The best external hard drives of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed (original) (raw)

Cloud storage may be more popular than ever, but external hard drives help free up space on your computer while storing important files without depending on an internet connection. They can be an excellent way to back up important files, such as photos, work documents, and media. As they range from 500GB to 20TB and above, you'll find that only one or two will be enough to handle all of your existing and future storage needs. As a bonus, hard drives don't require monthly subscription fees, unlike many cloud storage services.

I, along with many ZDNET authors, have tested, reviewed, and owned external hard drives from vendors including Lexar, Western Digital, and Samsung. In ZDNET's latest update, we conducted a thorough review of our 2026 guide. We also listed the WD 6TB My Passport and Seagate Portable 2TB among our alternative favorites.

Also: The best network-attached storage devices you can buy: Expert tested

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What's the best external hard drive right now?

After dedicating countless hours to hands-on testing and scouring online reviews, the Lexar SL500 is our pick for the best external hard drive on the market. This drive stands out for being small, fast, highly portable, and tough, but it's not the only option. Whether your priorities include different storage capacities or a drive that withstands rain and dust, there's a product for you.

Also: The best web hosting services of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed

The best external hard drive of 2026

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Leading the pack as the best external hard drive overall is the Lexar SL500.

Why we like it: Roughly the size of a credit card, it earns its top spot for ultrathin design and fast performance. The SL500 can reach read speeds of around 2,000 MB/s and write speeds of 1,800 MB/s, making file transfers super quick. Its unibody is made primarily of aluminum, allowing the drive to withstand the occasional bump or drop.

Storage options range from 1TB to 4GB. The 1TB version is also currently on sale for $180, a 10% discount off the typical RRP.

Review: Lexar SL500

Who it's for: The Lexar SL500 is perfect for photographers, amateur videographers, and editors who frequently work with large files and need fast, reliable storage. Its design is sleek enough to slip easily into your pocket. You can also buy a special magnetic kit for the SL500 that lets you attach it to the backs of smartphones and laptops.

Who should look elsewhere: Arguably, the biggest drawback of the Lexar SL500 is that your computer must have a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2x2 port for you to enjoy its fastest speeds. Without this port, data transfer speeds will be slower. Either way, make sure your PC supports this standard so you can use the drive to its fullest.

Lexar SL500 features: USB-C and USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 interface | 1TB to 4TB capacities | 256-bit AES software encryption | 3.3 x 2.1 x 0.3 inches | 5-year limited warranty

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WD/ZDNet

Western Digital's My Passport Ultra is notable for its durability both inside and out.

Why we like it: The exterior of the drive is made of anodized aluminum, making it sturdy and corrosion-resistant. Your files are protected by 256-bit AES encryption. If you don't know, 256-bit AES encryption is often used by governments and financial services for its near-impenetrable security.

It works equally well for home use, college, and the office. If you want something that works right away with Windows and includes management files, you can't get better than the My Passport Ultra. Admittedly, there isn't much more to this device. It's a simple hard drive that does its job very well.

Who it's for: The WD My Passport Ultra is a great fit for Windows users who are looking for dependable, portable storage for file backups.

The 5TB capacity model is available for $240.

Who should look elsewhere: The WD My Passport Ultra isn't particularly fast and lacks features. Again, there isn't much to this drive. If you want fast transfer speeds, there are better options out there.

WD My Passport Ultra features : USB-C and USB 3.1 interface | 5TB capacity | 256-bit AES hardware encryption | 4.33 x 3.21 x 0.55 inches | 3-year limited warranty

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Kyle Kucharski/ZDNET

Samsung's T9 Portable SSD stands out as the best travel option thanks to its rugged design.

Why we like it: The outer casing is made of a special rubberized material that provides the drive with solid durability. It can shrug off drops up to three meters in the air. Samsung also equipped its device with Dynamic Thermal Guard, enabling it to withstand extreme temperatures from -40 degrees to 85 degrees Celsius.

Plus, it supports the company's Magician software, which lets users monitor the drive's health and more.

Other notable features include built-in hardware encryption and transfer speeds up to 2,000 MB/s.

Review: Samsung T9 Portable SSD

Who it's for: The Samsung T9 is perfect for content creators who need fast, portable storage they can rely on wherever they go. You'll be able to quickly move video files from a camera to the drive in almost no time. What's more, it's compatible with Windows, macOS, and Android.

Who should look elsewhere: The T9 has a couple of negative aspects. First, while the rubberized material is great for durability, it attracts dust and lint something awful. Secondly, this is an expensive drive. The 1TB option retails for $280.

Samsung T9 Portable SSD features: USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps) | 1 - 4TB capacity | 2.4-inch form factor | 5-year limited warranty

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Most external hard drives come with some sort of software-based encryption to protect files. The iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3 is one of them.

Why we like it: This model takes encryption one step further by adopting AES-XTS. In short, AES-XTS is a version of AES-256 encryption that uses the XTS block cipher mode for stronger encryption. You can think of it as almost double encryption. Rest assured knowing your information is locked up tight.

What's crazy is that it's not just the software that is super tough. The internal components are literally encased in layers of strong epoxy resin. So even if someone was able to steal and crack open the drive, the only way to access your files is irreparably damage them.

Review: iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3

Who it's for: We recommend the iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3 to anyone who wants maximum data security. Businesses that handle confidential files, IT admins, and government workers all appreciate the level of protection this drive provides. It doesn't require downloading a special app to use, and it connects to Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android.

Who should look elsewhere: This is not a budget device. Prices for this drive begin at 345forthe512GBoptionandgoover345 for the 512GB option and go over 345forthe512GBoptionandgoover2,000 for the 8TB model. If you just need extra storage for documents, photos, or video games, a cheaper and faster external drive will be of better value.

iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3 features: USB 2.0/3.0 interface | 512GB to 2TB capacities | 2.5-inch form factor | 3-year limited warranty

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The Lexar ES5 is one of my top picks for iPhone owners.

Why we like it: Apple puts a lot of work into ensuring iPhone cameras are among the best on smartphones. Owners can record videos in ProRes, a visually lossless format that delivers immaculate image quality. The problem with these videos is that they take up a lot of storage space. The solution to this conundrum is to get an external hard drive, and the best is the Lexar ES5.

It's perfect for iPhone owners because it supports Apple ProRes video recordings. In fact, you can shoot videos directly to the drive in up to 4K resolution at 60 FPS. It also supports MagSafe, so you can attach the drive to the back of an iPhone using the magnetic metal ring included with the purchase.

Review: Lexar ES5

Who it's for: The Lexar ES5 is ideal for iPhone owners and content creators who want extra storage for videos and photos without carrying a bulky hard drive. I should point out that this is a durable device, boasting a rugged silicone shell that can withstand drops from up to three meters.

Who should look elsewhere: Like the previous entry, this is not a cheap hard drive. Prices start at $200 for the 1TB option. You can use the Lexar ES5 with the Samsung Galaxy S25 models. It accepts videos up to 8K resolution at 30FPS from a Galaxy S25 Ultra, for example. That's great, but thanks to MagSafe support, the drive is better suited for iPhones.

Lexar ES5 features : USB 3.2 Gen-2 2x2 interface | 1TB to 2TB capacities | MagSafe option | 3-year limited warranty

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Amazon/ZDNET

The Western Digital Elements hard drive is the go-to choice for those who need a large amount of storage without the extra hardware and setup complexities of a NAS (Network Attached Storage) system.

Why we like it: Multiple storage options are available, ranging from 6TB all the way up to a massive 24TB. What's interesting about the Elements is that it's quite cost-efficient.

The 24TB model retails for about 750,orroughly750, or roughly 750,orroughly31 per terabyte. That's a cost-per-storage ratio that's tough to beat. Performance is solid, with Amazon user reviews praising the drive's reliable performance.

Also: The best NAS devices

Who it's for: The WD Elements is a good drive for data hoarders, video editors, drone pilots, or anyone managing huge file libraries. The high storage capacity makes it easy to keep everything in one place. It's also a good choice for homeowners who want a backup drive for multiple desktops without needing a NAS system.

A portable version is also available. But this variant only goes up to 6TB.

Who should look elsewhere: One of the more common complaints you see online about the Elements drive is its noise. If you look through Amazon user reviews, you'll find people saying the device makes a clicking sound or an audible hum. Also, it's big, measuring 6.53 x 5.31 x 1.89 inches. In addition to its large size, the drive doesn't run on a battery. You'll have to carry around its power adapter if you travel with it.

WD Digital Elements features: USB 2.0/3.0 interface | 6TB to 24TB capacities | 3.5-inch form factor | 2-year limited warranty

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Toshiba's Canvio Basics is a very fitting name for this hard drive because it is simple and budget-friendly.

Why we like it: It's an easy plug-and-play drive that's ready to go right out of the box; all you need is a USB cable. The device is compatible with both USB 3.0 and 2.0, enabling fast data transfer speeds.

This drive is also compact, with the 1TB model measuring 3 x 4.3 x 0.5 inches and weighing 149g. The 4TB is a bit bigger, measuring 3 x 4.3 x 0.59 inches and weighing 217.5 grams. Whichever you get, know that the device will easily slip into your pocket. It's also tough, sporting a sleek design covered in a matte, smudge-resistant finish.

Who it's for: We recommend the Toshiba Canvio Basics to students and pro users looking for an affordable hard drive. It works well for backing up documents, photos, and videos, as well as providing extra storage space on laptops.

Who should look elsewhere: Because this is a budget drive, it lacks many of the extras you see on higher-end models. The Canvio Basics does not encrypt its files. It does not come with backup software, nor does Toshiba offer long warranty coverage. You only get a year.

Toshiba Canvio Basics features : USB 2.0/3.0 interface | 1TB to 4TB capacities | 2.5-inch form factor | 1-year limited warranty

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Your hard drive needs may be different from mine. The goal of this guide is to highlight drives that cover a wide range of use cases and budgets.

For most people, I recommend the Lexar SL500. It's well-priced, reliable, and provides strong data encryption. However, storage needs differ from person to person, as I just mentioned. The list below outlines the key specifications for each external hard drive in this guide.

External hard drive	Price	Capacity	Interface	Form factor	Hardware encryption	Warranty
Lexar SL500	$180+	1, 2, and 4TB	USB 3.2 Gen 2x2	3.3 x 2.1 x 0.3 inches	256-bit AES	5-year limited
WD My Passport Ultra	$240	5TB	USB 3.1 Gen 1	4.33 x 3.21 x 0.55 inches	256-bit AES	3-year limited
Samsung T9 Portable SSD	$280+	1, 2, and 4TB	USB 3.2 Gen 2x2	3.5 x 2.4 x 0.6 inches	256-bit AES	5-year limited
iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3	$345+	512GB, 1, 2, 4, 5, and 8TB	USB 3.0	5.2 x 3.3 inches	256-bit AES XTS	3-year limited
Lexar ES5	$200+	1 and 2TB	USB 3.2 Gen 2x2	3.34 x 2.12 x 0.43 inches	256-bit AES	5-year limited
WD Elements	$255+	6, 8, 10, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24TB	USB 3.2 Gen 1	5.31 x 5.31 x 1.89 inches	No	2-year limited
Toshiba Canvio Basics	$95+	1, 2, and 4TB	USB 3.0	4.3 x 3.1 x 0.55 inches	No	1-year limited

Choose this external hard drive…	If you want…
Lexar SL500	The best external hard drive. It's lightweight and available in capacities ranging from 1TB to 4TB.
WD My Passport Ultra	A drive for people who want a reliable Windows drive with the added protection of hardware encryption.
Samsung T9 Portable SSD	The best travel-friendly hard drive. It's made out of a hardy rubberized material that allows it to survive three-meter drops.
iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3	You want insane levels of data security, from built-in 256-bit hardware encryption to brute-force protection.
Lexar ES5	The best hard drive for iPhones. It supports ProRes videos and can attach itself to iPhones via MagSafe.
Western Digital Elements	A drive for data hogs who keep everything. Yes, it's bigger, noisier, and more expensive, but this is a solid, reliable performer.
Toshiba Canvio Basics	A minimalist hard drive that is affordable, has a variety of storage options, and is suitable for basic data management.

External hard drives aren't the most exciting pieces of technology, but they're indispensable for backing up or recovering important data.

Choosing the right external hard drive can feel overwhelming given the variety of options. Below, we break down the key factors to consider when selecting an external hard drive to meet your needs.

Reliability

This is one of the most critical factors when choosing an external hard drive. Choose drives from reputable brands known for their durability and performance.

While hard drives are generally reliable, they do have a finite lifespan, as does any hardware. Most external hard drives are expected to last about five to seven years with proper use, after which replacement is recommended to avoid data loss. Regular backups and monitoring the drive's health can further ensure reliability.

Features

External hard drives come with a variety of features to suit different needs. Some of the most notable features include:

Hardware encryption: Automatically encrypts all data on the drive for enhanced security.
Water and dust resistance: Ideal for users who need extra protection in rugged environments.
Drive redundancy: Some drives support RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks), which duplicates data across multiple drives for added protection against failures.
Connectivity: External hard drives come with different connectivity options, such as USB-A, USB-C, or Thunderbolt. If you have a preference, keep this in mind,

Capacity

Storage capacity is a key consideration. External hard drives are available in a wide range of sizes, from 500GB to 20TB or more. Choose a capacity that aligns with your needs:

Casual users: A 1TB or 2TB drive is sufficient for storing documents, photos, and videos.
Professionals or data hoarders: Larger capacities -- 4TB and above -- are better for storing large files, such as video projects or extensive backups.

Avoid overpaying for storage you won't use, but also ensure you have enough space for future needs.

Desktop vs Portable

External hard drives come in two main form factors:

Portable drives (2.5-inch): Lightweight and compact, these drives are powered via USB and are ideal for users who need to carry their data on the go.
Desktop drives (3.5-inch): Larger and typically require an external power source, these drives are better suited for stationary use, such as at a desk or as part of a home backup system, but might not travel well.

Choose based on whether you need portability or a more permanent storage solution.

Encryption

Data security is increasingly important, especially for sensitive information. External hard drives offer three encryption options:

No encryption: Basic drives without built-in security.
Software encryption: Requires an application to encrypt and decrypt files.
Hardware encryption: Automatically encrypts all data on the drive, offering the highest level of security.

If you handle sensitive data, hardware encryption is highly recommended, and in some industries it may be mandatory.

Performance

The speed of your external hard drive depends on its interface and type:

Interface: USB 3.0, USB 3.1, USB-C, and Thunderbolt are common options. USB-C and Thunderbolt offer faster data transfer speeds, making them ideal for large file transfers.
Drive type: Solid-state drives (SSDs) are faster and more durable than traditional hard disk drives (HDDs), but they are also more expensive. HDDs, on the other hand, offer larger capacities at a lower cost.

Price

External hard drives are available at a wide range of price points. Budget-friendly options are great for basic storage needs. Premium drives cost more because they include advanced features like SSDs or hardware encryption. It's important to balance your budget with your storage and feature requirements.

Other considerations

Brand reputation: Stick to trusted brands like Seagate, Western Digital, or Samsung for quality assurance.
Warranty: Look for drives with a solid warranty, typically two to five years, to protect your investment.
Compatibility: Ensure the drive is compatible with your operating system and devices.

Having worked with technology for nearly three decades and being a pro-am photographer and videographer for much of that time, I've had extensive experience testing and using backup solutions.

Over the years, I've handled and tested a wide range of external hard drives from various manufacturers. This hands-on experience has given me practical insights into their features, performance, and long-term reliability.

ZDNET authors have direct personal experience testing most of these external hard drives, enabling us to provide a detailed, informed assessment of their capabilities.

In addition to my own testing, I've taken user reviews into account. These reviews are invaluable for identifying and excluding products with potential design flaws or reliability issues. This combination of personal experience and community feedback ensures that the recommendations provided are trustworthy and well-rounded.

Latest news

In early February, in an announcement from Western Digital, the company revealed it was working on two new technologies to improve hard drive performance: High Bandwidth Drive Technology (HBDT) and Dual Pivot.
Western Digital's stock jumped due to investor interest in AI.
AI is also fueling the memory race, with Samsung -- a known player in the storage and RAM markets -- enjoying a surge in profits.
Synology has launched all-flash storage solutions for enterprise clients.

When choosing an external hard drive, it's important to understand the two primary storage technologies available: Solid State Drives (SSDs) and Hard Disk Drives (HDDs). Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, making them suitable for different use cases. Below is a breakdown of their key characteristics to help you decide which is best for your needs.

SSDs

SSDs are a newer storage technology that uses flash memory instead of mechanical parts. This design offers several advantages:

Speed: SSDs are significantly faster than HDDs, making them ideal for tasks that require high-speed data transfer, such as video editing or running applications directly from the drive.
Durability: With no moving parts, SSDs are more resistant to physical shocks and less prone to mechanical failure, making them a great choice for frequent transport.
Power Efficiency: SSDs consume less power, which is especially beneficial for portable devices like laptops.
Compact and Lightweight: SSDs are smaller and lighter than HDDs, making them easier to carry.

However, SSDs tend to be more expensive per gigabyte and may not offer the same large storage capacities as HDDs.

HDDs

HDDs are the traditional storage technology, relying on spinning magnetic disks and a mechanical arm to read and write data. While they are slower and less durable than SSDs, they have their own advantages:

Cost-Effective: HDDs are more affordable, offering a lower cost per gigabyte, which makes them ideal for users who need large amounts of storage on a budget.
Higher Capacities: HDDs are available in much larger capacities, making them suitable for archiving large files, such as movies, photos, or backups.
Easier Data Recovery: In some cases, data recovery from a damaged HDD can be easier compared to an SSD.

However, HDDs are more susceptible to physical shock damage due to their moving parts and consume more power than SSDs.

Which should you choose?

Choose an SSD if you prioritize speed, portability, durability, and power efficiency. SSDs are ideal for professionals, frequent travelers, and anyone who needs fast, reliable performance.
Choose an HDD if you need a cost-effective solution for storing large amounts of data and don't require the fastest speeds or the highest durability.

By understanding the differences between SSDs and HDDs, you can select the external hard drive that best suits your specific needs and budget.

Also: The best SSDs

The appropriate capacity for your external hard drive depends largely on your individual storage needs. To make the best choice, it's important to consider the types of files you plan to store, such as documents, photos, videos, or software, and their respective sizes. Below is a guide to help you determine the right capacity for your use case.

500GB to 2TB: This range is suitable for most users. It provides ample space to store documents, photos, and videos, as well as to back up a single device. For casual users or students, a 1TB drive is often the most common and practical choice.
4TB and beyond: If you work with large volumes of high-resolution media files like 4K videos or RAW photos, or need to back up multiple devices, a larger capacity drive is essential. Drives in this range are ideal for professionals, content creators, or anyone with significant storage demands.

If the external hard drive uses RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) for data protection, the usable storage capacity may be reduced. RAID works by spreading data across multiple drives to improve reliability and safeguard against data loss. For example:

RAID 1: Mirrors data across two drives, meaning only half of the total capacity is usable.
RAID 5 or 6: Uses part of the storage for redundancy, reducing the overall usable space.

When choosing a RAID-enabled drive, ensure you account for this reduction in usable capacity.

To avoid running out of space too quickly, it's wise to plan for future storage requirements. A good rule of thumb is to:

Estimate your current data volume.
Double that capacity to ensure you have enough space for at least the next year or two.

This approach provides flexibility for growing file sizes, additional backups, or new projects.

Yes, you can use one external hard drive with both Windows and Mac computers, but you need to format it with a file system compatible with both operating systems.

The exFAT file system is widely recommended for this purpose because:

It is supported by both Windows and Mac operating systems.
It does not have the file size limitations of FAT32, which restricts individual files to a maximum size of 4GB.
It allows for seamless read and write access on both platforms without the need for additional software.

To use the drive with both systems, you'll need to format it to exFAT. Keep in mind that formatting will erase all data on the drive, so it's essential to back up your files before proceeding. Most external hard drives come pre-formatted for one operating system, usually NTFS for Windows or HFS+ for Mac, but they can be reformatted to exFAT for cross-platform compatibility.

No, as most external hard drives are plug-and-play. If you want to use them with a specific app or operating system, you may be prompted to format your device to ensure compatibility. That said, if your drive comes with pre-installed junk, formatting it could be the right call.

There are benefits and trade-offs with each option. Portable drives are rugged enough to be with you on the road, and small enough not to be an inconvenience. However, the available storage volume is typically lower than that of desktop external hard drives. These may be damaged more easily during transport and tend to be larger.

Latest updates

May 2026: In ZDNET's May update, we conducted a thorough review of our 2026 guide. We also listed the WD 6TB My Passport and Seagate Portable 2TB among our alternative favorites.
March 2026: We revamped the entire guide. The introduction and many of the entries left from the last update were rewritten. A few new hard drives were added. We also refreshed the FAQ section.

Other external hard drives to consider

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

Lexar's $110 TouchLock Portable SSD is a lightweight drive that uses NFC (Near Field Communication) for security instead of passwords or biometrics.

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WD's My Passport range has been around for years. This 6TB model in particular is a worthy option if you want a portable drive with plenty of storage space.

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Seagate

Own a PlayStation or an Xbox? If you want some extra space to store your game files, try this 2TB model.

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For more recommendations, check out how much RAM your PC actually needs and the best computers you can buy. We've also published guides on the best NAS setups and top-quality microSD cards.

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