Ideal Exterior Hard Disk Drives and SSDs for 2025 

What’s the very best outside drive?

Conserving in the cloud is a hassle-free choice that allows you accessibility your information from anywhere. Nevertheless, if you intend to ensure to have a protected, physical back-up, you might intend to check into a disk drive or SSD. They’re wonderful for household images, crucial job data and even more. We examined the leading brand names to figure out which item may be the very best choice for your requirements, and your budget plan.

Storage space rates have actually boiled down throughout the years, yet high-capacity SSDs will certainly still need a larger financial investment. That’s why you could select a standard disk drive. It will not be as quickly as an SSD, yet it’ll offer you extra storage area for your buck. When picking your drive, bear in mind to inspect what cable televisions you’ll require, due to the fact that this can impact both compatibility and benefit.

Every one of CNET’s leading choices for outside hard disks and SSDs work throughout systems, consisting of Windows Computers, Macs and pc gaming consoles like the PlayStation and the Xbox. Simply bear in mind that you could require to style the drive for your certain system. Frequently, drives will certainly be marked to collaborate with a details system, and occasionally they include back-up software application that’s platform-specific. Unless or else suggested, all the computer drives stated below work with Windows yet can be formatted for the Mac. And also, much of them consist of USB-C and USB-A wires or adapters. If they do not occur to be consisted of, you can conveniently acquire dongles for around $12.

Console players will certainly intend to watch out for platform-specific information. For example, the PS5 allows you shop and play PS4 video games from an outside drive, yet not PS5 video games. The Xbox Series X, on the various other hand, can save Collection X video games on an outside hard disk drive, yet you’ll need to move them to inner storage space prior to playing them. Both gaming consoles will certainly allow you increase inner storage space. The Xbox Collection X utilizes a proprietary Seagate-made storage expansion card, and the PS5 utilizes a much more typical M.2 SSD.

With those cautions in mind, you’ll locate our existing leading choices for finest outside hard disk drive and outside solid-state drive listed below. These (or almost the same designs with much less storage space capability) have actually been made use of or anecdotally examined by CNET editors. We’ll upgrade our listing of the very best outside hard disks and SSDs as we evaluate brand-new items. Preferably, you need to have repetitive back-ups– either off website or in the cloud– for crucial information and big data like household images, in instance of burglary or fire. Ensure to secure your information, as well.

Ideal outside drives of 2025

SanDisk Extreme Portable 1TB SSD

Western Digital, which possesses SanDisk, offers its WD My Key SSD too this SanDisk External Portable SSD for primarily the very same cost. I such as the layout of this version a little far better, and it’s practically ruggedized with an IP65 ranking, suggesting it can stand up to a continual spray of water. Likewise, it’s dirt- and shock-resistant and has a USB-C user interface.

The most recent variation uses quicken to 1,050 MB/s (simply over 1GB per secondly) and is ideal around $90 for the 1TB variation. While step-up designs like the SanDisk Extreme Pro use faster read/write rates with the ideal computer system, that might be excessive unless you consistently collaborate with huge data.

Your rate will certainly differ if you’re relocating a collection of data to or from the USB drive, yet when duplicating a solitary big documents you need to have the ability to obtain near to that quick transfer rate.

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WD Black P40 Video Game Drive

Initial launched in 2022, the WD Black P40 has actually boiled down in cost and is currently rather budget-friendly. It’s an ultrafast SSD that’s even more tailored towards current Windows Computers outfitted with USB 3.2 Gen2x2 dual-lane design that permits an academic 20Gbps information transfer price. It can additionally be made use of with gaming consoles and Macs. It can quicken to 2,000 MB/s.

Ranked for making it through declines of approximately 2 meters, the drive is long lasting and has an RGB illumination aspect that can be personalized with a Windows computer.

You do pay a little bit of a costs over the WD Black D30 (see listed below), which includes a stand and is extra tailored to video game gaming consoles. This drive is extra future-proof as Computers are significantly outfitted with USB 3.2 Gen2x2. Kingston’s XS2000 has comparable specifications for around $10 much less for the 1TB version, yet some customers have actually noted this drive uses somewhat far better create rates.

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Seagate Storage Space Growth Card

For far better or even worse, there’s presently just one method to increase the storage space on your Xbox Collection X/S for next-gen Collection X/S video games: the Seagate Growth Card. Comparable to the storage space scenario with the PS5, you can connect in any type of outside SSD or hard disk drive to increase the storage space for typical Xbox video games (previous-gen), yet you can save just indigenous Xbox Collection X/S video games on the video game console’s inner memory or the Seagate Growth Card.

It links into an exclusive port on the back of the Xbox Collection X/S and “duplicates the Xbox Speed Design” (Microsoft’s inner NVMe SSD technology) with top rates of approximately 2.4 GBps of raw I/O throughput. Microsoft claims that’s greater than 40x the throughput of the Xbox One.

The growth card is available in 1TB ($ 150) and 2TB ($ 250) variations.

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SanDisk 1TB Portable SSD

This is SanDisk’s entry-level SSD, and while it does not have rather the very same fast efficiency as the step-up Extreme version, it still has strong efficiency simply an action or more behind with 800MB/s rates compared to 1,050 MB/s (that has to do with 1GB per secondly). The Extreme version is additionally ruggedized, while this set isn’t. SanDisk claims it’s drop-tested to 2 meters. To obtain the 1TB SSD capability variation expenses around $85, while the 2TB chooses about $140. They use sufficient rate for basic usage (by that I suggest individuals that aren’t walking around numerous jobs of video clip data).

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Seagate FireCuda 530 with Heatsink

You can increase storage space for PS4 video games on your PS5 by including a typical outside SSD due to the fact that you can play PS4 video games straight from an outside SSD. That’s not the instance for PS5 video games, which occupy a lots of area and can be played just from the PS5’s inner drive or an M. 2 SSD that you set up in an unique growth bay inside your PS5.

While the Seagate FireCuda 530 practically isn’t an outside SSD, it’s not so various from Seagate’s Storage space Growth Card for the Xbox Collection X/S because it’s an NVMe SSD with an extremely high transfer rate (approximately 7,300 MB/s, according to Seagate, though my PS5 detailed the leading price at 6,800 MB/s).

Numerous M. 2 SSDs will certainly collaborate with the PS5 (see our complete list) yet preferably, you desire one with an incorporated heatsink. Or else, you’ll need to include one.

The Seagate FireCuda 530 with heatsink begins around $67 for the 500GB variation and leaps to about $140 for the 1TB variation (most preferred). The 2TB chooses about $200, while the 4TB costs about $600.

Find Out More: Here’s How to Boost Your PlayStation 5 Storage

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Kingston XS2000

As its name suggests, Kingston’s XS2000 can quicken to 2,000 MB/s. Like the WD Black P40 Video Game Drive and SanDisk Extreme Pro (see listed below), it’s an ultrafast SSD that’s even more tailored towards current Windows Computers outfitted with USB 3.2 Gen2x2 dual-lane design that permits an academic 20Gbps information transfer price. It can additionally be made use of with gaming consoles and Macs. (Note that the XS2000 is silver, while its precursor is black).

Its layout is a little bit extra ordinary than some SSDs on this listing, yet the XS2000 is portable (it has to do with half the dimension of a harmonica), light-weight and includes a rubber sleeve that’s intended to make the gadget water-, shock- and dust-resistant, although it does not have an IP ranking. It’s a suitable worth at about $105 for the 1TB version.

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WD Black P10 2TB

If you’re seeking a high-capacity outside drive for your Xbox One, the WD Black P10 2TB mobile hard disk drive is an excellent worth at around $75 (the 5TB variation has to do with $150). It offers you mobile storage space for your desired video game collection. This outside drive additionally includes an electronic code that offers you one month of Microsoft’s Video game Pass Ultimate if you’re a brand-new client. There’s additionally a typical variation of the mobile hard disk drive, which additionally collaborates with Computers and the PS4 for somewhat much less (it’s missing out on the Xbox branding yet is or else the very same drive). The mobile drive can supply quicken to 130MBps.

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Seagate Video Game Drive 5TB

While this drive collaborates with both the PS4 and PS5, it can just save PS4 video games if you’re utilizing it with a PS5 (you can play PS4 video games without lag straight from the mobile hard disk drive). The 5TB variation is $148.

Keep in mind that Seagate makes an SSD Game Drive For Xbox yet not PS4. The storage space drive expenses around $200 for 1TB.

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SanDisk 1TB Extreme Pro Portable SSD

SanDisk makes the Extreme Portable SSD (see over) that supplies quicken to 1,050 megabytes per 2nd transfer prices. If you’re a professional photographer or videographer seeking an also quicker SSD drive for your computer or Mac, the Extreme Pro Portable SSD is the method to opt for added storage area. The most recent variation can supply up to 2,000 MBps (2GBps) read/write rates if you couple it with the ideal tools. To obtain the optimum rate, you require a host system that sustains USB Gen 3.2 Gen 2×2 rates.

Suitable with Macs and Windows Computers, it’s practically ruggedized with an IP65 ranking, suggesting it can stand up to a continual spray of water and is dust-resistant. It’s additionally shock-resistant (3-meter decline defense) and is outfitted with a built light weight aluminum framework that serves as a heatsink. It has a USB-C user interface and consists of both USB-C-to-USB-C and USB-A-to-USB-C cable televisions. The 1TB variation is around $130 while the 2TB has actually dipped to around $220.

Note: Some customers claim they have actually experienced integrity concerns with this drive and also had actually data inexplicably gotten rid of. SanDisk has actually recognized some firmware issues with specific drives. It’s uncertain if these concerns have actually been solved or otherwise, yet we really did not run into any type of issues with the examination drive we were utilizing.

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OWC Agent Pro FX

SanDisk’s front runner Pro-G40 SSD begins at around $180 for a 1TB drive, while the 1TB variation of Various other Globe Computer’s Agent Pro FX chooses $280. Both use top-end rates (the Agent Pro FX rises to a 2,800 MB/s move rate while the Pro-G40 peaks somewhat greater at approximately 3,000 MB/s). While the drive will certainly function simply great with Windows and Linux computer systems, OWC has actually long accommodated the Mac market, and this outside SSD absolutely plays well with Macs.

Yes, it sets you back greater than the Pro-G40, yet it appears quite possibly developed with a light weight aluminum framework that does an excellent task dissipating warmth (it does not warm up excessive). Unfortunately, it does not featured some type of bring instance, yet it’s an excellent drive if you can manage it and are seeking ultrafast transfer rate.

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Seagate Ultra Touch 5GB

Yes, also drive manufacturers like Seagate are beginning to integrate recycled products right into their items. The Ultra Touch is available in 4TB and 5TB storage space capabilities (we attempted the 5TB) and apart from the eco angle, it’s a rather typical mechanical drive that includes USB-C connection (yes, it works with a selection of tools, consisting of Macs, Windows makers and Chromebooks). It evaluates in at 267g or 0.589 extra pounds.

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WD My Key SSD 2TB

This drive uses comparable specifications to the SanDisk Extreme SSD, with approximately 1,050 megabytes read/write rates, yet it does not have actually a ruggedized outside. I have actually made use of one consistently and it’s stood up well and uses a fairly quick efficiency. I have actually included it below due to the fact that the 2TB is much better valued than some similar 2TB designs.

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WD My Publication 8TB (for Mac or Windows Computers)

The WD My Publication desktop computer drive is readily available in approximately a 24TB setup. This drive has actually been around for some time and is tailored towards individuals that require a great deal of storage space yet do not intend to pay a ransom money to obtain it.

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LaCie Rugged USB-C 5TB Mobile HDD

After Seagate obtained LaCie numerous years earlier, LaCie ended up being the business’s costs brand name, and this outside HDD 5TB version can be discovered on a great deal of video clip editors’ workdesks (consisting of lots at CNET). This sturdy disk drive utilizes a USB-C user interface, works with Mac and Windows Computers and is water- and shock-resistant. A 4TB Thunderbolt with USB-C variation is readily available for Thunderbolt-equipped Macs for around $260.

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Essential X6

Crucial’s X6 outside SSD is thought about entry-level due to the fact that it’s simply not as quickly as higher-end designs, which can use read/write rates that are two times or perhaps 4 times as quick (the Crucial X8 is the step-up version). Nevertheless, the X6 has to do with 4x quicker than a drive that isn’t solid-state, with a transfer rate of approximately 540MB per secondly for the 1TB and 2TB variations and approximately 800MB/s for the brand-new 4TB variation, which has among the most affordable rates for a 4TB SSD at around $280.

Fairly, the 4TB SanDisk Extreme SSD, which has a transfer rate ranking of approximately 1,050 MB/s, sets you back $300. So you’re primarily taking a look at a $20 cost savings if you want to take a little bit of a little rate hit (once more, at the very least the 4GB variation of the Essential X6 has actually been bumped approximately 800MB/s from 540MB/s).

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WD Black D30 Video Game Drive (Update: Currently not available)

You can utilize any type of SSD with your PlayStation PS4/PS5 or Xbox One, Xbox One Collection X or Collection S to save PS4 and Xbox One video games and various other web content and get a great rate bump when packing video games compared to a typical outside hard disk drive like the WD Black P10 over. Keep in mind that with the Xbox Collection X, you can just archive Xbox Collection X and S video games to this drive, you can not save complete video games on it (the Seagate Storage Expansion Card is needed for that). The PS5 has the very same constraint– you can just save complete PS4 video games on outside drives.

On its surface area, after that, the WD Black D30 video game drive isn’t all that unique. It has up to a 900MBps transfer price, which is primarily what a console’s USB 3.1 link caps out at. It’s the layout that establishes it apart. It’s thicker and extra rugged-looking than your regular SSD or flash drive and consists of a removable stand with rubber feet to maintain it from walking around any place you position it. This is an NVMe SSD (Non-Volatile Memory Express) that offers exceptional efficiency and interoperability. It basically resembles a miniature hard disk drive, which is sort of cool.

The typical variation collaborates with PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and One X and S gaming consoles, in addition to Computers. The Xbox variation displayed in the photo merely consists of an Xbox logo design and a month of Video game Pass Ultimate, a $15 worth, for $20 even more. Unfortunately, just brand-new clients can utilize the consisted of code, so if you currently have a Video game Pass Ultimate registration, you’re paying the added $20 for the logo design.

The 1TB variation is $150 or much less when for sale.

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Elements to take into consideration when picking an outside storage space drive

Spending Plan

Prior to anything else, you’ll intend to identify just how much you want to invest in a brand-new hard disk drive. Portable solid-state drives that utilize flash memory are costlier than slower and larger mechanical drives, yet they have actually dropped in cost over the last number of years. Today, you can obtain a 1TB outside SSD for as low as $65 approximately. Really high-capacity SSDs have a tendency to be rather expensive, so if you’re seeking a great deal of storage space for not excessive cash, you’ll likely need to select a mechanical drive.

Capability

Exterior drives begin at 500GB and copulate approximately 22TB approximately. For a great deal of individuals, particularly if you’re taking a look at a much faster SSD, the storage space wonderful place is 1TB or 2TB. If you require even more than that, you’ll likely be making a decision in between investing a great deal on a 4TB SSD or going with a much more budget-friendly yet slower 4TB or 5TB mechanical drive.

Information move rate

Strong state drives are supplying quicker and quicker information transfer rates. SSDs that use the fastest rates are additionally rather expensive. You’ll need to determine simply what sort of efficiency you desire and require based upon your usage instance and the computer you have (to obtain the fastest transfer rate you require a computer system with the most recent USB innovation). Unless you consistently move enormous video clip data, you most likely do not require a “professional” degree storage space gadget. Keep in mind that also the slowest SSDs have a tendency to be around 5 times as quick as a standard mechanical drive.

Compatibility

A lot of outside drives work with a variety of computer systems, consisting of Macs, Windows Computers and Chromebooks. Points obtain extra made complex when you enter the world of video game gaming consoles. To save PS5 or Xbox Collection X or S video games, you’ll require to buy a drive especially for that job. You can utilize most outside drives to save and play PS4 video games or typical Xbox One video games (off the drive), yet you’ll require to set up an inner drive to shop and play PS5 video games. Xbox Collection X and S makers need you to acquire either the WD Black C50 growth card or Seagate Storage space growth card to shop and play Xbox Collection X or S video games.

Safety And Security

A few of you might be saving delicate information on your outside storage space drive. If that holds true, seek drives that consist of safety functions, consisting of file encryption.

Exactly how we evaluate outside drives

We evaluate outside drives based upon 3 essential standards, contrasting likewise styled and valued designs. These standards are layout, efficiency and worth

• Style: We analyze not just the dimension and weight of the drive (transportability variables) yet its general develop high quality and longevity, consisting of water-, shock- and dirt resistance.

• Efficiency: We assess read/write efficiency by moving 50GB of data to and from both a computer and a Mac computer system several times. We additionally assess just how much a drive warms up.

• Worth: We contrast drives with comparable efficiency specifications versus each various other and analyze just how great a worth they are based upon their cost for the very same capability drive.