Best External Hard Drives and SSDs of 2025: The Ultimate Guide to Extra Storage

Choosing the ideal external storage device can be challenging, given the vast array of options available on the market. Whether you need to back up important files, expand your computer’s capacity, or transport data securely, it’s essential to find a reliable external HDD or SSD that meets your needs.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ve analyzed 20 of the best external HDDs and SSDs available on Amazon in 2025. Our careful selection considered factors such as storage capacity, transfer speed, durability, portability, and value for money. We cover everything from budget-friendly, compact options to robust, high-capacity solutions for professional performance. Get ready to discover the perfect device to ensure the security and accessibility of your data!

Best External Hard Drives and SSDs of 2025: Detailed Analysis

1. Maxone 500GB Ultra Slim Portable External Hard Drive HDD USB 3.0

Brief Description: This compact and affordable external HDD is ideal for users who need a simple solution for basic file backups and portability.

Key Features and Benefits:

• Ultra-slim and lightweight design, easy to carry.
• USB 3.0 connection for fast transfers.
• 500GB capacity, sufficient for documents, photos, and some videos.

Recommendation: Recommended for those looking for a simple and economical backup solution for everyday files.

2. UnionSine 1TB Ultra Slim Portable External Hard Drive HDD-USB 3.0

Brief Description: A slim and stylish external HDD with 1TB of storage, perfect for users who need more space than entry-level options offer.

Key Features and Benefits:

• Ultra-slim and lightweight design, available in various colors.
• 1TB capacity, ideal for photos, videos, and music.
• USB 3.0 connection for fast transfers.

Recommendation: Suitable for those looking for a balance between capacity, portability, and price.

3. Toshiba Canvio Basics 2TB Portable External Hard Drive

Brief Description: A reliable external HDD from Toshiba, offering 2TB of storage and good transfer speeds at an affordable price.

Key Features and Benefits:

• 2TB capacity, ideal for storing large media libraries.
• USB 3.0 connection for fast transfers.
• Simple and robust design with a fingerprint-resistant matte finish.

Recommendation: A great option for those who need plenty of space and trust the durability of Toshiba products.

4. Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive HDD

Brief Description: One of Seagate’s most popular external HDDs, offering 2TB of reliable storage and a compact design.

Key Features and Benefits:

• 2TB capacity, sufficient for most users.
• USB 3.0 connection for fast transfers.
• Included backup software to facilitate data management.

Recommendation: A good choice for those looking for a reliable storage solution from a reputable brand.

5. WD 2TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive

Brief Description: A simple and reliable external HDD from Western Digital, offering 2TB of storage at a competitive price.

Key Features and Benefits:

• 2TB capacity, ideal for backups and file storage.
• USB 3.0 connection for fast transfers.
• Simple and compact design, easy to carry.

Recommendation: A solid option for those looking for a reliable and straightforward external HDD.

6. Toshiba Canvio Basics 4TB Portable External Hard Drive

Brief Description: The bigger brother of the previous model, this external HDD offers a generous 4TB capacity for those who need to store large volumes of data.

Key Features and Benefits:

• 4TB capacity, ideal for full backups and large file collections.
• USB 3.0 connection for fast transfers.
• Same simple and robust design as the 2TB model.

Recommendation: Ideal for users who need a lot of space for backups, video editing, or storing large files.

7. WD 4TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive

Brief Description: The 4TB version of the popular WD Elements, offering more space for those who need to store large volumes of data.

Key Features and Benefits:

• 4TB capacity, ideal for full backups and large media collections.
• USB 3.0 connection for fast transfers.
• Same simple and compact design as the 2TB model.

Recommendation: Ideal for users who need a lot of space and trust the quality of WD products.

8. SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD

Brief Description: A high-speed and durable portable SSD, ideal for creative professionals and users who need maximum performance.

Key Features and Benefits:

• 1TB capacity with SSD technology, offering much faster read and write speeds than traditional HDDs.
• Rugged design, resistant to water and dust (IP55).
• USB-C connection for ultra-fast transfers.

Recommendation: Perfect for photographers, videographers, and anyone who needs ultra-fast file transfers and reliability in a portable device.

9. SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD

Brief Description: The 2TB version of the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD, offering even more space for those who need maximum performance and large capacity.

Key Features and Benefits:

• 2TB capacity with SSD technology for exceptional read and write speeds.
• Same rugged and water and dust resistant design (IP55) as the 1TB model.
• USB-C connection for ultra-fast transfers.

Recommendation: The ideal choice for professionals who work with large files and need speed and reliability in a portable device.

10. Seagate Portable 5TB External Hard Drive HDD

Brief Description: A high-capacity external HDD from Seagate, offering 5TB of storage for those who need a lot of space for backups and large files.

Key Features and Benefits:

• 5TB capacity, ideal for full backups of multiple devices and large media libraries.
• USB 3.0 connection for fast transfers.
• Included backup software to facilitate data management.

Recommendation: Ideal for users who need a lot of space and don’t mind a slightly larger device.

11. LaCie Rugged Mini 2TB External Hard Drive

Brief Description: A rugged external HDD resistant to shocks, drops, rain, and pressure, ideal for users who need extreme durability.

Key Features and Benefits:

• 2TB capacity.
• Iconic design with an orange rubber sleeve for extra protection.
• Resistant to shocks, drops, rain, and pressure.
• USB 3.0 connection for fast transfers.

Recommendation: Perfect for adventurers, field photographers, and anyone who needs an external HDD that can withstand adverse conditions.

12. Seagate Expansion 14TB External Hard Drive HDD

Brief Description: An ultra-high capacity external HDD, ideal for those who need to store a massive amount of data in a single device.

Key Features and Benefits:

• Impressive 14TB capacity.
• USB 3.0 connection for fast transfers.
• Simple and elegant design, ideal for desktops.

Recommendation: Perfect for users who need a centralized storage solution for large media libraries, backups of multiple computers, or servers.

13. Seagate One Touch Hub 20TB External Hard Drive

Brief Description: An ultra-high capacity storage hub with 20TB and additional USB ports to connect and charge other devices.

Key Features and Benefits:

• 20TB of storage capacity.
• Two front-facing ports (USB-C and USB 3.0) to connect and charge devices.
• Backup software and password protection.
• USB 3.0 connection for fast transfers.

Recommendation: Ideal for creative professionals, small businesses, and users who need a centralized storage solution with an integrated USB hub.

14. WD 20TB Elements Desktop External Hard Drive

Brief Description: A high-capacity external HDD from Western Digital, offering 20TB of simple and reliable storage for desktops.

Key Features and Benefits:

• 20TB storage capacity.
• USB 3.0 connection for fast transfers.
• Simple and compact design for desktops.

Recommendation: A solid and affordable option for those who need a lot of space for backups, file storage, and desktop use.

15. SanDisk Professional 22TB G-Drive Enterprise-Class External Desktop Hard Drive

Brief Description: An enterprise-class external HDD with 22TB capacity, high speed, and reliability for professional use.

Key Features and Benefits:

• 22TB storage capacity.
• 7200 RPM hard drive for superior performance.
• USB-C connection for fast transfers.
• 5-year limited warranty.

Recommendation: Perfect for professionals working with 4K/8K video editing, post-production, and those who need high-performance and reliable storage.

16. WD 18TB My Book Desktop External Hard Drive

Brief Description: A high-capacity external HDD from Western Digital, with automatic backup software and password protection.

Key Features and Benefits:

• 18TB storage capacity.
• WD Backup software for automatic backups.
• Password protection and hardware encryption.
• USB 3.0 connection for fast transfers.

Recommendation: Ideal for users who want a high-capacity storage solution with additional backup and security features.

17. Compatily LV22 20TB USB-C 10Gbps External HDD and HUB

Brief Description: A 20TB external HDD with an integrated USB-C hub, offering high speed and versatile connectivity.

Key Features and Benefits:

• 20TB capacity.
• Integrated USB-C hub with multiple ports.
• Transfers up to 10Gbps via USB-C.
• Compact and modern design.

Recommendation: Suitable for users looking for a high-capacity storage solution with an integrated USB-C hub and high speed.

18. Avolusion PRO-Z Series 20TB USB 3.0 External Hard Drive

Brief Description: A 20TB external HDD from Avolusion, designed for performance and reliability with a USB 3.0 interface.

Key Features and Benefits:

• 20TB capacity.
• USB 3.0 interface for fast transfers.
• Robust design and efficient heat dissipation.
• Compatible with PC and Mac.

Recommendation: An option to consider for those looking for high capacity and good performance at a competitive price.

19. Avolusion PRO-T8 Series 20TB USB 3.0 External Hard Drive

Brief Description: Another 20TB model from Avolusion, with a distinctive design and USB 3.0 interface.

Key Features and Benefits:

• 20TB capacity.
• USB 3.0 interface for fast transfers.
• Modern and elegant design.
• Compatible with PC, Mac, PS4, and Xbox One.

Recommendation: A good option for those looking for high capacity, a distinctive design, and compatibility with game consoles.

20. LaCie d2 Professional 24TB External Hard Drive

Brief Description: A professional-grade 20TB external HDD from LaCie, with high speed, reliability, and a premium design.

Key Features and Benefits:

• 24TB capacity.
• USB-C interface for ultra-fast transfers.
• 7200 RPM hard drive for superior performance.
• Aluminum chassis for heat dissipation and durability.

Recommendation: The ideal choice for creative professionals who need ultra-high capacity storage, performance, and reliability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about External HDDs and SSDs

1. What is the difference between an external HDD and an external SSD?

A: The main difference is in the storage technology. HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) use spinning magnetic disks, while SSDs (Solid State Drives) use flash memory. SSDs are significantly faster, quieter, more resistant to shock, and consume less power. HDDs, on the other hand, generally offer greater storage capacity for a lower price.

2. What storage capacity do I need?

A: It depends on your usage. For backups of documents and photos, 500GB to 1TB may be sufficient. For large media libraries, games, or video editing, consider 2TB or more. Professionals who work with heavy files may need 4TB or more.

3. What is USB 3.0 and USB-C?

A: They are USB connection standards. USB 3.0 offers faster transfer speeds than USB 2.0. USB-C is a newer connector that is reversible and supports even higher speeds, in addition to being compatible with other standards such as Thunderbolt.

4. Do I need an external HDD with an external power supply?

A: Higher capacity HDDs (generally above 4TB) and some high-performance models require an external power supply. SSDs and portable HDDs with lower capacity are usually powered by the USB port itself.

5. What is the best brand of external HDD/SSD?

A: Brands like Seagate, Western Digital (WD), SanDisk, Toshiba, and LaCie are known for the reliability and quality of their products. However, the “best” brand may vary depending on the specific model and your needs.