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External Hard Drives Comparison - December 2025
| 1 Best Choice  9.7Exceptional | 2 9.4Excellent | 3  9.3Excellent | 4 Best Value  9.1Excellent | 5 9.0Excellent | 6 8.8Very Good |
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ModelWD 16TB Elements Desktop External Hard Drive, USB 3.0 for plug-and-play storage - WDBWLG0160HBK-NESN | Model WD 16TB Elements Desktop External Hard Drive, USB 3.0 for plug-and-play storage - WDBWLG0160HBK-NESN | Model Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive HDD — USB 3.0 for PC, Mac, PlayStation, & Xbox -1-Year Rescue Service (STGX2000400) | Model WD 5TB My Passport, Portable External Hard Drive, Black, backup software with defense against ransomware, and password protection, USB 3.1/USB 3.0 compatible - WDBPKJ0050BBK-WESN | Model Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive HDD — USB 3.0 for PC, Mac, PlayStation, & Xbox -1-Year Rescue Service (STGX2000400) | Model WD 5TB My Passport, Portable External Hard Drive, Black, backup software with defense against ransomware, and password protection, USB 3.1/USB 3.0 compatible - WDBPKJ0050BBK-WESN |
BrandWD | Brand WD | Brand Seagate | Brand WD | Brand Seagate | Brand WD |
Reviews | Reviews  | Reviews | Reviews | Reviews | Reviews  |
Features | |||||
Simple to use 9.8 | Simple to use 9.8 | Simple to use 9.6 | Simple to use 8.9 | Simple to use 9.6 | Simple to use 8.9 |
Movability 9.1 | Movability 9.1 | Movability 9.6 | Movability 9.3 | Movability 9.6 | Movability 9.3 |
Storage space 9.6 | Storage space 9.6 | Storage space 9.6 | Storage space 9.4 | Storage space 9.6 | Storage space 9.4 |
Tech support 9.1 | Tech support 9.1 | Tech support 8.9 | Tech support 7.9 | Tech support 8.9 | Tech support 7.9 |
Lasts a long time 9.4 | Lasts a long time 9.4 | Lasts a long time 9.3 | Lasts a long time 9.1 | Lasts a long time 9.3 | Lasts a long time 9.1 |
Light weight 9.4 | Light weight 9.4 | Light weight 9.8 | Light weight 9.6 | Light weight 9.8 | Light weight 9.6 |
Tech Specs | |||||
Specific Uses For ProductPersonal, Business | Specific Uses For Product Personal, Business | Specific Uses For Product Business, personal | Specific Uses For Product Multimedia, Personal, Business | Specific Uses For Product Business, personal | Specific Uses For Product Multimedia, Personal, Business |
Hard Drive16 TB Desktop | Hard Drive 16 TB Desktop | Hard Drive 2 TB Portable | Hard Drive 5 TB Portable | Hard Drive 2 TB Portable | Hard Drive 5 TB Portable |
Product Dimensions5.31 x 1.89 x 6.53 inches | Product Dimensions 5.31 x 1.89 x 6.53 inches | Product Dimensions 4.6 x 3.15 x 0.58 inches | Product Dimensions 4.22 x 2.95 x 0.75 inches | Product Dimensions 4.6 x 3.15 x 0.58 inches | Product Dimensions 4.22 x 2.95 x 0.75 inches |
Flash Memory Size16 TB | Flash Memory Size 16 TB | Flash Memory Size 2 | Flash Memory Size 256 | Flash Memory Size 2 | Flash Memory Size 256 |
Hardware PlatformPC, Mac | Hardware Platform PC, Mac | Hardware Platform PC, Mac | Hardware Platform PC | Hardware Platform PC, Mac | Hardware Platform PC |
Item Dimensions LxWxH5.31 x 1.89 x 6.53 inches | Item Dimensions LxWxH 5.31 x 1.89 x 6.53 inches | Item Dimensions LxWxH 4.6 x 3.15 x 0.58 inches | Item Dimensions LxWxH 4.22 x 2.95 x 0.75 inches | Item Dimensions LxWxH 4.6 x 3.15 x 0.58 inches | Item Dimensions LxWxH 4.22 x 2.95 x 0.75 inches |
Digital Storage Capacity16 TB | Digital Storage Capacity 16 TB | Digital Storage Capacity 2 TB | Digital Storage Capacity 5 TB | Digital Storage Capacity 2 TB | Digital Storage Capacity 5 TB |
Hard Disk Form Factor3.5 Inches | Hard Disk Form Factor 3.5 Inches | Hard Disk Form Factor 3.5 Inches | Hard Disk Form Factor The new My Passport drive has been redesigned for you to make the most of your own journey. It features a convenient, slim form factor and is available in a range of vibrant colors.The new My Passport drive has been r | Hard Disk Form Factor 3.5 Inches | Hard Disk Form Factor The new My Passport drive has been redesigned for you to make the most of your own journey. It features a convenient, slim form factor and is available in a range of vibrant colors.The new My Passport drive has been r |
Item Weight1.24 pounds | Item Weight 1.24 pounds | Item Weight 6.7 ounces | Item Weight 7.4 ounces | Item Weight 6.7 ounces | Item Weight 7.4 ounces |
Connectivity TechnologyUSB | Connectivity Technology USB | Connectivity Technology USB | Connectivity Technology USB | Connectivity Technology USB | Connectivity Technology USB |
Hard Drive InterfaceUSB 1.1 | Hard Drive Interface USB 1.1 | Hard Drive Interface - | Hard Drive Interface USB 3.0 | Hard Drive Interface - | Hard Drive Interface USB 3.0 |
Hard Disk InterfaceUSB 1.1 | Hard Disk Interface USB 1.1 | Hard Disk Interface - | Hard Disk Interface USB 3.0 | Hard Disk Interface - | Hard Disk Interface USB 3.0 |
Color- | Color - | Color Black | Color Black | Color Black | Color Black |
Form Factor- | Form Factor - | Form Factor Portable | Form Factor The new My Passport drive has been r | Form Factor Portable | Form Factor The new My Passport drive has been r |
Hard Drive Size16 TB | Hard Drive Size - | Hard Drive Size 2 TB | Hard Drive Size The new My Passport drive has been redesigned for you to make the most of your own journey. It features a convenient, slim form factor and is available in a range of vibrant colors. | Hard Drive Size - | Hard Drive Size - |
Review | Review | Review | Review | Review | Review |
Available On   | Available On | Available On  | Available On  | Available On | Available On |
Our Top 3 Picks
Here are the top 3 recommended products with more information to help you find the right product for you
9.7
1WDWD 16TB Elements Desktop External Hard Drive, USB 3.0 for plug-and-play storage - WDBWLG0160HBK-NESN
9.8 Simple to use9.6 Storage space9.4 lasts a long timeWhy we love it
This product provides extra storage for your devices.
Data transfers are quick and easy.
It is compatible with Windows PCs.
-
9.4
2WD
WD 16TB Elements Desktop External Hard Drive, USB 3.0 for plug-and-play storage - WDBWLG0160HBK-NESN
9.8 Simple to use9.6 Storage space9.4 lasts a long timeWhy we love it
This product provides extra storage for your devices.
Data transfers are quick and easy.
It is compatible with Windows PCs.
-
9.3
3Seagate
Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive HDD — USB 3.0 for PC, Mac, PlayStation, & Xbox -1-Year Rescue Service (STGX2000400)
9.8 Light weight9.6 Simple to use9.6 movabilityWhy we love it
This hard drive is very easy to use
You can store a lot of content on it
It is very easy to connect to your computer
External Hard Drives Buyer's Guide
Written by Jim WilliamsIntroduction
External hard drives are portable storage devices that are used to store and back up data. They are an essential accessory for anyone who needs to store or transfer large amounts of data, whether it’s in the form of media files, documents, or software. When choosing an external hard drive, there are a few things to consider, such as capacity, connection type, and data transfer speed. In this buying guide, we will discuss the different types of external hard drives and their features to help you make the right choice.
Types of External Hard Drives
The two most common types of external hard drives available are HDD and SSD. HDD (Hard Disk Drive) is the traditional type of hard drive and is usually cheaper than SSD (Solid State Drive). HDD is better for storing large amounts of data, while SSD is faster and more reliable but more expensive. Both types come in different sizes, from 500GB to 4TB, depending on your storage needs.
Capacity
The capacity of an external hard drive is measured in gigabytes (GB) or terabytes (TB). Depending on your storage needs, you can find an external hard drive with a capacity that fits your requirements. If you need to store large amounts of data, such as media files, choose a hard drive with a higher capacity.
Connection Type
External hard drives are available in two connection types: USB and Thunderbolt. USB is the most common connection type, and is compatible with most computers and devices. Thunderbolt is faster and more advanced, but requires a Thunderbolt-compatible device. It is also more expensive than USB.
Data Transfer Speed
Data transfer speed is an important factor to consider when choosing an external hard drive. It is measured in megabytes per second (MB/s) and determines how quickly data can be transferred from the hard drive to your computer or device. The higher the data transfer speed, the faster the transfer of data.
Conclusion
Choosing the right external hard drive for your needs can be a daunting task. It is important to consider your storage needs, connection type, and data transfer speed to ensure you get the most out of your purchase. With the information provided in this buying guide, you should now be able to make an informed decision when selecting an external hard drive.
Our ranking system
At bestchoice.com, our team curates a selection of top products from a vast array available online, using a sophisticated ranking system based on carefully defined criteria.While traditional hands-on testing has its merits, our use of AI technology offers distinct advantages. AI allows us to process and analyze vast amounts of data from multiple sources, providing a comprehensive view that goes beyond what manual testing can achieve. This approach enables us to deliver insights that are aligned with current trends and consumer preferences, ensuring our reviews are both relevant and up-to-date.
Features
Our AI-driven analysis examines key attributes, capabilities, and other critical factors tailored to each product category. This method allows us to assess effectiveness from various perspectives, ensuring a well-rounded evaluation.
Consumer Reviews
We aggregate and evaluate consumer feedback from across the internet, giving weight to ratings and reviews that reflect the most reliable insights. AI enhances this process by filtering and prioritizing data, offering a balanced view without the need for direct personal endorsements.
Popularity
Our system also considers the popularity of products, analyzing factors such as market presence, reputation, and user satisfaction. By leveraging AI, we capture a comprehensive picture of a product's standing in the market, which may not always be evident through traditional testing.
Value for money
AI allows us to compare products based on attributes like price, specifications, and user feedback, helping to determine their value for money. This data-driven approach offers an efficient and reliable way to assess how products stack up against one another in terms of cost-effectiveness.
