Best External Hard Drives of 2026

"I was looking for a straightforward storage solution, and this 4TB hard drive really fits the bill. Setup was effortless—plug-and-play with no complications. Transfer speeds are solid and consistent, and the drive has been nothing but dependable for large backups and daily use. It runs cool and quiet, and the sturdy construction gives me confidence it’ll last. For anyone needing a lot of space without headaches, this is a purchase I’d happily make again."

"After purchasing the 22TB external hard drive, I was impressed by the tremendous storage capacity and reasonable price. It’s not oversized and fits well on my desk. It’s not the fastest drive, but it’s reliable for backups and general storage needs. Just be aware it can get a little noisy sometimes, but for my offsite backup use, it works very well."

"I use this external hard drive frequently for my programming files and schoolwork. It’s lightweight, compact, and ready to use right out of the box. For me, the simple, practical design and dependable performance make it a solid choice for portable storage."

"I was looking for a dependable, high-capacity storage solution, and this external hard drive checked all the boxes. The transfer speeds are impressive and make backing up large files painless. Its compact size fits easily in my bag, and the plug-and-play setup couldn't be easier. After months of use, I haven't encountered any errors or slowdowns. I fully trust this drive for my daily backups and recommend it to anyone needing extra space."

"I've had my WD Elements portable hard drive for a couple of years now, and it still works flawlessly for storing all my games, music, and movies. The durable build has survived a few drops without any issues. Out of all the drives I've bought, this one has proven to be the most reliable and easy to use. Definitely a top pick from my Amazon purchases."

"When I got my WD drive, I noticed it had a minor ding and showed some usage hours, but I needed it right away. Even with that, the drive has performed excellently on both my Mac and Windows computers. Transfer speeds are smooth, and it's super quiet—even after months of daily use. Just a heads-up: if you're using both Mac and Windows, formatting as ExFat helps with file access on both systems."

"I was impressed by how effortless and fast the Toshiba Canvio Basics 2TB external drive is. It was truly plug-and-play; I just connected it to my laptop and it was ready to use immediately—no extra software required. Transferring even large folders of photos and videos is quick and reliable. I also love how lightweight and silent it is, making it super easy to carry around and use wherever I need it. For the price, it really delivers excellent value."

"After using the Canvio Basics for over a month, I can say it’s a fantastic, no-fuss external hard drive. Thanks to its USB 3.0 connection, file transfers are very fast, and it works seamlessly on both Windows and macOS. The compact, sleek design means it fits easily in my bag, and I’ve had no issues with noise or connection stability. Highly recommended for anyone needing hassle-free, high-capacity storage."

"I’ve been relying on Toshiba external hard drives for years, and this latest model is noticeably faster and more reliable than my old one. I had a minor hiccup setting up the backup because Windows required me to remove the old drive first, but once I figured that out, it backed up all my files in less than an hour. The LED light indicator is subtle and reassuring, and I feel confident I’ll get years of dependable use from it, just like my previous Toshiba drives."

"I was able to set up this hard drive with my Mac for Time Machine backup in under two minutes. The process was seamless, and file transfers are impressively fast. I'm happy with the overall performance and how easy it is to use."

"My LaCie Rugged drive has truly proven its name—I found my Great Dane puppy tossing it around outside and even after all the chewing and dirt, the hard drive still works a year and a half later. The rubber case is extremely durable, and I've had no compatibility issues with my Mac. Transfer speeds are also solid."

"I purchased this LaCie drive for my iMac backups after issues with other brands. Once I sorted out a memory problem on my Mac, this drive handled my backup quickly and reliably. The build is robust and compact, and I appreciate the included cables and LED indicator. My only concern is that the USB connection feels a bit loose, so I make sure not to move it when plugged in. Still, I trust it for my important data."

"I use this drive as a backup for all my photos, and it’s been a solid choice. Setup was effortless, just plug it in, and it works. The slim design makes storage easy, and transfer speeds are fast. No reliability issues, and there's plenty of space left for more files. For the price, it’s a no-fuss solution that gets the job done."

"At first, I was hesitant because the drive seemed almost too good for the price—small, affordable, and the same storage as my computer's hard drive. But after buying it, I was glad I did; setup was as simple as plugging in the cable. It even looks nice on my desk and is small enough to fit in my pocket. I'll be getting another one to keep my writing safe. Highly recommended!"

"I’ve filled this up with anime, TV, and movies, and after years of daily use, it’s still going strong. The plastic edges do feel a bit delicate, but it hasn’t been a problem for me. I’ve even bought a second one for my PlayStation. Great value and reliability—I often suggest this drive to friends."

"I’m really impressed with how simple it was to set up my WD portable drive—just plugged it in and it was ready to go. The storage capacity is massive, and I easily partitioned it for different backup needs. My only gripe is with the included backup software, which was disappointing to use, but the drive itself is excellent for reliable storage."

"As a musician, I needed something reliable to store my music as I write, and this device has been perfect. It’s super compact and lightweight, making it easy to pass around to my bandmates. The transfer speeds are solid—I couldn’t ask for more."

"This 1TB storage device has totally transformed how I manage my digital files. There’s plenty of space for all my media, documents, and photos. The best part is the quick transfer speeds and portable design—I can carry it anywhere with zero hassle."

"I really appreciate the massive storage space and dependable performance of this WD Elements drive. It’s fast, runs quietly, and stays cool even with heavy use. The plug-and-play setup was a breeze, making it accessible whether you’re a pro or just need extra backup. For anyone needing reliable, high-capacity portable storage, this drive stands out."

"As someone with a tech background, I found this drive perfect for archiving and cloud-syncing large data collections. It’s not as quick as an SSD, but it’s quieter and faster than many hard drives I’ve used. Just remember, it needs direct power and a quality cable—don’t use a cheap hub. If you want portable, affordable storage for things like video and music collections, this is an excellent choice."

"I use this drive as external storage for my Mac and it’s been reliable and easy to set up. Formatting for Mac OS was simple, and I haven’t had any issues with connectivity. The only minor thing is the blue status light can be a bit bright at night, but it’s easily covered."

"I connected this drive to my MacBook Pro without any setup hassles, and it’s been working flawlessly. At 5TB, the storage space is fantastic and it’s simple to use. I’m hoping it will last a long time."

"My old WD Passport was painfully slow, but this new 5TB model backs up my files in minutes and plugs directly into my MacBook Pro via USB-C. Time Machine compatibility is perfect—I have zero complaints."

"I needed a large, portable drive for long-term travel to replace my home NAS. After struggling with another brand that wouldn’t partition, this one worked perfectly out of the box. Setup was a breeze, and the price for 4TB was excellent. Too soon to comment on durability, but so far so good."

"I found this external hard drive to be an affordable way to expand my PS5's storage, especially given how big modern games are. Setup was simple, and I like that I can move games back and forth between the drive and my console in about ten minutes. For the price, this is a fantastic option if you don't want to pay for an expensive SSD."

"For someone who travels with their PlayStation 5, this drive has been a lifesaver for extra space. Transferring games is quick, and the compact design makes it easy to bring along. It's a bit pricey, but the added convenience is absolutely worth it."

"I love how seamlessly this worked with my PS5—recognized instantly and formatted without any hassle. Playing PS4 games directly from the drive works great, with no noticeable difference in load times or performance. The only minor issue is the slightly less usable space than advertised, but overall, I'm very happy with the purchase."

"I was genuinely impressed by how quick and effortless the setup was for this external hard drive. The ultra-slim, lightweight design makes it a breeze to take anywhere, and I love that it works instantly with my laptop. Transfer speeds are excellent, making it perfect for backups and daily use. Overall, it's a fantastic value for the price."

"After using this hard drive, I can confidently say the build quality is top-notch—sturdy yet sleek. It was recognized immediately with no extra steps and has delivered reliable performance with large files and backups. For a device this compact, the durability and storage capacity are outstanding, especially at this price point."

"I needed something portable and easy to use, and this drive has been perfect. No setup hassles—just plug it in and go. I transferred over 200GB of games in the time it took to make coffee! The speed blew me away, and it's so quiet I barely notice it running. I've used it with my PC, work laptop, and even an Xbox, all without any problems."