External Hard Drives
Istorage 6TB diskAshur DT2 USB 3.1 Encrypted Desktop HDD (FIPS 140-2 Level 2)
- 6TB Storage Capacity
- USB 3.1 Interface
- Read/Write Speeds up to 225/223 MB/s
- AES-XTS 256-Bit Hardware Encryption
Oyen Digital 12TB HDX Pro C USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 External Enterprise Hard Drive
- 12TB Capacity
- 2 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 Ports
- Up to 250 MB/s Read & Write Speeds
- Daisy-Chain Capable | AC Powered
Istorage 5TB diskAshur3 USB 3.2 Gen 1 Encrypted Portable Hard Drive (Black)
- 5TB Capacity
- AES 256-Bit Encryption
- 3 x Encryption Modes
- FIPS 140-3 Level 3 Ready
Samsung 2TB T7 Shield Portable SSD with MagSafe/Cold Shoe SSD Holder (Blue)
- 2TB Storage Capacity
- USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 Port (10 Gb/s)
- PCIe NVMe Technology
- Read Speeds up to 1050 MB/s
Glyph Technologies 2TB Atom EX40 High Intensity USB4 NVMe SSD
- 2TB Storage Capacity
- USB4 Interface
- Up to 4000 MB/s Read Speeds
- Up to 4000 MB/s Write Speeds
Glyph Technologies 2TB Atom Pro NVMe Thunderbolt 3 SSD
- 2TB Storage Capacity
- Thunderbolt 3
- Up to 2800 MB/s Read Speed
- Up to 2600 MB/s Write Speed
OWC 2TB Express 1M2 80G USB4 External SSD
- 2TB Storage Capacity
- 80 Gb/s USB4 Interface
- Up to 6000 MB/s Data Transfer Speed
- Bus Powered
SanDisk 2TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD V2 (2-Pack)
- 2TB Storage Capacity
- USB-C 3.2 Gen 2x2
- Up to 2000 MB/s Read & Write Speeds
- Bus Powered
Lexar 2TB ARMOR 700 USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Portable SSD (2-Pack)
- 2TB Storage Capacity
- 20 Gb/s USB-C 3.2 Gen 2x2 Interface
- Up to 2000 MB/s Data Transfer Speed
- Bus Powered
Glyph Technologies 4TB Atom EX20 High Intensity NVMe SSD
- 4TB Storage Capacity
- USB-C 3.2 Gen 2x2 Interface
- Up to 2100 MB/s Read Speeds
- Up to 2100 MB/s Write Speeds
CORSAIR 2TB EX400U USB4 External SSD
- 2TB Storage Capacity
- 40 Gb/s USB4 Interface
- Sequential Reads up to 4000 MB/s
- Sequential Writes up to 3600 MB/s
WD 22TB My Book Desktop USB 3.2 Gen 1 External Hard Drive
- 22TB Storage Capacity
- Micro-USB 3.2 Gen 1 Interface
- Includes AC Adapter
- 256-Bit AES Hardware Encryption
Glyph Technologies 4TB Atom EX40 High Intensity USB4 NVMe SSD
- 4TB Storage Capacity
- USB4 Interface
- Up to 4000 MB/s Read Speeds
- Up to 4000 MB/s Write Speeds
Apricorn 20TB Aegis Padlock DT FIPS 140-2 Level 2-Validated External Desktop Drive
- 20TB Capacity
- USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-B Interface
- FIPS 140-2 Level 2 Validated
- AES-XTS 256-Bit Hardware Encryption
OWC 4TB Express 1M2 80G USB4 External SSD
- 4TB Storage Capacity
- 80 Gb/s USB4 Interface
- Up to 6000 MB/s Data Transfer Speed
- Bus Powered
Istorage 18TB diskAshur DT3 USB 3.2 Gen 1 Encrypted External Hard Drive
- 18TB Capacity
- AES 256-Bit Encryption
- 3 x Encryption Modes
- FIPS 140-3 Level 3 Ready
Apricorn 2TB Aegis Fortress FIPS 140-2 Level 2 Secure USB 3.2 Gen 1 Portable SSD
- 2TB Capacity
- USB 3.2 Gen 1 Interface
- FIPS 140-2 Level 2 Validated
- AES-XTS 256-Bit Hardware Encryption
Apricorn 2TB Aegis Padlock USB 3.0 Hardware-Encrypted Solid State Drive
- 2TB Capacity
- USB 3.0/3.1 Gen 1 (up to 5 Gb/s)
- 256-bit AES-XTS Hardware Encryption
- FIPS PUB 197 Validated Encryption
OWC 4TB Guardian USB 3.2 Gen 2 Portable SSD
- 4TB Storage Capacity
- USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 Interface
- Up to 1000 MB/s Data Transfer Speed
- Bus Powered
Apricorn Aegis 2TB Padlock USB 3.0 Solid State Drive
- 2TB Capacity
- Super Speed USB 3.0 Interface
- Up to 300 Mb/s Data Transfer
- AES-XTS 256-Bit Hardware Encryption
Glyph Technologies 8TB Blackbox Plus USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 External SSD
- 8TB Storage Capacity
- USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 Interface
- Up to 560 MB/s Data Transfer Speed
- Bus Powered
Lexar 4TB ARMOR 700 USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Portable SSD (2-Pack)
- 4TB Storage Capacity
- 20 Gb/s USB-C 3.2 Gen 2x2 Interface
- Up to 2000 MB/s Data Transfer Speed
- Bus Powered
Glyph Technologies 8TB Atom EX80 High-Intensity USB4 80 Gb/s Portable SSD with Location Track
- 8TB Storage Capacity
- 80 Gb/s USB4 Interface
- Up to 7000 MB/s Data Transfer Speed
- Bus Powered
TEAMGROUP 16TB T-CREATE EXPERT P32 Desk USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 External SSD
- 16TB Storage Capacity
- 20 Gb/s USB-C 3.2 Gen 2x2 Interface
- Sequential Read Speeds up to 1800 MB/s
- Sequential Write Speeds up to 1800 MB/s
Apricorn 4TB Aegis Fortress L3 Encrypted Portable SSD
- 4TB Capacity
- Up to 5 Gb/s Data Transfer Speed
- Real-Time AES-XTS 256-Bit Encryption
- Integrated 10-Digit PIN Keypad
Apricorn 8TB Aegis Fortress FIPS 140-2 Level 2 Secure USB 3.2 Gen 1 Portable SSD
- 8TB Capacity
- USB 3.2 Gen 1 Interface
- FIPS 140-2 Level 2 Validated
- AES-XTS 256-Bit Hardware Encryption
Silicon Power PX10 Plus Gen 2 Portable SSD (512GB, Pink)
- Records Apple ProRes 4K at 60p
- 1050 MB/s Data Speeds
- 10 Gb/s USB-C 3.2 Gen 2
- Aluminum Construction
Toshiba 1TB Canvio Ready USB 3.2 Gen 1 Portable Hard Drive
- 1TB Capacity
- USB 3.2 Gen 1 Interface
- Up to 5 Gb/s Data Transfer Speeds
- NTFS Preformatted
Portable & USB Hard Drives
An external hard disk drive is a standalone storage device that provides additional space for your data. You can use it to backup important files from your computer's internal hard drive and to transfer files between computers. It has a larger storage capacity than other external storage devices, like USB drives and memory cards.
Portable vs. Desktop External Hard Drives
A portable external storage drive is smaller and lighter than a desktop model. It's a compact unit that houses a 2.5-inch hard drive in a protective enclosure. Desktop external hard disks have bigger housings, and usually use larger 3.5-inch hard drives. You can turn the internal hard disk in your old laptop (2.5-inch) or desktop PC (3.5-inch) into an external storage unit with the right hard drive enclosure.
Another difference between desktop and portable external hard drives is their power sources. Portable units are bus-powered. This means that they draw power with the same USB cable used for transferring data. Desktop units have separate AC adapters and draw more power. Hard drive arrays are another class of external storage devices. These have two or more drive bays for 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch hard disks. They serve as network-attached servers and support RAID levels that help them prioritize data redundancy, transfer speed, and storage capacity.
What's the Difference Between SSD and HDD?
A USB external hard drive can store files on a solid-state drive or a hard disk drive. While HDDs record data on spinning platters, SSDs use flash memory chips. With no moving parts, SSDs are faster and more durable. They’re also quieter and use less power. However, HDDs are more affordable and available in higher capacities.
Some brands offer SSDs in multiple form factors. For example, you can find 2.5-inch (direct replacement for laptop HDDs), M.2, and PCIe solid state drives in the HP hard drive line. Note that you need a 2.5-inch SSD and a 2.5-inch drive enclosure to build a SATA external hard drive. SATA, or Serial ATA, is a high-speed bus interface for connecting storage devices like HDDs and SSDs to computer motherboards. An external SATA (eSATA) drive enclosure connects a SATA HDD or SSD to a computer via USB.
Consider Speed When Selecting External Storage Drives
The overall data transfer speed of an external storage device depends on the speed of the drive used and the speed of the connection between the drive and your computer. Connection interface options for external drives include USB 2.0, 3.0, and 3.1, as well as eSATA and Thunderbolt. USB 3.0 external hard drives are 10 times faster than models with USB 2.0.
Most brands offer hard disks in two drive speeds: 5400 and 7200 rpm. Each type has its merits. For example, if you’re looking for a portable Toshiba hard drive, pick one with a 5400 rpm HDD. It has a lower power draw and is quick enough for everyday use. Pick a model with a 7200 rpm HDD if you regularly transfer large files and need a desktop external drive.
Keep important files safe by regularly backing them up onto an external hard disk. Find the right one, including fast SSD options, in the extensive selection of portable storage devices at B&H Photo and Video.