Best Backup External Hard Drives

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.
Read more

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.
Citrus catapult arrow
  1. 1
    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
    (1,683)
    $529.29 Your price for this item is $529.29
  2. 2
    WD easystore 18TB USB 3.0 Desktop External Hard Drive (WDBAMA0180HBK-NESE) - Black - Only at Best Buy GREAT STORE TO SHOP IN PERSON OR ONLINE

    About this product

    A high-capacity black external hard drive offering 18TB storage and fast USB 3.0 transfer speeds.

    A high-capacity black external hard drive offering 18TB storage and fast USB 3.0 transfer speeds.

    What customers like

    • Quiet and compact design
    • Massive 18TB storage capacity
    • Easy plug-and-play setup
    • Fast USB 3.0 transfer speeds
    • Reliable and durable build
    (771)
    $789.99 Your price for this item is $789.99
  3. 3
    WESTERN DIGITAL - Wd Easystore 12Tb USB 3.0 Desktop External Hard Drive (Wdbama0120Hbk-Nesn) - In Black Best value

    About this product

    A high-capacity black desktop external hard drive offering 12TB storage and USB 3.0 connectivity.

    A high-capacity black desktop external hard drive offering 12TB storage and USB 3.0 connectivity.

    What customers like

    • Fast transfer speeds with USB 3.0
    • Easy and straightforward setup
    • Excellent value for the price
    • Massive storage capacity
    • Reliable and trusted performance
    (601)
    $949.99 Your price for this item is $949.99
  4. 4
    Seagate Expansion 24TB USB 3.0 External Hard Drive (STKP24000400) It's Great! I love it

    About this product

    A high-capacity black external hard drive offering 24TB storage and fast USB 3.0 data transfer speeds.

    A high-capacity black external hard drive offering 24TB storage and fast USB 3.0 data transfer speeds.

    What customers like

    • Easy setup and reliable functionality
    • Fast transfer speeds and performance
    • Excellent value and price
    • Massive storage capacity
    • Quiet and cool operation
    (231)
    $829.99 Your price for this item is $829.99
  5. 5
    LACIE Stfr1000800 1Tb USB Type C External Hard Drive I love this

    About this product

    A rugged 1TB external hard drive with USB Type-C connectivity and a 2-year warranty.

    A rugged 1TB external hard drive with USB Type-C connectivity and a 2-year warranty.

    What customers like

    • Fast read and write speeds
    • Rugged and durable design
    • Easy to use and set up
    • Compact and portable for travel
    • Compatible with both Mac and Windows
    (67)
    $213.30
    SAVE $63
    Your price for this item is $213.30
  6. 6
    WD Bwlg0140Hbk Elements Desktop Storage (Bwlg0140Hbk-Nesn) Love WD

    About this product

    A high-capacity 14TB external hard drive with USB 3.0 connectivity for reliable desktop data storage.

    A high-capacity 14TB external hard drive with USB 3.0 connectivity for reliable desktop data storage.

    What customers like

    • Easy to set up and use
    • Large storage capacity
    • Great value for the price
    • Reliable performance
    • Fast file transfers
    (30)
    $794.68
    SAVE $10
    Your price for this item is $794.68
  7. 7
    WESTERN DIGITAL Wd My Book Wdbbgb0120Hbk Hard Drive Wdbbgb0120Hbk-Nesn I have seven of these hanging off my computer for daily backups - great drive and speed for the price

    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
    (25)
    $607.68
    SAVE $10
    Your price for this item is $607.68
  8. 8
    WESTERN DIGITAL - Wd Easystore 18Tb USB 3.0 Desktop External Hard Drive (Wdbama0180Hbk-Nese) - In Black

    About this product

    A 18TB desktop external hard drive in black, with lightning-fast transfer speeds and ample storage space.

    A 18TB desktop external hard drive in black, with lightning-fast transfer speeds and ample storage space.

    (2)
    $669.99
    SAVE $120
    Your price for this item is $669.99
  9. 9
    BUFFALO 4Tb Drivestation Duo 2-Drive Array- HD-Wh4Tu3R1

    About this product

    A desktop USB 3.0 dual-drive array with 4TB SATA storage, RAID support, and backup software included.

    A desktop USB 3.0 dual-drive array with 4TB SATA storage, RAID support, and backup software included.

    (1)
    $435.99
    SAVE $72
    Your price for this item is $435.99

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.

Related Pages

Some products may be subject to Environmental Handling Fees (EHF) depending on your province. Learn more about EHFs.