10 Best External Hard Drives – Reviewed by Software Engineer

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Dogzily.com – An external hard disk or external HDD is a device that can help you store important data. This product is useful for those of you who have a lot of data and devices that are frequently used. External Hard drives have different capacities, compatibility, and features, so it might be confusing for you to choose.

Well, we will share tips on choosing a good external hard disk. The best external HDD products from the Toshiba, Transcend, Western Digital, and Seagate brands are in our recommendations. This article has been reviewed by a software engineerus, Yosua Surojo. Listen to the end, okay?

Best External Hard Drives

What Is An External Hard Drive?

External hard disk is a hardware component that functions to store data in the form of digital files that are integrated in a computer. External hard disk which is also called external hard disk drive was first introduced in 1956.

External Hard drives are useful for storing secondary data when the internal storage memory on the computer is getting smaller. This device is portable and can be installed on a computer system to be accessed.

Currently, devices that can be installed are increasingly diverse as technology develops. Not only PCs, external Hard drives can now be installed on PS4 to TV to support large data storage. The current external hard disk capacity can accommodate up to 20 TB of data.

Collaborating With Experts: How To Choose An External Hard Drive

Below, we will describe the points that you should pay attention to when choosing an external hard drive. Device, OS, USB connector, shock resistance features, and warranty period are some of the things to look out for. Check out our explanation below so you can find the best external hard drive that suits your needs.

① Select the device you want to connect

An external hard drive is a tool that can be connected not only to a PC, but also to a PS4 and TV. Different devices to be connected, also different needs on the external hard disk. For details, please check the explanation below!

PC or laptop, requires a compatible format for data security

In general, external Hard drives or external HDDs are made for PCs or laptops. The external hard disk functions to store data such as documents, pictures, videos, music, and so on if the internal HDD capacity is insufficient.

An external HDD is used to back up data if your computer or laptop is suddenly damaged or infected with a virus. To be able to run it on a computer, a compatible format is needed for data security.

If you want to use one drive for both Windows and Macbook, choose a product that supports the exFAT or FAT32 format. Otherwise, you will have to reformat or reset all data when connecting the HDD to a different OS.

If your PC has a certain type of port, you can use Thunderbolt 3 to transfer data at high speed. You can move data even faster if the HDD also supports Thunderbolt 3.

Some external HDDs are also equipped with mirroring capabilities. The mirroring feature allows you to automatically duplicate data on two HDDs simultaneously. If you are going to store important data, consider this feature.

PS4, requires appropriate compatibility and capacity

If the internal HDD capacity on your PS4 is almost full, you can use an external hard disk as a data storage medium. Actually, you can replace the internal HDD with a larger capacity. However, if they are not compatible, there is a risk of damage and data loss. Because of this, many people choose to use an external HDD.

Based on the recommendations of Sony, the manufacturer of the PS4, you should choose an HDD with USB 3.0 or higher. Also choose a product with a minimum capacity of 250 GB and a maximum of 8 TB.

However, meeting these two conditions does not guarantee the compatibility of your PS4 and your chosen HDD. Therefore, make sure that the manufacturer of the external HDD clearly states that the product is compatible with PS4.

TV, requires an external hard disk that can last 24 hours

Currently you can watch movies and listen to music stored on an external hard disk through your TV screen. The condition is that your TV must support HDD connectivity.

One feature of the TV being that it can be connected to an external HDD is the USB port on the TV. Also note that Android TV is compatible with HDDs that have been formatted to the NTFS or FAT32 file system.

Apart from that, you can also record TV shows using an external hard disk. An external hard disk can function as a storage medium for the television recording.

One of the characteristics of an HDD that can be used to record TV is the appearance of the writing recording when it is connected to a TV. However, to record TV shows that last for hours requires HDD that lasts 24 hours or more.

② Make sure the OS is compatible with your device

Not all external hard drives are compatible with PC, TV and PS4 devices. Even external HDDs and devices from the same brand do not guarantee compatibility between the two. 

Everything depends on the compatibility of the operating system (OS) on the HDD and the device. Therefore, make sure beforehand whether the selected HDD is compatible with your device.

There are several OS that are usually embedded on an external hard disk. The OS listed on the HDD determines which devices are compatible. The three OS that external Hard drives usually adopt are:

  • Windows, is the most widely used OS for various devices in the world. This OS is widely adopted to help accommodate various daily needs. Most school, office, agency, and personal computers use this OS.
  • MacOS, is an exclusive OS that is only found on Apple brand computers. Because it is exclusive, the number of users of this OS is relatively less than other OS. This is because the price of Apple computers is relatively more expensive.
  • Linux, is a free OS that has open source properties. The open source nature allows users to modify and redistribute freely without the need for a license. This OS is widely used for smartphones, computers, smart devices, to corporate servers.

Apart from knowing which OS is compatible, you should also find out the OS version. Ensure that the OS version is the same between the device and the external hard disk.

③ Pay attention to the USB connector

USB (Universal Serial Bus) is a connector for external electronic devices, such as an external hard disk to a computer. This USB connector is useful as an intermediary medium for transferring or reading data on a computer. 

Several types of USB connectors that are commonly used on external Hard drives are:

  • USB Type A, is the most common type of USB. This type of USB can be connected to USB 1.0, USB 1.1, USB 2.0, USB 3.0 and USB 3.1 ports.
  • USB Type B, has a connection to a square-shaped port. USB 1.0, USB 1.1, USB 2.0, USB 3.0, and USB 3.1 can be connected with this USB connector.
  • USB Type C, usually used for Macbooks and the latest computers. This type of USB can be connected to USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB 3.1, USB 3.2, and USB4 ports.

The number on the back of the USB is the USB version. Below is a general standard of transfer speed for each USB version.

  • USB 1.0 maximum speed of 12 Mb/s
  • USB 1.1 maximum speed of 12 Mb/s
  • USB 2.0 maximum speed of 480 Mb/s
  • USB 3.0 maximum speed of 5Gb/s
  • USB 3.1 maximum speed of 10 Gb/s
  • USB 3.2 maximum speed of 20Gb/s
  • USB 4 maximum speed of 40 Gb/s

The values ​​above are general terms of the USB standard in theory, not actual speeds. To get above speed, make sure the USB connector and USB port on your external hard disk are compatible.

④ Consider an external hard disk with a shock resistance feature

You need to know, the external hard disk will work slowly and damaged if exposed to shocks. For that, choose an external hard disk that features shock resistance.

This feature serves to reduce shocks that may be received by an external hard disk, for example, if it is dropped. External Hard drives with shock resistance features are usually wrapped in a shell or casing made of materials that can absorb shocks.

⑤ Find out the risk of damage and the warranty period

Of course it will be very annoying if the HDD you are using is suddenly damaged. Therefore, check the length of the warranty period, the age of use of the product, and the availability of data recovery services. Also check if there is a customer service that can be contacted when needed.

If the data on your HDD suddenly becomes unreadable, you may have to pay a high price for specialists to restore it. So that this doesn’t happen, make it a habit to back up data first so that the data stays safe.

10 Best External Hard Drives Recommendation

Next, we will recommend the ten best external hard drives that we have determined based on how to choose above. These products are carefully selected by considering product quality, buyer reviews, and the level of trust in the seller. 

1. Seagate One Touch HDD 1TB STKY1000400

This Seagate 1 TB external HDD will probably suit graphic designers. This is because the 1 TB Seagate One Touch HDD is complete with an Adobe Creative Cloud Photography subscription. 

So you can use Adobe Photoshop. Not only that, this product comes in a variety of pastel colors. For those of you who are looking for a 1 TB external hard disk recommendation for graphic design, this product is a must have.

2. Western Digital WD My Passport 1TB

My Passport is portable storage with a new design that’s sleek and fits in the palm of your hand. You can store, manage, and share photos, videos, music, and documents conveniently with a customizable backup system.

This HDD also includes a password feature to keep your data safe. This product is compatible for Windows 10+, but also for macOS by downloading the NTFS driver.

3. WD Elements Portable WDBUZG0010BBK-WESN

If you need a 1 TB external HDD recommendation for professional use, this product is a must have. The WD Elements Portable is a versatile external HDD. This product can be used on various devices, such as laptops and PCs. 

Apart from that, this external hard disk is not too flashy when used in the office with its simple design. Therefore, this 1 TB WD external HDD is suitable for office workers.

4. Transcend StoreJet 25M3 1TB

The following Hard drives have two excellent features that will really spoil you. The touch auto back up button feature allows you to back up data with just one touch.

Meanwhile, the power saving sleep mode ensures that this product saves power when not in use. This feature is of course very practical if you use a laptop or other device that is not always connected to a power source. Very interesting, isn’t it?

5. Seagate Expansion Portable Drive 2TB STKM2000400

Seagate is back with the best premium quality external hard disk that features plug and play functionality. With this function, you don’t have to bother reconfiguring when you want to use an external hard disk . In terms of quality, this external hard disk is capable of copying and moving files at a speed of 25 Mb/s.

6. Adata HD710 Pro External Hard Drive 2TB

This external hard disk recommendation is suitable for those of you who travel a lot. If you often take it away, your hard disk will definitely be more vulnerable to dust and water, right?

Fortunately, this one product has protection against dust and water. You only need to cover the USB port with the valve provided so that the hard disk is perfectly protected. Rain and dust are no longer a problem if you use this product.

7. Silicon Power Armor A60 2TB

Are you looking for a durable hard drive? You can try HDD Armor A60. This product is accompanied by shock resistance that has passed a drop test from a height of three meters.

This hard disk is accompanied by an internal and external silica gel suspension system that protects the device from impacts and drops of water. In terms of quality, this HDD is very good. The read speed or write speed of this HDD reaches 100 Mb/s.

8. LaCie Rugged Mini 1TB LAC301558

This external hard disk made by LaCie is designed for students, travelers, photographers and videographers. This product is shock-resistant, drop-resistant and pressure-resistant with a protective rubber for added protection. 

This external hard disk can also withstand up to a ton of pressure and impact so that it remains resistant even if it is run over by a car.

9. HV620S External Hard Drive 4TB

You like a simple design with a futuristic impression? If so, maybe this external hard disk is right for you. The sleek and glossy design further emphasizes the modern impression.

Apart from good visuals, this external hard disk also has qualified capabilities. This product can connect with multiple OS without having to be formatted.

10. Toshiba Canvio Advance 2TB

When you want to find a hard disk with a fast data transfer speed, you can rely on the Toshiba hard disk. No need to bother anymore if you want to backup data from your device. The automatic backup solution feature of this product will make copying data work more effective.

You can even schedule and choose which data you want to back up automatically. However, even though it is stated that it can accommodate up to 2 TB of data, the hard disk capacity is only 1.8 TB.

If The Hard Drive Is Not Detected By The Device

Sometimes, there may be times when your device cannot detect HDD. Some of the causes of HDDs becoming damaged or unreadable include falling, shock, and dust entering.

To prevent damage, place the HDD on a vibration-absorbing mat. You can put it on a thin foam that can absorb various shocks. Make sure you frequently clean the USB port with cotton so that dust doesn’t interfere with HDD performance.

Conclusion

Thus our article about external Hard drives as well as some of the best product recommendations on the market. After reading this article, you should have found an external hard drive that fits your needs.

The right external hard disk can help you store your important data easily. Choose the product according to the device you have. Don’t forget to store and use your hard disk carefully for a long product life!

5 Best External Hard Disk Recommendations

  1. Seagate ｜One Touch HDD 1TB ｜STKY1000400
  2. Western Digital ｜WD My Passport 1TB
  3. Western Digital ｜WD Elements Portable ｜WDBUZG0010BBK-WESN
  4. Transcend ｜StoreJet 25M3 1TB
  5. Seagate ｜Expansion Portable Drive 2TB ｜STKM2000400

Other recomendations: