External Hard Drives
Kingston 960GB IronKey Vault Privacy 80 External SSD
- 960GB Storage Capacity
- USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C Interface
- Max Read Speed: 250 MB/s
- Max Write Speed: 250 MB/s
Glyph Technologies 2TB Atom EV USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C External SSD
- 2TB Storage Capacity
- 10 Gb/s USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C Interface
- Up to 1 GB/s Data Transfer Speed
- Bus Powered
Apricorn 500GB Aegis Fortress L3 Encrypted Portable SSD
- 500GB Capacity
- Up to 5 Gb/s Data Transfer Speed
- Real-Time AES-XTS 256-Bit Encryption
- Integrated 10-Digit PIN Keypad
Apricorn 6TB Aegis Padlock DT USB 3.0 External Desktop Drive
- 6TB Capacity
- USB-B 3.2 Gen 1 Interface
- AES-XTS 256-Bit Hardware Encryption
- PIN Management
Novachips 4TB Express USB-C 3.2 Gen 2x2 Portable SSD
- 4TB Storage Capacity
- 20 Gb/s USB-C 3.2 Gen 2x2 Interface
- Sustained Read Speed: 1800 MB/s
- Sustained Write Speed: 1700 MB/s
ProGrade Digital 2TB PG10.5 Pro Mini External SSD
- 2TB Storage Capacity
- Max Read Speed: 4000 MB/s
- Max Write Speed: 3500 MB/s
- Sustained Write Speed: 1250 MB/s
SanDisk 2TB Portable SSD Kit (2-Pack)
- 2 x 2TB Storage Capacity
- USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 Interface
- Up to 800 MB/s Transfer Speed
- Bus Powered
WD 14TB My Book Desktop USB 3.2 Gen 1 External Hard Drive
- 14TB Storage Capacity
- Micro-USB 3.2 Gen 1 Interface
- Includes AC Adapter
- 256-Bit AES Hardware Encryption
SanDisk 2TB Creator Phone USB 3.2 Gen 2 External SSD
- 2TB Storage Capacity
- USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 Interface
- Read Speeds up to 1000 MB/s
- Write Speeds up to 950 MB/s
Oyen Digital 4TB Helix Mag40 USB4 Portable SSD
- 4TB Storage Capacity
- 40 Gb/s USB4 Interface
- Up to 2800 MB/s Data Transfer Speed
- Bus Powered
G-DRIVE 8TB G-DRIVE PROJECT Thunderbolt 3 External Hard Drive
- 8TB Storage Capacity
- 1 x PRO-BLADE SSD Mag Slot
- 2 x Thunderbolt 3 Ports
- Read Speeds up to 250 MB/s
Apricorn 1TB Aegis Fortress L3 Encrypted Portable SSD
- 1TB Capacity
- Up to 5 Gb/s Data Transfer Speed
- Real-Time AES-XTS 256-Bit Encryption
- Integrated 10-Digit PIN Keypad
WD 24TB My Book Desktop USB 3.2 Gen 1 External Hard Drive
- 24TB Storage Capacity
- Micro-USB 3.2 Gen 1 Interface
- Includes AC Adapter
- 256-Bit AES Hardware Encryption
Samsung 4TB T7 Shield Portable SSD with MagSafe/Cold Shoe SSD Holder (Black)
- 4TB Storage Capacity
- USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 Port (10 Gb/s)
- PCIe NVMe Technology
- Read Speeds up to 1050 MB/s
Glyph Technologies 4TB Atom EX80 High-Intensity USB4 80 Gb/s Portable SSD with Location Track
- 4TB Storage Capacity
- 80 Gb/s USB4 Interface
- Up to 7000 MB/s Data Transfer Speed
- Bus Powered
OWC 24TB Mercury Elite Pro USB 3.2 Gen 1 External Hard Drive
- 24TB Storage Capacity
- 1 x USB-B 3.2 Gen 1 Port
- 7200 rpm SATA III 3.5" Hard Drive
- Up to 307 MB/s Read Speed
G-DRIVE 26TB G-DRIVE Enterprise-Class USB 3.2 Gen 2 External Hard Drive
- 26TB Storage Capacity
- 7200 rpm Ultrastar Enterprise-Class HDD
- 1 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 Port
- Sequential Read Speeds up to 260 MB/s
Glyph Technologies 7.6TB Blackbox Plus USB 3.2 Gen 2 External U.2 SSD
- 7.6TB Storage Capacity
- 10 Gb/s USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 Interface
- Up to 1000 MB/s Sustained Read Speeds
- Up to 1000 MB/s Sustained Write Speeds
Apricorn 2TB Aegis Fortress L3 Encrypted Portable SSD
- 2TB Capacity
- Up to 5 Gb/s Data Transfer Speed
- Real-Time AES-XTS 256-Bit Encryption
- Integrated 10-Digit PIN Keypad
Oyen Digital 30TB HDX Pro C USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 External Enterprise Hard Drive
- 30TB Capacity
- 2 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 Ports
- Up to 270 MB/s Read & Write Speeds
- Daisy-Chain Capable | AC Powered
OWC 8TB Express 1M2 80G USB4 External SSD
- 8TB Storage Capacity
- 80 Gb/s USB4 Interface
- Up to 6000 MB/s Data Transfer Speed
- Bus Powered
Silicon Power 1TB Vault A80 External Hard Drive
- 1TB Storage Capacity
- USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 Interface (5 Gb/s)
- Compliant with Drop Tests up to 9.8'
- IPX7 Rating (Water-Resistant)
TEAMGROUP 512GB T-Create Expert P34F Find My USB 3.2 Gen 2 External SSD
- Integrates with Find My for Tracking
- 512GB Storage Capacity
- USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 Interface
- Sequential Reads up to 1000 MB/s
Lexar 512GB Air Elite Legends Series USB 3.2 Gen 1 Portable SSD (AFA Edition)
- Officially Licensed AFA Design
- 512GB Storage Capacity
- USB 3.2 Gen 1 Interface
- Read Speeds up to 390 MB/s
Silicon Power 2TB Vault A60 External Hard Drive
- 2TB Storage Capacity
- USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 Interface (5 Gb/s)
- Silicone Material (Shockproof)
- IPX4 Rating (Water-Resistant)
Apricorn 500GB Aegis Padlock Encrypted USB 3.1 Gen 1 Hard Drive with PIN Access
- 500GB Capacity
- USB 3.0 Interface (up to 5 Gb/s)
- 256-bit AES-XTS Hardware Encryption
- FIPS PUB 197 Validated Encryption
Silicon Power 2TB Vault A80 External Hard Drive
- 2TB Storage Capacity
- USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 Interface (5 Gb/s)
- Compliant with Drop Tests up to 9.8'
- IPX7 Rating (Water-Resistant)
PNY 1TB RP60 USB-C 3.2 Gen 2x2 M.2 Portable SSD
- 1TB Capacity
- 2000 MB/s Sequential Read Speed
- 1800 MB/s Sequential Write Speed
- USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Interface
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.