External Hard Drives

Out of storage space on your desktop computer? Maybe you need to back up all that school work on your laptop? Perhaps you want a convenient way to keep your movie collection organized? Whatever your storage needs, Best Buy can help you find the right external storage drive for your setup.

What is an external hard drive?

It's a data storage device. Similar to the one inside your laptop or desktop computer, except an external hard drive lives outside your computer in its own enclosure.

What are the different types of external storage?

External storage drives are available in several formats, including desktop hard drives, portable hard drives, and external solid state drives (SSDs). Desktop drives typically offer larger storage capacities, while portable drives are smaller and easier to carry. External SSDs provide faster performance, quicker file transfers, and a more compact design.

Why do I need one?

Lots of reasons. External hard drives are handy for adding more storage space to your desktop computer or laptop without needing to know how to install an internal hard drive. They're also good for backing up important files, keeping collections (music, movies, or photos) organized, file sharing, improving your workflow, and so on.

What should I consider when buying an external hard drive?

More than you might think. Beyond simply knowing how much storage space you need (or want), consider connectivity: USB-C, USB 3.2, Thunderbolt, or wireless connectivity? Does the drive need a separate power connection? If performance matters, consider factors like transfer speeds, SSD versus HDD storage, and compatibility with your devices and workflow.

Most external drives will work cross platform. But make sure that the drive you want to purchase will work with all of your systems whether it's Windows, Mac, or both. You should also check whether the drive format is compatible with your operating system. Some drives are optimized for Windows, while others are designed for Mac or cross-platform use through formats like exFAT. Both have their pros and cons, but some formats get along better with certain operating systems than others.

Which type of external hard drive do I need?

Desktop and portable drives each offer different advantages depending on your storage needs and setup. While both are awesome, each offers something different for everyone.

Desktop drives have the largest capacities available. This means they are great for active users who transfer and store lots of data. Some higher-capacity desktop drives may also include additional cooling features for long-term performance and reliability.

Portable drives are compact, lightweight, and easy to carry while travelling, commuting, or working remotely. Some models also feature rugged designs with added resistance to water, drops, dust, or shocks for extra durability on the go.