External Hard Drives

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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?
- Tech for Every Lifestyle: From laptops and desktops to accessories and storage, we bring you the latest releases from top brands .
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- Great Prices & Deals: Competitive pricing across new and refurbished tech, with regular offers that make premium products more affordable.
- Fast Delivery & Support: Reliable UK delivery with tracking and a responsive team ready to help from checkout to setup.
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).
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