The 10 best external hard drives to buy in the UK
Looking for a great external hard drive to store all of your media content? Then it shouldn’t be too hard as there are many fantastic options available that make finding the best external hard drive possible quite easy.
What are external hard drives?
An external hard drive is a device used to store data on a computer like a standard internal hard drive, with the main difference being it is connected externally using a USB connection. This allows you to store more data should your laptop or computer be running out of hard drive space, while also being able to transport the media and easily connect it to other devices.
Why should you buy a good external hard drive?
The best external hard drives offer many benefits, including impressive storage space and easy portability. So, when combined, it means you have access to a storage device whenever you might need it while being able to carry large quantities of files on the move, such as pictures, music and videos. External hard drives are great for backing up important files and data from your computer, while also making it very easy to transfer data from different devices. Plus, they are a quick and easy way to increase the storage of your computer or laptop.
How to choose the right external hard drive?
To ensure you find the best external hard drive for your needs, there are a few important factors to consider. Knowing these should make finding that perfect hard drive that bit easier!
- Capacity: One of the most important things to look at when choosing an external hard drive, the capacity will determine how much data you can store. Smaller external hard drives have capacities ranging from 250 – 500GB of storage, while will be fine for most people only need it for smaller files like music and photographs. Larger external hard drives tend to range from 500GB to 1TB, while the most powerful can offer several TB of storage space.
- Uses: While you will obviously be storing data on an external hard drive, you should consider the type of data you are storing as it should make it easier to choose the capacity you need. For instance, if you only need to store small files like text documents and images, then a smaller capacity is fine. However, those that need to backup lots of data or who are looking to store larger files such as videos, then more storage space will be needed.
- Portability: For people that a storage device to use on the go, then lightweight and compact designs will be the better option for an external hard drive, and a hard casing is also advisable to ensure it remains intact and undamaged. For those that only need an external hard drive for additional disk space on their computer, then a larger, less slimline design should be fine.
What is the best kind of external hard drive in the UK?
There two main types of external hard drive to choose from. Each of these can come with various designs that may be useful, so be careful before choosing the best external hard drive:
- Hard Disk Drive (HDD): The most common type of external hard drive and the best-priced, hard disk drives feature moving parts inside to operate the hard drive. Older in design, the main benefit of this external hard drive is that it can store large quantities of data at a very reasonable price.
- Solid State Drive (SSD): A newer innovation, a solid state drive (SSD) is the best type of external hard drive in terms of performance. Its incredibly fast so can transfer data much quicker than a hard disk drive, and because there are no moving parts inside (SSDs use microchips similar to a USB stick) they are much more durable. However, SSD external hard drives are much more expensive when compared to hard disk drive types.
Top 10 list of external hard drives in the UK 2024
The bestseller list compares brands and their external hard drives. Which external hard drive is the best?
- Reliable Performance: This external hard drive is built with Toshiba's quality…
- Portable Design: The Canvio Partner is small, lightweight, and compact, making it…
- Easy to Use: Simply plug this external hard drive into your computer's USB port…
- Complete Package - Comes with everything you need, including a portable hard drive,…
- Easy to Use - Simply plug and play with no software installation required. Plus,…
- Lightning-Fast Transfers - Boasts ultra-fast transfer speeds of up to 120MB/s read…
- Includes an 18 inches USB 30 cable and 18 watt power adapter
- The perfect laptop hard drive or PC drive, just plug into to a computer for automatic…
- An external hard drive for Windows or Mac computers, simply back up with a quick…
- Package Includes1 x Portable Hard Drive, 1 x USB 3.0 cable, 1 x user manual, 3-Year…
- ExteriorMerely 0.4 inch, ultra Slim All-Aluminum Design. All-Aluminum anti-scratch…
- Plug-And-PlayPortable external hard drive 500GB data storage extension. Ready to…
- WD QUALITY INSIDE AND OUT. We build the drive to our demanding requirements for durability,…
- USB 3.0 AND USB 2.0 COMPATABILIY With this single drive, you get compatibility with…
- PLUG-AND-PLAY SIMPLICITY. The WD Elements Desktop Hard Drive works right out-of-the-box…
- Enjoy peace of mind with the included limited warranty and Rescue Data Recovery…
- Automatic recognition of Windows and Mac computers for simple setup (reformatting…
- USB 3.0 powered
- This product has been certified to meet Google's compatibility standards. Chromebook…
- Ongoing confidence. There's no telling what's ahead in your own Journey.…
- Super Easy. My Passport portable storage is ready right out of the box with the necessary…
- Compatible with Windows 10 or 8.1, reformat for MAC OS
- Fast data transfer with USB 3.0
- Free trial version of the WD SmartWare Pro software for automatic and cloud data…
- Tip: The file system selected when the hard disk is formatted at the factory may…
- What You Get - 1 X Portable Hard Drive, 1 X USB3.0 Cable, 1 X User Manual, 3 Years…
- This external drive is ready to use without external power supply or software installation…
- Enjoy long-term peace of mind with the included two-year limited warranty and two-yr…
- Compatible with USB-C and Thunderbolt 3. Micro B to USB C (included) . USB Micro…
- Automatic backup software and AES 256-bit encryption provide seamless protection…
We participate in the Amazon Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For the list of the best external hard drives, we consider only products that are available on Amazon while the ranking is based on factors such as customer reviews, number of sales and keyword. Last Update: 2023/12/09.