External Hard Drives

External Hard Drives for Backup, Work & Play

Looking for external hard drives that provide serious capacity, reliable performance, and portability for your data? Our collection of external HDDs and media-storage drives includes top-rated options for backups, file archives, console libraries and more.

Finding the Right External Hard Drive for You

Today's external hard drives remain essential despite the rise of cloud and SSD alternatives, because they deliver the best cost-per-terabyte for large volumes of files.

Here are the key factors you should assess:

• Capacity & Use Case: For photo libraries, video projects or bulk file backups you may want an external HDD 2TB USB 3.0 or even larger. If you're using it with a console or Mac for media, choose an external hard drive for Mac or Xbox accordingly.

• Connection Type: Most drives use USB 3.0, which is still highly effective. For newer devices look for USB-C or USB 3.2, which support faster transfer speeds. (See “External hard drive speed comparison” when you evaluate models.)

• Compatibility & System: Ensure the external hard drive for PC, Mac or console works with your existing set-up. Some drives are cross-platform, some need formatting.

• Security & Data Protection: If you're storing sensitive files or transportable media, consider an external hard drive with password protection or built-in hardware encryption.

• Budget vs Performance: HDDs offer larger capacity at a lower cost per gigabyte, but are slower than external SSDs. Industry guides note that for pure storage/back-up, HDDs remain a strong choice.

Compare & Choose: Your Perfect External Drive

Use Case	Ideal Capacity	Recommended Interface	Portability	Security	Example Choice
Everyday backups	1 TB – 2 TB	USB 3.0	Compact & light	Optional password protection	External HDD 2 TB USB 3.0
Creative work & media libraries	2 TB – 8 TB	USB 3.0 / USB-C	Desktop or semi-portable	Hardware encryption recommended	External hard drive for photos
Students & travel users	500 GB – 1 TB	USB 3.0	Highly portable, bus-powered	Basic password lock	External hard drive for students
Console gaming (Xbox, PlayStation)	2 TB – 5 TB	USB 3.0 / USB 3.2	Compact	Standard protection	External hard drive for Xbox
Cross-platform (PC + Mac)	1 TB – 4 TB	USB-C / Dual-interface	Portable	Encryption optional	External hard drive for Mac

Top Tips:

• Choose a USB-C or USB 3.2 drive for modern laptops and desktops - they're faster and more future-proof. If you often carry your drive, look for a rugged or shock-resistant casing.

• For lightning-fast transfers, consider External SSDs for secure and speedy backups.

• If you're upgrading your desktop, check out Internal SSDs or Internal HDDs for large capacity.

• Need something ultra-compact? Check out our collection of affordable USB Flash Drives.

• Explore everything under Storage Components for the right storage for your data.

Why Buy at Laptop Outlet?

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FAQs

What's the best external hard drive for backups?

For backups, consider a drive with capacity of at least 2 TB, interface USB 3.0+ and a trusted brand offering support and warranty.

Can external hard drives be used with smart TVs?

Yes, many smart TVs support external drives via USB ports. Check the TV's supported file system (e.g., NTFS, exFAT) and whether the drive requires external power. Often a USB-powered 2.5″ drive works fine if the TV supplies sufficient power.

How secure are external hard drives for sensitive data?

Security depends on the model and how you use it. Drives offering password protection or hardware encryption provide stronger security. That said, always use a backup strategy (cloud or secondary drive) and consider encrypting your files even on external drives.

What's the difference between USB 3.0 and USB-C external drives?

USB 3.0 (also called USB 3.1 Gen 1) is widely compatible, offers solid speeds (100-200 MB/s typical for HDDs). USB-C and newer standards (USB 3.2, Thunderbolt) offer higher speeds, reversible connectors, and better future-proofing. If your PC, Mac or console has USB-C ports, choosing a drive with USB-C can give better flexibility.

Can I buy external HDDs on finance at Laptop Outlet?

Absolutely. Our payment options include PayPal Pay in 3 (three interest-free payments), PayPal Credit (up to 24 months 0% interest on qualifying purchases), and Klarna options (Pay Now, Pay in 30 Days, Pay in 3 instalments, or Finance over 6-36 months).

 

Read More:

Hard Drive Prices: Storage Capacity, Robustness and Reliability

Which Is The Best External Hard Drive? Top Brands And Prices

How Kingston's Secure USB Drives Keep Your Data Safe While Travelling