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Jun 30, 2025

The best external hard drives of 2025: Expert tested | ZDNET

'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean? ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including

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Cloud storage might be the future of storage, but it hasn't replaced the external hard drive. In addition to alleviating strain on your computer's limited storage, the drives provide a secure space for your data without requiring a fast internet connection. As an added bonus, external hard drives don't have monthly subscription fees like cloud services.

If you're in the market for an external hard drive, check out our top picks.

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 because it is small, fast, highly portable, and tough, but it's not the only option. Whether your priorities include different storage capacities or a drive capable of withstanding rain and dust, there's a product for you.

Also: Best cloud storage services of 2025

The SL500 breaks the mold with its size. It's thin, light, and roughly the size of a credit card at only 4.8mm thick. The solid aluminum unibody construction fits comfortably in the palm of your hand and slips unobtrusively into a pocket. I love this drive, and it's become my go-to day-to-day drive that lives in my laptop bag.

Review: Lexar SL500 Portable SSD with Magnetic Set

The design not only protects the drive from bumps and scrapes but also does a fantastic job of dissipating heat. The SL500 is also fast, capable of reaching up to 2,000MB/s read and 1,800MB/s write speeds, making it easy to move large files. Performance on Macs and other systems that don't support USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 may be significantly lower.

If you're looking for a thin, light drive that allows you to record ProRes video on your iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max, the Lexar SL500 is definitely worth a look. Plus, it can easily slip into a pocket or bag.

If you plan on using this with your iPhone, then I highly recommend that you grab the SL500 drive with the Magnetic Set, which comes with a MagSafe-compatible case.

Lexar SL500 features: USB-C and USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 interface | 1TB to 4TB capacities | 256-bit AES software encryption | 2.5-inch form factor | 5-year limited warranty

The SL500 breaks the mold with its size. It's thin, light, and roughly the size of a credit card at only 4.8mm thick. The solid aluminum unibody construction fits comfortably in the palm of your hand and slips unobtrusively into a pocket. I love this drive, and it's become my go-to day-to-day drive that lives in my laptop bag.

Review: Lexar SL500 Portable SSD with Magnetic Set

The design not only protects the drive from bumps and scrapes but also does a fantastic job of dissipating heat. The SL500 is also fast, capable of reaching up to 2,000MB/s read and 1,800MB/s write speeds, making it easy to move large files. Performance on Macs and other systems that don't support USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 may be significantly lower.

If you're looking for a thin, light drive that allows you to record ProRes video on your iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max, the Lexar SL500 is definitely worth a look. Plus, it can easily slip into a pocket or bag.

If you plan on using this with your iPhone, then I highly recommend that you grab the SL500 drive with the Magnetic Set, which comes with a MagSafe-compatible case.

Lexar SL500 features: USB-C and USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 interface | 1TB to 4TB capacities | 256-bit AES software encryption | 2.5-inch form factor | 5-year limited warranty

A common mistake I often see is people purchasing the largest, bulkiest external hard drive they can find under the impression that it's the best solution for their needs. Later, they find themselves with a huge, noisy device that occupies too much desk space and is inconvenient to carry to the office or on the road.

This is why I recommend the WD My Passport Ultra to those who need a compact, easy-to-use hard drive for a few critical files, data transfer between systems, or travel.

Over the years, I've recommended this drive to dozens of people, from home users in need of a backup solution to amateur photographers and videographers facing disk space limitations. Everyone who has purchased one has reported being satisfied with their choice.

Two key features set this drive apart. It includes WD Backup software for PCs, which simplifies and optimizes the backup process, and it offers built-in 256-bit AES hardware encryption, ensuring that data on the drive is secure.

Given the solid reputation of the WD brand and the quality of their hard drives, I have little concern about premature data loss.

WD My Passport Ultra features: USB-C and USB 3.1 interface | 1TB to 5TB capacities | 256-bit AES hardware encryption | 2.5-inch form factor | 3-year limited warranty

A common mistake I often see is people purchasing the largest, bulkiest external hard drive they can find under the impression that it's the best solution for their needs. Later, they find themselves with a huge, noisy device that occupies too much desk space and is inconvenient to carry to the office or on the road.

This is why I recommend the WD My Passport Ultra to those who need a compact, easy-to-use hard drive for a few critical files, data transfer between systems, or travel.

Over the years, I've recommended this drive to dozens of people, from home users in need of a backup solution to amateur photographers and videographers facing disk space limitations. Everyone who has purchased one has reported being satisfied with their choice.

Two key features set this drive apart. It includes WD Backup software for PCs, which simplifies and optimizes the backup process, and it offers built-in 256-bit AES hardware encryption, ensuring that data on the drive is secure.

Given the solid reputation of the WD brand and the quality of their hard drives, I have little concern about premature data loss.

WD My Passport Ultra features: USB-C and USB 3.1 interface | 1TB to 5TB capacities | 256-bit AES hardware encryption | 2.5-inch form factor | 3-year limited warranty

There are tons of secure storage drives (SSDs) out there that can withstand water and dust but drives that protect your data from the elements as well as cybercriminals are rare. While most of the data I have is just photos and video that I've captured with my camera and drone, and I'm not worried about it falling into wrong hands. But I do have other data that I want to keep secure, and that's where an encrypted drive comes into play.

iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3 is an external drive that James Bond would feel confident using to keep his secrets locked away. The drive has been certified to FIPS 140-2 Level 2 standards, helping organizations comply with data regulations such as GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA, and TAA. It uses AES-XTS 256-bit hardware encryption, meaning all data on the drive is always encrypted, and the drive has its own keypad for passcode entry so there's no software to install on the host computer.

Review: iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3

The DiskAshur Pro 3 also features a wear-resistant, backlit alphanumeric keypad for entering an 8- to 64-character passcode. This keypad is crucial because it prevents attackers from using wear patterns to guess the code. If someone tries to brute-force the passcode, the drive has robust countermeasures.

The drive is also built to withstand physical tampering. Accessing the internal components requires physically breaking the enclosure. Even then, every internal component is encased in layers of strong epoxy resin. This makes it virtually impossible to access the components without irreparably damaging them.

Additionally, the drive is sealed against the elements and rated IP56 for dust and water resistance. This means the device is protected against harmful dust and strong jets of water from all directions.

iStroage DiskAshur Pro 3 features: USB 2.0/3.0 interface | 500GB to 2TB capacities | 2.5-inch form factor | 3-year limited warranty

There are tons of secure storage drives (SSDs) out there that can withstand water and dust but drives that protect your data from the elements as well as cybercriminals are rare. While most of the data I have is just photos and video that I've captured with my camera and drone, and I'm not worried about it falling into wrong hands. But I do have other data that I want to keep secure, and that's where an encrypted drive comes into play.

iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3 is an external drive that James Bond would feel confident using to keep his secrets locked away. The drive has been certified to FIPS 140-2 Level 2 standards, helping organizations comply with data regulations such as GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA, and TAA. It uses AES-XTS 256-bit hardware encryption, meaning all data on the drive is always encrypted, and the drive has its own keypad for passcode entry so there's no software to install on the host computer.

Review: iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3

The DiskAshur Pro 3 also features a wear-resistant, backlit alphanumeric keypad for entering an 8- to 64-character passcode. This keypad is crucial because it prevents attackers from using wear patterns to guess the code. If someone tries to brute-force the passcode, the drive has robust countermeasures.

The drive is also built to withstand physical tampering. Accessing the internal components requires physically breaking the enclosure. Even then, every internal component is encased in layers of strong epoxy resin. This makes it virtually impossible to access the components without irreparably damaging them.

Additionally, the drive is sealed against the elements and rated IP56 for dust and water resistance. This means the device is protected against harmful dust and strong jets of water from all directions.

iStroage DiskAshur Pro 3 features: USB 2.0/3.0 interface | 500GB to 2TB capacities | 2.5-inch form factor | 3-year limited warranty

This is the go-to choice for those who require an enormous amount of storage but want to avoid the extra hardware and setup complexities of a NAS (Network Attached Storage) system. With capacities ranging from four to 22 terabytes, the WD Digital Elements is perfect for even the most demanding data hogs.

However, don't assume that high capacity translates to a high price tag. The cost of the 24TB version breaks down to a reasonable $23 per terabyte. This makes it an ideal solution for individuals who manage or work with large media files, especially videos. It's a popular choice among drone pilots who do extensive filming.

Also: The best NAS devices

I personally relied on similar drives for many years before my storage needs grew and I transitioned to a NAS system. Throughout all those years, these drives never failed me; they consistently performed well until I required even more storage capacity.

The only downside I've noticed is that the drive can be rather noisy. In my case, this was partly due to me operating several drives on my desk simultaneously, but even a single drive can be far from silent on its own.

WD Digital Elements features: USB 2.0/3.0 interface | 4TB to 24TB capacities | 3.5-inch form factor | 2-year limited warranty

This is the go-to choice for those who require an enormous amount of storage but want to avoid the extra hardware and setup complexities of a NAS (Network Attached Storage) system. With capacities ranging from four to 22 terabytes, the WD Digital Elements is perfect for even the most demanding data hogs.

However, don't assume that high capacity translates to a high price tag. The cost of the 24TB version breaks down to a reasonable $23 per terabyte. This makes it an ideal solution for individuals who manage or work with large media files, especially videos. It's a popular choice among drone pilots who do extensive filming.

Also: The best NAS devices

I personally relied on similar drives for many years before my storage needs grew and I transitioned to a NAS system. Throughout all those years, these drives never failed me; they consistently performed well until I required even more storage capacity.

The only downside I've noticed is that the drive can be rather noisy. In my case, this was partly due to me operating several drives on my desk simultaneously, but even a single drive can be far from silent on its own.

WD Digital Elements features: USB 2.0/3.0 interface | 4TB to 24TB capacities | 3.5-inch form factor | 2-year limited warranty

While most external hard drives are destined for a sedentary life on a desk at home or in the office, this particular model is engineered for adventure. With its IP54 rain and dust rating and crush resistance of up to 1,000 pounds, this drive is ideally suited to endure the toughest environments.

Considering the inevitable drops onto hard surfaces that occur during outdoor activities, the drive is equipped with rubber bumpers and internal shock absorbers. These features offer added protection to the drive's delicate components.

However, it's important to note that this is still a hard disk drive with spinning platters that store data. Despite the robust protection, any device with moving parts is inherently susceptible to damage from drops and vibrations. Therefore, exercising caution is advisable when handling this drive.

I have owned several ArmorATD drives and found them exceptionally durable. They have been particularly useful for backing up data. I usually carry multiple drives with me, ensuring that important photos and videos are duplicated across several units for added security.

SanDisk Professional G-Drive ArmorATD features: USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt 3 interface | 1TB to 5TB capacities | 3.5-inch form factor | 3-year limited warranty

While most external hard drives are destined for a sedentary life on a desk at home or in the office, this particular model is engineered for adventure. With its IP54 rain and dust rating and crush resistance of up to 1,000 pounds, this drive is ideally suited to endure the toughest environments.

Considering the inevitable drops onto hard surfaces that occur during outdoor activities, the drive is equipped with rubber bumpers and internal shock absorbers. These features offer added protection to the drive's delicate components.

However, it's important to note that this is still a hard disk drive with spinning platters that store data. Despite the robust protection, any device with moving parts is inherently susceptible to damage from drops and vibrations. Therefore, exercising caution is advisable when handling this drive.

I have owned several ArmorATD drives and found them exceptionally durable. They have been particularly useful for backing up data. I usually carry multiple drives with me, ensuring that important photos and videos are duplicated across several units for added security.

SanDisk Professional G-Drive ArmorATD features: USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt 3 interface | 1TB to 5TB capacities | 3.5-inch form factor | 3-year limited warranty

This is the ideal budget-friendly choice for those seeking simplicity without the high cost or complexity. It's a straightforward drive that can be easily connected to a system as needed. Remarkably compact, it's only slightly larger than the 2.5-inch hard drives found in laptops, making it one of the smallest and lightest external drives available.

This drive is perfectly suited for individuals who manage small amounts of data, such as students or home users looking to back up essential files.

Furthermore, this drive comes from Toshiba, a manufacturer known for its excellent track record. Toshiba's drives are renowned for their reliability, and you can expect years of dependable service from this model.

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

This is the ideal budget-friendly choice for those seeking simplicity without the high cost or complexity. It's a straightforward drive that can be easily connected to a system as needed. Remarkably compact, it's only slightly larger than the 2.5-inch hard drives found in laptops, making it one of the smallest and lightest external drives available.

This drive is perfectly suited for individuals who manage small amounts of data, such as students or home users looking to back up essential files.

Furthermore, this drive comes from Toshiba, a manufacturer known for its excellent track record. Toshiba's drives are renowned for their reliability, and you can expect years of dependable service from this model.

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

If you're worried about data loss, then this is the external hard drive for you. Why? Because it takes a regular external hard drive and adds a second drive. This second drive can be used in one of two ways:

And I need to say this clearly: Drive failure is rare, but it happens, especially when you're transferring a lot of data (the kind of thing you might do if you are processing high-definition video, for example). If you have irreplaceable data, then an external hard drive like this is an important part of the solution for preventing data loss.

WD My Book Duo features: USB 3.2 interface | 8TB to 44TB capacities | 3.5-inch form factor | 3-year limited warranty

If you're worried about data loss, then this is the external hard drive for you. Why? Because it takes a regular external hard drive and adds a second drive. This second drive can be used in one of two ways:

And I need to say this clearly: Drive failure is rare, but it happens, especially when you're transferring a lot of data (the kind of thing you might do if you are processing high-definition video, for example). If you have irreplaceable data, then an external hard drive like this is an important part of the solution for preventing data loss.

WD My Book Duo features: USB 3.2 interface | 8TB to 44TB capacities | 3.5-inch form factor | 3-year limited warranty

The recent U.S. tariffs on imports from countries like China, Vietnam, and India aim to boost domestic manufacturing but are likely to drive up prices on consumer electronics. Products like smartphones, laptops, and TVs may become more expensive as companies rethink global supply chains and weigh the cost of shifting production.

Also: Tariff war has tech buyers wondering what's next. Here's what we know

Storage device such as external hard drives and NAS units have also hit hard by the new U.S. tariffs, with import duties potentially increasing prices by up to 35%. Many major brands still rely on Chinese and Vietnamese factories for assembly, meaning consumers could soon pay significantly more for everything from budget Chromebooks to high-end gaming rigs.

Manufacturers are exploring options like relocating production to countries with lower tariffs, but such shifts are complex and may not provide immediate relief. In the short term, shoppers should anticipate higher costs for accessories due to these trade policies.

Right now, it looks like some tech may be exempt from the issued tariffs, but since it's always changing and developing, we are keeping an eye on it and will update you on the latest.

Also: Tariff exemptions for electronics offer a break for tech - but not for long

Recognizing that your external hard drive requirements might vary from mine, my aim is to guide you toward options that cater to a broad spectrum of needs and preferences.

Accordingly, my top selection is the WD My Passport Ultra. In my experience dealing with a wide range of users, this drive meets the needs of a good 90-95% of users. It stands out for delivering excellent value and reliability, comes with useful backup software, and includes the added benefit of built-in hardware encryption.

However, if you're among the 10% seeking something a bit different, I've compiled a comprehensive list of external drives. This resource is designed to help you effortlessly compare their specifications and find the one that best matches your unique circumstances.

External hard drive

Price

Capacity

Interface

Form factor

Hardware encryption

Warranty

Lexar SL500

$73 to $314

1, 2, and 4TB

USB-C and USB 3.2

2.5-inch

No

5-year limited

WD My Passport Ultra

$65 to $160

1, 1.5, 2, 4, 5 and 6TB

USB-C and USB 3.1

2.5-inch

Yes

3-year limited

iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3

$222 to $4,568

500GB, 1, 2, 4, 5, 8 and 16TB

USB 3.0

2.5-inch

Yes

3-year limited

Western Digital Elements

$160 to $450

6, 8 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24TB

USB 2.0/3.0

3.5-inch

No

2-year limited

SanDisk Professional G-Drive ArmorATD

$95 to $216

1, 2, 4, 5 and 6TB

USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt 3

3.5-inch

No

3-year limited

Toshiba Canvio Basics

$59 to $105

1, 2 and 4TB

USB 2.0/3.0

2.5-inch

No

1-year limited

WD My Book Duo

$96 to $1,200

4, 6, 8, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 28,36 and 44TB

USB 3.2

3.5-inch

No

3-year limited

Choose this external hard drive…

If you want…

Lexar SL500

Need a drive that so thin and light you forget it's in your pocket, yet fast enough to be able to keep up with ProRes recording on your iPhone Pro/Pro Max? This is the drive for you. Available in capacities ranging from 1TB to 4TB, you only have to pay for the capacity you need.

WD My Passport Ultra

A drive for people who want an inexpensive yet reliable drive with the added protection of hardware encryption. This drive is perfect for most users wanting a backup drive or a way to store files when their computer starts running out of space.

iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3

You want insane levels of data security, from built-in 256-bit hardware encryption to bruteforce self-destruct. This drive is as secure as they get0

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.

SanDisk Professional G-Drive ArmorATD

To your external hard drive out with you on adventures. Water and dust-resistant, and built to survive bumps and drops, this drive is perfect for adventure.

Toshiba Canvio Basics

A minimalist, no-frills drive. This one is perfect for those who know they need to backup their data, but think it's going to need a lot of expensive hardware.

WD My Book Duo

To never get paranoid about losing data. This drive offers masses of capacity or the ability to have the data copies across two drives for added security.

External hard drives may not be the most exciting pieces of technology, but they become indispensable when you need to back up important data or recover from data loss. Choosing the right external hard drive can feel overwhelming due to the variety of options available. Below, we break down the key factors to consider when selecting an external hard drive to meet your needs.

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. Most external hard drives are expected to last around 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.

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

Consider your specific use case to determine which features are essential for you.

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:

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

External hard drives come in two main form factors:

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

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

If you handle sensitive data, hardware encryption is highly recommended, and depending on your industry, may be mandatory.

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

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 with advanced features like SSDs or hardware encryption. It's important to balance your budget with your storage and feature requirements.

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.

While most of the drives I recommend have been personally tested, there is one exception: the SanDisk Professional G-Drive ArmorATD. This drive is new to me, though I've owned an earlier version of it. For all other drives listed in this guide, I have direct, personal experience, allowing me to provide a detailed and informed assessment of their capabilities.

In addition to my own testing, I've also taken into account user reviews. 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.

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

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

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

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.

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:

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:

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 it requires formatting the drive in a file system that is compatible with both operating systems.

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

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.

This is a monster external hard drive unit from a reputable manufacturer, and massive overkill for most, but there are photographers and videographers who could totally make the most of this.

Take a high-speed SSD and wrap it in tough alloy and silicone armor, and you have the Mecha O20. This clever combination allows the alloy to dissipate the heat generated by the drive, while the silicone surround provides excellent shock resistance.