It offers SSD speeds and inherent durability combined with the ability to automatically back up SD cards or wirelessly transfer data from other devices. Why we like it: For photographers, videographers, and others producing content remotely, it’s arguably the best option money can buy. It combines a high-end SSD with a range of extra features like an SD card reader and a built-in WiFi system to offer multiple data transfer methods. The WD My Passport Wireless SSD is a unique product from one of the most respected names in the digital storage world. WD My Passport Wireless SSD (250GB, 500B, 1TB, 2TB) That lags behind the real top-of-the-line external SSDs. While the Barracuda uses a Type-C USB 3.0 connector, it offers maximum rates of just 540Mbps. It’s a solid performer with an aesthetic that a particular tech world segment will love.įlaws: Read/write speed is acceptable, but it isn’t noteworthy. The appearance is only relevant given that the actual drive within posts respectable specs and performs acceptably compared to other SSDs. It has a futuristic two-tier design with a glowing LED indicator between the two levels. Why we like it: We’ll say it: The Barracuda Fast SSD looks really, really cool. It can’t quite match the very best SSDs in performance, but it puts up a respectable showing and looks good while doing it. It’s intended to compete with the likes of storage giants such as Sandisk and Samsung and comes pretty close. The Seagate Barracuda Fast SSD is an external SSD designed for gamers, photographers, and others who require performance and speed.
#Best rated external hard drive for pc portable
Seagate Portable HDD (1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 5TB) That’s not a huge issue but does make it less protected while in use. It also loses much of its dust and water resistance when the end plug is removed. When you add in the USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C connector and maximum read/write speed of up to 1,000Mbps, you wind up with one of the best heavy-duty external SDDs money can buy.įlaws: It tops out at just 1TB compared to 2TB on most other top-of-the-line external SSDs. It has an IP68 rating, meaning it offers significant dust resistance and can stay submerged in a meter of water for up to six hours without issue. Why we like it: The SE800 is one of the most rugged SSDs out there. What’s even more surprising is that the SSD packed into that tough little body is just as high-end. It’s made from brushed aluminum with a fully water- and dust-resistant body that can reportedly stand up to the MIL-STD-810G 516.6 impact resistance standard. The Adata SE800 is a ruggedized external SSD designed for use in the most challenging environments. This isn’t the drive to pack into the backcountry for a major photo shoot. When you add the highly capable 256-bit hardware encryption option and the included 3-year warranty, you wind up with an affordably priced option for bulk-data storage.įlaws: As an HDD, data transfer speeds are much slower than an SSD, and actual durability can’t compare. It’s downright gorgeous, especially with the contoured design of the surface.
The anodized aluminum body combined with a composite heat sink also got high marks. It can’t compare to the transfer speed of an SSD, but it’s better than it was. Why we like it: The My Passport Ultra replaces the old connector of its predecessor with a new USB-C high-speed port. It made marginal improvements where needed but kept all the things that we loved about the original. The 2017 generation was one of our favorite external HDDs, and the Updated Ultra only improves on its success. The Western Digital My Passport Ultra HDD is a mid-range HDD designed for data backup. WD My Passport Ultra HDD (1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 5TB) It’s not something casual users will notice, but it’s a concern if you’re transferring major video or image files. The surface of the T7 got up to over 110℉ when we transferred about 150 gigs of files at a sustained pace. SSDs can get quite hot under sustained use. It’s not a must-have, but it is a nice extra to let you see at a glance that the drive is still functioning correctly while transferring your data.įlaws: The aluminum body does no favors for heat reduction and transfer. You can secure your data using biometrics for a highly secure yet easy to access system. Our favorite part was the integrated fingerprint sensor. Why we like it: Not only does the T7 offer durability and rapid data transfer rates, it’s got some usability and security features we don’t see on many other SSDs. That’s a lot faster than the actual transfer rate of the T7, but still a nice extra.
#Best rated external hard drive for pc upgrade
It’s an upgrade on the popular T5 SSD, adding in a more advanced USB 3.2 Gen 2 connector with theoretical transfer speeds of up to 10Gbps. The Samsung T7 Touch Portable SSD is a compact external drive available in a range of capacities.