An external drive is usually called a device with which you can expand the memory of a personal or office computer. The main advantage of such a device is the complete absence of the need to build it into a laptop or PC and the convenience when working with a large amount of various kinds of information.
Many people use a gadget in order to reduce the load on the main memory of a personal computer. Therefore, you should carefully examine the best hard drives in 2020, matched with the right balance of quality and value. It is noteworthy that all the models discussed below are available in various modifications.
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Hard drives with a capacity of 1 TB or more
In the specified list of drives there are HDD - disks, containing from 500 gigabytes to 1 terabyte of memory. These are the devices that are distinguished by the speed of transferring any data and files. In addition, when compiling the list, the comments of people who have long and successfully used the brands of gadgets under consideration were taken into account.
Toshiba Canvio Basics (new) 1TB
Toshiba Canvio Basics (new) 1TB means a compact device with a capacity of 1 terabyte. The gadget has a reliable design and presentable design. The device is considered to be utilitarian: although it is mobile, it can store a large amount of various information.
The spindle rotates at 5400 rpm. The external drive is equipped with USB 3.1. and USB 3.0. Files are read at a speed of 5 gigabytes per second. The external speed fluctuates within 500 megabytes per second. The gadget weighs no more than 230 grams, which does not prevent it from working with a huge amount of data and storing large amounts of information.
Pros:
- high speed of work;
- reliable design;
- long service life;
- small size;
- USB 3.1 support.
Minuses:
- it gets very hot during operation.
Transcend TS1TSJ25M3S
This is the best hard drive of 2020 among similar devices up to 1 terabyte. The brand is ideal for both office workers and ordinary users who want to protect their data from outside interference. The device is secure at the software level. In addition, it is possible to encrypt information using AES - encryption.
The 2.5-inch drive platters rotate at 5400 rpm. When connected to the USB 3.0 interface, the speed is enough for the data to be processed quickly. The device is made of durable, reliable rubber and flexible plastic, inside which is a damping frame.
Pros:
- structural reliability;
- data security;
- high power;
- low energy consumption during operation;
- fast assembly and connection to a personal computer.
Minuses:
- not found.
ADATA DashDrive Durable HD650
This model takes pride of place in the ranking of the best external drives of the current year. It is made of silicone and durable plastic and weighs about 200 grams. A USB 3.0 cable is included with the gadget.
Users indicate that the device quickly reads any data, writes files and copies them. If you use USB 2.0., Then a noticeable decrease in the transfer speed to 30 megabytes per second. A small problem is the power requirement - the device requires at least 500mA / 5V.
The appearance of the ADATA DashDrive Durable HD650 is not original, but the manufacturers initially focused on the technical performance of the external drive in question.
Pros:
- fast reading and recording of information from any source;
- a long cable included;
- protective silicone inserts;
- famous brand.
Minuses:
- high energy consumption during the operation of the gadget.
Seagate STEA500400
A 500 gigabyte device is also in the top of HDD disks. The Seagate STEA500400 has a faster upload speed of 500 megabytes per second. It can be connected via USB 3.0. The weight of the gadget fluctuates within 120 grams, it has a rather attractive design and a sturdy body.
The device is very easy to use: just connect the cable to it. The installation process will take no more than a couple of minutes, after which the system will automatically detect the external drive, therefore, there is no need to download drivers. Based on customer comments, using the tools that are responsible for power management, you can save energy while using the gadget.
Pros:
- low power consumption during operation;
- instant data transfer from device to device;
- support for USB 3.0;
- no need to use additional software.
Minuses:
- fast heating while working with information.
Hard drives up to 2 TB
This section covers 2 terabyte external hard drives. All information provided is collected in terms of price and quality ratio and is coordinated with the reviews of regular users.
Transcend TS2TSJ25M3S
The brand in question can be called one of the fastest working HDD - disks in the category up to 2 terabytes. The device is protected against water ingress and shock when dropped from a low height. Not only is the robust case made of multiple layers of rubber, it also has an attractive and stylish design.
The gadget is connected using high-speed USB 3.0. and is equipped with a special modern AES - encryption. According to customer reviews, the device works quite quickly, makes little noise and practically does not vibrate. But it is worth considering that it heats up quickly and is not always sold with the required 3-year warranty. In addition, some users point to an annoying diode that is constantly on and flashing.
Pros:
- speed of work;
- relatively small dimensions;
- shockproof housing;
- protection from moisture and dust.
Minuses:
- a large number of fakes found on store shelves.
Western Digital My Passport 2 TB
For people who would like to purchase the ideal device with a capacity of up to 2 TB, this particular model can be recommended. The Western Digital My Passport 2 TB features a sleek and matte finish. On the back cover there are special rubber feet that prevent the gadget from sliding and falling.
The device has an attractive design and good equipment: a case and a USB 3.0 cable. It weighs about 165 grams. The gadget works with NTFS, but it can be formatted for an iMac or MacBook. The device has a good security system, in addition, its heating temperature does not exceed 38 degrees.
An external drive is ideal for working with USB 2.0. Therefore, it is quite often used on older laptop models. If we take into account the external data transfer rate, then it is 500 MB per second.
Pros:
- beautiful design and stylish design;
- strong body;
- quick detection by another device;
- good and convenient equipment;
- work with multiple USB.
Minuses:
- small length of the cord that comes with the device.
ADATA HD710 Pro 2TB
According to buyers, this model leads the list of hard drives in 2020 equipped with 2 terabytes of memory.The gadget is protected from dust, water and shock. Has many interfaces: USB 3.0. Type A, USB 2.0. and USB 3.1.
The device is of good quality, affordable price, fast information transfer and reliable rubber casing. But its weight is also quite large when compared with analogues - 400 grams.
Pros:
- the speed of reading data from any source;
- fast transfer to another device;
- long service life;
- protection against moisture and falling from a low height.
Minuses:
- relatively large weight of the gadget.
Hard drives from 3 to 10 TB
Here are the drive models with up to 10 terabytes of memory. When purchasing such a device, please remember that it must be equipped with a USB 3.1 interface. and have a high data transfer rate. In addition, reliable protection of personal information is important here.
Seagate STEL6000200
The list of the best external drives also includes the specified model that works with USB 3.0. on different platforms. It is noteworthy that such gadgets can be changed to the Mac or Windows axis if you download the necessary software.
Data editing takes place in the Lightroom CC interface, which is familiar to many PC users. According to customer comments, files are copied at 100 mb / s. The body of the device is considered strong and reliable, therefore the gadget weighs a lot - a little more than 1 kilogram.
Pros:
- large amount of internal memory;
- presence of a concentrator;
- long service life of the device;
- work with various operating systems.
Minuses:
- large weight of the considered external storage model.
Toshiba Canvio Ready 3TB
The model in question is equipped with 3 terabytes of memory and transfers information at a speed of 5 gigabytes per second, which is explained by the possibility of working with Plug and Play. In addition, the device supports tamp load - a system that protects data from being deleted when moving.
The drive has a special shock sensor that turns off the gadget during strong vibration or any shake. The disk is pleasant on the outside and features a modern data protection system.
Pros:
- case reliability;
- relatively low cost;
- famous brand;
- support for many technologies.
Minuses:
- fast and strong heating.
Western Digital WD Elements Desktop
The specified device is the most popular external hard drive in 2020 in the 10 terabyte segment. It quickly transmits information, synchronizes with a computer and has a particularly reliable case.
The gadget is equipped with USB 3.0 interfaces. and 2.0., which allows you to connect it even to old laptops. The device works with almost all versions of Windows and is formatted by NTFS. It works quietly, heats up weakly and consumes a minimum of energy.
Pros:
- large amount of memory;
- work with many interfaces;
- equipment;
- minimum energy consumption;
- reliable case;
- famous brand.
Minuses:
- high cost of the device in comparison with other analogues.
External storage selection rules
The very first thing to look for when buying the device in question is the amount of memory. In order to store securities on the gadget, 500 gigabytes is enough, and if you plan to upload videos or photos to it, then it is better to choose a disk with a volume of 1 terabyte or more. If you have a large amount of data, it is better to opt for devices from 2 terabytes.
The optimal operating speed of the device ranges from 8 to 64 megabytes. The higher the specified number, the faster the gadget functions.
Don't forget about the interface. Many PCs today are equipped with USB 3.0. Ideal if the external drive will work with a USB 3.1 port as well.
Which drive to give preference
A potential buyer should take into account that the price of a disc directly depends on the popularity of its brand, internal filling and the material from which the case is made. High-quality devices are always somewhat more expensive than little-known analogs, but you shouldn't save money, because a good thing won't be cheap.
According to the reviewed top devices, certain conclusions can be drawn. They are as follows:
- The most inexpensive gadget is the ADATA DashDrive Durable HD650.
- Faster - Transcend TS2TSJ25M3S.
- The leader in terms of value for money is Seagate STEL6000200.
- The most capacitive gadget is Western Digital WD Elements Desktop.
After purchasing a suitable device, it is recommended to write reviews about it in order to help inexperienced buyers not to be mistaken with the choice of HDD - disk. If you can't find a drive yourself, you can always ask for help from a specialist in the store or a consultant on the forum.