

- BEST EXTERNAL BACKUP DRIVE 2018 FOR WINDOWS HOW TO
- BEST EXTERNAL BACKUP DRIVE 2018 FOR WINDOWS PORTABLE
- BEST EXTERNAL BACKUP DRIVE 2018 FOR WINDOWS SOFTWARE
- BEST EXTERNAL BACKUP DRIVE 2018 FOR WINDOWS MAC
First, your laptop or desktop is running out storage space it's a common problem, especially if your computer is several years old. So, which is the best external hard drive? We like all of the drives we've mentioned below, so it really depends on how much storage space you need and how much you're willing to spend to get it.There are two main reasons why you'd buy an external hard drive.
BEST EXTERNAL BACKUP DRIVE 2018 FOR WINDOWS PORTABLE
Portable drives are ultra convenient but cost more, whereas the desktop drives are cheaper and often have higher capacities.Īs prices fall, SSD (solid-state drives) are becoming more popular: they're ultra-fast – much quicker than conventional mechanical drives – but you will pay extra for that speed, and can't usually get as much in terms of capacity. The good news is choosing an external hard drive needn’t be particularly time-consuming task – it's mainly a question of capacity, which boils down to how much room you need for all your stuff, now and in the future.Īfter capacity, consider if you want a portable drive (powered via USB), or a fixed desktop drive (with its own power socket).
BEST EXTERNAL BACKUP DRIVE 2018 FOR WINDOWS HOW TO
How to choose the best external hard drive for you Best computer speakers: get immersive audio.
BEST EXTERNAL BACKUP DRIVE 2018 FOR WINDOWS MAC
A variety of connection options are included, from USB 3.0 Type-C to Thunderbolt and Firewire, and it's Mac and Windows compatible as well.
BEST EXTERNAL BACKUP DRIVE 2018 FOR WINDOWS SOFTWARE
It's also pressure-resistant, and comes with automatic backup software and encryption to keep your data as safe as possible. If you're looking for an external hard drive to cope with the stresses and strains of modern-day life then you can't do much better than the bright, padded Rugged model from Lacie, shock and drop resistant to a height of 1.2 metres when not running. View at Wex Photo Video (opens in new tab) If you want to take a lot of storage around with you anywhere, give it a look. Some people won't care what their external hard drive looks like, and perhaps they're right not to, but we're very much fans of the aesthetic on show here.Ĭapacities go all the way up to 5TB but it's the slimline 2TB that's the real star of the range: it's very slim and very light, and it won't get noisy or hot during use, as it transfers data over its USB 3.2 Gen 1 connection (with a USB-A plug). It'll transfer your files quickly enough, but we wouldn't recommend trying to actually run games from this.Īs with the rest of the WD Black series, the industrial looks of the drive really catch the eye: all ridged black plastic that gives an extra sense of style and durability.

The WD Black P10 is a fine choice for your next external hard drive if you're prioritising value for money over raw speed: it's a 2.5-inch HDD running at a speed of 5,400 rpm, so don't expect blistering SSD performance, and it's priced accordingly. And, well, who doesn't like saving money? This is because we feel a lot of the external hard drives listed here could be discounted during Prime Day 2022, which would save their buyer money. The best Amazon Prime Day deals always include discounts on external hard drives, so considering Prime Day 2022 is incoming very soon means we think shoppers should consider holding fire on a purchase right now. Not only do we list what we consider the best drives, but we also provide buying advice and top tips to make sure you end up with the right drive for your needs and budget. Like when you shop for one of the best laptops, best SSDs, or best keyboards, there are a few things to consider before making a purchase, and that's what this best external hard drive guide is designed to help with.

Getting the right hard drive in place can solve your digital storage problems for years: you'll finally have enough room for all those movies, music files, photos, documents, and everything else you've managed to amass – and if you buy one of the best external hard drives, you'll be able to trust it with your data.
