External Hard Drives
Apricorn 256GB Aegis Padlock USB 3.0 Hardware-Encrypted Solid State Drive
- 256GB Capacity
- USB 3.0/3.1 Gen 1 (up to 5 Gb/s)
- 256-bit AES-XTS Hardware Encryption
- FIPS PUB 197 Validated Encryption
Silicon Power 2TB Bolt B75 Pro External SSD
- 2TB Storage Capacity
- USB-C 3.2 Gen 2
- Up to 520 MB/s Read Speeds
- Up to 420 MB/s Write Speeds
Rocstor 4TB Rocpro D91 USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 External HDD (TAA Compliant)
- 4TB Storage Capacity
- USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 Interface
- Hot-Swappable Design
- Preformatted for Mac
WD 5TB Elements USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 External Hard Drive
- 5TB Storage Capacity
- USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 Interface (5 Gb/s)
- Bus Powered
- Includes USB-C Cable
Istorage 512GB diskAshur3 USB 3.2 Gen 1 Encrypted Portable SSD (Black)
- 512GB Capacity
- AES 256-Bit Encryption
- 3 x Encryption Modes
- FIPS 140-3 Level 3 Ready
Oyen Digital 1TB U34 Bolt USB4 External SSD
- 1TB Storage Capacity
- NVMe PCIe 4.0 x4 SSD
- 1 x 40 Gb/s USB4 Port
- Up to 2800 MB/s Data Transfer Speed
Lexar 2TB ARMOR 700 USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Portable SSD
- 2TB Storage Capacity
- 20 Gb/s USB-C 3.2 Gen 2x2 Interface
- Up to 2000 MB/s Data Transfer Speed
- Bus Powered
Istorage 1TB diskAshur M2 256-Bit Encrypted External SSD
- 1TB Storage Capacity
- USB 3.2 Gen 1
- Up to 370 MB/s Read & Write Speeds
- Bus Powered
Glyph Technologies 1TB Atom Pro NVMe Thunderbolt 3 SSD
- 1TB Storage Capacity
- Thunderbolt 3
- Up to 2800 MB/s Read Speed
- Up to 2600 MB/s Write Speed
Glyph Technologies 1TB Atom EX40 High Intensity USB4 NVMe SSD
- 1TB Storage Capacity
- USB4 Interface
- Up to 4000 MB/s Read Speeds
- Up to 4000 MB/s Write Speeds
SanDisk 2TB Creator Series Pro USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Portable SSD
- 2TB Storage Capacity
- 20 Gb/s USB-C 3.2 Gen 2x2
- Read and Write Speeds up to 2000 MB/s
- 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
Oyen Digital 2TB Helix Mag40 USB4 Portable SSD
- 2TB Storage Capacity
- 40 Gb/s USB4 Interface
- Up to 2800 MB/s Data Transfer Speed
- Bus Powered
Lexar 1TB SL500 USB-C 3.2 Gen 2x2 Portable SSD with Magnetic Set (2-Pack)
- 1TB Storage Capacity
- USB-C 3.2 Gen 2x2 Interface
- Read Speeds up to 2000 MB/s
- Write Speeds up to 1800 MB/s
Glyph Technologies SecureDrive+ Professional Encrypted External Solid-State Drive with Keypad
- XTS-AES 256-bit Encryption
- 2TB Capacity
- USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 Interface
- Up to 360 MB/s Read & Write Speeds
Glyph Technologies 1TB Atom EX80 High-Intensity USB4 80 Gb/s Portable SSD with Location Track
- 1TB Storage Capacity
- 80 Gb/s USB4 Interface
- Up to 7000 MB/s Data Transfer Speed
- Bus Powered
Apricorn 1TB Aegis NVX USB 3.2 Gen 2 Portable SSD
- 1TB Storage Capacity
- Integrated USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 Cable
- Up to 1000 MB/s Data Transfer Speed
- Bus Powered
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
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
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
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
Apricorn 10TB Aegis Padlock DT USB 3.0 External Desktop Drive
- 10TB Capacity
- USB-B 3.2 Gen 1 Interface
- AES-XTS 256-Bit Hardware Encryption
- PIN Management
Lexar 2TB SL500 USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Portable SSD (2-Pack)
- 2TB Storage Capacity
- USB-C 3.2 Gen 2x2 Interface
- Read Speeds up to 2000 MB/s
- Write Speeds up to 1800 MB/s
OWC 2TB Envoy Pro Elektron USB-C External SSD (Silver)
- 2TB Storage Capacity
- USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 Interface
- Up to 1011 MB/s Data Transfer Speed
- Bus Powered
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
Apricorn 8TB Aegis Padlock DT FIPS 140-2 Level 2-Validated External Desktop Drive
- 8TB Capacity
- USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-B Interface
- FIPS 140-2 Level 2 Validated
- AES-XTS 256-Bit Hardware Encryption
Apricorn 10TB Aegis Padlock DT FIPS 140-2 Level 2-Validated External Desktop Drive
- 10TB Capacity
- USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-B Interface
- FIPS 140-2 Level 2 Validated
- AES-XTS 256-Bit Hardware Encryption
SanDisk 4TB Creator Series USB 3.2 Gen 2 Desk Drive
- 4TB of SSD Storage
- USB-C 3.2 Gen 2
- Read Speeds up to 1000 MB/s
- AC Powered
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.