Best external hard drives of 2019

This category contains the best HDDs with a capacity of 500 gigabytes to 1 terabyte. We have assembled models with good data transfer rates. We also took into account the feedback of customers who managed to test different devices.

Top 500 low-cost external hard drives opens model for 500 gigabytes - Seagate STEA500400. External data transfer rate is 500 megabytes per second. A USB 3.0 connection is provided. The model weighs less than 120 grams, attracts with a creative design and a fairly reliable design. At the same time, the device is easy to use - just connect a USB cable. Installation takes only a few seconds after being removed from the box. Further, the USB system will automatically detect the storage device, that is, additional drivers are not needed. Judging by customer reviews, power management tools do a great job of saving energy at work.

We are talking about a compact terabyte hard drive, which attracts with an ergonomic look, robust construction and practicality. The device is made in a utilitarian style, and, despite its mobility, has a fairly capacious data storage. The spindle speed is 5400 rpm. There are several high-speed interfaces, including USB 3.1 and USB 3.0. The speed of reading data is about 5 gigabytes per second. External speed is 500 megabytes per second. Such characteristics are enough to work with very large volumes of information. The weight of the device is 230 grams.

Speaking of the best HDDs up to 1 terabyte, the ADATA DashDrive Durable HD650 model made of durable plastic and silicone cannot be ignored. It weighs almost 180 grams. The kit includes a reasonably convenient, not a short cable for USB 3.0. Judging by user reviews, the gadget shows good performance in reading, writing files and with arbitrary copying. When using USB 2.0, the speed is limited to transfer to 30 megabytes per second. The problem is that the device is quite demanding on power, you need at least 500 mA / 5V. It looks simple, it is clear that the developers made a bias on the characteristics of the model.

The best external hard drive up to 1 TB is the Transcend TS1TSJ25M3S model, which attracts good data protection.This is an excellent solution for offices, companies and ordinary users who want to protect their own information from an aggressive environment. The plate rotation speed of the 2.5-inch HDD is 5400 rpm. Power when using the USB 3.0 interface is enough to quickly process large volumes of content. It is worth adding that the model is equipped with a solid construction made of plastic and rubber, and there is a damping frame inside the case. Also, you cannot ignore the software level of security. In addition, users can encode data using 256-bit AES encryption.

This segment contains only 2 terabyte HDDs. We took into account the optimal price / quality ratio, as well as focus on customer comments.

If you are looking for a good 2TB external hard drive, pay attention to the WD My Passport model, which is half made of gloss and a matte case. At the back of the HDD are rubberized feet that prevent slipping. In addition to the interesting design, the gadget attracts with a good bundle: there is a case, a USB 3.0 cable. The weight of the device is 170 grams. By default, the device is designed to work with NTFS, but you can format it for the file system for iMac or MacBook. Another advantage of the device is the security system, it warms up to a maximum of 38 degrees. It is worth adding that the model has good speed when working with USB 2.0, which cannot please the users of old laptops. External data transfer rate is 500 Mb / s.

Speaking of the fastest external terabyte hard drives, the Transcend TS2TSJ25M3S, equipped with protection against moisture and drops from a small height, cannot be ignored. In addition to the wear-resistant rubberized multilayer case, the advantages of the device include aesthetic design and support for AES encryption. For connection, high-speed USB 3.0 is used. There is to believe customer comments, the device is fast enough, it runs silently and almost does not vibrate. However, it heats up quickly and not all sellers in the Russian Federation offer a 3 year warranty. However, some users are annoyed by a blinking LED.

This is a very reliable model, which, in our opinion, is the best external hard drive for 2019 in the segment of up to 2 terabytes of memory. This device is protected against moisture, dust and minor mechanical damage. But it is equipped with a large number of interfaces, namely USB 3.1 (ultrafast), USB 3.0 Type A and even USB 2.0 for older computers. At the same time, the model has an excellent price / quality ratio, high data transfer rate and three-layer design protection. For obvious reasons, it weighs quite a lot compared to peers - about 400 grams.

This section contains different HDDs with a capacity of up to 10 terabytes of memory. Given the cost of such devices, it is important that each model supports USB 3.1, has a high transfer, read speed and a high level of security for data storage.

If you want to buy a 3 TB hard drive, you should pay attention to the Toshiba Canvio Ready. The maximum data transfer rate is 5 gigabytes per second, which is due to the support of Plug and Play technology. Another advantage of the gadget is the support of ramp load - it is responsible for preventing damage to disks during transportation.In addition, the compact storage device is equipped with a shock sensor, due to which the power supply automatically stops in the event of a shake or strong vibrations. However, the model has a nice design, data protection. The only problem is strong heating when transmitting large amounts of information.

In the top of external hard drives, there was a model for 6 terabytes of memory - Seagate STEL6000200. The only drawback of the device is only in a fairly large weight - more than 1 kilogram. This can be explained by the presence of a reliable, durable design. Thanks to the presence of a USB 3.0 hub, you can quickly work with different platforms. It is worth noting that the devices of this brand are perfectly configured on Mac and Windows using the appropriate drivers. Files can be edited in the intuitive interface of Lightroom CC. Based on user reviews, the speed of copying files in Total Commander reaches 100 megabytes per second.

The best external hard drive of 2019 is the 10-terabyte Western Digital WD Elements Desktop. The capacious storage device is characterized by maximum fast data transfer, a compact body and good synchronization with a PC. In addition, the model is compatible not only with USB 3.0, but also its predecessor for legacy computers. A significant service life is provided by a robust drive housing. Formatting is provided in the NTFS system. The model is compatible with different versions of the Windows operating system. Despite the power, the device functions quietly, does not get very hot, and attracts with its optimal power consumption.

Of course, you need to start with the amount of memory. If you do not know how to choose an external hard drive, keep in mind that 500 gigabytes of memory are enough for abstracts, term papers. If you plan to store photos, videos, then you need at least 1 terabyte. If you store large amounts of information, backups will be required from 2 terabytes. More capacious models are bought with a margin for the future, and given the cost, that makes sense!

As for the speed and size of the buffer, optimally from 8 to 64 megabytes. The higher the value, the faster the HDD. Another important feature is the interface. Currently, it is important that you support at least USB 3.0, or better yet, the ultra-fast USB 3.1 port. The minimum rate is 400 megabytes per second.

It is important to understand that the cost of an HDD depends on several factors, including brand reliability, capacity and materials that are used to protect the case. Protected devices from well-known brands can cost 2-3 times more expensive than analogues. If you don’t know how to choose an external hard drive, perhaps you should pay attention to the conclusion regarding this top:

• best budget HDD - ADATA DashDrive Durable HD650;
• the fastest up to 2 TB - Transcend TS2TSJ25M3S;
• in the ratio of price quality (6 Tb) - Seagate STEL6000200;
• with the largest capacity - Western Digital WD Elements Desktop.

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