External Hard Drive Rating

External HDDs are needed to store a significant amount of data. They are required to transfer information from one computer to another, connect to a TV, and also make backup copies of databases and operating systems. Let's figure out which external hard drive is the best.

What to look for when choosing a hard drive

When purchasing an information storage device, the following technical characteristics should be taken into account:

1. Capacity. The larger it is, the more data will fit on the hard drive.
2. Information transfer rate (performance). The larger it is, the faster the information is written to the disk, and read from it.
3. USB interface Gadgets that support USB 3.0 can transfer information much faster than drives that only support USB 2.0.
4. Buffer volume The higher this indicator, the greater the performance.
5. Protection against dust and moisture. If the device will work in adverse conditions, choose a HDD with certified IPXX protection.

Various HDD

In addition to technical characteristics, you need to pay attention to the company manufacturer of the device:

1. Transcend is a Taiwanese company that is considered the most popular external HDD company. She has been producing discs for over 9 years.
2. Seagate is an American manufacturer. This company exclusively produces gadgets for storing data.
3. ADATA is another Taiwanese company. It produces not only HDD, but also accessories for personal computers. The information storage devices of this manufacturer are “workhorses” that work both at home and in large companies.
4. Sony is a Japanese company. Products of this company are most often used by home users.
5. Toshiba is a well-known manufacturer of various digital devices. Gadgets manufactured by this company are bought by large firms for professional use.

Rating of the best external SSD drives

In their internal design, SSDs are a big flash drive. Consider the top three best gadgets:

Transcend TS256GESD200K

This gadget is one of the most expensive. By dimensions, it resembles a matchbox. The Transcend TS256GESD200K is considered by many to be a high-capacity flash drive.

Benefits:

• small dimensions;
• high performance;
• light weight;
• the presence of a high-speed USB 3.0 interface.

Disadvantages:

• small capacity.

You can buy this gadget for 7,000 rubles.

Transcend TS256GESD200K

Transcend TS256GESD400K

This model is in demand among professionals. It allows high performance at a relatively low price.

Benefits:

• compactness;
• high performance;
• little weight;
• the presence of a high-speed USB 3.0 interface.

Disadvantages:

• small capacity.

Price 6 500 rub.

ASUS ENCLOSURE

The device in question is characterized by a high speed of information transfer.

Benefits:

• connection via a high-speed USB 3.1 interface;
• small dimensions.

Disadvantages:

• medium capacity (512 GB)

Price 14 000 rub.

Best 500GB drives

In the category of external hard drives up to 500 GB, the best models are presented. 500 GB can store approximately 2000 CD albums. All devices presented in the review use the high-speed USB 3.0 interface. Below is a rating of external hard drives with a capacity of up to 500 GB.

TRANSCEND TS500GSJ25M3

This model is equipped with an additional power connector, has a shockproof rubberized case. Also on this device there is a button One Touch, which allows you to move large files without losing time.

Benefits:

• rubberized shockproof case;
• connector for additional power;
• the presence of the One Touch button.

You can buy this device for 3,500 rubles.

TRANSCEND TS500GSJ25M3

TOSHIBA CANVIO BASICS 500GB

This is a relatively inexpensive model. This model is characterized by small dimensions and weight. Four rubberized legs are installed on the body, which dampen vibration.

Benefits:

• ergonomic body;
• durable cable.

Price 2 500 rub.

Seagate STEA500400

The model in question is notable for its low cost. This product also has a minimalistic design, good reliability and low weight.

Benefits:

• light weight;
• nice minimalistic design;
• high performance.

Disadvantages:

• small length of the interface cable.

Price 2 000 rub.

Seagate STEA500400

Best 1TB External Hard Drives

1TB external HDDs are the most common. At a not very high price, they have a decent capacity. The best hard drives:

Western Digital My Passport 1 TB (WDBBEX0010B)

This is one of the most popular models. The body material is glossy plastic, which is easy to scratch. On sale you can find models of various colors. On the body there are legs made of soft rubber, which reduce vibration, and also do not allow the gadget to slide. Thanks to special software from Western Digital, the user can test the disc, make a copy of important information and protect it with a password.

Benefits:

• reliability;
• special software from Western Digital;
• high performance.

Price 4 000 rub.

ADATA Dash Drive Durable HD 650 1TB

This gadget has an unusual design. Equipped with shockproof housing with special inserts. The device works without noticeable vibration and noise. The disadvantage of this gadget is the unreliable connector, which can fail and the small length of the interface cable.

Benefits:

• good protection against bumps and falls;
• nice design.

Disadvantages:

• small interface cable;
• unreliable connector.

You can buy this gadget for 3,700 rubles.

ADATA Dash Drive Durable HD 650 1TB

Lacie STFD1000400

The design of the model in question is minimalistic. A USB Type-C connector is used to communicate with a PC, which provides additional convenience when pairing with a computer.

Benefits:

• nice view;
• USB Type-C connector;
• high performance.

Disadvantages:

• high price.

Price 5 000 rub.

Best 2TB external hard drives

HDDs with a capacity of 2 TB are bought by users who store all personal information on their drive, but at the same time they need mobility.

Western Digital My Passport 2 TB (WDBUAX0020B)

The device in question is the best in this category, it has good build quality, high reliability of information storage. On Western Digital My Passport 2 TB (WDBUAX 0020 B), the manufacturer gives a 3-year warranty.

Benefits:

• excellent performance;
• high reliability;
• large warranty period;
• proprietary software.

Disadvantages:

• glossy case that is easy to scratch.

Price 5 500 rub.

Western Digital My Passport 2 TB (WDBUAX 0020 B)

Seagate STDR2000200

This model is lightweight and small in size. The thickness of this gadget is about 12 mm, while other manufacturers have more than 20 mm. Weight is 159 grams, and the model Western Digital My Passport 2 TB (WDBUAX0020B) is 250 grams. The upper part of the case is made of metal, the sides are made of glossy plastic, and the bottom is durable matte plastic. The disk contains a proprietary utility Seagate Dashboard, designed to create backups.

Benefits:

• small dimensions;
• little weight;
• the presence of proprietary software.

Disadvantages:

• short interface cable.

Price 5 000 rub.

Transcend TS2TSJ25M3

This model is equipped with a protected case, which is made according to the military standard MIL-STD-810F 516.5. This external HDD can withstand drops, bumps and submersion.

The disadvantages of the device include low performance.

Benefits:

• made according to the military standard of security;
• powered by two USB connectors.

Disadvantages:

• unreliable connectors;
• low productivity.

Price 5 800 rub.

4TB or larger portable drives

4TB external HDDs are mainly used by professionals working for large companies.

Western Digital My Passport 4 TB (WDBUAX0040B)

The case of this model has the same drawbacks as other “My Passport” devices, that is, it is easy to scratch it.

There are several useful utilities recorded on the drive. WD Backup utility is designed to configure automatic backups. WD Security is used to protect data from unauthorized access.

Benefits:

• high reliability;
• good performance;
• the presence of proprietary utilities.

Disadvantages:

• the case is easy to scratch.

Price 8 000 rub.

Seagate STDR4000200

The case design of the drive in question is minimalistic, but practical and has a pleasant appearance. The reliability of the device is not very high.

Benefits:

• good performance;
• slight vibration;
• at work does not make noise;
• in the course of work emits a small amount of heat.

Disadvantages:

• not very high reliability.

Price 7 000 rub.

Seagate STDR4000200

Lacie STFS4000800

This drive has high reliability and uses new technologies. Its protection against moisture and dust complies with the IP54 standard. The device is equipped with two USB Type-C and Thunderbolt interfaces.

Benefits:

• protection against water and dust;
• high performance;
• two relevant interfaces.

Disadvantages:

• high price.

Price 15 000 rub.

Now you can easily choose which device you need HDD or SSD. For long-term storage of large amounts of data, it is better to choose an HDD drive. An SSD device has high performance, but the cost of storing a unit of information on it is significantly more expensive.