12 best portable drives

  • Data Transfer Speeds: The speed at which data is transferred between the portable drive and your computer depends on factors like the drive's interface (USB 3.0, USB 3.1, USB-C, Thunderbolt), the type of drive (HDD or SSD), and the performance capabilities of your computer.

  • Purpose: Portable drives serve various purposes, including:

    • Data Backup: They are commonly used for creating backups of important files and system images to prevent data loss.
    • Data Storage: Portable drives offer extra storage space for documents, photos, videos, music, and more.
    • Transporting Data: Their portability makes them ideal for transporting large files or sharing data between devices.
  • Durability and Design: Portable drives often come in rugged designs that provide shock resistance and protection against physical damage.Some models are even water-resistant for added durability.

  • Security Features: Some external drives offer encryption and password protection features to safeguard your data from unauthorized access.

  • Price: The cost of portable drives varies depending on factors such as storage capacity, drive type (HDD or SSD), brand, and additional features. HDDs are generally more budget-friendly, while SSDs are faster but typically more expensive.

  • In conclusion, portable drives, including external hard drives and SSD-based storage devices, are essential accessories for expanding storage capacity, backing up data, and transferring files between devices. They come in various sizes, capacities, and designs to meet different user needs and preferences. When choosing a portable drive, consider factors like storage requirements, data transfer speed, durability, and compatibility with your devices.

    Below you can find our editor's choice of the best portable drives on the market
      

    Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive Portable HDD – USB 3.0 for PC, Mac, PS4, & Xbox - 1-Year Rescue Service (STGX2000400)

    Seagate

    Based on 96 reviews Check latest price

    Product description

    Easily store and access 2TB of content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a great laptop hard drive. Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this compact external hard drive makes backup a snap. Just drag and drop To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition—no software required—and enjoy plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable.

    • Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
    • Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
    • To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
    • This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
    • Enjoy long-term peace of mind with the included one-year limited warranty and 1 year rescue data recovery services

    Product features

    Always Spacious. Always Easy.

    Back up yesterday’s memories and today’s documents, even on the go. Seagate Portable makes it possible thanks to the plug-and-play simplicity of USB 3.0 and drag-and-drop functionality.

    What's Included

    Seagate Portable, 18-inch (45.72cm) USB 3.0 cable, Quick start guide

    WD 2TB My Passport Portable External Hard Drive, Black - WDBYVG0020BBK-WESN

    Western Digital

    Based on 26 reviews Check latest price

    Product description

    Every journey needs a passport. The My Passport drive is trusted, portable storage that gives you the confidence and freedom to drive forward in life. With a new, stylish design that fits in the palm of your hand, there's space to store, organize, and share your photos, videos, music, and documents. Perfectly paired with Western Digital backup software and password protection, the My Passport drive helps keep your digital life's contents safe.

    • Slim design
    • Automatic backup - easy to use
    • Password protection + 256-bit AES hardware encryption
    • WD Discovery software for WD Backup, password protection and drive management
    • SuperSpeed USB port; USB 2.0 compatible

    Product features

    Backed Up

    Make sure everything you create while on your own life journey - photos, videos, music, and documents - doesn’t get lost. The My Passport drive comes equipped with WD Backup software that can be set to run automatically to your schedule.

    Locked Down

    Keep your digital life's contents secure with My Passport password protection and built-in 256-bit AES hardware encryption. Just activate password protection and set your own personalized password using WD Discovery.

    WD 6TB My Book Desktop External Hard Drive, USB 3.0 - WDBBGB0060HBK-NESN

    Western Digital

    Based on 7 reviews Check latest price

    Product description

    The My Book drive is trusted desktop storage designed to complement your personal style with a massive amount of space to store your photos, videos, music and documents. Equipped with password protection and perfectly paired with WD Backup or Apple Time Machine, My Book desktop storage helps keep your files safe.

    • Auto backup with included WD Backup software and Time Machine compatibility
    • Password protection with hardware encryption
    • Trusted storage built with WD reliability
    • USB 3.0 port; USB 2.0 compatible
    • 3-year manufacturer's limited warranty

    User questions & answers

    Question: How many RPM
    Answer: I am 100% certain that the drive inside is 5400 RPM. The 4TB is a ASIN:B013HNYV8I WD Blue WD40EZRZ 5400rpm.See my review: https://www.amazon.com/review/R388G5P0ACHROS
    Question: I did not realize this has a a/c power cord. does it require a/c power to work or will the usb power it
    Answer: A desktop hard drive requires both 12 volts and 5 volts for power while a USB port only supplies 5 volt power. A laptop hard drive does not require 12V power which is why portable drives based on such drives can be powered by the USB port.
    Question: What is the hd speed for this storage device? do they spin at 7500 rpm
    Answer: We'll need to clarify "speed" vs. rpm to answer the spirit of your question. First, to answer one of the above commenters,- Having RAID doesn't alter the disk spin rate of each drive, and for the original poster the hard drive rpm speed is not necessarily directly tied to the ultimate "speed" you're thinking of, for general questions of speed you should be looking at the Data Read/Write speeds. This unit does have RAID 0 setup out of the box with two 4TB WD Red 5400 rpm drives. But the fact that it's 5400 rpm isn't because it's "cheapo" as mentioned above, it's a very deliberate decision on behalf of the product manufacturers, for very good reason. Most "NAS Certified" spinning hard drives, as the WD Red series is, are 5400 rpm, this is because NAS devices are generally always left on, so that any PC on the network can access the device when needed. Using 5400 rpm drives in this way saves power consumption for each drive; it also keeps the radiant heat down coming off each and every drive in the NAS unit (this unit only has two hard drives but they can have any number of drives: 2, 4, 5, 8, 12, even more in high end units), so if you keep a unit like this on in your room or office it keeps the temperature of the room cooler; it also extends the life of each of the drives, slower spinning disks are proven to be less likely to run into issues than their faster spinning counterparts, and a longer life is CRITICALLY important given the use case of these drives as RAID enabled backup/storage destinations- If RAID 1 is being used, the higher the drive failure rate, the more often you need to be reacting quickly to replace the failed drive, because the second a drive dies in a RAID array you're up against a clock of unknown time-limit counting down to the loss of your data, because if another drive dies before you replace the first and rebuild the array, you will lose all the data on the NAS (in most cases); If RAID 0 is being used as is setup by default, you lose ALL the data the moment EITHER drive dies. So drive longevity is very important. Beyond all those benefits, there's one very important reason to note regarding why it doesn't really negatively impact speed very noticeably when 5400 rpm drives are used- Drives used in a RAID array work as a team, and generally speaking the more drives in a RAID array the faster the read speed, because reads for each file are distributed across all of the spinning disks, meaning the 2 discs in RAID 0 only need to spin up to retrieve half the file each. 3 Discs? 1/3 the seek time (i'm oversimplifying but that's generally a good way to look at it). Given these massive speed increases while working in parallel, any speed bottlenecks you may run into are just as likely to be due to any number of other interface areas. TL;DR- 5400 rpm is GOOD for NAS devices! Increasing to 7200 rpm provides negligible data access speed increases, and could cause various long-term issues. If you need a drive speed increase nowadays you simply pay-up for SSD drives and live in luxury.
    Question: Does somebody know which hdd is inside the new wd my book 8 tb ? maybe a helium hitachi or a red wd
    Answer: Previously in the case of the 8TB model WD80EZAZ. As of Jan 2021 (and probably earlier) they use WD80EDAZ, mine was manufactured late Sept. 2020. These new ones don't appear to be helium sealed and run quite a bit hotter. Previously the EZAZ drew 400/500mA while these newer EDAZ draw 700/900mA from the +5/12V rails so that probably accounts for the extra heat.

    Product features

    Complete Backup

    My Book desktop storage comes equipped with WD Backup software and Time Machine compatibility* to help make sure your photos, videos, music and documents don’t get lost. You can set it to run automatically to your schedule. Just pick the time and frequency to back up important files from your system.

    *Reformatting required.

    SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD 500GB - Up to 1050MB/s - USB 3.2 External Solid State Drive, Gray (MU-PC500T/AM)

    SAMSUNG

    Based on 6 reviews Check latest price

    Product description

    The light, pocket-sized Portable SSD T7 delivers fast speeds with easy and reliable data storage for transfering large files. Whether you're storing critical business documents, games, or movies, the Portable SSD T7 gives you speed and durability in a palm-sized package. Introducing the new standard in external storage, available in three capacities to suit your needs: 500GB, 1TB, or 2TB.

    • TRANSFER IN A FLASH: Transfers files nearly 9.5x faster than external hard disk drive (HDD). Reads up to 1,050 MB/s / Writes up to 1,000 MB/s on USB 3.2 gen 2 supported devices*.
    • *SAMSUNG RECOMMENDS users to download the latest firmware update via the included Portable SSD Software 1.0 to ensure optimal performance
    • Data transfer speed may vary depending on the user’s PC environment and the types of data being transferred. USB 3.2 Gen2 and UASP support are required for maximum transfer speed (1,050MB/s)**
    • **SAMSUNG RECOMMENDS the usage of the included USB Type-C to C and USB Type-C to A cables. Non-original cables may cause performance degradation due to the varying internal resistance and maximum allowable currency
    • BUILT STRONG & SECURE: Shock-resistant and withstands drops from 6ft.
    • ADVANCED HEAT CONTROL: DYNAMIC THERMAL GUARD (DTG) TECHNOLOGY protects the T7(T7 Touch) from overheating by automatically slowing down data transfer if necessary. DTG technology enhances product safety and reliability by preventing the T7(T7 Touch) from reaching an excessively high temperature
    • PASSWORD SECURITY

    User questions & answers

    Question: Just for clarification, this 1tb version will work if i plug it into my S8+ without any additional hardware to retrieve and transer files? Thank you
    Answer: 2 USB Ports, C-Port, HDMI, and SD
    Question: Can i boot windows 10 directly using boot camp if i connect it to my mbp? im running out of storage on my mac so i don’t want to partitin&useboot camp
    Answer: No. You can transfer with a flash drive.
    Question: Will this ssd work as a external hard drive for ps
    Answer: Which os and service pack or kernel level are you using, if linux based. also let me know the model of your laptop, onto which its installed.. mine works great on a dell latitude E6320, also crosscheck your ATA/AHCI settings on bios. any cloning utility used..? or fresh installs?
    Question: I am running mac os catalina. if i reformat the drive, will it erase the cache that’s built into the drive
    Answer: I tried it in a usb3 dock and didn't get nearly the performance others get hooking directly to sata. About 80Mbps average write speed backing up to capacity with HD video projects. Started out at around 270Mbps but that only lasted the 1st 20 sec or so. I get closer to 100Mbps average throughout with 7200 rpm Seagate laptop drives of same form factor and size. eSata might be a better bet and you won't need an enclosure... no circuitry is exposed as is.

    Product features

    Portable storage, on the go

    The light, pocket-sized Portable SSD T7 delivers fast speeds with easy and reliable data storage for transfering large files. Whether you're storing critical business documents, games, or movies, the Portable SSD T7 gives you speed and durability in a palm-sized package. Introducing the new standard in external storage, available in three capacities to suit your needs: 500GB, 1TB, or 2TB.

    Sleek and compact style

    Roughly the size of a credit card and only weighing 2 ounces, the T7 fits comfortably in the palm of your hand and is light enough to take your files on the go.

    Simple setup

    The T7 comes embedded with software to help you set up a password to get the latest firmware updates for your PC, Mac, or Android mobile devices.⁵ You can also download the mobile app for Android smartphones and tablets.⁶

    Transfer in a flash

    Transfer massive files within seconds with the incredible speed of USB 3.2 Gen 2 on the T7.¹ The embedded PCIe NVMe technology delivers blazing fast sequential read/write speeds of up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s, respectively, making the T7 almost twice as fast as the previous T5 model.²

    Built strong and secure

    Unlike HDDs, the Portable SSD T7 has no moving parts so it's more resistant to shock. Plus, its solid aluminum unibody construction adds further protection, keeping your data safe from falls of up to 6 ft.³

    Advanced heat control

    Use T7 without the worry of overheating. Its advanced thermal solution uses ePCM technology and Dynamic Thermal Guard to withstand and control heat, so the Portable SSD stays at an optimal temperature even at fast speeds.⁴

    Multi-device compatibility
    Multi-device compatibility
    Multi-device compatibility

    The T7 is compatible with PC, Mac, Android devices, gaming consoles, and more. Included in the box are USB Type C-to-C and Type C-to-A cables for added convenience.

    Multi-device compatibility
    Multi-device compatibility

    SAMSUNG T5 Portable SSD 1TB - Up to 540MB/s - USB 3.1 External Solid State Drive, Black (MU-PA1T0B/AM)

    SAMSUNG

    Based on 7 reviews Check latest price

    Product description

    The Samsung T5 Portable SSD has the latest in Samsung V-NAND flash memory technology. Its portable design, blazing fast transfer speeds of up to 540 MB/s, shock resistance, and secure encryption make it the best portable SSD on the market.

    • Superfast read write speeds: SSD with V-NAND offers ultra-fast data transfer speeds of up to 540MB/s (up to 4.9x faster than external HDDs); Ideal for transferring large-sized data including 4K videos, high-resolution photos, games and more
    • Compact and portable design: Top to bottom shock resistant metal design fits in the palm of your hand and easily slides in your pocket or purse to take work and entertainment on the go
    • Secure encryption: Optional password protection and AES 256-bit hardware encryption keeps your personal and private data more secure
    • Seamless connectivity: Includes USB type C to C and USB type C to A cables to connect to PCs, Macs, smartphones and other devices
    • Warranty and compatibility: 3-year limited warranty; Requires Windows 7, Mac OS X 10.9 (Mavericks), Android 4.4 (KitKat), or higher; Older versions of the Windows, Mac and Android operating systems may not be supported

    User questions & answers

    Question: I just bought i want to use with an imac and a pc should i plug it in when i get it to imac first and if i do can i drag pc files to it after
    Answer: I would do a clean format of it on the imac first, you can choose exFAT (it will work on both PC and mac) or you can choose Mac OS Extended (HFS+) which is more stable than exFAT, but you will need software on your PC to read/write to the drive. If the PC is your main machine I would just choose exFAT.
    Question: How long is the usb cable
    Answer: Measured at 16 inches.
    Question: Should the cable go in smoothly, or does it kind of snap in and need some pull to come out? Just got mine and wondering if that is normal
    Answer: The first one I got the cable did not fit well and Samsung replaced the drive. The second one has been fine
    Question: If i use this drive on my 2012 imac with usb 3.0, will the transfer speeds be less than 540mb/s
    Answer: Your iMac has USB 3.0 which is also known as USB 3.1 Gen 1. That has about half the theoretical maximum transfer rate of USB 3.1 Gen 2, which is the interface used by this drive. On the upside, it is still fully compatible with USB 3.0/3.1 Gen 1 and while the transfer rate you’ll experience will be lower than if you had a computer with Gen 2 USB, it really isn’t that much slower in actual use. If you’re moving from any spinning platter drive to an SSD regardless of the interface you were using with the platter drive, you will see a HUGE performance improvement using this external SSD drive.

    Product features

    The World in your Pocket

    Get your entertainment, coursework, or games anywhere, on any device. Feel the freedom of huge storage and speedy transfers to laptops, smartphones, game consoles and more. The latest T5 easily slides in your pocket or purse, with multiple color options that complement your sense of style.

    Fast Transfer Speeds

    With Samsung V-NAND flash memory and a USB 3.1 Gen 2 interface, the T5 provides transfer speeds of up to 540 MB/s*, that’s up to 4.9x faster than external HDDs**. Transfers and backups of large-sized data including 4K videos and high-resolution photos will be much quicker and faster.

    *Performance may vary depending on host configuration. Must support USB 3.1 Gen 2 and the UASP mode must be enabled.

    **Based on internal test results compared to a Samsung external HDD 500GB.

    Solid Inside and Out

    The T5 has no moving parts and a sturdy metal body, so it can handle drops of up to 2 meters*. The optional password protection with AES 256-bit hardware encryption keeps your personal and private data more secure*.

    *The internal free fall shock test was conducted under controlled conditions.

    Management Software

    Manage your data easily with new intuitive software for PCs and Macs* that makes it simple to set the password and get the latest firmware updates. You can also download the mobile app for Android smartphones and tablets.**

    *Software requires Windows 7, Mac OS X 10.9 (Mavericks), Android 4.4 (KitKat), or higher. Older versions of the Windows, Mac and Android operating systems may not be supported.

    **Firmware update requires PC or Mac connection. Android app available on Google Play.

    USB 3.0 Flash Drive 2TB, HiXB Flash Memory Stick 2000GB for PC/Laptop, Ultra Large Storage USB 3.0 Drive, Portable Thumb Drives 2TB, 2000GB Swivel Bulk Zip Drive with Read Speed up to 100MB/s

    Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

    Product description

    2TB

    • POWERFUL STORAGE FUNCTIONS: HiXB USB Flash Drive 2TB can transfer up to 409600 photos[10 megapixels]; 204800 MP3 audio files; 5120 minutes HD videos[1080P resolution] or 102400 minutes HD videos [720P resolution]. 2TB Flash Memory Stick is commonly used for storage, data backup and computer file transfer, it will meet your needs of daily use on work, school, home, and traveling for photos, music, videos, files storage and transfer.
    • EXCELLENT COMPATIBILITY: HiXB Ultra High Speed Flash Memory Stick is plug and play without any software installation; Simply insert the Flash Memory Stick into the device to transfer and store data between the devices. The Fold USB Memory Stick Supports Windows 7/8/10 / Vista / XP / Unix / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, and is compatible with USB 1.1, USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports.
    • HIGH QUALITY: HiXB USB External Data Storage Drive 2000GB features durable and rugged ABS and Metal housing body with rotated design. The 360° rotated design is made from stainless steel, and the interior part is made of ABS plastic.
    • PORTABLE and CONVENIENT: The size of the HiXB 2TB Flash Drive is 58mm×19.5mm×10.8mm, and it makes it easy to slip into your pocket. The end of the thumb drive has a loop that can easily be attached to your key chain or lanyard, using to help keep from losing, and for easy carrying.
    • Trusted HiXB Quality: Designed for modern efficiency and reliability, our USB Data Storage Drive is backed by responsive customer service and a 12-month guarantee.

    SanDisk 500GB Extreme Portable External SSD - Up to 550MB/s - USB-C, USB 3.1 - SDSSDE60-500G-G25 Standard Enclosure–Transfer Speed Up to 550MB/s

    SanDisk

    Based on 33 reviews Check latest price

    Product description

    The ruggedized SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD delivers high-speed transfers with up to 550MB/s read speeds. This makes it perfect for saving and editing hi-res photos and videos. With an IP55 rating, it also stands up to rain, splashes, spills and dust. | 1GB = 1,000,000,000 bytes; 1TB=1,000,000,000,000 bytes. Actual user storage less. | Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on drive capacity, host device, OS and application. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes. | IEC 60529 IP55: Tested to withstand water flow (30 kPa) at 3 minch; limited dust contact does not interfere with operation. Must be clean and dry before use. | Up to 2M (6.5’) on a concrete floor | Shock-resistant (up to 1500G) and vibration-resistant (5g RMS, 10-2000 HZ), Non-Operating Temperature (from -20 degrees Celsius to +70 degrees Celsius), Operating Temperature (from 0 degrees Celsius to +45 degrees Celsius) | Password protection uses 128-bit AES encryption and is supported by Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7 and macOS High Sierra, Sierra or Mac OS X El Capitan.

    • High-speed transfers with up to 550MB/s read speeds let you move hi-res photos and videos fast (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on drive capacity, host device, OS and application.)
    • Ruggedized, water- and dust-resistant (IP55-rated) (IEC 60529 IP55: Tested to withstand water flow (30 kPa) at 3 minch; limited dust contact does not interfere with operation. Must be clean and dry before use.)
    • Shock-resistant solid state core for greater durability (Shock-resistant (up to 1500G) and vibration-resistant (5g RMS, 10-2000 HZ), Non-Operating Temperature(from ‐20°C to 70°C), operating temperature (from 0°C to 45°C))
    • Compact and pocket-sized
    • For PC and Mac users
    • Built by SanDisk, a technology leader and pioneer of the modern day SSD, to deliver superior performance
    • 3-year limited manufacturer warranty
    • Order with your Alexa enabled device. Just ask "Alexa, order SanDisk External SSD."

    User questions & answers

    Question: What am i missing, when i plug it in, nothing happens - my computer doesn't show it at all. do i need to download something
    Answer: The slots are open-ended (both ends) but they do hold the flash drives in place snugly.
    Question: Can I use this to backup my PC AND also save files from my macbook? Id like to save files from both on one HD?!?! (2012 macbook & HP Desktop
    Answer: Enclosures are elastic and stretch - should accept most sizes of usb...
    Question: Is this drive good for running an OS from
    Answer: I don't know anything about Apple products
    Question: Can you please tell me if this storage is in Solid state or is it a spinning disc? Thank you
    Answer: yes

    Product features

    Portable SSD

    The rugged SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD delivers high-speed storage for saving and editing hi-res photos and videos

    SanDisk Extreme

    The rugged SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD delivers high-speed transfers with up to 550MB/s read speeds*. This makes it perfect for saving and editing hi-res photos and videos.

    * Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on drive capacity, host device, OS and application. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.

    High-Speed Storage for Hi-Res Photos & Videos

    With high-performance transfers with up to 550MB/s read speeds*, the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD lets you offload and edit files in a snap.

    With up to 2TB of high-speed storage for high-res photos, videos and sound files, the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD is perfect for all your creative pursuits.

    * Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on drive capacity, host device, OS and application. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.

    Rugged and Compact Design

    The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD is IP55-rated, which means it’s built to withstand water and dust. It is also certified to stand up to 2-meter drops².

    Good things come in small sizes! The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD delivers high-performance and capacity in a drive that’s smaller than a smartphone.

    ² Up to 2M (6.5’) on a concrete floor.

    USB Type-C + USB-A Compatible

    Designed to work with both Windows and Mac, the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD is equipped with a USB 3.1 Type-C connector and also includes a USB Type-C to Type-C cable and a Type-C to Type-A adapter, meaning it will work with the PCs and Macs of today, tomorrow and yesterday.

    Superior Performance

    More than 25 years ago the SanDisk brand created one of the world’s first flash-based solid state drive and that was just the beginning. As a technology leader, we ensure that our products continue to deliver superior performance that you can rely on.

    SanDisk 1TB Extreme PRO Portable External SSD - Up to 1050MB/s - USB-C, USB 3.1 - SDSSDE80-1T00-A25

    SanDisk

    Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

    Product description

    Create at the speed of life. The SanDisk Extreme PRO portable SSD leverages our lightning-fast, in-house NVMe technology to dramatically increase transfer speeds to up to 1050MB/s, letting you move files faster and edit right from the drive. Its ruggedized case with up to 2-meter drop protection helps keep your content protected no matter where you take it. | 1TB = 1,000,000,000,000 bytes. Actual user storage less. | Read speed only; write speed lower. Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on drive capacity, host device, usage conditions, and other factors. 1MB = 1,000,000 bytes. | IEC 60529 IP55: Based on internal testing in 2019. Tested to withstand water flow (30 kPa) at 3 min.; limited dust contact does not interfere with the operation. Must be clean and dry before use. | USB Type-C cable and Type-A adaptor included | Limited time complimentary offer included. Subscription required after. See terms on the official SanDisk website. Offer subject to change. US only. | 2M (6.5’) on a concrete floor.

    • Save time moving and editing your files with our lightning-fast, in-house NVMe technology that dramatically increases transfer speeds to up to 1050MB/s. [Read speed only; write speed lower. Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on drive capacity, host device, usage conditions, and other factors. 1MB = 1,000,000 bytes.]
    • Ruggedized design with a forged aluminum body protects the SSD core and dissipates heat. Its IP55 rating lets you know that it’s water- and dust-resistant while its durable, silicon rubber coating delivers higher impact resistance. [ IEC 60529 IP55: Based on internal testing in 2019. Tested to withstand water flow (30 kPa) at 3 min.; limited dust contact does not interfere with the operation. Must be clean and dry before use.]
    • With capacity of up to 1TB, creative professionals have enough space for full libraries of content [1GB = 1,000,000,000 bytes. Actual user storage less.]
    • Compact, pocket-sized design won’t weigh you down when you travel
    • Universal compatibility with PCs and Mac computers with USB Type–C and Type-A connections, so you know it will work with the way you work [USB Type-C cable and Type-A adaptor included]
    • Limited 5-Year Manufacturer Warranty
    • Order with your Alexa enabled device. Just ask "Alexa, order SanDisk External SSD."

    User questions & answers

    Question: Does this one have the option of Transferring files or photos from phone directly onto drive or is computer needed
    Answer: Yes, the USB 3.0 cable that comes with the drive is backwards compatible and will work with USB 2.0
    Question: Can I transfer smaller files
    Answer: Yes Is compatible
    Question: The posted dimensions do not seem correct when looking at user photos (4.34 inches x 2.24 inches x 1.68 inches). Is it really 1.68" high
    Answer: I would assume, that, Yes, you could do this. I use mine to store/backp my Lightroom catalogs for photos. And, I use a Mac.
    Question: Can this be used to provide cctv video storage (constantly reading/writing............forever
    Answer: I don’t know for sure is xbox comes with an usb-c port. The drive comes with a usb 3 converter , so it’ll still work with Xbox, but believe i wont be able to reach full data transfer speed as you would with the native usb-c interface.

    Product features

    SanDisk Extreme PRO SSD

    Create at the speed of life. The SanDisk Extreme PRO portable SSD leverages our lightning-fast, in-house NVMe technology to dramatically increase transfer speeds to up to 1050MB/s**, letting you move files faster and edit right from the drive. Its ruggedized case helps keep your content protected no matter where you take it.

    Blazing-fast Performance

    The SanDisk Extreme PRO leverages our lightning fast in house NVMe technology to dramatically increase transfer speeds to up to 1050MB/s and fully saturate the USB 3.1 Gen 2 interface.** So you’ll be able to edit right from the drive – providing full-frame editing with little interruption while saving you time and keeping your computer’s internal storage free.

    Ruggedized Design with Purpose-built Materials

    The Extreme PRO SSD is IP55 rated for dust-and water-resistance and its forged aluminum structure protects the core with up to 2-meter drop protection and dissipates the heat to keep your SSD running at top speed.

    Up to 2TB

    Creative professionals know the value of storage space. With capacities of up to 2TB,* you’ll have enough room for the files you need to work on or deliver.

    Lightweight and Pocket Sized

    The small and light form factor of the Extreme PRO SSD means it couldn’t be easier to keep your content with you whether you’re crossing town or traveling to an international location.

    Universal Compatibility

    The Extreme PRO SSD works with PCs and Mac computers right out of the box and connects with USB Type–C and Type-A, making it easy to start and keep working in almost any situation.

    Built by a technology leader

    More than 25 years ago the SanDisk brand created the first flash-based solid state drive and that was just the beginning. As a technology leader, we ensure that our products continue to deliver superior performance that you can rely on.

    Disclosures / Footnotes

    *1GB = 1,000,000,000 bytes; 1TB=1,000,000,000,000 bytes. Actual user storage less.

    **Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on drive capacity, host device, usage conditions, and other factors. 1GB = 1,000,000,000 bytes.

    IEC 60529 IP55: Based on internal testing in 2019. Tested to withstand water flow (30 kPa) at 3 min.; limited dust contact does not interfere with operation. Must be clean and dry before use.

    USB Type-C cable and Type-A adapter included

    Up to 2M (6.5’) on a concrete floor

    WD_Black 5TB P10-Game Drive, Portable External Hard Drive Compatible with -Playstation, Xbox, PC, & Mac - WDBA3A0050BBK-WESN

    Western Digital

    Based on 16 reviews Check latest price

    Product description

    The WD Black P10 Game Drive gives your console or PC the performance-enhancing tools it needs to keep your competitive edge. It's a top-tier external HDD in available in capacities up to 5TB, built specifically for gamers looking to expand the potential of their console or PC by saving their game library in an on-the-go form factor. Now, with WD Black P10 Game Drive, you can drive your game the way you choose.

    • Up to 5TB that can hold up to 125 games, so that you can save old favorites and still have room for new titles. Number of games based on a 36GB average per game. The number of games will vary based on file size, formatting, other programs, and factors.
    • Portable and durable form factor that provides fast access to your gaming library, anywhere you go.
    • High-performance HDD to optimize your console or PC gaming experience and drive your game.
    • Purpose-built for gamers based on WD Black quality and reliability so you can play without limits.

    User questions & answers

    Question: Where is this made? no more ccp stuff for this household
    Answer: Really? Where have you been for the last 50 years? Damn near EVERY major American company manufacturers in China or uses parts made in China. Those Ford luxury cars (and most other luxury American car brands) that people are so envious of? MADE OVERSEAS. Most other American cars? Assembled out of parts manufactured in CHINA. xboxes, playstations, computers, iphones, android phones, board games, dice, radios, speaker systems, video cards, ram cards, motherboards, remote controls, our tvs, our batteries and power cords, our baking pans and plates bowls cups, 90% or our childrens toys, printers, cameras, modems, air conditioners, our food seasonings and herbs, the list is endless, ALL MADE IN CHINA OR ASSEMBLED IN CHINA OR ASSEMBLED IN THE USA WITH CHINESE PRODUCTS AND PARTS. Our major brand (SUNBEAM, HAMILTON BEACH, STANLEY, BLACK AND DECKER, FABERWARE, SONY, PIONEER, TECHNICS, KENMORE, RAY BAN, HUSH PUPPIES, ARROW CLOTHING, WOOLRICH, GILETTE, HUFFY, FISHER PRICE, CONVERSE, NIKE, LEVI, SCHWINN, RADIO FLYER, SAMSONITE, BRACHS, FENDER MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS, DELL, HP, CRAFTSMAN, COLEMAN, FORD, CHEVROLET, AMERICAN GIRL, GERBER, UNDER ARMOUR, AND EVEN ALL OF THE TRUMP MAGA GEAR EXCEPT THE HATS AND LITERALLY 95% OF THE REST that if i were to type them all this would be 800 times longer than it already is). Name brand Toothpaste, soaps and shampoos, cleaning chemicals and supplies, Toasters, toaster ovens, microwaves, grills, griddles, vacuum cleaners, brooms, mops, towels, garbage bags, dvds, blu rays, dvd players, equalizers, amps, recievers, food storage containers, glassware, mixers, every other appliance in our homes? MADE IN CHINA. Why? Because our "capitalism" has been perverted to the point where it no longer has anything to do with Patriotism, America, or supporting American workers with living wages. Its about nothing but greed and filling the pockets of the most wealthy even fuller than they already are. The few brands that ARE all American cost so much that most of us couldnt even afford to buy them anyway. Like Kitchen Aid with even simple hand mixers costing up to 7 times more than other leading brands at 70-160 bucks instead of 20 Or 3-500 dollars for a table top mixer instead of 100.
    Question: Can I use this hard drive for backing up my PC for pictures, movies, excel, word files
    Answer: yes, it works just like a normal external harddrive, just more reliable and has a quicker read /write speed
    Question: Does it come with the necessary usb cable? lots of marketing blah-blah-blah but little useful information
    Answer: It should come with a 2-3 foot long cable 3.0 cable (B-type to A-type). I have yet to buy an external USB HDD or HDD enclosure without some kind of USB cable.
    Question: The press release for the P10 states it is USB 3.1 Gen 1 capable but it doesn’t advertise it in the current listing. Can anyone confirm this
    Answer: The USB Forum is confusing as hell. Are you ready? Okay: USB 3.0 is SuperSpeed, which would make it too easy to determine which USB is which, so of course they don't use that name. So it's called 3.0, except now it's not. 3.0 and 3.1 gen 1 are the same thing, same speed and all (5gbps). Then you have USB 3.1 gen 2. It's a genuine upgrade over gen 1 speed, but PSYCH! Name swap again! Now 3.1 is 3.2 gen 1, and 3.2 gen 2, and now there is a new one called 3.2 gen 2 by 2! It's maddening! Anyway, in summary, yes this drive is USB 3.0, or 3.1 gen 1, or 3.2 gen 1, whichever you wanna call it.

    Product features

    Compact SSD, shaped by performance

    The WD_Black P50 Game Drive SSD has a portable form factor that can withstand battlefields due to its durable and shock-resistant design.

    Massive storage with active cooling

    With the WD_Black D10 Game Drive added storage, there's no need to waste time clearing room on your console or PC for new games—now you can keep your old favorites intact as you grow your library.

    Level Up to NVMe SSD Performance

    The WD_Black SN750 NVMe SSD delivers top-tier performance for gaming and hardware enthusiasts who are looking to build or upgrade their PC.

    LaCie Rugged USB-C 5TB External Hard Drive Portable HDD – USB 3.0, Drop Shock Dust Rain Resistant Shuttle Drive, for Mac and PC Computer Desktop Workstation Laptop, 1 Month Adobe CC (STFR5000800)

    LaCie

    Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

    Product description

    LaCie Rugged USB C is a powerful, trusted external hard drive for Mac and Windows computers. Quickly and easily connect to the latest laptops and PCs using Rugged’s reversible USB C cable—or the included USB 3.0 adapter for legacy USB 3.0 devices. Enjoy a high speed USB C 5Gb/s interface and confidently tackle any terrain with drop, crush, and rain resistance. Plus—take advantage of a complimentary one month membership to the Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps Plan for access to awesome photo and video editing apps; It even includes two year limited warranty protection plan and Rescue Data Recovery services for long term peace of mind.

    • Quickly and easily connect to the latest Windows and Mac computers with Rugged’s reversible USB-C cable, or legacy computers using the included USB 3.0 adapter
    • Enjoy fast USB-C 130MB/s file transfers, backups, and image browsing
    • Confidently tackle any terrain with drop, crush, and rain resistance
    • Take advantage of a complimentary one-month membership to the Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps Plan for access to awesome photo and video editing apps
    • Enjoy long-term peace of mind with an included two-year limited warranty protection plan and Rescue Data Recovery services

    User questions & answers

    Question: Will this work with older macbook air models. i have an early 2014 mojave
    Answer: This LaCie Drive works best with select MacBook models 2015-current. The operating system required to use this drive must be OS X v10.5 or later. We hope this helps answer any compatibility questions you may have.
    Question: Can I use a usbc to usb
    Answer: A USB 3.0 cable is included with the drive, and that can be connected to a USB 2.0 port on the computer, but that will of course greatly reduce performance if you choose to do so.
    Question: can i have a new macbook pro. can i get either the thunderbolt usb-c or the usb-c
    Answer: A USB-C hard drive is compatible with Thunderbolt 3 ports on a Mac, so this will work. Also works of course with USB-C ports, and older USB 3.0 ports using supplied cable.
    Question: How does usbc differ from the thunderbolt usb-c option? i see thunderbolt usbc is more expensive
    Answer: USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 share the same physical connection type (USB-C). USB-C devices can be connected to Thunderbolt 3 ports, as TB3 supports USB-C devices. However, TB3 drives cannot be connected to USB-C ports on computer. So, this USB-C drive will connect to USB-C ports, Thunderbolt 3 ports, or using included cable, USB 3.0/2.0 ports.
    Question: Can I take the hard drive out and use it as a regular desktop hard drive
    Answer: I’ve done this with about 30+ 2tb, 4tb, and 8tb drives over the years- converting an external to an internal- and they are all still running fine to this day. Usually $30-40 cheaper than the internal and you get a free usb cable to boot. Just make sure you don’t hurt your hands while doing it. Twisting a flathead screw driver in the seams seemed like the way to go if I recall. They don’t make the cases easy to open. For someone below: Don’t use these for RAID. NAS rated drives are different because they handle higher heat, able to run 24/7 with cross checks, etc. read more about what makes the iron version a NAS approved drive compared to the standard barracuda.
    Question: will it work with a mac for time machine
    Answer: Just reformatted the external hard drive using Disk Utility. Works for Mac :) Im not a tech savvy person, so I found this website to be useful when selecting what option to select when erasing the hard drive. https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4276140?start=0&tstart=0I chose to use Journaled as I am using this for a Time Machine back up, like Matthew Chellew suggests in the first answer.
    Question: Does it work well with an Xbox One
    Answer: Like a charm, exactly what I purchased it for. Plug into any of the three ports (all 3 of the original XBox One ports are 3.0) and give it a minute. The XBox will recognize it and you have to choose for storage or media. Choose storage for games and you are up and running. Do be aware that this HDD does require its own power supply. I was transferring games within 5 minutes. FWIW within half an hour there was a power outage in the middle of a transfer and the external drive, the XBox One and the data are were ok when power came back on. If a data transfer is interrupted for any reason simply delete the failed portion on the destination drive and start the process over.
    Question: What is the diference between Seagate 5TB usb 3 model numbers STEB5000100, STBV5000100 and STDT
    Answer: The STBV is the older "Expansion" model with a lightly textured plastic case and slightly sloped front bezel. Sold only in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific with a 1-year, 2-year, or 3-year warranty, respectively.The STEB is the replacement "Expansion" model for the above with a more interesting texture and feet on one edge to stand vertically. It is sold in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific with a 1-year, 2-year, or 3-year warranty, respectively.The STDT is the "Backup Plus" model that looks like the STBV except with no sloped front and comes with backup software (on the disk) for both Windows and Mac OS, and includes 200GB of cloud storage with OneDrive for 2 years. It is sold in North America only with a 2-year warranty.The STDT comes in capacities of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8TB. The STEB and STBV go up to 5TB.They all use the same SuperSpeed USB 3.0 interface. I suspect the internal drives have small differences and firmware, but I can find no information about that.

    Product features

    What Does a PC Crave? Extra Space.

    For a laptop or desktop overflowing with files, Expansion Desktop delivers loads of add-on capacity. Take advantage of quick transfers and backups with drag-and-drop ease to help protect thousands of photos, songs, and more in one trusty place.

    What's Included

    Expansion Desktop, 18-inch (45.72cm) USB 3.0 cable, 18W power adapter, Quick start guide

    Meet the Rugged Side of USB-C

    From urban jungles to backwood trails, Rugged USB-C is ready to survive and ready to connect. Fusing legendary toughness with USB-C, USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 compatibility, it works seamlessly with Mac and Windows alike. Fast transfers. Easy, reliable backups. It's all there.

    Crucial X8 1TB Portable SSD – Up to 1050MB/s – USB 3.2 – External Solid State Drive, USB-C, USB-A – CT1000X8SSD9

    Crucial

    Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

    Product description

    Protect your memories with the Crucial x8 portable SSD — back up important photos videos and documents with up to 1TB Capacity Expand storage on your PS4, XBOX one, iPad Pro, Android device or simply free up space on your computer quickly with speeds up to 1050 MB/s The Crucial x8 runs up to 1 8x faster than other portable SSDs and up to 7 5x faster than portable HDD Store with Confidence on the Crucial x8. Disclaimers: 1 Mb/s Speed measured as maximum sequential performance of device as measured by Crucial on a high-performance desktop computer with crystal disk mark (version 6. 0. 2 for x64) your performance may vary Comparative speed claims measured as maximum sequential performance of similarly situated portable SSDs mainstream portable HDD and mainstream USB flash drives from vertically-integrated manufacturers selling under their own brands as of June 2019 2 Compatibility may vary and may be contingent on device formatting and host capabilities 3 Latest firmware may be required for operation 4 Compatible Android devices must be able to work with USB mass storage over OTG Operating system updates and reformatting may be required 5 Ipad OS 13 required for the Crucial x8 to work with iPad Pro devices with USB-C port 6 Up to 7 5ft/2M without impact to data on drive on a carpeted floor

    • Incredible performance with read speeds up to 1050 MB/s
    • Works with Windows, Mac, iPad Pro, Chromebook, Android, Linux, PS4, and Xbox One with USB-C 3.1 Gen2 and USB-A connectors
    • Beautiful and durable design, featuring an anodized aluminum unibody core. Drop proof up to 7.5 feet. Extreme-temperature, shock, and vibration proof
    • Includes a 3-year limited warranty
    • Backed by Micron, one of the largest manufacturers of flash storage in the world

    User questions & answers

    Question: That's a fast read speed, what about the write speed
    Answer: The write speed is ~ 1,000 MBps (Measured).
    Question: What speed should i receive when plugging this drive into a usb 3.1 gen 1 port
    Answer: Thank you for contacting us and for your question. You can expect to see speeds up to 600MB/s when plugged into a USB 3.1 port. You may contact us using the information that we have provided below so that we can assist you further. Toll-free for US & Canada: 800-336-8915 Phone: 1-208-363-5790 Email: [email protected] Hours (MST): Monday - Friday: 7am - 6pm
    Question: Does this drive use mbr or gpt
    Answer: Thank you for contacting Crucial and for your question. The Crucial X8 is preformatted as exFAT with the GPT partition style. It can be reformatted to any file system and can also work with MBR partition style. We look forward to hearing from you. For further queries please contact us on: Toll-free for US & Canada: 800-336-8915 Phone: 1-208-363-5790 Email: [email protected] Hours (MST): Monday - Friday: 7am - 6pm
    Question: For example, I used bitlocker drive encryption software on windows. Is there a change in both read and write speed
    Answer: No,encryption software will not affect the read and write speed of SSD.

    Product features

    Crucial X8

    Protect your memories with the Crucial X8 Portable SSD — back up important photos, videos, and documents with up to 2TB capacity. Expand storage on your PS4, Xbox One, iPad Pro, Android device, or simply free up space on your computer quickly with speeds up to 1050MB/s¹,². The Crucial X8 runs up to 1.8x faster than other portable SSDs and up to 7.5x faster than portable HDDs¹. Store with confidence on the Crucial X8.

    Fast, easy storage for your PC and Mac

    Quickly and easily add storage to your PC and Mac with the Crucial X8 Portable SSD. Just plug it in — no reformatting required. Back up important photos, videos, and documents with up to 2TB capacity. Encrypt your drive and protect your data using Windows Bitlocker to Go or Apple’s FileVault. Crucial X8 also works with popular endpoint protection services from brands like Symantec and McAfee.

    Supercharge your PS4 and Xbox One storage

    Plug the Crucial X8 Portable SSD into your PS4 or Xbox One and expand your gaming world³. With up to 2TB of storage, you'll spend less time deleting files and more time in the game.

    Expand Android storage for all your movies and shows⁴

    Download your Netflix or Amazon videos to the Crucial X8, allowing you to save LTE data and enjoy high-fidelity video while in transit or offline. Store up to 2TB of photos and videos on your Android smartphone or tablet. Works with popular photo-editing software like Adobe Photoshop Express on Android.

    More capacity for your creativity on iPad Pro [2018 USB-C model]⁵

    Unleash your creative energy in the field with the Crucial X8 portable SSD and Apple’s iPad Pro. Add up to 2TB of capacity to your tablet instantly. Curate, edit, and export multi-stream video without your computer or an internet connection. Seamlessly works with popular video-editing software like LumaFusion.

    Phenomenal Speed

    Wherever you are, access your games, photos, and videos quickly — even offline. With read speeds up to 1050MB/s, you can load files up to 1.8x faster than most portable SSDs, 7.5x faster than portable hard drives, and 100x faster than USB flash drives.¹

    Works with a Broad Range of Devices

    Increase storage capacity for nearly any computer, tablet, phone, or console. Works with Windows, Mac, iPad Pro, Chromebook, Android, Linux, PS4, and Xbox. Connect with a USB-C 3.2 Gen2 interface or use our included adapters for USB-C or USB-A connections.²

    Built for the Toughest Conditions

    Indoors or outdoors, at home or off the grid, the X8 is manufactured to be durable, rugged, and compact. Tested against extreme temperatures, shock, vibration, and even a 7.5-foot drop, you can trust that your drive will withstand the elements.

    Complete Data Protection

    Store your photos, videos, and files with confidence. You can use Windows Backup, macOS Time Machine, Windows Bitlocker to Go, and Apple FileVault, along with third-party endpoint-protection software suites like Symantec and McAfee.

    A Reputation for Reliability

    When you need ultimate peace of mind, trust the expert quality and engineering innovation of Crucial, a brand of Micron, one of the leading flash storage manufacturers in the world. Enjoy comprehensive support materials, such as operating instructions for various platforms and articles on maximizing your drive’s performance.

    1. MB/s speed measured as maximum sequential performance of device as measured by Crucial on a high-performance desktop computer with Crystal Disk Mark (version 6.0.2 for x64). Your performance may vary. Comparative speed claims measured as maximum sequential performance of similarly situated portable SSDs, mainstream portable HDDs and mainstream USB flash drives from vertically-integrated manufacturers selling under their own brands as of June 2019.
    2. Compatibility may vary and may be contingent on device formatting and host capabilities.
    3. Latest firmware may be required for operation.
    4. Compatible Android devices must be able to work with USB Mass Storage over OTG. Operating system updates and reformatting may be required.
    5. iPadOS 13 required for the Crucial X8 to work with iPad Pro devices with USB-C port.
    6. Up to 7.5 ft/2 m without impact to data on drive on a carpeted floor. Tested by Micron Technology 2019.

    WD 5TB My Passport Ultra Blue Portable External Hard Drive, USB-C - WDBFTM0050BBL-WESN

    Western Digital

    Based on 7 reviews Check latest price

    Product description

    Equipped with USB-C technology, the My Passport Ultra portable drive offers an easy way to expand your storage with a modern metal design that complements your PC. It's Windows 10-ready out of the box to seamlessly deliver plug-and-play storage, while password protection with hardware encryption helps enforce the security of your content.

    • Usb-c ready, USB 3.0 compatible
    • Innovative style with refined metal cover
    • Password protection with 256-bit AES hardware encryption
    • Formatted for Windows 10
    • 3-Year manufacturer's limited warranty

    User questions & answers

    Question: Can I boot from this drive on a mac? In other words, is it bootable
    Answer: Mounting the drive is easy on a Mac, unless it is NTFS or another format. Booting is not (realistically) possible. It's a backup drive and would be terrible and break fast anyway. Trust me, usb bootable drives are the wrong way to go. Get a thunderbolt 3 drive to boot from, those work significantly better.
    Question: What cable will I need to get to connect this to a usb3 port
    Answer: It comes with cable for either 2 or 3
    Question: is this drive's usb interface support usb
    Answer: USB 3.0/3.1/3.2 is backward compatible with USB 2.0. USB 2.0 supports a lower power output, which may be insufficient for this drive, so if WD says a 3.0 port is required...it likely is.
    Question: How is it different from other WD drives sold for
    Answer: The 99 dollar models transfer on my computer at around 90 MB sec, bought this USB-c model without realizing it was different, only transfers at 35 MB sec on same computer, considerably slower for more money, stay away.

    Product features

    USB-C ready, USB 3.0 compatible

    Featuring the latest in USB-C technology, the My Passport Ultra portable drive delivers quick and easy storage for your PC, while the included USB 3.0 adapter makes sure it’s compatible with older machines.

    Innovative Style and Function

    Fusing modern anodized metal and textures, the My Passport Ultra portable drive is available in silver and blue to seamlessly match your personal style and the latest computers.

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