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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 18TB USB 3.0 Desktop External Hard Drive (WDBAMA0180HBK-NESE) - Black - Only at Best Buy Its really great and with the price I love my best buy

    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
    4.5 (767 reviews)
    $549.99 Your price for this item is $549.99
  2. 2
    Seagate Expansion Desktop 20TB USB 3.0 External Hard Drive (STKP20000400) Like all products that I have purchased from Best Buy, I buy with confidence

    About this product

    A high-capacity 20TB external hard drive with USB 3.0 for fast and reliable data storage.

    A high-capacity 20TB external hard drive with USB 3.0 for fast and reliable data storage.

    What customers like

    • Good value for money
    • Fast data transfer speeds
    • Quiet operation
    • Massive storage capacity
    • Reliable performance
    4.4 (226 reviews)
    $479.98 Your price for this item is $479.98
  3. 3
    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)
    $479.68
    SAVE $15
    Your price for this item is $479.68
  4. 4
    WESTERN DIGITAL Wd My Book Wdbbgb0120Hbk Hard Drive Wdbbgb0120Hbk-Nesn Works Great

    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
    4.0 (25 reviews)
    $481.68
    SAVE $10
    Your price for this item is $481.68
  5. 5
    SEAGATE Expansion Desktop 12Tb USB 3.0 External Hard Drive (Stkp12000400) Best warranty

    About this product

    A 12TB external hard drive with USB 3.0 connectivity from Seagate.

    A 12TB external hard drive with USB 3.0 connectivity from Seagate.

    What customers like

    • Large storage capacity
    • Excellent performance
    • Solves storage issues
    • Reliable
    • Easy setup
    4.8 (9 reviews)
    $391.68
    SAVE $15
    Your price for this item is $391.68
  6. 6
    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)
    $742.68
    SAVE $10
    Your price for this item is $742.68
  7. 7
    LACIE Rugged Mini 5Tb External Hard Drive Portable HDD – USB 3.0 USB 2.0 Compatible I farthest the best hard drive I've ever had I had one years ago that was much smaller

    About this product

    A rugged portable hard drive with 5TB capacity, USB 3.0/2.0 compatibility, and shock-resistant orange casing.

    A rugged portable hard drive with 5TB capacity, USB 3.0/2.0 compatibility, and shock-resistant orange casing.

    4.2 (5 reviews)
    $269.68
    SAVE $10
    Your price for this item is $269.68
  8. 8
    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.

    4.0 (1 reviews)
    $395.99 Your price for this item is $395.99

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.

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