Best Desktop External Hdd
Best Desktop External Hdd
For external storage solutions that provide as much disk space as possible, the Seagate Backup Plus desktop hard drive can provide everything and more to give you some of the most reliable additional space on the market. Equipped with two (yes two!) integrated high-speed USB ports, you can make the most of the product and transfer between. Here are the best external hard drives of 2019: Seagate Desktop 8TB External Hard Drive HDD – USB 3.0 for PC Laptop and Mac. MORE FROM FORBES SHOPPING. 2 days ago Check Best Price. Western Digital 2TB is the best hard drive in 2020. Easy setup with Xbox One X. Got the 4TB version I figure I can hold 35+ 4K HDR games between the external drive and the 1TB on the machine, which will give me a number of years of game acquisition capability, and have another USB port if I need additional expansion years down the road.
When you try to store a large amount of data on your computer system, it may begin to hang. Also, speed significantly reduces. The issue arises due to the increasing need for storing photos, videos, music, and documents. There is a solution to this storage issue i.e. 8 TB external hard drives. These drives are the perfect storage solution for large data analytic programs. They are changing the way files and data are stored.
Most of the 8 TB external hard drives offer fast read and write speeds. Hence, there are no worries about the data transfer rate. The secure data backup is another key advantage of using these drives. Moreover, most of them are compatible with both PCs and Macs. It is important to check the brand’s reliability before making a purchase. Also, most of them come with enough warranty. Now you can store complicated files and data on your computer system. The following article highlights the details of the best 8 TB external hard drives:
Contents
- List of 10 Best 8TB External Hard Drives Review in 2021:
- Key features to consider for the best 8 TB external hard drives:
Bestseller 8TB External Hard Drives On Amazon:
SaleBestseller No. 1Seagate Desktop 8TB External Hard Drive HDD – USB 3.0 For PC Laptop And Mac, 1-year Rescue Service (STGY8000400)List of 10 Best 8TB External Hard Drives Review in 2021:
10. 8TB External Hard Drive – WD Black 8TB D10 Game Drive:
The D10 game drive from WD is a desktop external hard drive. It is compatible with PC, Mac, Xbox One, and PS4. The storage space of 8TB allows you to save and create your gaming console. Moreover, you can make your PC gaming collection with a maximum of 200 games. Keep in mind that the number of games varies depending on file size, programs, formatting, and other aspects.
It comes with a maximum speed of 250 MB/s. The unique feature is it comes with active cooling technology. This technology makes sure the drive does not get warm even during an intense gaming session. There is the inclusion of two USB Type-A ports. These are charging ports that help you to charge your gaming devices and accessories.
Pros:
- Can charge other devices
- Comes with cooling technology
- Reliable and durable
Why We Liked 8TB External Hard Drives?
This game drive allows you to play without limits. It helps to improve the overall desktop performance.
9. Seagate STGG8000400 Game Drive Hub 8TB External Hard Drive:
This Seagate desktop HDD comes with dual USB ports. These ports support fast data transfer. The ample storage space makes sure you can store more than 200 games. There are dual front-facing USB 3.0 ports available. They are helpful to charge your mobile devices, gaming accessories, and controllers. Hence, this drive serves dual purpose i.e. large storage capacity and charging.
There is support for USB 3.0 connectivity. The plug and play convenience makes setup easy and quick. There is no lag in the performance. Moreover, the drive comes with a 1-year warranty from the manufacturer. This drive helps you install new games and delete older ones.
Pros:
- Quick setup
- Can store plenty of games
- Can charge mobile devices
Why We Liked It?
We liked the ease of setup, within a few minutes. The no-lag performance increases the efficiency of data transfer.
8. Seagate Backup Plus Hub 8TB External Hard Drive:
In this desktop hard drive, there is support for USB 3.0 connectivity. It comes with 2 USB ports. They help to make an easy connection with your desktop, computer, or workstation PC. The storage space is expandable by up to 14 TB. It is compatible with both Windows and Mac. Moreover, this drive can charge your mobile devices. You can easily transfer files from the USB thumb drives and USB camera through the two USB 3.0 ports.
There is the availability of the NTFS driver for Mac. The pack comes with this drive, an 18W power adapter, an 18-inch USB 3.0 cable, and a quick start guide.
Pros:
- Can recharge USB devices
- Comes with a long USB cable
- Expandable storage space
Why We Liked 8TB External Hard Drives?
It helps you to connect and recharge your mobile devices. The storage space is easy to expand as per the need.
7. WD 8TB My Book Desktop External Hard Drive:
What makes this external HDD from WD unique is it comes with password protection. The hardware encryption makes sure the data storage and access is completely safe. With the help of WD Backup software, this drive allows automatic backup. Moreover, this drive is compatible with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports. You get 3-year warranty from the manufacturer.
The large storage space allows you to store photos, music, videos, and documents. Furthermore, this drive comes to supports cloud storage import and import from social media. With the help of the WD security software, you can set your password. In this way, the data stays safe.
Pros:
- Supports hardware encryption
- Reliable drive
- Universal connectivity
Why We Liked It?
The data protection is excellent. During storage and access, all files stay safe.
6. LaCie Rugged Raid Shuttle 8TB External Hard Drive:
If you are looking for a portable hard drive then this LaCie drive is a suitable solution. It is a USB 3.0 and USB-C compatible drive. Generally, it is compatible with PC and Mac. The body of this drive is resistant to shock, dust, drop, and water. Hence, you can use this drive for outdoor applications. It is easy to configure this drive with the step-by-step wizard. Hence, the performance of your system optimizes.
The data stays safe against unauthorized access. There is an implementation of the self-encrypting password mechanism. The manufacturer provides 3 years warranty in this drive. The recommended minimum free disk space is 600 MB.
Pros:
- Access to photo and video editing apps
- Easy to configure
- Can storage large movies
Why We Liked It?
The reliability and durability are good. Password protection guarantees safety for data storage and transfer.
5. Seagate (STEB8000100) 8TB External Hard Drives:
When you want to store a very large amount of data for years, this Seagate hard drive is a useful product. It helps you to store a huge amount of music, movies, photos, and more. The drive is compatible with most versions of the Windows operating system. The backup is easy with just drag and drop. Moreover, the process of setup is easy. Simply connect the drive to your Windows PC. This provides automatic recognition; no need for software.
The pack contains a long USB 3.0 cable, an 18W power adapter, and a quick-start guide. A 1-year warranty is included. The power management makes the operation energy-efficient.
Pros:
- Large USB 3.0 cable included
- No need for extra software
- Energy-efficient drive
Why We Liked 8TB External Hard Drives?
The backup process does not need any other tools. Generally, this drive is perfect for the home, office, and use during traveling.
4. WD 8TB Elements Desktop Hard Drives:
When you want a hard drive for quick data transfer, this WD drive proves to be useful. Even for a huge amount of data, the transfer speed is high. The plug and play convenience makes sure this drive can be readily used for Windows PCs. The drive includes 2-year warranty from the manufacturer.
There is support for the USB 3.0 interface. It provides reliability and quick data transfer. Moreover, this drive is compatible with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 devices. The storage space is expandable up to 10 TB. It is compatible with Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10 OS.
Pros:
- Sleek and portable devices
- Quick data transfer
- Broad compatibility
Why We Liked It?
The setup process is easy and fast. The storage and access of data are reliable.
3. Seagate Desktop 8TB External Hard Drive:
To work with PC, Mac, and laptops, this drive comes with a USB 3.0 interface. You can use it at home, office or outdoor places. The huge desktop storage space helps you to store photos, music, movies, and documents. Both for Windows and Mac computers, this drive works flawlessly. The fast drag and drop convenience saves time. When you plug it to your PC, it gets automatically recognized. No need for extra software.
The pack contains an 18W power adapter and a long USB 3.0 cable. Moreover, you benefit from a 1-year warranty from the manufacturer. The performance is efficient during quick data transfer. The support for USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 compatibility makes this drive versatile.
Pros:
- Quick transfer rate
- Works with the latest USB 3.0 devices
- Easy to connect and disconnect
Why We Liked 8TB External Hard Drives?
There is no issue regarding compatibility with commonly used operating systems. The setup process is quick and easy.
2. Seagate BarraCuda 8TB Internal Hard Drives HDD:
In this 3.5-inch SATA hard drive, the transfer speed is 6 Gb/s. For use with desktops and PCs, it comes with 256 MB cache. The high reliability makes sure you can store more data and compute speedily. Using this drive, you can create a desktop setup or a powerful gaming computer. It can support various PC applications. Hence, there is support for photo, music, and video editing.
Pros:
- Instant access to data
- Quick game loading speed
- Reliable and durable
Why We Liked It?
Due to high efficiency, it offers quick access to data. The speed of application or game loading is quick.
1. G-Technology 10TB G-DRIVE External Hard Drives:
For all the professionals and gamers, this G-Technology hard drive provides ample storage space. It comes with a USB 3.1 Gen 1 interface and a USB C connector. Hence, the data transfer speed is very high. Moreover, this drive can charge your compatible mobile devices. The charging is supported when you access and backup files. The pack contains a USB-C to USB-C cable as well as a USB-C to USB-A cable.
Pros:
- Sleek and portable design
- The aluminum enclosure offers durability
- Easy access to stored content
Why We Liked 10TB External Hard Drive?
We are pleased with the high storage capacity in a compact size. The storage and access to the content are easy and quick.
Key features to consider for the best 8 TB external hard drives:
With so many options in the market, the below features help you to easily choose the best 8 TB external hard drives:
Connectivity:
The connectivity determines how versatile and useful the drive will be. In most 8 TB external hard drives, the primary connection is the USB 3.0. Moreover, they come with a backward connection of USB 2.0. In many of the modern 8 TB hard drives, you may find support for the USB C. Before making a purchase, you need to find out the type of connection that your drive needs.
Based on the USB port present in your computer, the data transfer rate of the hard drive can vary. Generally, USB 3.0 is faster than the USB 2.0 port. With the help of a USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 interface, it is easy to establish a connection.
Speed:
The most important aspect just like the storage space is speed. Your investment in a hard drive is useless if it cannot support quick data transfer. Make sure you take a look at the complete specifications that include the data transfer speed. The maximum read and write speeds are important to check. The higher the speed, the more data it can transfer to your system.
Many of these drives are compatible with the high-speed USB 3.0 ports. This makes sure the data transfer rate is very high. In an 8 TB hard drive from a reliable manufacturer, you can find the data transfer speed around 6 Gb/s.
Setup:
The process of setup must be easy and quick. You must know the setup requirements and compatibility of the drive with your machine. For example, certain 8 TB hard drives usually install automatically. Hence, there is no need to install any software. In case it requires software to install then find out the type of software needed. Many of the 8 TB hard drives need reformatting to work with Mac or other operating systems.
Security features:
To ensure safe data transfer, it is important to check the security features. Many 8TB hard drives come with password protection. Hardware encryption ensures security. This makes sure the process of storage and access to data is completely safe.
Concluding Note:
The 8 TB hard drives prevent your computers from hanging and increase their performance. To store a huge amount of data, these drives are useful.
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If you have a desktop PC, then you should have an external hard drive. Not only would it provide additional space for backing up your vital data, but it also allows you to conveniently carry your files around since your desktop PC isn’t portable.
Best External Hard Drives for Desktop PCs: Our Top 7 Picks
With the market flooded with external hard drives by different brands and with varying specs, choosing the right one for your desktop PC can be quite challenging.
But this deep dive review will get you on track to make the right choice, as we look at the best external hard drives — carefully handpicked based on their suitability for desktop PCs, durability, brand trust, buyer reviews, and price-friendliness.
There we go!
1. Seagate Expansion Portable 4TB External Hard Drive Desktop HDD (STEA4000400)
Seagate is known for producing quality computer hardware, and the STEA4000400 Portable 4TB External Hard Drive is no exception. There are a lot of reasons why it’s it made it to our list of the best external hard drives for desktop PCs, which we’ll walk you through now.
The first of these reasons is the ease of use you enjoy with this device. You can store and retrieve files on the go as easily as dragging and dropping them right onto the drive, making the process simple and fast even for computer novices, and the ‘plug and play’ setup ensures it’s ready for use right out of the box—all you have to do is plug it into a USB port with the provided 18-inch USB 3.0 cable. It really is a breeze!
With 4 terabytes of storage, you’ll enjoy plenty of space to tuck your cherished files away and see the difference in performance once they’re no longer weighing down your computer’s internal memory. We know it’ll thank you for the breathing room!
As well as the safety of your files, Seagate cares about your satisfaction and offer a year’s warranty for the STEA4000400 to ensure you only get optimal performance from your buy, guaranteed.
With such excellent ease of use and guaranteed quality, you might expect portability to take a hit, but we’re happy to report that the STEA4000400 is very compact and perfect for on the go. It can be tucked away in your bag and is so light you won’t even know it’s there.
Pros
- A large amount of free space to store data in.
- Easy to use.
- Plug and play usability.
- Long USB 3.0 cable.
- Compact design.
- One year warranty.
Cons
- A few users have reported these drives arriving dead (although you’re protected by Seagate’s warranty in this event.)
- Could be more durable.
2. Toshiba HDTB420XK3AA Canvio Basics 2TB Portable External Hard Drive USB 3.0
The Canvio Basics Portable External Hard Drive by Toshiba comes in several variants, but we will be focusing on the 2TB version here, as it offers an impressive level of storage at a very affordable price.
People generally recommend external hard drives based on their previous experiences, and past users of this hard drive report generally positive ones, although we have noticed that users are generally underwhelmed by the basic design. In our opinion, there are a few Toshiba options that look better if you’re seeking something more stylish.
In terms of the design itself, this hard drive comes in several colors including black, red, and white. The housing is plastic, complete with a glossy finish on the top, and we must admit that the slim nature does make the drive look sleek from a distance. It is fitted with a blue LED light that comes on when the device is plugged in and flickers during data transfer.
The cable isn’t as long as those supplied with some of our other picks, but still transfers data well—the drive just needs to sit a little closer to your machine. The Canvio Basics Portable External Hard Drive works as a plug and play device on Windows, but the out-of-the-box formatting makes it read-only on Mac. If you’re a Mac user, all is not lost—reformatting the drive for use is a quick and easy process.
External Hdd Malaysia
Data transfer speed on this drive is decent, but not as fast as many of the latest versions offer. A 10GB transfer takes around 2 minutes, but the buzzing some users report hearing during use in some competitor drives is almost non-existent in the Canvio, as long as the drive is seated properly.
Despite a few small shortcomings, we found this drive to be efficient for the price and deliver all the practical features you’d expect from an external hard drive. It offers decent performance and a reasonably sleek design, even though there are more attractive Toshiba drives out there.
Best Desktop External Hard Drive 2020
Pros
- Amazing price to storage ratio.
- Smart sleek design.
- Operates free of the buzzing sound reported by users of some competitors.
Cons
- Lacks rubber feet.
- The USB cable is short.
3. Samsung T5 Portable SSD – 2TB – USB 3.1 External SSD (MU-PA2T0B/AM)
Samsung is one of the giants of the technology sector, and for good reasons. Among their innovative range of products loved by consumers is the T5 portable hard drive, which is renowned for being light, attractive, silent, and almost indestructible.
The speed of data transfer of the T5 hard drive by Samsung is out of this world at an incredible 10GBps—a huge upgrade to that offered by Samsung’s previous T1 and T3 models that was made possible by the installation of the USB 3.1 Gen 2 on the later version.
As a result, the T5 is almost 20% faster than the T3 variant of the hard drive, and even exceeds this when performing some tasks. As if superior performance wasn’t enough, the T5 boasts a sleek design, featuring a metal cover and being compact enough to fit in your hand. It also comes in a range of colors to suit your style—choose from black, gray, pink, or white.
The T5 is available in 1TB and 2TB versions, but we’ve found that whichever one you choose is sure to be a perfect solution to your system memory issues and offers a secure home for your data that can even be password protected for additional peace of mind. For extra reassurance that your files are as safe as possible, Samsung have designed the drive to be shock resistant, making it impressively durable.
Samsung are so confident the T5 is built to last that it comes with a 3-year warranty, which is amazing for a hard drive. The T5 can work on any machine running Windows 7 upwards, Mac OS 10 and up, and Android 4.4 or higher. This impressive level of compatibility is one of the biggest selling points of this device and ensures maximum versatility.
Pros
- Compatible with several devices.
- Compact design.
- Durable hard drive.
- 3-year warranty.
- Different color options.
Cons
- Storage space may be too small for some users.
- May have a little difficulty working with Mac desktops.
4. Toshiba Canvio Advance 2TB Portable External Hard Drive USB 3.0
If you are looking for a reliable external hard drive, the Canvio Advance by Toshiba might just be the drive for you. We’ve already told you about the Canvio Basic, and the Advance is every bit as efficient in performance.
Like the Basic offering, the Advance promises a very respectable storage capacity that allows you to keep and quickly access all your important files with ease.
Edging out the Basic, the Advance has a very compact design that comes in at just 2.5 inches, which makes it easy to carry around—an especially important feature given that you can use the drive with a whole range of devices. Its durable design promises the utmost physical protection for your files, and the included security software adds a layer of digital protection that’s hard to beat. There is also an LED light that indicates connectivity and data transfer activity, and at 45 centimeters long, the included USB cable offers a great reach range while in use.
Toshiba know their drive is of exceptionally high quality, and to prove it, they’ve included a 2-year warranty to cover manufacture issues with the operation or build quality.
While the drive is compatible with Windows, you need to take one or two minutes to format it to work with Mac, just like other picks.
In terms of data transfer, you can copy 23GB of data in just 271 seconds, which we found pretty impressive for the price.
Pros
- Attractive design that’s an upgrade from the Basic.
- Compact in size.
- Fast data copy and write speeds.
- Equipped with data safety software.
Cons
- Not the fastest device in its price range.
- Doesn’t come with a travel pouch like some alternatives.
5. WD 4TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive – USB 3.0 – WDBU6Y0040BBK
This 4TB Elements Portable External Drive from WD is not just sleekly designed, but impressively high capacity and very affordable. The 2TB version of this drive is even cheaper than the model listed here, so is a great option if you don’t need so much space.
It comes with a two-year warranty and a 30-day trial of SmartWare, which allows continuous backup of your files. You can upgrade to the Pro version of this software by paying a little extra, which allows you to ‘set and forget’ those key system backups you might not always remember to work into your busy schedule.
The Elements Portable External Drive by WD is similar in design to the Seagate Hard Drive discussed above, and is a sleek and incredibly portable storage solution you can use on a range of devices, including games consoles. What’s more, the drive’s USB 3.0 capability makes for decently fast data transfers that are perfect for use as either a backup device or expanding your storage.
Admittedly, there some areas where higher-end picks could have the edge, including faster spins (7,200rpm compared to this drive’s 5,400) and encrypted storage, but if you’re looking for storage for your favorite games and movies rather than sensitive data, this is still a solid choice.
The USB cable included with the device is a little restrictive at a foot long, but is just as efficient as any on this list, and the drive itself works perfectly on Windows. Mac users will need to format prior to use and are advised to check the provided instruction manual for guidance.
Pros
- Compact and sleek design.
- Offers large amounts of storage space at an affordable cost.
- Simple design that works on computers and game consoles.
Cons
- Short USB cable.
- No security features.
- You need to pay for the Pro version of the included software to fully enjoy this drive’s functionality.
6. Seagate Portable 4TB External Hard Drive HDD
The Portable 4TB External Hard Drive by Seagate is the second portable external drive from Seagate on our list, which just goes to show that Seagate is committed to constantly producing high-quality data storage devices.
This drive comes in a color range of black, silver, and blue, and is compatible with computers running from Windows 7 upwards, and Mac 10.12.4 and above. The included setup manual and a USB 3.0 cable ensure your first use and your hundredth use are equally easy.
The device also comes fitted with an LED light that allows you to monitor your drive’s activity, illuminating when it is connected and flickering during data transfer. Just like most devices of its price range, it spins at 5,400rpm, which means reading and writing happens at average speed.
If you’d rather have an affordable and still very usable drive than an option with an impressive array of bells and whistles (and the price tag to match), this might just be the pick for you.
Pros
- Cool design.
- Faster than its predecessor.
- Comes with a setup manual.
Cons
- A bit noisy when in use.
- The casing isn’t as durable as other alternatives of a similar price.
7. Transcend 1TB USB 3.1 Gen 1 StoreJet 25H3B SJ25H3B Rugged External Hard Drive
Just like the name implies, this 1TB external hard drive from Transcend is really rugged, offering 4TB of storage that’s sure to solve performance woes packed into a very durable and sturdy casing that’s available in either purple or blue.
The drive comes with a three-stage shock protection system that shields your device from impact, and for digital safety of your data to rival the physical safety offered by this pick, it’s fitted with an auto-backup button that can be activated with a single touch.
Using this drive, you’ll have no issues with data security, thanks to the included Elite data management software designed to help you recover your data in the event of any losses.
Best Desktop External Hard Drive
The transfer speed of this device is amazing, and it owes this to the integrated USB 3.1 port. Using the port, it is able to transfer up to 5GBps, making it an impressive performer for its price point.
Pros
- Available in two color options.
- Rugged and sturdy design.
- One-touch auto-backup button.
- High-speed data transfer.
Cons
- Some users report that the drive may fail.
- No warranty.
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Best Desktop External Hdd