Best Hard Drive For Travel

1. Best Hard Drive Storage
2. Best Hard Drive For Tesla
3. Best Travel External Hard Drive
4. Best Hard Drive Brands

The latest generation of the Western Digital My Passport Ultra range of external hard drives is here, coming in sizes from 1TB to 4TB, and they're among the best external hard drives out there. Photographers have different specs for an external hard drive: portable drives, backup drives, and internal hard drive extensions. Here are some of the best external hard discs for photographers in 2021. Click here to make sure you pick the right hard drive for your needs.

by Daniel | Last Updated January 1st, 2021

If there's something anyone who travels for work or a hobby needs to invest in, it's a durable, external hard drive. The benefits of these devices are many. They protect your invaluable information by securely transferring photos, videos, and files to and from your laptop.

You may be considering investing in an inexpensive hard drive – the same you use to save important documents and keep in your office drawer. Let us just say, that if you're going to spend time in remote, rugged areas, you need a drive that can handle falls, dust, rain, among similar elements. Usually, these cheaper options don't make the cut and could end up damaged destroying all your files.

Portable hard drives are more reliable and let you roam anywhere while having access to important files at all times. While cloud storage is convenient, many of these services have limited data storage for free. And when you're traveling, you won't always have a reliable internet connection. External hard drives get around all these issues. You can carry all your important files and free up RAM and memory storage on your laptop. Plus, you can connect to these files anytime, anywhere. With travel-ready hard drives, you can transport a considerable amount of data without being weighed down.

Finding the right drive for your adventure can be difficult with the many options on the market. There are several factors to consider like size, storage capacity, design, etc. While some external hard drives are very small and light, others are a little bigger. The larger ones usually have a wider capacity and can upload files within seconds.

We've compiled this list of the top 6 external hard drives for travel. Our reviews take into consideration drop protection, resistance to outdoor elements, as well as price. We've included the pros and cons of each so that you can get a good idea of what you're buying.

Factors to Consider

Before diving into our reviews, there are a few things that you should consider when deciding on a hard drive. For starters, consider the connection. Is it a standard hard drive or is it a solid-state drive (SSD)? Most options use USB 2.0 connections. For quicker speeds, you'll need at least a USB 3.0 type connection.

Another important element is the storage space. If you're just starting off, we suggest you go with 500GB. That will give you a lot of space, and the hard drive won't cost you too much money. If you already know you'll be working with large, high-resolution files, consider a bigger driver that offers terabytes (TB).

If you know the storage and the connection needed, finding the right model will be a breeze. Here are our top 6 choices for you to consider:

Read The Best Travel Laptops

1. SanDisk Extreme Portable External SSD

• Capacity – 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB
• Item Weight – 1.44 ounces
• Product Dimensions – 3.8 x 1.9 x 0.3 inches
• Hardware Connectivity – USB-C
• Max Transfer Speed – 550MB/s

First on our list is the SanDisk 1TB drive. SanDisk is known for its quality, durable products, and the Extreme Portable External SSD doesn't fall short. It offers high-speed transfers, water and dust resistance, and shock resistance for those occasional drops and falls.

This is surprisingly one of the less expensive options on our list. It's extremely lightweight and small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. You can easily carry this in your pocket or backpack until it's time to conduct the transfers. The transfer speeds are quick with this hard drive (550 MB/s). You can move your files over to your laptop through the use of a USB-C or USB-A cable. Finally, it's compatible with both PC and Mac users and comes with a 3-year limited manufacturer warranty.

What we like best: We really enjoy the fast performance of the SanDisk 1TB external hard drive as well as it's shock, dust, and water-resistant capabilities. Auto tune 7 download.

• PROS
• Compact and lightweight
• 6-foot drop protection
• Fast transfer speed (550 MB/s)

• CONS
• A bit larger than similar models

Read The Best VPN

2. Samsung T5 Portable SSD

• Capacity – 500GB, 1TB, 2TB
• Item Weight – 1.8 ounces
• Product Dimensions – 2.9 x 2.3 x 0.4 inches
• Hardware Connectivity – USB-C
• Max Transfer Speed – 540 MB/s

The first thing that caught our eye about the Samsung T5 Portable SSD 1TB was the sleek, small look of this model. About the size of a credit card (2.3 x 0.4 x 3.0 inches), this Samsung option can easily be taken with you anywhere you go. Simply slide it into your pocket or backup until it's time to use.

If the 1TB storage capacity is not enough for you, or it's too much, you can get this hard drive in a different capacity ranging from 250GB to 2TB. You'll benefit from fast transfer speeds using a USB 3.1 Gen 2 port. Additionally, even though it's super small, it's actually very robust and durable. It has shock-resistant capabilities able to handle a drop up to 6 feet.

The biggest downfall of this model is that it is not dust or water-resistant. This means you need to take extra care of it. If you're willing to sacrifice this feature, this is the perfect model for travelers.

What we like best: We love the small size of this model. It fits right into your pocket, and though it's lightweight, you'll benefit from a rugged, durable build.

• PROS
• Very compact
• Incredibly fast
• Hardware encryption
• Durable

• CONS
• Not water or dust-resistant

3. Seagate Portable External Hard Drive USB 3.0

• Capacity – 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 5TB
• Item Weight – 6.72 ounces
• Product Dimensions – 4.6 x 3.15 x 0.58 inches
• Hardware Connectivity – USB 3.0
• Max Transfer Speed – 120 MB/s

With capacities up to 5TB, the Seagate Portable hard drive is a great option for those looking for convenience. When it's time to back up your files, all you need to do is plug the USB 3.0 cable into your laptop and drag and drop files. This is a very quick process that shouldn't take more than a few minutes.

Spacious and easy to use, as a traveler you'll never have a problem with this drive. If you run into a question, simply refer to the quick start guide included for clarification. The device itself weighs .54 pounds and has a size of 4.5 x 3.1 x .807 inches. It also backs up photos uploaded to social media platforms like Facebook or Flickr.

One downfall is if you use a Mac, you'll need to reformat the hard drive. This means it will erase all the content. Viruskiller antivirus 4 1 8 download free. Of course, you can back up your files on another drive.

What we like best: We really like the slim, sophisticated design of this external hard drive. It's easy to carry around and offers a simple design that suits all likings!

• PROS
• High capacity storage
• Slim design
• Affordable

• CONS
• Average performance

4. WD My Passport Ultra Portable External Hard Drive, USB-C

• Capacity – 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
• Item Weight – 4.64 ounces
• Product Dimensions – 4.33 x 3.21 x 0.5 inches
• Hardware Connectivity – USB-C, 3.0, 2.0
• Max Transfer Speed – 130 MB/s

We love everything about the WD Passport Ultra hard drive – its design, software, and technology. It's available in several different colors, and you can choose from 4 different storage capacities. The 1TB is compact in size and lightweight at only 3.2 ounces, making it an ideal option when moving around.

Additionally, it is password protected and offers 256-bit AES hardware encryption. To use, simply plug it into your laptop and start saving/backing up your files. This product comes with a 3-year limited warranty. If you're looking for an external hard drive with an innovative style, USB 3.0 compatibility, and top security, the My Passport Ultra is the option for you!

What we like best: This is a well-rounded option when it comes down to appearance, design, and performance.

• PROS
• Password protection
• Compact design
• Wide range of colors

• CONS
• Not shock resistant

5. WD My Passport Wireless Pro Portable external Hard Drive – WiFi USB 3.0

• Capacity – 1TB, 2TB, 3TB, 4TB
• Item Weight – 13.8 ounces
• Product Dimensions – 5 x 5 x 0.91 inches
• Hardware Connectivity – USB 3.0
• Max Transfer Speed – 121.9 MB/s

The Western Digital My Passport Wireless Pro comes in different sizes ranging from 1 TB to 4 TB. This brand has its own software suite, 256-AES encryption, and includes a 2-year limited warranty. It doesn't offer as quick of transfer speeds as the other models we've reviewed. However, it makes up for performance in other ways like its fast media offloads, large storage capacity, and wireless transfers using the built-in SD card reader.

This is a great option for individuals who travel without their laptops. The wireless uploads are quick and can be accessed through your mobile phone. As of the battery life, it lasts up to 10 hours depending on a few factors like the file size, devices connected, format, Wi-Fi connectivity among other settings.

What we like best: Hands down, we really enjoy the wireless features of this hard drive.

• PROS
• Large storage capacity
• Type-C connector
• Software suite included

• PROS
• Average performance

6. G-Technology G-DRIVE mobile SSD Durable Portable External Storage – USB-C

• Capacity – 500GB, 1TB, 2TB
• Item Weight – 3.04 ounces
• Product Dimensions – 3.74 x 1.97 x 0.57 inches
• Hardware Connectivity – USB-C, 3.0/2.0
• Max Transfer Speed – 560 MB/s

You may already be familiar with G-technology and its high-end products. Water and dust-resistant, this SSD can be transported anywhere. It does have a 3M drop feature, making it shock resistant for falls or tumbles. When it comes to the transfer rate, you can expect fast performance with rates up to 560 MB/s.

Moreover, this is an excellent selection for your laptop (old or new). It comes with a USB-C port compatible with most computers. You also won't ever have to worry about it overheating as it's engineered with a protective aluminum core. The G-Technology 1TB also offers an industry-leading warranty of 5 years.

Download facebook for windows. What we like best: You can't beat the long 5-year warranty of the G-Technology SSD!

• PROS
• Shock resistant
• Quick performance
• 5-year warranty included

• CONS
• On the expensive side

Conclusion

In concluding the best external hard drives for travel reviews, this list gives you a solid idea of the best products on the market. These are the highest rated options and our top choices for hard drives for travel. Remember that investing in an external hard drive is one of the best ways you can protect your data and ensure its security. These devices let you transport and backup data no matter the circumstances, and you can have all the information you need within reach! Plus, many of the items reviewed here can take a bump or two. With so many benefits, the hard drives reviewed here are all optimal for your travel needs, whether you're flying for business, a traveling photographer who lives on the move as a digital nomad, or anything else. Opt for any of the travel hard drives reviewed here and you're ready to take off!

Best of luck & happy traveling!

Related Buyer's guides and Top 10 Lists:

DESTINATIONS

New York City
London
Miami
Los Angeles
Monaco
Cannes
Geneva
Rome, Italy

Comparison

Although we live in an era that is dominated by cloud services, you might not always want to have all your data uploaded somewhere on a server. This is the main reason why people still prefer to invest in external hard drives that promise much more storage space. At the same time, some people prefer to invest in a SSD rather than in a HDD. The main difference between these two types of drives is that the SSD has less power draw, yet it is more expensive, while the HDD is more affordable. On the other hand, HDDs can be found at capacities of up to 10TB for desktops, while SSDs have a maximum capacity of 4TB for desktops. When it comes to the encryption type though, both types are available on the market with full disk encryption.

It is hard to say which external hard drive is the best for everyone's needs, as we don't all want the same things. The storage is one of the most important factors, based on which most users make their buying decisions. The next most important thing is the size and interface that the HDD uses. Its connectors, design, weight, transfer speed, cache space and access times are just a few of the other factors that might have a high influence. The price, warranty, portability and ease of use shouldn't be neglected either. After all, we all want to buy the best products, at fair prices and to enjoy them on the go.

If you are looking to buy the best portable external hard drive for your personal or business laptop, then you should take a look at the five most popular devices below. We have selected some of the most popular HDDs on the market right now and analyzed their features based on consumers' reviews and personal observations. Check out each product's pros and cons before making a decision, so you will know that you have chosen wisely.

1.WD 3TB USB 3.0 My Passport Ultra Portable External Hard Drive

If you are tired of bulky devices that are difficult to handle and to carry while traveling, then you will be glad to see that this HDD is compact, thin and gorgeously designed. This model from My Passport series measures 4.3 x 3.2 x 0.9 inches and weighs only 8.2 ounces. It practically fits in the palm of your hand and has the same weight as an external battery for your smartphone. It has a 4TB storage capacity, automatic local and cloud back-up, as well as password protection. This device also has 256-bit hardware encryption that has no impact over the HDD's performance.

Owning the My Passport ultra-portable external hard drive is great if you have a lot of media to store and you don't want to overload your laptop or computer. Also, if you have a business and you want to keep your files safe at all times, it is a great investment, as it gives you the ability to double back-up them. The 3-year warranty coverage gives this product a lot of credibility. If, besides technical characteristics, you also value the design of the products that you buy, then you should know that you can choose from five color options of this device. They are all stylish and meet the requirements of pretentious users.

What's to like?

• It is fairly priced
• It has a gorgeous design
• It is stylish
• It is thin and compact
• It is compatible with Windows and Mac
• It is formatted
• It has 256-bit AES hardware encryption
• It has automatic local and cloud back-up
• It has a USB 3.0 port
• It comes in five color options
• It is backed by a 3-year warranty
• It has 4TB of storage capacity

What's not to like?

• It cannot perform data transfer wirelessly

2.WD 4TB Black My Passport Portable External Hard Drive - USB 3.0

If you are looking for a more affordable external hard drive that is highly portable, then you will like this model from Western Digital. It comes in eight different colors, it has a sleek design and it has great specifications that might just convince you to buy it. Its 4 TB storage capacity is great for users who have huge amounts of media files that need to be kept safe. Also, it has automatic back-up capabilities, including WD back-up software. Thanks to its password protection and hardware encryption, you can rest assured that your data is completely safe.

This external hard drive has a USB port that is compatible with USB 2.0 and 3.0 cables. As to the operating systems that it can be used with, Windows 10, 8 and 7 are perfectly compatible. If you want to use it with Mac, though, you will have to reformat it. This product is easy to use and doesn't require special set up. After unboxing it, all you have to do is connect it with your laptop or computer, load the WD Apps setup and start transferring data. Hardware-wise, it is a sturdy, well-built HDD that has a high-quality case and an amazing finish. It measures 4.3 x 3.2 x 0.8 inches and it weighs 8.6 ounces, so it is great for traveling.

What's to like?

• It is affordable
• It has a great design
• It is sleek and compact
• It comes in eight colors
• It has a 4 TB storage capacity
• It has password protection
• It has hardware encryption
• It has auto back-up and WD back-up software
• It is easy to install and use
• It has a sturdy construction
• It has USB 3.0 and 2.0 compatibility

What's not to like?

• It has to be reformatted to work on Mac OS

3.WD 2TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive - USB 3.0

As it was stated in the introduction part, the best external hard drive is the one that meets your requirements. If you don't need large storage space, then why invest in a product that has a 4TB capacity? This 2TB HDD is ideal for those who need extra space, but they have a limited number of media files that they want to secure. If you are one of those users, then you will love this device. It is nicely designed, it comes in elegant black and it has a compact shape. By paying a much lower price you get an HDD that is USB 30. And 2.0 compatible, fast data transfers and WD quality.

This product is small and lightweight, does the job that it was built for and is great for traveling. It weighs 4.3 x 3.2 x 0.6 inches and weighs 7 ounces, which makes it highly portable and comfortable to use. However, it doesn't have any advanced safety features, by comparison to the first products in our list. For instance, it doesn't have automatic cloud back-up, password protection or hardware encryption. Also, it is quite sensitive to shocks. It is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems, yet it needs reformatting. Profind 1 5 1 – advanced file search for macos. After unboxing it, all you have to do is reformat it, without all the setup hassle.

What's to like?

• It is inexpensive
• It is nicely designed
• It has a compact shape
• It is small and lightweight
• It has a 2TB storage capacity
• It works with both Windows and Mac
• It is compatible with USB 3.0 and 2.0 cables
• It transfers data fast
• It doesn't need additional software for setup

What's not to like?

• It doesn't have security features

Best Hard Drive Storage

4.Toshiba HDTB410XK3AA Canvio Basics 1TB Portable External Hard Drive USB 3.0, Black+

Are you looking for a small, yet efficient external HDD that you can take with you anywhere? Toshiba is renowned for its high-quality products and the emphasis that it puts on technology. This 1TB portable external hard disk is a nice, small and lightweight device that can help you store media files and documents using the plug and play technology. This eliminates the need of installing additional software and lets you use it right away. Its design is sleek and compact, so you will have no trouble storing it anywhere in your office or in your laptop bag.

This product has a USB port that is compatible with 3.0 and 2.0 cables, so that you can transfer data fast and comfortably. No external AC power cord is needed to keep this device on. The Canvio model from Toshiba is easy to use anywhere you go, can be used with all operating systems after reformatting it. It measures 4.3 x 3.1 x 0.55 in, weighs 5.28 ounces and has an aluminum casing for durability and sturdiness. If you want an HDD that can be used right away, that is affordable and that will satisfy your basic data storage needs, then you should look at this device twice.

Dxo 9 free download. What's to like?

• It is affordable
• It has a compact design
• It has an aluminum case
• It has a 1TB storage capacity
• It works with all operating systems
• It is easy to use
• It doesn't require installation
• It includes a USB data transfer cable
• It is compatible with USB 3.0 and 2.0
• It comes in black
• It has a matte finish
• It is covered by a one year warranty

What's not to like?

• It doesn't have advanced security features
• Its capacity is quite low for business purposes

5.Toshiba Canvio Advance 1TB Portable External Hard Drive USB 3.0, Black

Best Hard Drive For Tesla

The Canvio Advance model is Canvio Basic's bigger brother and comes with more advanced specifications, yet the same affordable price and the same storage capacity. Thanks to its stylish design, using it is always a pleasure. It comes in three different color options that you can choose from: black, blue, red and white. Its 1TB capacity is ideal for personal use, especially if you only want to store a limited number of files. It has a contemporary design, it is lightweight and perfect for your travels. It measures only 4.3 x 3.1 x 0.55 inches and it weighs 5.28 ounces. This is a model that was launched in 2018 and that brings Toshiba's fans the portability and durability they need.

Best Travel External Hard Drive

By comparison to the basic HDD model, this one has automatic back-up capabilities, using the Toshiba Storage Backup Software, password protection and Toshiba Storage Security Software, which can be downloaded locally. This way, you can rest assured that your files and data are safe in case of unexpected damage of the device. Installing and using this HDD is easy, as it doesn't need any additional installation software. Also, you will be glad to know that it is covered by a 2-year warranty.

What's to like?

• It has a compact design
• It is inexpensive
• It has a high-gloss finish
• It comes in 4 different color options
• It has 1 TB storage capacity
• It transfers data fast
• It is compatible with all operating systems
• It can be used with USB 2.0 and 3.0 cables
• It has password protection
• It has automatic back-up software
• It has security software
• It is covered by a 2-year warranty
• It includes a quick start guide

What's not to like?

• It has USB 3.0 interface, but works on computers with USB 2.0 at slower transfer rates

Why choose a hard drive over cloud storage?

There are many reasons why people choose to store their data online nowadays. First of all, it is much more comfortable. Second, you only need an account for all of your devices and you can access whatever file you need without any hassle. Third, it is faster and easier to use cloud storage than a hard drive. Most people would say that it is even cheaper. When you look at it from this angle, it sounds great and you might think that there is no need for an external hard drive. But there is another perspective that we should all consider looking at.

The security of our data is crucial and although big cloud companies promise the highest safety level, you never know when the entire system will be down, when hackers or viruses attack the cloud or when you will be unable to connect to the Internet. An external hard drive eliminates all of those risks. Except for the situation in which it gets stolen or you lose it, there is a very small risk of losing your data. Some of the most advanced users know exactly what the limitations of online storage are, so they choose to use both methods. A combination of the two comes with both the comfort of having your files at hand and the security that you need.

How much should a hard drive cost?

Hard drives, just like any other device, are available for sale at low and higher prices. Some of the bets hard drives that have wireless connectivity and a huge capacity are the priciest ones, but unless you own a large company or you work in the creative industry with huge files, you don't need a hard drive with such a large capacity. The most popular models on the market have storage capacities of 1, 2 or 3 TBs. These are quite inexpensive, actually, so you shouldn't worry about having to pay a fortune. As mentioned previously, the most expensive products are those that encompass the latest technologies. We believe that a regular external hard drive is simply enough and helps you keep it simple. By saying no to wireless, you ensure that you can access your data even without an Internet connection and on top of that, you get to save a lot of money.

Is a hard drive compatible with all your devices?

Depending on the hard drive's connectivity specs, you will be able to determine whether it is compatible with your laptop, phone or computer. The latest hard drive models come with a variety of connectivity options, being versatile and compatible with all users' needs. The great thing about modern such products is that they work using the plug-and-play function and no additional setup is needed. Do you need more than just USB connectivity? Then you should go for wireless hard drives that are a bit pricier but are much easier to connect.

External hard drives have been taken to a whole new level. Especially in the past few years, as technology evolved considerably, HDDs have become highly performant, lightweight and versatile. They are more than external hard drives; nowadays, they are devices that you even come to enjoy using thanks to their gorgeous designs, their light weights and their much higher transfer speeds. If you are looking to buy an HDD that is easy to store in your laptop's bag, you travel a lot for business purposes and you need a lot of storage capacity or you have a huge number of files that you would simply like to keep safe, then such a device is exactly what you need.

Most HDDs are compatible with all operating systems, especially Windows and Mac, but you might want to check this aspect out before making a purchase. The best thing about some of the modern external hard drives is their ability to store a back-up of your files in cloud. Also, they have great encryption, USB 3.0 compatibility and are covered by a two or three-year warranty. Before making your decision, ensure that you are aware of the pros and cons, by analyzing thoroughly the five products in our list.

Best Hard Drive Brands

Rate this article: