11 best external hard drives

External hard drives are separate devices that serve as a very convenient means of storing and transporting large amounts of data. The modern market is replete with models with a variety of form factors, useful volumes, connection types and design solutions. Expertex Exper.com prepared for you a rating of the best, in their opinion, external hard drives, dividing into groups according to the main parameter - capacity. In this review, we did not focus on the speed of data exchange, so we did not group the devices into mechanical (HDD) and solid-state (SSD) devices.

Top external hard drive rating

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Top 500 GB External Hard Drives	1	Samsung Portable SSD T5 500GB	10 694 ₽
	2	ADATA HV620 500GB	3 130 ₽
	3	TRANSCEND TS500GSJ25M3	3 290 ₽
	4	Toshiba CANVIO BASICS 500GB	2 960 ₽
The best external hard drives of 1 TB	1	SanDisk SDSSDEXT-1T00-G25	24 900 ₽
	2	ADATA HD710 Pro 1TB	3 980 ₽
	3	Silicon Power Stream S03 1TB	3 464 ₽
The best external hard drives of 2 TB	1	Western Digital My Passport 2 TB (WDBUAX0020B)	5 760 ₽
	2	ADATA DASHDRIVE DURABLE HD710 2TB	6 747 ₽
	3	Toshiba CANVIO ALU 2TB	5 290 ₽
Top 4 TB external hard drives	1	Western Digital My Passport 4 TB (WDBUAX0040B)	7 460 ₽
	2	Seagate STEA4000400	7 510 ₽

Top 500 GB External Hard Drives

Let's start with the external “hard drives” of the most modest size - 500 GB. There are, of course, models with less capacity, but for a variety of reasons, it is senseless to do any serious research on them, since they are rapidly being forced out of the market.

Samsung Portable SSD T5 500GB

Rating: 4.9

This group of rating is opened by a solid-state drive of the famous South Korean brand. Its linear dimensions are 57.3x10.5x74 mm, corresponds to the form factor 1.8 ". Weight - 51 g. Completed in an inconspicuous minimalist design.

This is a very advanced technological solution in terms of innovation. So, for example, this model supports an extended data format markup (4 KB sectors). The disk also supports the TRIM command - “clean up” of unused data blocks, which eliminates one of the noticeable shortcomings of SSD-disks associated with a drop in performance as it is actively used.

The built-in encryption function is an advantage for those users who are comfortable with this approach to data protection. Otherwise, you can simply disable the function.

The manufacturer in this case definitely pleased with the bundle - two cables are included in the standard kit: USB Type C and an adapter from Type C to Type A. The device itself is optimized for operation from the USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C interface.

The read rate declared by the manufacturer is 540 MB / s, and the reviews of real users are comparable to this value.

ADATA HV620 500GB

Rating: 4.8

Further in the ranking from expert.bigbadmole.com/en/en/ we will consider an interesting model from the Taiwanese manufacturer ADATA. This is a “traditional” mechanical hard disk (HDD) of 2.5 ”form factor. It contains one physical disk. Its dimensions are 78x15x115 mm and its weight is 165 g. It is produced in China.

The body is made of high-quality plastic in black or white with a glossy finish. In the black “version”, the surface of the case is rather branded; in the white color version, the effect is slightly less pronounced.On the case is a blue indicator that is activated during the exchange of data. It should be noted the high quality of the device assembly - the non-separable case is solidly assembled, no squeaks or backlashes are observed even with strong squeezing.

Disk connection interface - USB 3.1 Gen 1 (SuperSpeed), USB 3.0 cable is included in the package of delivery. The cable length is very modest, which causes complaints of those users in computers whose USB 3.0 interface is installed at the back.

The technical parameters indicate a “blurred” term - external data transfer rate - 500 MB / s. In practice, real users talk about writing speeds of 90 MB / s.

Free downloads of OStoGO and HDDtoGO applications are available for official buyers.

TRANSCEND TS500GSJ25M3

Rating: 4.7

Under the brand name TRANSCEND there are a lot of different storage devices, and also external hard drives, namely, the model TS500GSJ25M3, which many experts rightly call a real masterpiece.

TS500GSJ25M3 is known for its “proprietary” impact resistance, protection from falling at any angle, and shock absorption in general.

Transcend has unveiled its next masterpiece - a StoreJet portable hard drive with professional protection against shocks and falls.

Compatibility of the device does not cause any complaints. The device communicates freely with the workstation through a high-speed USB 3.0 port. External data transfer rate is up to 600 Mbps.

This external hard drive is characterized by ease of use, but at the same time it contains JetFlash elite firmware with backup, recovery, protection against overwriting, compression and encryption.

Toshiba CANVIO BASICS 500GB

Rating: 4.7

And the Toshiba CANVIO BASICS model of the Japanese external hard disk with a half terabyte completes this rating group. The direct information carrier is a physical mechanical dick of 2.5 "form factor. The number of disks is 1. The same space is allocated for the buffer memory as in the previous model - 8 MB. As regards the speed of rotation, the disk is expected to lose to stationary models - it is 5400 rpm, as with the TRANSCEND TS500GSJ25M3.

Connection Interface - High Speed ​​USB 3.0 (located behind, at the side) with an external data transfer rate of 500 MB / s. Direct read speed from disk - 12 ms. The dimensions of the device - 79x15x119 mm, weight - 230 g.

The design of the device is a remarkable feature of the entire line. Compact, but impressive aluminum case with a matte rough surface, comes in a durable transparent blister, in which a cardboard box is sealed. The delivery set includes the device itself, a cord for connection, brief instructions and a warranty card.

The disc contains a useful backup utility NTI Backup Now EZ.

The best external hard drives of 1 TB

Our top three rating continues with external hard drives of two times the previous one - 1 TB produced by SanDisk, ADATA and Silicon Power.

SanDisk SDSSDEXT-1T00-G25

Rating: 4.9

The terabyte group of monitored external hard drives in our rating is opened by an interesting model from the very well-known trademark SanDisk, which is literally on everyone's lips.

This is a solid state drive, which means that it has no moving parts and no physical rotating disk. This has a very positive effect on the speed of writing and reading. Anyway, the physical compatibility of such devices and the “similarity” to physical disks is still preserved, and this model is made in the 2.5-inch form factor.

To connect using a universal port USB 3.0.In the absence of this, you can connect to USB 2.0 - the device will still work. In addition to the terabyte modification, there are 750-megabyte and 500-megabyte versions on the market.

The device uses 8 MB of cache. The spindle rotates with a more or less standard speed for external disks - 5400 revolutions per minute (“internal” hard disks rotate, as a rule, faster).

The connection interface is the usual universal USB 3.0, compatible with USB 2.0. The working storage temperature range is from 5 to 55 degrees Celsius, and also from -40 to +70 degrees.

The device dimensions are 129.5x82.4x20.4 mm, weight is 216 g. It is powered by 5V voltage. The manufacturer provides a warranty of 24 months.

On the front there is a button that launches the Transcend Elite utility in automatic mode for archiving data.

ADATA HD710 Pro 1TB

Rating: 4.8

Further in the ranking from expert.bigbadmole.com/en/en/ should be an external drive from the Taiwan brand ADATA. This is a portable device of increased strength - the case has additional reinforcement. The model was originally designed for use on the road, in open spaces and in adverse environmental conditions (corresponds to the standard MIL-STD-810G 516.6 - resistance to shaking, shock, vibration). The drive can even be kept completely under water completely at a depth of 2 meters. Impact resistance is about 800 g.

The disk is made in the form factor 2.5 ", contains one physical disk. The operating temperature range (in accordance with the official technical specifications) is 5 - 50 ° C.

To connect to the "older" device uses the usual universal USB 3.1 port. The linear dimensions of the terabyte version are 133.3 × 98.5 × 21.5 mm, weight is 270 g. The read / write speed is 440 and 400 MB per second.

The manufacturer provides a warranty on the device for a period of three years.

Silicon Power Stream S03 1TB

Rating: 4.8

And completes the group of our rating of terabyte external drives model from Silicon Power. This is an elegant gadget, made in an elegant design and color scheme, something slightly resembling Apple products.

The disk is made in the 2.5 "form factor. The linear dimensions are 122.5 x 77.5 x 13.3 mm. Weight is 145 g. Two internal plates serve as data carriers. The spindle rotation speed customary for external HDD is 5400 revolutions per minute. Under the cache allocated 8 MB.

USB 3.0 is used for communication with a PC or any other “older” devices (USB 2.0 is also suitable, but the first one is preferable due to the significantly higher data transfer speed). The device is powered by a voltage of 5V. The storage temperature declared by the manufacturer ranges from -40 to +70 degrees. The working range of safe temperatures is from 5 to 55 degrees Celsius.

Included with the device and accessories is specialized software from Silicon Power and SP Widget. The manufacturer provides a warranty on this model for a period of three years.

The best external hard drives of 2 TB

Further in the rating from expert.bigbadmole.com/en/en/ there are external hard drives of even greater volume - 2 TB. These are carriers from the famous manufacturer Western Digital, already reviewed by ADATA and one product from the Japanese company Toshiba.

Western Digital My Passport 2 TB (WDBUAX0020B)

Rating: 4.9

The My Passport series of external hard drives from Western Digital differs in the colors of the case, each of which corresponds to its volume. The two-byte “version” is white with an elegant, slightly unusual design.

The linear dimensions of the device are 110x81.5x21.5 mm. The weight of the gadget is 250 g. The case material is durable plastic.

The company Western Digital is a manufacturer of storage devices with a worldwide reputation and a deep history. I must say, in the production of this external disk model, it also “did not let us down”. This is a mechanical disk, made in the form factor 2.5 ". 8Mb is allocated for the cache memory.Contains one physical disk. Rotational speed - 5200 rpm. The operating temperature range is from 5 to 35 degrees. It is possible to store in the conditions of temperature of environment from-20 to +65 degrees.

For external communication, a standard USB 3.0 interface with a bandwidth of 5 Gb / s is used. The package includes the disc itself, a communication cable, a warranty card and a short installation and configuration manual.

The device contains built-in tools for password protection and automatic backup.

ADATA DASHDRIVE DURABLE HD710 2TB

Rating: 4.8

The ADATA rating from expert.bigbadmole.com/en/en/ of two-byte external disks is continued. In this case, the Taiwanese manufacturer (as well as in many others) emphasized the effective design, not forgetting about the quality “stuffing” of the device. The disc comes in a package with a transparent slot, through which all the delights of the external performance are clearly visible.

The linear dimensions of the device are 99x21.5x132 mm, weight - 220 g. The standard USB 3.0 port is used for communication, the cable, together with the technical documentation is included. The connector is equipped with a rubber stopper to protect against moisture and dust. The cable fits comfortably into the groove along the body.

The spectacular and slightly aggressive design of the device is not just "throwing dust in the eyes." The disk has passed many tests for performance and the ability to save data in difficult physical conditions (including the “military” standard MIL-STD-810G 516.6).

Also, when it was developed by engineers, the emphasis was placed on moisture resistance - it conforms to the IPX68 standard and maintains performance even with full immersion in water to a depth of 1 meter to half an hour. As for rain or spilled tea, such effects are not at all terrible to him.

The basis of the whole hull design is solid plastic with rubberized inserts. The latter are well absorbed when falling.

Outside, on the body of the device led indicator, indicating its activity. In the kit, in addition to accessories and instructions, there is specialized software.

Toshiba CANVIO ALU 2TB

Rating: 4.7

And completes the group of the rating of two-byte external disks an interesting model of mechanical carrier from Toshiba. Here, the Japanese manufacturer has done everything to maximize the advantages of a mechanical disk over a solid-state disk (filling up of helium zones with helium, reducing power consumption, increasing volume, etc.).

The device dimensions are 113.5 x 75 x 18 mm, weight - 240 g. It is made in a 2.5-inch form factor. Inside it contains 4 physical data carrier plates. Spindle speed - 5.4 thousand revolutions per minute. 8Mb is allocated for cache memory.

For communication and power, a standard USB 3.0 port is soldered on the printed circuit board of the disk. Additional food is not required. The delivery package is concise, as in most cases - the disc itself, a 45 cm long communication cable, instructions, warranty card. In addition, it comes bundled with standard data archiving software - NTI Backup Now EZ.

Inside there are four plates where data is directly stored. Spindle rotation speed is 5.4 thousand revolutions per minute. 8MB is allocated for the cache. According to independent studies, the maximum linear read and write speed is 110 MB / s, the average is about 90 MB / s. This is a very decent performance for devices of this class.

Top 4 TB external hard drives

And at the end of the rating review from expert.bigbadmole.com/en/en/ we consider two models of external hard drives from Western Digital and Seagate - both famous manufacturers. These are the most capacious data storages in our rating - 4 TB each. A common feature for most models of this size - they are not “seen” by outdated operating systems like Windows XP. But this can hardly be considered a serious shortcoming.

Western Digital My Passport 4 TB (WDBUAX0040B)

Rating: 4.9

Let's start with the Western Digital mechanical external disk model. Made in the form factor 2.5 ". Inside contains a single physical disk. The body is made in a very impressive design, which is to the liking of the majority of real buyers.

The device dimensions are 81.5x21.5x110 mm, weight - 250 g. The case material is durable plastic of deep black color, divided into two parts with different texture. Other color solutions are also available in stock.

To connect and provide power to the device uses a USB 3.0 interface with external bandwidth for data transfer of 500 MB / s. The average write / read speed, according to the observations of real users, is about 90 MB per second and reaches 105 MB per second via USB 3. The kit includes a 35 cm long cable.

The operating temperature set by the manufacturer is in the range of 5 to 35 degrees.

Seagate STEA4000400

Rating: 4.8

And completes our rating of the external disk model from Seagate. This is a mechanical device that contains within one SATA-HDD. Made in the form factor 2.5 ". This series is specially designed for mass use, but the best way optimized to work on Windows operating systems.

The dimensions of the device are 117 x 80 x 20.9 mm, weight - 238 g. The electronics and the carrier itself are enclosed in a durable plastic case of deep black color with a symmetrical texture, which hides scratches, fingerprints and other blots.

For communication using USB 3.0 interface. Communication cable (it also provides power to the device) is supplied with the instruction and warranty documents. The warranty period provided by the manufacturer is 24 months.

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Attention! This rating is subjective, is not advertising and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you should consult with a specialist.