- Best Portable Hard Drive Review
- Best Portable External Hard Drive
- Best Portable Hard Drive Reviews
- Best Portable Hard Drive Reviews
- Wireless Portable Hard Drive Reviews
Last Updated on September 4, 2020 by
Western Digital My Passport. Capacity and Transfer Speed. WD My Passport Ultra.
- A standard size for a portable hard disk drive, for example, is the Western Digital Elements 2TB hard drive, which comes in at 4.35 x 3.23 x 0.59 inches. Smaller desktop hard drives come in at around 7 x 5 inches and range up from there.
- Capacity: 4TB Interface: USB 3.0 Weight: 0.46 pounds Size: 0.75' x 2.95' x 4.22' In terms of size, speed, and relative affordability, the WD My Passport is one of the best external hard drives around.
Nowadays, the size of data is increasing day by day. People have lots of movies, games, songs, photographs and more data to store. These are the types of data that we never want to lose and want to carry anywhere we go.
Sometimes, the data is private so you don’t want to store it in the cloud storage. External portable hard disks have become a part of our life to handle those huge amounts of data we come across daily. The external storage technology has increased to a tremendous amount by enabling us to store, transfer and manage GBs and TBs of data easily.
There are many brands that manufacture external hard disks for a good value for money, but from the customer point of view, an external hard disk has to be reliable and durable. Therefore, the requirements for a portable hard drive with 2TB storage or more arises. 2TB External Hard Disk is the best way to keep your favorite data with you.
So, we have done the research and going to provide you the list of top 10 cheapest 2tb external hard drives that are reliable and are a must-buy.
10 Best 2TB External Hard Drives
We have also written a 2TB external hard drive buying guide at the end of the article. There, we discuss some of the important factors of hard drives, you should consider before buying the hard drives.
Jump to What to Look for in an External Hard Drive before Buying
1. Seagate Backup Plus Slim
The Seagate Backup Plus Slim 2TB Portable External Hard Drive is an ultra slim and high-efficiency hard disk drive. The compatibility features are great with both USB 2.0 and the USB 3.0 connectivity, and it works well with a wide variety of operating systems like Windows, Mac OS, iOS, and Android.
Large volume files are dealt with quite smoothly with exceptional data transfer speed. This hard drive did not display any heating issues or vibrations. You can easily backup your Facebook, Flicker, and other content with a useful Seagate Mobile Backup Application. The USB cable is of average quality and getting a spare wire should take care of that.
This 2TB Portable External Hard Drive would make an apt choice if you are on the lookout for a hard disk drive with at least 2TB inbuilt storage. With all its advanced features at affordable pricing, it should be a perfect choice to buy.
Pros:
- Super Slim form factor
- Very Good Overall Read & Write Performance
- Free Two Year 200GB OneDrive Subscription
- Useful bundled software
Cons:
- Poor write performance
- Windows software was sluggish, at times
- Only Available In 1/2TB Capacities
2. Buffalo MiniStation Extreme NFC
An external hard drive you can buy at affordable pricing, Buffalo’s MiniStation Extreme NFC could be your match made in heaven. With compatibility for both Windows OS and Mac OS, the Buffalo MiniStation Extreme NFC is very flexible. This hard drive comes with a rugged case that’s dust and water resistant, along with a built-in USB 3.0 cable.
Moreover, not only is your data kept protected from knocks and drops with the rugged shell, but it also allows 256-bit AES security features and NFC (Near Field Communication) features as well. Essentially it enables you to unlock the drive to get to your files quickly by tapping the supplied NFC card onto the drive’s body.
Pros:
- Built-in USB cable
- Hardware encryption
- Mac and PC format utility
- Ruggedized and water resistant
Cons:
- NFC card is easy to lose
- Doesn’t unlock via smartphones
3. WD My Passport Ultra 2TB
The WD My Passport Ultra 2TB Portable External Hard Drive is a fantastic product with the right mix of specs and features. The hard disk is slim and lightweight that makes it easy to handle and transport. It exceeds all your expectations when it comes to data transfer speeds but doesn’t come near the top of the leaderboard.
This hard drive offers a useful 256-AES encryption feature that lets you secure it with a password. It is compatible well with both Windows and Mac OS and its backup feature is extremely smart that only allows the files which have been newly added or altered. The one small flaw it has is that the encryption feature does not compatible with Linux OS. The WD My Passport Ultra 2TB Portable External Hard Drive is a stunning product from a trustworthy brand. It should make a great choice for you.
Pros:
- Excellent large-block transfer rates
- Included WD software for local and cloud backups adds value
Cons:
- No option to exclude/include extensions.
4. Samsung T5 SSD
The Samsung T5 Portable SDD is a bit pricey, but the speed and security it comes with are worth it for those looking for durable performance. It comes in light weight (2 ounces) and small as the palm of your hand. The all-metal, shock-resistant enclosure is rugged and portable, making it safe to just stash in a bag on the go.
Moreover, it has a super fast transfer speed up to 540 MB/s that is about five times as fast as a standard HDD, making it much faster to move giant files like 4K videos and high-resolution photos. The T5 compatible with USB 3.1 Type-C and Type-A ports, and works with Windows, Mac, and Android devices.
Pros:
- Streamlined, metal enclosure
- Excellent performance
- Easy-to-use software
- Full hardware-based encryption
Cons:
- No backup software
5. Toshiba Canvio Basics
The Toshiba Canvio Basic 2TB External Hard Disk Drive is another quality device in our list. The solid build quality and sleek, compact design from Toshiba makes it a sturdy device. It is compatible with Windows OS and Mac OS. The Canvio drive can handle large volume file transfer quite smoothly.
The data transmission speed it works exceeds your expectations. You can easily connect it with Smart TV through TV USB port. Toshiba is popular name in the hard disk industry and this hard disk is unbeatable in terms of value for money and portability. This 2TB wired external hard disk drive is a great product to meet your extensive storage needs.
Pros:
- 1TB platter technology
- Pocket sized
Cons:
![Best Portable Hard Drive Review Best Portable Hard Drive Review](https://www.gadgetreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/ASUS-ExpertBook-B9450-Review.jpg)
- The provided USB 3.0 cable is a bit short for PC use.
- Not the fastest external drive
6. Transcend StoreJet 25H3P
Transcend StoreJet 25H3P 2.5-inch 2 TB Portable External Hard Drive is what stands out the most and it gives it a sturdy and rugged look. It has superlative data transfer with 3.0 USB port. The durability of the external hard disk is also enhanced by Military-grade shock resistance with a high-tech three-stage shock protection system.
This 2TB HDD also offers a Transcend Elite Data Management Software that let you arrange and systematize your data better. This external hard disk is compatible with USB 3.0, 2.0 and supports most of the commonly used operating systems. The Transcend StoreJet external hard drive is a must-buy if durability is your biggest concern.
Pros:
- Fast transfer rates
- Three stage shock protection system
- One Touch auto backup button
- Power saving sleep mode
Cons:
- Only available in purple
- Drive does not ship with Mac software
7. Sony PSZ-HB2T/BC 2TB Pro External Hard Disk Drive
Sony PSZ-HB2T/BC 2TB Pro External Hard Disk Drive external hard disk is a perfect choice for lovers for brand Sony. The build quality is excellent, and the drive is sure to last for a long while. The attractive slim and compact design from Sony gives it an elegant look. The hard disk proves to be a steady performer with fast data transfer speed.
The hard disk offers some additional utility features such as an automatic cloud backup with preloaded Back-Up Manager software. This includes password protection security and free backup software. The drive uses AES 256-bit algorithm data encryption and password protection technologies which give complete security to your data. The Sony PSZ-HB2T/BC 2TB Pro External Hard Disk Drive is a quality product from a top brand.
Pros:
- Great performance
- AES 256-bit encryption
- additional utility features
Cons:
- More expensive per-GB
8. Lenovo F309
The Lenovo F309 2TB External Hard Disk Drive is an amazing product from a trusted brand, and its reasonable pricing makes it a true value for money gadget. The hard disk feels pretty sturdy with the solid build quality it has. The sleek and compact shape it has, give it some good portability and easy handling.
The USB 3.0 connection offers easy and quick data transmission. Its performance and speed are comparable to products from more expensive brands. No compatibility issues so you can use it with different operating systems, desktops and notebooks. It has electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection of up to 8 KV that guards it against shock.
Pros:
- Good performance
- sleek and compact shape
- ESD protection
- No compatibility issues
Cons:
- No backup software
9. ADATA HV620 2TB USB 3.0 Stylish and Sleek External Hard Drive
The Adata HV620 External Drive 2TB will suit those looking for a rugged storage device that can provide ample capacity without costing too much. Its performance is superb well and remains the only SSD we’ve seen that is IP68 rated. The solid-state drive that resides in this drive, it’s faster than external drives that use traditional spinning hard drives.
Moreover, This external drive offers great transfer speeds as well as rugged protection. Also, you don’t have to worry about missing out on storage space just because it uses an SSD – this external drive really does hit all the right notes.
Pros:
- Scratch-Prevention Design
- Sleek and Glossy
- LED Indicator Shows Transfer Status
- SuperSpeed USB 3.0
Cons:
- No free backup software
10. WD Elements 2TB Portable
The WD Elements 2TB USB 3.0 Portable Hard Disk is a perfect storage solution from Western Digital. The amazing portability on offer has to be its USP. The drive is extremely lightweight, slim and compact in design and it is an easy fit into your pocket. Its plastic body makes the product extremely durable.
The drive compatible with both USB 3.0 and 2.0 connections and offers amazing transfer speed. The USB cord is of good quality, but its short length might disappoint many users. This portable drive also includes a free trial of WD SmartWare Pro automatic backup software. It can be a great choice if you are looking for a reliable 2TB external hard disk.
Pros:
- Low price.
- Huge capacity.
- No external source needed for power.
Cons:
- No free backup software
What to Look for in an External Hard Drive before Buying
Capacity: The capacity is the most important thing, you need really depends on your lifestyle. If you’re a photographer or videographer, for instance, you’ll require something with a large capacity that can store all of your media files. In that case, you should go for 4TB and above. If, however, you’re a student who just needs to back up some term documents and smartphone photos, 1TB or 2TB should be plenty.
Transfer speed: Backing up your files takes time, depends on the size of data. If you have a lot of data to backup, you could be looking at a couple of hours at the least. If speed is your concern, buy an external hard drive with transfers speeds of at least 120MB/s for writing and 130MB/s for reading.
Portability: There are a lot of pretty hefty hard drives out there, but if you’re often on the go, portability is key. Some devices are as compact in design as a deck of cards, which make them easy to put into your bag or pocket for convenient backing up.
Recommended Articles:
One of the best and secure ways to store your data in a larger scale is by using portable external hard drives. Well you see, this kind of hard drive is also available in large capacity that you can store a lot of things. Portable external hard drives are very convenient to use, and there is no need of flash drives anymore. Most of them come in a size of a power bank to make it easy for users to bring along with. With many brands available on the market, it might not be easy to get one for some buyers. Moreover, we have a buyer’s guide that might give you some ideas to purchase the high quality portable external hard drives below.
Portable ExternalHard Drives Buyer’s Guide
In case you are new to portable external hard drives, there are some tips that you should know. We have some basic tricks that you should be aware of before you buy a portable external hard drive. Consider those things, and you will be able to choose the ideal option of portable external hard drives faster and easier. Take a look and see if our tips are helpful for you.
Transfer Speed
Thisis one of the most important things to consider before buying a portableexternal hard drive. You wouldn’t want to spend hours copying a file with largesize that takes less time with other hard drives. If you transfer large fileson a regular basis, go for the ones with USB 3.0 or USB 3.1. This type of harddrive can transfer large data in a great speed which is very time saving touse. You can easily notice that they are fast with the blue mark right insidethe port, or basically by reading their description.
Portability
Some people overlook the part for the fact that size does’t matter to them. As a matter of fact it does, you should always select the portable hard drives that are “portable”. Choose the ones that are light and small enough to fit in your bag or pocket so that you can easily access to them. At the same time, consider the weight of the hard drive that you want to choose as well. There are many portable, compact, and lightweight external hard drives out there that you can select. We also bring 10 of them for you today too, so stay with us.
Durability
Furthermore, bear in mind that all your data is all in that one hard drive, everything will be gone if it dies. There are many good quality hard drives that come with strong casing and design to protect the hard drive from damages. Many of them are durable and also some are even waterproof and shockproof which is actually great to have. There are times when we drop or bump our hard drives, choosing the durable ones is always recommended.
Contents
1. Portable External Hard Drive by Western Digital
With the new upgrade version, this portable external hard drive is fast, simple, and super convenient to use. It comes with 3.0 USB type which offers reliable and fast file transferring speed and rates every time. The best part is that it also offers to back up your phones, videos, and other files as well. Apart from providing great performance and high capacity, the quality of this hard drive is also incredible. It is very durable, and its size is very compact which is very easy to bring along with to places. From the design to the quality, this external has them all. There are different capacity that you can choose from 1TB to 4TB, the choice is all yours.
Pros:
- The external hard drive is compatible with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0
- It delivers fast data transfer at all size with any files
- It is durable and compact for easy use and portability
Con:
- The cable of the hard drive is a little short so you have to have it next to your device when in use
2. Portable External Hard Drive by Toshiba
The unique thing about this hard drive is that it comes with plug & play function. This function allows you to use the hard drive right away without the need to install the software at all. That means you can copy your files and datas right away from or to your PC in just seconds. Powered by USB 3.0 technology, transferring file and data will be super and fast which is simply time saving. With sleek profile design, this external hard drive is definitely one stylish option to choose. It comes with the design of matte along with smudge-resistance finish which is absolutely cool. This portable external hard drive is available from 1TB to 4TB, which one are you going to pick?
Pros:
- The hard drive features plug & play function for easy use without software installation
- It works fast, and it is compatible with USB 2.0 and 3.0
- The design of the drive is sleek and compact for easy use and portable
Con:
- It is a little slow when copying large photo files
3. Portable External Hard Drive by Seagate
There have been many users who find it difficult to use their external hard drive with some certain PCs. Worry no more with this portable external hard drive because it is designed to work with Windows and Mac computers. At the same time, you don’t need to install any software at all which means you can use it right away. You can simply connect the hard drive to your computer, and it will recognize each other, simple as that. Plus with plug & play simplicity, this hard drive is very simple and easy to use. From quality to performance, this hard drive has them all. Many customers are happy with this option, you could be one of them too.
Pros:
- This hard drive is easy to use, and it is very easy to set up with a simple connection
- It works with Windows and Mac computers
- The design of this portable drive is compact and lightweight which is portable
- The process of transferring data is fast and smooth
Con:
- It is a bit noisy when running, but the noise is not too loud
4. Portable External SSD by Samsung
The interesting thing about this external hard drive is its super fast read-write speed that goes up to 540MB/s. On top of that, it comes with USB type C to C and USB type C to A cables. That makes it even more convenient since the hard drive is compatible with many different devices. The best part is its 3.1 Gen2 that makes the speed of file transferring unbelievably fast compared to the others. As for the style, this hard drive is simple yet stylish which is ideal for every user out there. The top to bottom metal design along with super compact size makes this hard drive one stylish kind to have. Not to mention that it comes with optional password protection and hardware encryption, this hard drive is amazing. There are 4 colors available, you should check them out.
Pros:
- The hard drive is compatible with many different devices from PCs to smartphones
- The speed of transferring data is fast even with large files
- The solid design of metal body makes the hard drive super durable tough
- It is lightweight and so compact it fits in the palm of your hand
Con:
- Several users have unpleasant experience with C to C connection
5. Mini Portable External Hard Drive by LaCie
We all know a friend who always drops things, and this is the highly recommended hard drive option for them. The awesome thing about it is that it offers the all-terrain durability of drop, crush, and water resistance. That means you can be a little clumsy sometimes, and this hard drive won’t die on you at all. As for the quality, you can seamlessly connect it to USB 3.0 computers to transfer files and data in a fast speed. At the same time, this rugged external hard drive also offers premium protection for all of your datas as well. It is compact and lightweight yet super durable and cool, perhaps this might be the one you have been looking for.
Pros:
- It has transfer speed of up to 130MB/s which is fast and convenient
- The drive comes with automatic backups and folder sync to protect your files
- This hard drive is super durable, and it can withstand all minor accidents that you may have
Con:
- The process is a little slow in Lightroom
6. Extreme Portable External Hard Drive by SanDisk
When it comes to durability, this hard drive has to be on the list. With the ruggedized design, this hard drive is both water resistant and dust resistant, and no dust can interfere the operation at all. That is not all, it is also shock resistant as well to deliver durability at its best and top quality for you. That means no matter if you have a little accidental drops or bumps, this hard drive does not go anywhere.
Best Portable Hard Drive Review
Both the drive and the data inside are all safe, and that is one of the best things to have in a hard drive. As for the transfer speed, it can go as fast as 550MB/s which allows you to move high resolution file fast. With all the durability and quality, the hard drive itself is super compact and lightweight which is easy to bring along with. It is compatible with most Windows as well as Mac, and it is among the best external hard drives that you should have.
Pros: Miele w 1918 service manual.
- It is super durable, and it can withstand drops, water, and dust
- The transfer speed is fast and smooth
- The drive is compact and easy to bring along with to places
- It is ideal for PC and Mac users
Con:
- It heats up during long use
7. Rugged Portable External Hard Drive by Silicon Power
This is another rugged design external hard drive that you might want to take into consideration. It features the military grade shockproof construction that makes the drive itself super durable and tough. No drops or bumps could do any harm to the devices and the datas it stores at all. At the same time, it comes with the hexagonal pattern that covers the surface to deliver scratch-resistant function. The cool and unique part is the cable storage design that allows for simple cable carrying with ease. The data transfer speed is fast, and it works well with PCs and Macs without a single lag. It is durable, stylish, and compact, and it comes with different colors that you can choose from.
- The military grade design makes this hard drive super durable
- It works fast, and it is compatible with PCs and Macs
- This hard drive is easy and safe to use, and it is also stylish
Con:
- The cable somehow doesn’t fit well in its storage place
8. Portable External Hard Drive by G-Technology
With the stylish and aluminum design, this hard drive is one cool option to choose. The style is something, and the quality as well as the performance that it delivers is another thing. This compact external hard drive comes with the capacity of 4TB that can store a lot of data. At the same time, it is also USB-C ready as well as USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt 3 compatible as well. This hard drive is very easy and convenient to use and you can also use it with Windows and Mac. It is cool and functional, and there are different colors and capacity that you can choose from. The choice is all yours, so take a look.
Pros:
- The hard drive transfers files fast and smooth
- It is compatible with many different devices for easy and convenient use
- The aluminum design is stylish and cool
- The hard drive is compact and lightweight
Con:
- It makes a little noise while transferring the data
9. Military Quality External Hard Drive by Transcend
Transcend is one of the well-known brands when it comes to high quality hard drives like this one. The design of military-grade shock resistance along with advance 3-stage shock protection system makes this portable hard drive super tough. Daily drops and bumps will not change the quality of it at all, and that is a great part. At the same time, it also delivers the easy plug and play operation that does not need any drives at all. You can also use it desktop or notebook as well, and very easy with a USB port. It is compatible with Windows, Mac OS C, Linux, and pretty much almost anything. The data transfer speed is fast, and there are different colors and capacity options that you can select. Take a look and see if you can pick a perfect option.
Pros:
- The transfer speed is fast due to the USB 3.1 Gen 1 interface
- The hard drive comes with anti-shock protection for extra durability
- It is compact and lightweight which is easy to bring along with to places
Con:
- It does not come with a backup software
Best Portable External Hard Drive
10. Hardware Encrypted Portability External Hard Drive by Apricorn
As you can see, the design and the look of this hard drive is already different from the others. It comes with the compact and rugged design along with the wear resistant key pad that keep your data safe. At the same time, it delivers military grade of FIPS PUB 197 Validated Encryption Algorithm for extra security. As for the transfer speed, it provides super fast USB 3.0 connection to make data transfer ten times faster. It is very easy and safe to use, and the quality is amazingly durable. The cable is easy to store and use, and this portable hard drive is one of the best to have. If you have confidential data and information, this is the perfect hard drive to store them.
Pros:
- The hard drive is tough and durable for long term use
- It encrypts and keep everything inside safe and secure
- The design of the hard drive is compact and lightweight for easy portability
Best Portable Hard Drive Reviews
- It is very easy to use, and it is compatible with most PCs and Macs
Best Portable Hard Drive Reviews
Con:
- It does not have a stylish look
Wireless Portable Hard Drive Reviews
You may also like to read this: Top Best GPS Running Watch Review