunderbolt, and eSATA. USB 3.0 is widely used and offers good speed, while USB-C and Thunderbolt provide faster transfer rates and are becoming more common in newer devices. Choose a drive with a connection type that matches your device's ports for optimal performance and convenience.
PortabilityPortability is about how easy it is to carry the external hard drive around. Portable drives are typically smaller, lighter, and powered through the USB connection, making them ideal for on-the-go use. Desktop drives are larger and often require an external power source, but they usually offer higher capacities and better performance. If you need a drive for travel or frequent movement, a portable model is best. For stationary use, a desktop drive might be more suitable.
DurabilityDurability refers to how well the external hard drive can withstand physical damage and wear over time. Some drives are designed to be rugged and resistant to shocks, drops, and water, making them ideal for use in harsh environments or for frequent travel. If you need a drive that can handle rough conditions, look for one with a rugged design and protective features. For regular home or office use, standard durability should suffice.
Security FeaturesSecurity features help protect your data from unauthorized access. These can include password protection, encryption, and biometric access. If you store sensitive information, choosing a drive with strong security features is important to keep your data safe. Consider what level of security you need based on the type of data you are storing and how critical it is to protect it.
CompatibilityCompatibility ensures that the external hard drive works with your operating system and devices. Most drives are compatible with both Windows and macOS, but some may require reformatting. Check the drive's specifications to ensure it supports your system. If you use multiple devices or operating systems, look for a drive that offers broad compatibility to avoid any issues.