Find the perfect external hard drive for backups, storage, gaming, and more.
New York: If you run out of space on your laptop or need to back up your data, an external hard drive is a great solution. There are many drive options to choose from, which makes it hard to know which one is best for you. I have tested many drives to find the best external hard drives for backups, video editing, gaming, and more.
In our latest update for January 2026, we’ve included Seagate’s One Touch SSD and replaced some of the older picks. We also updated pricing and noted some brand changes, keeping the article fresh.
For backups, I recommend the Western Digital Elements Desktop Hard Drive. I’ve been using this drive for over a decade and found it cheap and reliable. Although it needs external power, it comes in large sizes, reaching up to 20 terabytes. It works well on Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it a great choice for everyday backups.
For portable backups, I love Western Digital’s My Passport Ultra. It’s easy to carry and connects with a standard USB-C cord. It weighs very little and comes in multiple colors. It is good for backing up while traveling.
If speed is your priority, check out LaCie’s Rugged Pro5 SSD. With Thunderbolt 5 technology, it offers extreme speeds, ideal for editing 8K videos. However, it is quite expensive. For users without Thunderbolt 5, the Corsair EX400U is another fast choice with affordable pricing.
The Crucial X9 Pro is great for photographers because it’s tiny but fast, with speeds over 1,000 MB/s. If you’re looking for a little drive that you can take anywhere, the Seagate Ultra Compact SSD is compact with solid performance.
If you want an affordable option, you might consider the Kingston XS1000 or the OWC Envoy Pro. These drives are rugged and can withstand a bit of rough handling.