Best External Hard Drive Backup of 2026

Last updated on 04/04/2026
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Best Choice
1
9.8
Exceptional
Save 30%
WD 20TB Elements External Hard Drive, Desktop HDD storage, USB 3.0 compatible, Fast Transfer rates, Plug-and-play storage for all your pictures, videos, music and documents, Black
WD

WD 20TB Elements External Hard Drive, Desktop HDD storage, USB 3.0 compatible, Fast Transfer rates, Plug-and-play storage for all your pictures, videos, music and documents, Black

30% Off
Why we love it
  • Fast data transfers available.
  • Huge storage capacity provided.
  • Plug-and-play convenience guaranteed.
Main Highlights
  • The WD Elements desktop hard disk drive with USB 3.0 offers reliable, high capacity, add-on storage, fast data transfer rates, and universal connectivity with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 devices. The drive’s features up to 20TB capacity
  • IMPROVE PC PERFORMANCE When your internal drive is almost full, your PC slows down. Don’t delete files – free up space on your internal drive by transferring files to your WD Elements HDD desktop storage and get your computer moving again
  • STORE MORE OF WHAT's IMPORTANT. With capacities up to 20TB, the WD Elements desktop hard disk drive helps you store more photos, videos, music, and file
  • FAST TRANSFER RATES. When connected to a USB 3.0 port, the WD Elements desktop hard disk drive delivers fast data transfer rates
  • Setup is simple! Plug the drive into a USB Type-A 3.0 or 2.0 port using the included USB Type-A cable and open your device’s file manager, such as File Explorer or Finder
  • PLUG-AND-PLAY SIMPLICITY. The WD Elements Desktop Hard Drive works right out-of-the-box with Windows 10+ PCs – just plug into the USB port to instantly add storage.
  • USB 3.0 AND USB 2.0 COMPATABILIY With this single drive, you get compatibility with the latest USB 3.0 devices and backwards-compatibility with USB 2.0 devices as well.
  • WD QUALITY INSIDE AND OUT. We build the drive to our demanding requirements for durability, shock tolerance, and long-term reliability. Then, we help protect with a durable enclosure designed for style and protection
9.8
Exceptional
Save 30%
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🛡️Trusted by 100M+ UsersWhy?
Best Value
2
9.7
Exceptional
Save 31%
WD 18TB My Book external hard drive, Desktop HDD with Password Protection, USB 3.0, SuperSpeed USB, software for device management, backup, hardware encryption, works with PC and Mac, Black
WD

WD 18TB My Book external hard drive, Desktop HDD with Password Protection, USB 3.0, SuperSpeed USB, software for device management, backup, hardware encryption, works with PC and Mac, Black

31% Off
Why we love it
  • Massive storage for everything.
  • Simple plug and play.
  • Strong encryption protects data.
Main Highlights
  • 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 backup software, My Book desktop storage helps keep your files safe.
  • Easy to Use. Ready to use with Mac and Windows computers right out of the box, so you can start transferring files, saving your memories, and backing up right away. It also comes with all the software you need to help protect your data.
  • Complete Backup. My Book desktop storage comes equipped with backup software 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. With the power of the included backup software, you’ve got complete backup routine options to help recover data in the event of a computer virus or computer failure, or if you accidentally press “delete”.
  • Password Protection with Hardware Encryption. The My Book drive’s built-in 256-bit AES hardware encryption with password protection helps keep your content private and safe. Just activate password protection and set your own personalized password using the included software. For quick, convenient access you can set to automatically unlock the drive on your computer, saving you the hassle of keying in your password every time.
  • Massive capacity, Available in capacities up to 18TB, there's plenty of room to save the massive amounts of photos, videos, and music you love, plus your important documents.
  • SuperSpeed USB 3.0, (5 Gbps); USB 2.0 compatible
9.7
Exceptional
Save 31%
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3
9.6
Superb
UnionSine External Hard Drive 14TB 3.5" Desktop HDD USB3.0 Storage Compatible for PC, Mac, TV, Desktop, Laptop(Black) HD3513
UnionSine

UnionSine External Hard Drive 14TB 3.5" Desktop HDD USB3.0 Storage Compatible for PC, Mac, TV, Desktop, Laptop(Black) HD3513

Why we love it
  • Large capacity for all needs.
  • High-speed transfers for efficiency.
  • Wide compatibility across devices.
Main Highlights
  • Large Capacity: This 3.5-inch horizontal desktop external hard drive is the ideal storage solution for users who need ample storage space. With capacities up to 18TB, you can break free from storage limitations
  • High-Speed Transfer: Utilizing USB 3.0 Micro-B 5G high-speed transfer technology, it boasts theoretical read and write speeds of up to 130-270MB/s. It supports storing files over 4GB, perfect for PC office work, photo storage, TV recording, 4K video storage, and gaming
  • Wide Compatibility: The drive utilizes an ASM chip for enhanced compatibility. Compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, TV, DVD, and Xbox
  • Reliable Storage Solution: Featuring a powerful 12V/3A power supply, a 22AWG thick copper cable, shock-resistant silicone internal material to reduce noise, and three-sided heat dissipation vents for fast heat dissipation, ensuring secure and stable data transfer
  • Plug-and-Play: Plug and play, no drivers required. Please note: Always connect the power supply before connecting the USB cable
  • Package Contents: Contains 1 external hard drive, 1 reliable data cables, 1 power adapter and 1 user manual. If you encounter any problems during use, please feel free to contact us
9.6
Superb
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4
9.5
Superb
Seagate One Touch Hub 16TB, External Hard Drive Desktop HDD, USB-C & USB 3.0 port, for Computer Desktop Workstation PC Laptop Mac, 6 Months DropBox Backup Plan & 6 Months Mylio Photos (STLC16000402)
Seagate

Seagate One Touch Hub 16TB, External Hard Drive Desktop HDD, USB-C & USB 3.0 port, for Computer Desktop Workstation PC Laptop Mac, 6 Months DropBox Backup Plan & 6 Months Mylio Photos (STLC16000402)

Why we love it
  • Convenient USB-C and USB 3.0.
  • Secure AES-256 Hardware Encryption.
  • Easy compatibility with Windows and Mac.
Main Highlights
  • A front-facing USB-C and USB 3.0 port for connecting and recharging devices — even if your computer is off
  • Password-protected external hard drive with USB hub to secure your digital life and AES-256-Hardware Encryption
  • Out-of-the-box compatibility with Windows and Mac computers
  • Includes Seagate Toolkit backup software for one-click and scheduled backups and file mirroring
  • Enjoy long-term peace of mind with the included two-year limited warranty and Rescue Data Recovery Services
9.5
Superb
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5
9.4
Superb
Seagate Desktop 8TB, External Hard Drive HDD, USB 3.0 for PC Laptop and Mac, Black, Data Rescue Services (STGY8000400)
Seagate

Seagate Desktop 8TB, External Hard Drive HDD, USB 3.0 for PC Laptop and Mac, Black, Data Rescue Services (STGY8000400)

Why we love it
  • Enormous 8TB storage capacity.
  • No software required for use.
  • Ideal for numerous devices.
Main Highlights
  • Amazon Exclusive
  • Ideal for the home, office, or dorm, the Seagate Desktop Drive offers 8TB of enormous desktop storage for photos, movies, music, and more
  • An external hard drive for Windows or Mac computers, simply back up with a quick drag and drop
  • The perfect laptop hard drive or PC drive, just plug into to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
  • Includes an 18 inches USB 30 cable and 18 watt power adapter
9.4
Superb
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6
9.2
Superb
Save 13%
WD 5TB Elements AE Portable External Hard Drive, SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 1/USB 3.0, Plug-and-Play, Formatted for Windows, Black
WD

WD 5TB Elements AE Portable External Hard Drive, SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 1/USB 3.0, Plug-and-Play, Formatted for Windows, Black

13% Off
Why we love it
  • Effortless expandability in seconds.
  • High capacity up to 6TB.
  • Eco-friendly recycled materials used.
Main Highlights
  • Effortless Expandability This plug-and-play hard drive lets you expand your capacity in seconds, so you can keep your important files without any stress or complications.
  • High Capacity Discover expansive storage with up to 6TB capacity, offering ample room for your cherished photos, memorable videos, and essential documents on-the-go.
  • Easy-to-Use Backup Software Equipped with backup software - Simply download, plug in your drive and set your hourly, daily, or monthly schedule.
  • Transfer faster Experience fast data transfer speeds with USB 3.2 Gen 1, enabling you to quickly access and share your files with ease.
  • Designed with the Planet in Mind The enclosure of this drive is composed of more than 50% post-consumer recycled plastic. Packaging is made of over 50% post-consumer recycled pulp and is fully recyclable.
9.2
Superb
Save 13%
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7
9.1
Superb
Seagate Portable Drive 5TB, External Hard Drive, Dark Grey, for PC Laptop and Mac, Data Rescue Services, Amazon Exclusive (STGX5000400)
Seagate

Seagate Portable Drive 5TB, External Hard Drive, Dark Grey, for PC Laptop and Mac, Data Rescue Services, Amazon Exclusive (STGX5000400)

Why we love it
  • Easy backup for PC, Mac.
  • Automatic detection simplifies setup.
  • Plug-and-play with fast transfer.
Main Highlights
  • Amazon Exclusive
  • Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external drive makes making backups a snap with drag and drop
  • To install the drive, simply connect it to your computer and it will be automatically detected without the need for any software
  • Mac compatibility: Reformat compatible
  • This USB drive offers plug-and-play simplicity with the included 46cm USB 30 cable Fast file transfer with USB 30 (backwards compatible with USB 20)
  • Gain lasting peace of mind with the included two-year limited warranty and two-year rescue data recovery services
9.1
Superb
Amazon Logo
8
8.9
Excellent
Save 3%
WD 5TB My Passport portable external storage, external hard drive, USB 3.0, portable HDD with software for device management, backup and password protection, works with PC, Xbox &Playstation, Black
WD

WD 5TB My Passport portable external storage, external hard drive, USB 3.0, portable HDD with software for device management, backup and password protection, works with PC, Xbox &Playstation, Black

3% Off
Why we love it
  • Portable, stylish and user-friendly design.
  • Comes with backup software.
  • Built-in encryption ensures security.
Main Highlights
  • 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 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 backup software and password protection, the My Passport drive helps keep your digital life's contents safe.
  • Slim style. It features a convenient, slim form factor and is available in a range of vibrant colors.
  • Backed up. The My Passpor drive comes equipped with backup software to help make sure everything you create while on your own life journey - photos, videos, music and documents - does not 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 onto your My Passport drive.
  • Locked down. The My Passport drive’s built-in 256-bit AES hardware encryption with password protection helps keep your digital life's contents secure. Just install our software2 and set your password to activate password protection.
  • Super Easy. My Passport portable storage is ready right out of the box with the necessary cable. And with SuperSpeed USB (5Gbps), you can quickly start backing up everything in your life and keep driving forward.
  • Ongoing confidence. There's no telling what's ahead in your own Journey. That's why WD builds drives to demanding requirements for durability, and long-term reliability. On top of that, it comes with a 3-year limited warranty
  • This product has been certified to meet Google's compatibility standards. Chromebook and the works with Chromebook badge are trademarks of Google LLC
8.9
Excellent
Save 3%
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9
8.8
Excellent
Seagate Portable Drive 2TB, External Hard Drive, Dark Grey, for PC Laptop and Mac, Data Rescue Services, Amazon Exclusive (STGX2000400)
Seagate

Seagate Portable Drive 2TB, External Hard Drive, Dark Grey, for PC Laptop and Mac, Data Rescue Services, Amazon Exclusive (STGX2000400)

Why we love it
  • Huge storage capacity.
  • Cross-platform compatibility.
  • Plug-and-play convenience.
Main Highlights
  • Amazon Exclusive
  • 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 30 cable
8.8
Excellent
Amazon Logo
10
8.7
Excellent
Seagate Portable Drive 1TB, External Hard Drive, Dark Grey, for PC Laptop and Mac, Data Rescue Services, Amazon Exclusive (STGX1000400)
Seagate

Seagate Portable Drive 1TB, External Hard Drive, Dark Grey, for PC Laptop and Mac, Data Rescue Services, Amazon Exclusive (STGX1000400)

Why we love it
  • Simplifies backup with drag-and-drop.
  • Ensures instant setup, no software.
  • Includes two-year limited warranty.
Main Highlights
  • Amazon Exclusive
  • Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external drive makes making backups a snap with drag and drop
  • To install the drive, simply connect it to your computer and it will be automatically detected without the need for any software
  • Mac compatibility: Reformat compatible
  • This USB drive offers plug-and-play simplicity with the included 46cm USB 30 cable Fast file transfer with USB 30 (backwards compatible with USB 20)
  • Gain lasting peace of mind with the included two-year limited warranty and two-year rescue data recovery services
8.7
Excellent
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