10 Best Usb Hard Drive For Tablo 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
WD 16TB Elements Desktop External Hard Drive, USB 3.0 for plug-and-play storage - WDBWLG0160HBK-NESN
The WD 16TB Elements Desktop External Hard Drive offers a large storage capacity ideal for saving many hours of recorded TV shows on a Tablo DVR. With 16TB, it provides plenty of space, which is key if you plan to keep lots of recordings. The drive uses a USB 3.0 connection, supporting fast data transfer speeds up to 5 Gbps, which helps in quick recording and playback without lag.
Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,378
Storage Capacity
Drive Speed
Compatibility
Most important from
137785 reviews
#2
Kingston 1TB Dual USB-A/C Portable SSD | Up to 1050MB/s | USB 3.2 Gen 2 | SPSD/1TB
The Kingston 1TB Dual USB-A/C Portable SSD is a solid choice if you need a reliable external drive for your Tablo DVR. With 1TB of storage, it offers enough space to store a good amount of recorded TV shows and movies. Its USB 3.2 Gen 2 connection supports fast data transfer speeds — up to 1050MB/s for reading and 950MB/s for writing — which means quick recording and playback without frustrating delays.
#3
BUFFALO DriveStation Quad 4-Bay 16TB (4x4TB) TAA Desktop External Hard Drive USB 3.2
The BUFFALO DriveStation Quad 16TB is a large-capacity external hard drive designed for users needing reliable and fast storage, such as for Tablo DVR recordings. It offers 16TB total space split across four 4TB drives, using RAID 5 configuration which provides about 12TB of usable storage and adds protection against a single drive failure. The drive speed runs at 5600 RPM with a data transfer speed of up to 625 MB/s via USB 3.2 Gen 1, ensuring smooth recording and playback though it is not the fastest available. Its 3.5-inch form factor means it’s a desktop unit, making it stable for home use but not portable. Compatibility is broad, working easily with PCs right out of the box and with Macs after reformatting, plus it supports Time Machine for Mac backups.
Rating
8.5
Drive Speed
Reliability and Durability
Most important from
12 reviews
Top 10 Best Usb Hard Drive For Tablo 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
WD 16TB Elements Desktop External Hard Drive, USB 3.0 for plug-and-play storage - WDBWLG0160HBK-NESN
WD 16TB Elements Desktop External Hard Drive, USB 3.0 for plug-and-play storage - WDBWLG0160HBK-NESN
Storage Capacity: 16 TB
Drive Speed: 130 MB per second
Form Factor: Desktop
Compatibility: Mac, PC
Reliability and Durability: 2-year limited warranty
Chosen by 1378 this week
Kingston 1TB Dual USB-A/C Portable SSD | Up to 1050MB/s | USB 3.2 Gen 2 | SPSD/1TB
Kingston 1TB Dual USB-A/C Portable SSD | Up to 1050MB/s | USB 3.2 Gen 2 | SPSD/1TB
Storage Capacity: 1TB
Drive Speed: 1050MB/s read, 950MB/s write
Form Factor: 2.5-inch
Compatibility: USB Type-A, Type-C, Desktop, Laptop
Reliability and Durability: Metal casing, 5 years warranty
BUFFALO DriveStation Quad 4-Bay 16TB (4x4TB) TAA Desktop External Hard Drive USB 3.2
BUFFALO DriveStation Quad 4-Bay 16TB (4x4TB) TAA Desktop External Hard Drive USB 3.2
Storage Capacity: 16 TB
Drive Speed: 5600 RPM
Form Factor: 3.5-inch
Compatibility: PC; Mac
Reliability and Durability: NAS-grade, hot swapping, made in Japan
Transcend StoreJet 4TB Rugged External Hard Drive, USB3.1(5Gbps) Portable HDD with One Touch Auto-Backup Button/Anti-Shock Resistant, Compact&Lightweight, Lightning-Fast Speeds, Iron Grey -TS4TSJ25M3S
Transcend StoreJet 4TB Rugged External Hard Drive, USB3.1(5Gbps) Portable HDD with One Touch Auto-Backup Button/Anti-Shock Resistant, Compact&Lightweight, Lightning-Fast Speeds, Iron Grey -TS4TSJ25M3S
Storage Capacity: 4 TB
Drive Speed: 5200 RPM
Form Factor: 2.5-inch
Compatibility: Mac, PC
Reliability and Durability: Three-stage shock protection, Durable, Shock Resistant
SANDISK 2TB Portable SSD - Up to 800MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Updated Firmware - External Solid State Drive - SDSSDE30-2T00-G26
SANDISK 2TB Portable SSD - Up to 800MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Updated Firmware - External Solid State Drive - SDSSDE30-2T00-G26
Storage Capacity: 2 TB
Drive Speed: 800MB/s
Form Factor: Portable
Compatibility: USB 3.2 Gen 2
Reliability and Durability: Withstands drops up to 2 meters
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Transcend StoreJet 4TB External Hard Drive, for PS4/PC/Mac/Desktop/Laptop/Xbox, USB3.1(5Gbps)Type-A Portable HDD, One Touch Auto-Backup/Shock Resistant/Three-stage shock protection system(TS4TSJ25H3B)
Transcend StoreJet 4TB External Hard Drive, for PS4/PC/Mac/Desktop/Laptop/Xbox, USB3.1(5Gbps)Type-A Portable HDD, One Touch Auto-Backup/Shock Resistant/Three-stage shock protection system(TS4TSJ25H3B)
Storage Capacity: 4 TB
Drive Speed: 5400 RPM
Form Factor: 2.5-inch
Compatibility: PC, Mac, PS4, Xbox, Laptop
Reliability and Durability: Three-stage shock protection, Shock Resistant
Western Digital 6TB Elements Desktop USB 3.0 external hard drive for plug-and-play storage - WDBWLG0060HBK-NESN
Western Digital 6TB Elements Desktop USB 3.0 external hard drive for plug-and-play storage - WDBWLG0060HBK-NESN
Storage Capacity: 6 TB
Form Factor: 3.5 Inches
USB Interface: USB 3.0
Toshiba Canvio Basics 2TB Portable External Hard Drive USB 3.0, Black - HDTB420XK3AA
Toshiba Canvio Basics 2TB Portable External Hard Drive USB 3.0, Black - HDTB420XK3AA
Storage Capacity: 2 TB
Drive Speed: 5400 RPM
Form Factor: 2.5 inch portable
Compatibility: Windows, Mac (needs reformat)
Reliability and Durability: Mechanical, drop vulnerable, 1-year warranty
Price per GB: good value per GB
WD_Black 6TB P10 Game Drive, Portable External Hard Drive, Works with PlayStation, Xbox, & PC - WDBZ7D0060BBK-WESN
WD_Black 6TB P10 Game Drive, Portable External Hard Drive, Works with PlayStation, Xbox, & PC - WDBZ7D0060BBK-WESN
Storage Capacity: 6 TB
Drive Speed: up to 130MB/s
Form Factor: 2.5-inch
Compatibility: PC/Mac, Xbox, PlayStation 5
Reliability and Durability: Metal top casing adds durability
Price per GB: More affordable than SSDs
#10
Seagate Portable 5TB External Hard Drive HDD – USB 3.0 for PC, Mac, PS4, & Xbox - 1-Year Rescue Service (STGX5000400), Black
Seagate Portable 5TB External Hard Drive HDD – USB 3.0 for PC, Mac, PS4, & Xbox - 1-Year Rescue Service (STGX5000400), Black
Storage Capacity: 5 TB
Drive Speed: 7200 RPM
Form Factor: Portable
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, PS4, Xbox
Reliability and Durability: 2-year warranty, 1-year rescue service
Price per GB: strong price per gigabyte
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Buying Guide for the Best Usb Hard Drive For Tablo
When choosing a USB hard drive for your Tablo, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best performance and reliability. The right hard drive will help you store and access your recorded shows smoothly. Here are the key specs you should look at and how to choose the best one for your needs.Storage CapacityStorage capacity refers to the amount of data the hard drive can hold, measured in gigabytes (GB) or terabytes (TB). This is important because it determines how many shows and movies you can store on your Tablo. If you record a lot of high-definition content, you'll need a larger capacity. For light users, a drive with 500GB to 1TB might be sufficient. Moderate users might need 1TB to 2TB, while heavy users should consider 2TB or more.
Drive SpeedDrive speed, measured in revolutions per minute (RPM), affects how quickly data can be read from or written to the hard drive. This is important for ensuring smooth playback and recording. Most USB hard drives come with speeds of 5400 RPM or 7200 RPM. For most users, 5400 RPM is adequate and offers a good balance of speed and power consumption. However, if you want faster performance and don't mind a bit more noise and heat, a 7200 RPM drive might be better.
Form FactorForm factor refers to the physical size and shape of the hard drive. The most common form factors for USB hard drives are 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch. A 2.5-inch drive is more compact and portable, making it a good choice if you need to move the drive around or have limited space. A 3.5-inch drive is typically larger and may require an external power source, but it can offer higher capacities and potentially better performance. Choose based on your space constraints and portability needs.
CompatibilityCompatibility ensures that the hard drive will work seamlessly with your Tablo. This is crucial because not all hard drives are compatible with all devices. Check the Tablo's specifications or user manual to see which hard drive formats and capacities are supported. Most Tablo devices support USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 drives, but it's always best to confirm before purchasing.
Reliability and DurabilityReliability and durability refer to how well the hard drive can withstand regular use and potential physical impacts. This is important because a reliable drive will ensure your recordings are safe and accessible over time. Look for drives with good reviews and a solid warranty. Some drives are specifically designed to be more durable, with features like shock resistance. If you plan to use the drive in a stationary setup, standard reliability should suffice. For more rugged use, consider a drive with enhanced durability features.
Price per GBPrice per GB is a measure of how much storage you get for your money. This is important for getting the best value. Generally, larger drives offer a lower price per GB, but it's essential to balance cost with your actual storage needs. Calculate the price per GB by dividing the total cost of the drive by its capacity. Choose a drive that offers a good balance of cost and capacity based on how much storage you think you'll need.