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Best Backup External Hard Drive

When it comes to safeguarding your valuable digital data, a reliable backup external hard drive is an essential tool for ensuring peace of mind. Whether you're a professional needing to protect crucial... work documents or a home user wanting to secure precious memories, finding the best backup external hard drive is paramount. Our curated selection of top-rated products, ranked based on user review ratings, offers a range of options to suit various storage needs and preferences. From high-capacity drives to portable solutions, our collection encompasses the best in backup external hard drives, providing you with the assurance that your files are safely backed up and readily accessible whenever you need them.
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What to look for in the best backup external hard drive

1. Storage Capacity

The amount of storage you need depends on what you'll be using it for. If you're backing up a few important documents, a smaller drive may suffice. However, if you're storing large amounts of photos, videos or games, consider a larger capacity.

2. Transfer Speed

A higher transfer speed means your files will back up faster. Look for drives with USB 3.0 or higher for the fastest speeds.

3. Durability

If you plan to travel with your hard drive or use it in a potentially harsh environment, look for one that's rugged and built to withstand shocks and drops.

4. Security Features

Some drives come with built-in encryption software that can protect your data from unauthorized access. This can be especially important if you're storing sensitive information.
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  1. 1
    WD easystore 8TB USB 3.0 Desktop External Hard Drive (WDBAMA0080HBK-NESE) - Black - Only at Best Buy My new best assistant

    About this product

    A black desktop external hard drive offering 8TB storage and fast USB 3.0 transfer speeds.

    A black desktop external hard drive offering 8TB storage and fast USB 3.0 transfer speeds.

    What customers like

    • Reliable and durable performance
    • Large 8TB storage capacity
    • Great value for the price
    • Fast USB 3.0 transfer speeds
    • Quiet and cool operation
    4.7 (6,956 reviews)
    $264.99 Your price for this item is $264.99
  2. 2
    WESTERN DIGITAL 4Tb Desktop Storage (Wdbwlg0040Hbk-Nesn) Love it!

    About this product

    A high-capacity external drive offering fast USB 3.0 connectivity for easy file storage and transfer.

    A high-capacity external drive offering fast USB 3.0 connectivity for easy file storage and transfer.

    What customers like

    • Compact and sleek design
    • Large storage capacity
    • Easy and user-friendly setup
    • Fast data transfer speeds
    • Reliable performance
    3.8 (43 reviews)
    $251.68
    SAVE $10
    Your price for this item is $251.68
  3. 3
    WESTERN DIGITAL Wd Retail 8Tb My Book Desktop Hard Drive USB 3.0 Password Prot & Auto Backup Wdbbgb0080Hbk-Nesn Great value

    About this product

    A desktop hard drive offering 8TB storage, USB 3.0 connectivity, password protection, and automatic backup.

    A desktop hard drive offering 8TB storage, USB 3.0 connectivity, password protection, and automatic backup.

    What customers like

    • Large storage capacity
    • Good value for money
    • Fast data transfer speeds
    • Easy setup and use
    • Reliable performance
    4.6 (1,683 reviews)
    $331.68
    SAVE $15
    Your price for this item is $331.68
  4. 4
    WD Sdphf1A-006T-Nbaad G-Drive Desktop Hard Drive (Sdphf1A-006T-Nbaad) This works great, it is everything I expected

    About this product

    A high-performance 6TB external hard drive with USB 3.2 Gen 2 and 7200rpm speed for desktops.

    A high-performance 6TB external hard drive with USB 3.2 Gen 2 and 7200rpm speed for desktops.

    What customers like

    • Quiet and low noise operation
    • Attractive and sturdy design
    • High storage capacity
    • Fast transfer speeds
    • Reliable and durable build
    3.8 (40 reviews)
    $487.68
    SAVE $15
    Your price for this item is $487.68
  5. 5
    Seagate Expansion 28TB USB 3.0 External Hard Drive (STKP28000400) Seagate and Best Buy are Trustworthy Dealers ! Product meets all my expectations

    About this product

    A high-capacity black external hard drive offering 28TB storage and fast USB 3.0 data transfer speeds.

    A high-capacity black external hard drive offering 28TB storage and fast USB 3.0 data transfer speeds.

    What customers like

    • Large storage capacity
    • Good value for the price
    • Easy to use
    • Fast data transfer speeds
    • Reliable performance
    4.6 (36 reviews)
    $549.99 Your price for this item is $549.99
  6. 6
    WESTERN DIGITAL Wd My Book Wdbbgb0120Hbk Hard Drive Wdbbgb0120Hbk-Nesn One of the Best You Can Buy

    About this product

    A black external desktop hard drive with 12TB capacity, USB 3.0 connectivity, and 256-bit encryption.

    A black external desktop hard drive with 12TB capacity, USB 3.0 connectivity, and 256-bit encryption.

    What customers like

    • Large storage capacity
    • Fast data transfer speeds
    • Runs quietly and stays cool
    • Easy to set up
    • Reliable performance
    3.6 (25 reviews)
    $481.68
    SAVE $10
    Your price for this item is $481.68
  7. 7
    WD Bwlg0200Hbk-Nesn Elements Desktop Hard Drive (Bwlg0200Hbk-Nesn) Great Ext

    About this product

    A high-capacity black external hard drive offering fast USB 3.0 data transfers and plug-and-play convenience.

    A high-capacity black external hard drive offering fast USB 3.0 data transfers and plug-and-play convenience.

    4.9 (9 reviews)
    $753.68
    SAVE $10
    Your price for this item is $753.68
  8. 8
    WD easystore 24TB USB 3.2 External Hard Drive (WDBAMA0240HBK-NESN) This is the best harddrive i ever bought, so much space and it works great

    About this product

    A high-capacity 24TB external hard drive with USB 3.2 connectivity and automatic backup software.

    A high-capacity 24TB external hard drive with USB 3.2 connectivity and automatic backup software.

    4.8 (8 reviews)
    $759.99
    SAVE $10
    Your price for this item is $759.99
  9. 9
    SANDISK PROFESSIONAL G-Raid Shuttle 4 24Tb (Sdph34H-024T-Nbaab) Great Choice

    About this product

    A high-capacity desktop storage solution with 24TB installed across four 3.5" hard drives.

    A high-capacity desktop storage solution with 24TB installed across four 3.5" hard drives.

    3.6 (8 reviews)
    $2,866.68
    SAVE $1693
    Your price for this item is $2866.68
  10. 10
    WESTERN DIGITAL Elements Desktop 16Tb USB 3.0 480Mb/s External Hard Drive (Wdbwlg0160Hbk-Nesn) In Black This 16 TB unit is my latest purchase and was a great bargain with fast delivery

    About this product

    A 16TB compact external hard drive in black for easy, high-capacity storage of important photos.

    A 16TB compact external hard drive in black for easy, high-capacity storage of important photos.

    4.1 (7 reviews)
    $667.68
    SAVE $10
    Your price for this item is $667.68

FAQ

What should I consider when choosing a backup external hard drive? + -

When selecting a backup external hard drive, consider factors such as storage capacity, data transfer speed, compatibility with your devices, durability, and portability. It's also important to look for features like encryption for added security.

How does an external hard drive differ from cloud storage for backups? + -

An external hard drive provides physical storage that you can access without an internet connection, offering faster data transfer speeds and complete control over your data. Cloud storage allows remote access and automatic backups but requires internet connectivity and may involve subscription fees.

Can I use an external hard drive with both Windows and Mac computers? + -

Yes, many external hard drives are compatible with both Windows and Mac computers. However, you may need to format the drive appropriately or use software that supports cross-platform functionality to ensure seamless operation.

How often should I back up my data using an external hard drive? + -

The frequency of backups depends on how often your data changes. For critical files or frequent updates, daily or weekly backups are recommended. For less frequently updated files, monthly backups might suffice. Regular backups help prevent data loss due to hardware failure or accidental deletion.

What is the difference between SSD and HDD external hard drives for backups? + -

SSD (Solid State Drive) external hard drives offer faster data transfer speeds and greater durability due to their lack of moving parts compared to HDD (Hard Disk Drive) models. However, SSDs are typically more expensive per gigabyte than HDDs, which provide larger storage capacities at a lower cost.

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