Best External Hard Drives for iPhone of 2026

Mike Davis Avatar
Mike Davis
Last Updated: Jan 11, 2026

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

External hard drives for iPhone are an excellent way to expand the storage capacity of your device. They are compact and portable, making them ideal for carrying around with you on the go. These hard drives can be connected to your iPhone via a lightning cable, making it easy to transfer files between devices. They can store a variety of media, including photos, videos, music, and documents. With a range of storage capacities available, you can choose the one that best suits your needs. External hard drives for iPhone are a great investment for anyone who needs extra storage space for their device.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

iDiskk 2TB External Hard Drive Cover #TOP 1
iDiskk 2TB External Hard Drive
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ModusTech 500GB Portable External Hard Drive Cover #TOP 2
ModusTech 500GB Portable External Hard Drive
ftb score rating icon 9.8
NEWQ 1TB Hard Drive for Phone & Computer Cover #TOP 3
NEWQ 1TB Hard Drive for Phone & Computer
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 External Hard Drives for iPhone

#TOP 1

iDiskk 2TB External Hard Drive

iDiskk-PD01-2TB-US
silver
2TB-Silver
iDiskk 2TB External Hard Drive Cover
iDiskk MFi Certified 2TB External Hard Drive for iPhone 16,17,iPad,MacBook,PC,Photo Storage Phone Drive for Android Mobile to Backup Photos | Video | Files (auto Backup) for iPhone 17/16/ 15/14/13/12

The iDiskk External Hard Drive offers a convenient way to back up your iPhone, iPad, or Android device. With its one-tap backup feature, you can easily save photos and videos without worrying about duplicates. The built-in 2000mAh battery allows you to expand your storage by up to 2TB, ensuring you have ample space for all your important files. Plus, its data encryption technology keeps your sensitive information safe from prying eyes. Plug and play functionality makes it simple to use, requiring no software installation for immediate access to your media.

What We Like
Easy backup process
Large storage capacity
Good performance multitasking
Affordable price
Reliable data security

ModusTech 500GB Portable External Hard Drive

ModusTech
MT500
Black
500GB
ModusTech 500GB Portable External Hard Drive Cover
ModusTech 500GB Portable External Hard Drive USB 3.0/Type-C – Slim High-Speed HDD for Backup, Storage, Gaming – Compatible with PC, Mac, Laptop, PS4, PS5, Xbox, Windows, MacBook, Smart TV (500 GB)

The ModusTech Portable Hard Drive offers ultra-fast USB 3.0 connectivity, allowing you to quickly transfer large files like HD movies, games, and important documents without waiting. With a 500GB capacity, you get plenty of space to store your photos, music, and essential data all in one place. Its slim and lightweight design makes it easy to carry wherever you go, perfect for work, travel, or gaming. Plus, it’s plug-and-play, so you can start using it right away on Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone, or gaming consoles without needing extra software or drivers.

What We Like
Fast USB 3.0 transfer speeds
500GB ample storage space
Compact and lightweight design
Plug-and-play convenience
#TOP 3

NEWQ 1TB Hard Drive for Phone & Computer

NEWQ 1TB Hard Drive for Phone & Computer Cover
NEWQ Hard Drive for Phone & Computer: USB Flash Storage Device Photo Memory Stick for iPhone, iPad, MacBook Compatible with Apple iOS & Android Cellphone Backup Pictures, Videos, Etc (2, TB)

The NEWQ 1TB Hard Drive is designed for easy file transfers and backups from your phone and computer. With its impressive 1TB capacity, you can store a vast number of photos and videos without worrying about running out of space. The one-touch backup feature allows you to quickly secure your precious memories with just a press of a button, saving you time and effort. Additionally, this device is compatible with various gadgets, including iPhones, Androids, and laptops, making it versatile for all your storage needs. Plus, its plug-and-play functionality ensures a hassle-free experience for users.

What We Like
Massive 1TB storage capacity
One-touch backup convenience
Broad device compatibility
Easy plug-and-play use
#TOP 4

iDiskk 2TB External Hard Drive

iDiskk-PD01-2TB
Silver
2TB-Silver
iDiskk 2TB External Hard Drive Cover
iDiskk 2TB App-le Certified External Hard Drive for iPhone 17 & iPad Android Mobile 2TB iPhone Hard Disk,MacBook and PC, Photo Stick to Backup Photos/Videos,Files for iPhone17/16/15/14

The iDiskk 2TB Drive is designed to make data management effortless for your devices. With its built-in battery, you can easily back up your photos and videos with just one tap, ensuring your memories are always safe. It also features robust encryption technology, keeping your sensitive files secure from prying eyes. Plus, its plug-and-play functionality means you can instantly connect it to your iPhone, iPad, or computer without any software hassles, allowing you to enjoy your media wherever you go. This drive expands your storage significantly, making it perfect for anyone needing extra space.

What We Like
Convenient three-device connection
Attached cables prevent loss
Easy file transfer from phone
Good quality and strong build
#TOP 5

SSK 1TB Personal Cloud External Wireless Hard Drive

SSK
SSM-F200
Black
SSK 1TB Personal Cloud External Wireless Hard Drive Cover
SSK 1TB Personal Cloud External Wireless Hard Drive Portable NAS Storage with WiFi Hotspot for Travel, Support Auto Backup Connect SD Card Reader Share Data for iPhone iPad Tablet Laptop

SSK 1TB Wireless Hard Drive is a portable and high-speed external storage device that allows you to access and manage your data from anywhere using your PC or mobile phone. With its 1TB storage capacity, you can store a large amount of photos, videos, music, and files. The wireless transmission speed of up to 300Mbps ensures fast and seamless data transfer. The smart control features, including the Smart App, one-click backup, and multi-people sharing, make it easy to upload, download, and share data. You can also divide the hard drive into private and public areas to enhance data security. Additionally, the SSK 1TB Wireless Hard Drive supports various devices and can be connected to USB storage devices. It is a versatile and convenient solution to centralize and access all your data in one place.

What We Like
High-speed wireless transmission
Portable and easy to carry
Smart control features
#TOP 6

NEWQ 1TB External Hard Drive

NEWQ-1TB
NEWQ 1TB External Hard Drive Cover
NEWQ 1TB External Hard Drive for iPhone, iPad, MacBook - USB 3.0, 2.0, 2.0 3.0 - Compatible with iOS & Android, Store Photos, Videos, Music, Documents

The NEWQ External Hard Drive provides a convenient solution for backing up your iPhone, iPad, and Android devices. With the ability to connect directly to your phone, you can easily transfer and save your cherished photos and videos without worrying about storage limitations. The one-key backup feature allows you to quickly save all your memories with just a single click, making it hassle-free. With an impressive 1TB of storage, you can keep around 250,000 photos or 10,000 short videos safe. Additionally, it works with laptops and computers, ensuring seamless file transfers across all your devices.

What We Like
Easy setup and use
Fast transfer speed
Compatible with iPhone and Mac
Reduces reliance on iCloud
Backs up large photo collections
#TOP 7

ySky MFi Certified 2TB External Hard Drive

ySky-PD01Y
Silver
ySky MFi Certified 2TB External Hard Drive Cover
ySky MFi Certified 2TB External Hard Drive for iPhone iPad MacBook Computer,Portable Photo Stick USB Flash Drive Storage Device to Backup Photo| Video | Music| File 【One-Touch Backup】

The ySky 2TB Photo Stick offers a huge 2TB storage capacity, perfect for freeing up space on your iPhone by backing up large collections of photos and videos. It’s officially MFi certified, ensuring safe and reliable data transfer with Apple devices like iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks. The device includes built-in cables and a 5000mAh battery, so you don’t need extra cords or chargers, making it easy to use on the go. Plus, with one-touch backup via an app, you can quickly save your camera roll and only new files are backed up after the first time, saving you space and time.

What We Like
Large 2TB storage
MFi certified for safety
Built-in cables and battery
One-touch backup feature
#TOP 8

iDiskk 2TB External Hard Drive for iPhone & iPad

HDD03
Silver
iDiskk 2TB External Hard Drive for iPhone & iPad Cover
iDiskk App-le Mfi Certified 2TB External Hard Drive for Photo Stick for iPhone 17 and 16,iPad Android Phones, Mac,iPhone Photo Stick Photo Storage to Backup Photos | Videos | Files,10000mAh Power Bank

The iDiskk iPhone Hard Drive is a MFi Certified external hard drive that allows you to transfer content between your iPhone, iPad, PC and Mac computer. With 2TB of storage, you can expand your device’s storage and free up space for photos and videos. The one-key backup feature allows you to backup your camera roll via app anytime the external hard drive is connected. The iDiskk Portable Hard Drive is easy to use with simple plug & play operation, and comes with a MFi charging cable, Type-C cable and user manual.

What We Like
Easy to use
Compact and aesthetically pleasing
1TB storage capacity
Includes multiple cables
Power bank functionality
#TOP 9

NEWQ 2TB Phone and Computer Hard Drive

B0BBZV6PS6_CA NARF
NEWQ 2TB Phone and Computer Hard Drive Cover
NEWQ Hard Drive for Phone Computer: 2 TB Photo Stick Portable Storage Device External HDD USB Flash for iPhone & iPad & Android Cellphone Backup Picture | Photo | Video | Data (2TB)

The NEWQ Hard Drive for Phone and Computer has a 2TB capacity, which is twice the size of the previous version. It can be used to backup photos, videos and other files on iPhone, Android and other devices. The hard drive is also compatible with laptops, computers and iPads. Users can easily use the "one-click backup" function to save time and effort. It is easy to use with a "plug and play" feature.

What We Like
Easy to use
Fast transfer speed
Great storage capacity
User-friendly app
#TOP 10

NRICO Ultra Slim 750GB External Hard Drive

1cf472a7-ae40-4036-abc8-8f9ca5570d2a
BLACK
NRICO Ultra Slim 750GB External Hard Drive Cover
NRICO Ultra Slim 750GB Portable External Hard Drive USB3.0 HDD Storage Compatible for PC, Desktop, Laptop,Mac,PS4, Xbox one (Black, 750, GB)

The NRICO Slim 750GB Drive offers a sleek, ultra-thin design that makes it easy to carry and store without adding bulk. Its metal and plastic build provides durability, protecting your data from shocks and pressure. This drive works with many systems, including Windows, Mac, Linux, and even Android devices, so you can easily use it across different gadgets. Thanks to USB 3.0 technology, you get faster data transfers compared to older USB 2.0 drives, saving you time when backing up or moving files. Plus, it’s plug-and-play, meaning you just connect it and start using it right away without needing to install any software.

What We Like
Ultra-thin metal design
Wide system compatibility
Fast USB 3.0 transfer speed
Plug-and-play convenience
Buying Guide Image

Guidelines for Choosing the Right External Hard Drives for iPhone

Introduction

When it comes to expanding the storage capacity of your iPhone, there are several options to consider. One of them is to use an external hard drive. These devices can provide a significant amount of additional storage space for your photos, videos, documents, and other files. In this article, we will discuss some important factors to consider when choosing an external hard drive for your iPhone.

Compatibility

The first and foremost thing to consider is the compatibility of the external hard drive with your iPhone. Not all external hard drives are compatible with iPhones, and it's important to make sure that the one you choose is compatible with your device. The best way to do this is to check the manufacturer's website and see if the external hard drive is listed as compatible with your iPhone model.

Size and Capacity

Another important factor to consider is the size and capacity of the external hard drive. You want to choose one that is large enough to accommodate all of your files, but not so large that it becomes cumbersome to carry around. A good rule of thumb is to choose an external hard drive with at least double the capacity of your iPhone's internal storage. For example, if your iPhone has 128GB of internal storage, a 256GB external hard drive would be a good choice.

Portability

In addition to size and capacity, you also want to consider the portability of the external hard drive. If you plan on using it on the go, you'll want to choose one that is small and lightweight enough to easily carry with you. Some external hard drives are even designed to be portable, with features like shock-resistant casing and built-in cable management.

Transfer Speed

Another important factor to consider is the transfer speed of the external hard drive. This refers to the speed at which data can be transferred from the external hard drive to your iPhone and vice versa. In general, you want to choose an external hard drive with a high transfer speed, as this will ensure that you can access your files quickly and efficiently.

Price

Finally, you'll want to consider the price of the external hard drive. External hard drives can vary in price depending on their size, capacity, and features. As a general rule, it's a good idea to shop around and compare prices from different manufacturers before making a decision. Keep in mind that while it's tempting to choose the cheapest option, it's important to consider the other factors discussed in this article as well.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing an external hard drive for your iPhone can be a great way to expand the storage capacity of your device. When making your decision, be sure to consider factors like compatibility, size and capacity, portability, transfer speed, and price. By taking the time to research and compare your options, you can find an external hard drive that meets your needs and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What external hard drive works with an iPhone?

One example of an external hard drive that works with an iPhone is the SanDisk 256GB iXpand Flash Drive Luxe. It is compatible with iPhone and USB Type-C devices, offering additional storage for your iPhone.

2. Can you add more storage to your iPhone?

While you can't expand the memory of your iPhone with a memory card, there are other ways to provide more storage. iCloud allows you to access files and create backups both at home and on the go. Additionally, there are external hard drives available that can be connected to your iPhone to expand storage capacity.

3. How do I transfer photos from iPhone to external hard drive?

To transfer photos from your iPhone to an external hard drive, use a lightning cable to connect your iPhone to the hard drive. Once the connection is established, open the photo app on your iPhone and select the images you want to transfer. Then, transfer these photos to the file app and choose the external hard drive as the destination to save your photos.

4. Can you store iPhone photos on external hard drive?

Yes, you can store iPhone photos on an external hard drive. One way to do this is by using the Image Capture program on a Mac computer. This program allows you to import media files from various devices, including your iPhone, and save them directly to an external hard drive.

5. What is the best way to save iPhone photos to external hard drive?

The best way to save iPhone photos to an external hard drive is by using a lightning cable to connect your iPhone to the hard drive. Once connected, open the photo app on your iPhone and select the photos you want to transfer. Then, use the file app to transfer these selected photos to the external hard drive, ensuring that they are saved securely.

Editor's Notes

During our external hard drive for iphone research, we found 24 external hard drive for iphone products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 17,890 customer reviews through our big data system to write the external hard drives for iphone list. We found that most customers choose external hard drives for iphone with an average price of $90.52.

The external hard drives for iphone are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of external hard drives for iphone, including iDiskk, ModusTech, NEWQ, SSK, ySky. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 111 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Mike Davis Avatar

Mike Davis is a professionally trained electrician with six years of working experience in the electronics industry. He has written an array of web and mobile-based articles for e-magazines and blogs. He loves trying out some novel and popular gadgets and his expertise is in the areas of electronics and computers which is built over many years of working and personal experiences.