The Best External Hard Drives to Mobilize Your Data in 2023

The SanDisk Professional G-Drive ArmorATD external hard drive is a game-changer when it comes to secure and robust storage. Imagine having your essential data wrapped in a fortress; that’s what the anodized aluminum enclosure, coupled with triple-layer shock resistance, feels like. And the fact that it is rain and dust-resistant (IP54) with a whopping 1000lb crush resistance? Now that’s peace of mind on a whole new level.

Transfer rates are a breeze with the USB-C (5Gbps) drive. You can efficiently manage large files, and with options ranging from 1TB to 5TB, you’ll be hard-pressed to run out of space. One minor setback? The tech support could be better. However, the quality and strength you’ll feel with this drive is a worthy trade-off.

Stepping into the arena of gaming storage, the WD_BLACK P50 Game Drive SSD is a true contender in the external hard drive space. Designed for gamers, it works seamlessly with consoles and PCs, offering a performance boost that genuinely makes a difference. No more tedious load screens, the SSD speeds up to 2000MB/s ensure you get into your games faster.

With storage options up to 4TB, your gaming library will never feel limited. The drive’s shock-resistant, portable form factor makes it a reliable companion wherever your gaming journey takes you. One thing to note, it might run a bit hot, but considering the high-performance speed, it’s a minor compromise.

Compact yet powerful, the Toshiba Canvio Advance external hard drive is the perfect companion for those who need portability without compromising storage capability. Its stylish, textured finish and color options are like cherries on top, adding a dash of personal flair to your tech gear.

Automatic backup software and password protection software make data management a breeze. With its compatibility with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0, your data transfer and backup processes are seamless. Take note of the mediocre tech support and the cord, but given the quality and value you get, it’s a drive that’s hard to pass up.

Bringing toughness to a whole new level, the ADATA HD710 Pro is your trusted external hard drive for rugged data storage. Its military-grade toughness can take shocks like a champ, and the triple-layered construction ensures durability. You won’t have to worry about dust or water damage either, thanks to the IP68 waterproof and IP6X dustproof ratings.

Working with both Windows and Mac (with a required reformat for Mac users), it’s versatile and accommodating. It’s a minor inconvenience that the cable end is not as protected as the rest of the drive, but given its durability and value, it’s a small trade-off.

Fast, compact, and versatile, the Crucial X6 Portable SSD doesn’t compromise on performance. With read speeds up to 800MB/s, it leaves most external hard drives in the dust. It’s amazingly lightweight and tiny, fitting snugly between your fingertips. It’s a bummer that it runs hot and comes with a short cable, but it’s still a top pick.

The broad compatibility across PC, Mac, Android, iPad Pro8, and gaming consoles (with a USB-A adapter) means you’ll be hard-pressed to find a device it doesn’t work with. Backed by Micron, a leading flash storage manufacturer, it’s reliable and durable.

For those who need robust and reliable storage, the SAMSUNG T7 Shield comes in with full force. With its rugged durability, IP65 dust and water resistance, and a design that can withstand a 9.8-foot drop, it’s a tough competitor in the field. While the software could use some improvements, the positives vastly outweigh this drawback.

The soaring sequential read/write speeds of up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s allow for massive file transfers in mere seconds, and the dynamic thermal guard maintains a steady performance even during large projects. Plus, it’s compatible with a wide array of devices, making it a truly versatile external hard drive choice.

If flexibility is a must for you, the Toshiba Canvio Flex could be your ideal companion. Formatted exFAT for cross-device compatibility, and equipped with USB-C and USB 3.0, it’s ready to connect with your PC, Mac, or tablet. Despite being a bit slow and having mediocre tech support, its versatility and convenience offer a good trade-off.

It’s not just about connecting different devices, but also the capacity it offers, with options ranging from 1TB to 4TB. This external hard drive has been designed to be adaptable to your lifestyle, making file transfer easier than ever before.

When speed and durability matter, the SanDisk Extreme PRO Portable SSD steps up. Boasting NVMe solid state performance with up to 2000MB/s read/write speeds, it saves you time in storing and transferring data. Despite not performing optimally on Macs and having poor tech support, the powerful performance and robust design compensate for these minor flaws.

Adding to its advantages is the 5-year limited manufacturer warranty, a sturdy aluminum chassis for better heat dissipation, 2-meter drop protection, IP55 water and dust resistance, and password protection featuring 256-bit AES hardware encryption. This drive has the power and protection to meet your storage needs.

Seamless usability and sleek design define the LaCie Mobile Drive. It’s not the fastest or most durable, and setup can be a bit annoying, but its competitive price and high-speed file transfer capability offset these minor issues. With compatibility spanning Mac, Windows, USB-C, and USB 3.0, it’s a convenient and portable storage solution.

Moreover, it comes with a one-month free subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps Plan. So whether you’re a digital artist or a casual user, the LaCie Mobile Drive has got you covered. A bonus is the two-year limited warranty that offers peace of mind for the long term.

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