
Best affordable External hard drives
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1. WD Elements Portable
Discover the reliability and large storage capacity of the WD Elements portable hard drive. With fast data transfer and seamless connectivity to USB 3.2 Gen 1/USB 3.0 devices, you can effortlessly back up your photos, videos, and other files on the go.
Smooth Expansion
With this plug-and-play hard drive, you can expand your capacity in seconds, allowing you to store your important files easily and worry-free.
High Capacity
The enormous storage capacity of up to 6 TB provides ample space for your valuable photos, unforgettable videos, and important documents while on the move.
Faster Data Transfer
Thanks to the high transfer speed of USB 3.2 Gen 1, you can quickly and easily access and share your files.
Designed for the Environment
The casing of this hard drive is made of over 50% recycled plastic. The packaging is made of over 50% recycled paper and is fully recyclable.
Technical Specifications
- Capacity: 5 TB
- Connection: Micro-B
- Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 1; USB 3.0
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 110 mm x 82 mm x 15 mm
- Weight: 0.13 kg
- Model Number: WDBUZG7500ABK-WESN
- Operating Temperature: 5 °C to 35 °C
- Non-Operating Temperature: -20 °C to 65 °C
- Certifications: FCC-ICES, CE, BSMI, RCM, VCCI, EAC, KC, UKCA
Product Features
- Plug-and-play expansion
- Huge storage capacities for photos, videos, music, important documents, and more
- SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbit/s)
Compatibility
- Windows 10 and above
- Reformatting may be required for other operating systems.
- Compatibility depends on the user's hardware configuration and operating system.
Package Contents
- WD Elements Portable Hard Drive
- SuperSpeed USB-A Cable (5 Gbit/s).
Pro
- Not too big, but also not too small that it can get lost
- Small , handy , works
- Small & compact on the outside, 5TB on the inside
Contra
- USB sticks are easier to handle - but generally much slower :-)
- Dedicated cable, normal (USB C) cables cannot be used
- Quite slow (95Mb/s)

2. Seagate Expansion Portable
The Seagate Expansion portable hard drive is compact and perfect for on-the-go use. Instantly add more storage space to your PC or Mac and take large files with you while traveling.
The setup is simple and effortless. You only need to connect the USB cable. The hard drive is powered through the USB cable, so no external power supply is required. The drive is also automatically recognized by the Windows or Mac operating system, meaning no software installation or configuration is necessary. File storage is easily done via drag-and-drop.
Take advantage of fast data transfer with USB 3.0 by using a USB 3.0 port. Additionally, the purchase of the Seagate Expansion includes Rescue Data Recovery Services for extra security in data recovery.
Pro
- Very quiet
- Small, compact, handy
- Very compact
Contra
- USB C cable missing
- Data transfer rate very slow
- The housing could be a little more solid, but it is sufficient.

3. WD My Passport
Those who are flexible get more out of life. Secure your valuable memories on the go with the My Passport mobile hard drive. This high-capacity storage medium offers a seamless USB connection and allows easy access to your important files anytime, anywhere. Use the included Acronis True Image software for reliable data backup, including ransomware protection. Never lose files again – with the My Passport mobile hard drive, you can safely store your memories and have them readily available at all times.
Sleek Design
Sleek and durable design that makes your life on the go effortless and comfortable. Thanks to its robust construction, the hard drive is a reliable companion for your adventures.
Large Capacity
With a storage capacity of up to 6 TB, you can take your photos, videos, music, and important documents with you anywhere, keeping everything securely under control.
Easy Backups. Includes Ransomware Protection.
The included Acronis True Image software simplifies the scheduling of backups for your valuable files. Additionally, back up your important applications and protect your computer system from data loss due to ransomware attacks.
Protection for Important Data
Protect your files from unauthorized access at home or on the go. Use the included software for added security with password protection and integrated 256-bit AES encryption.
Designed for the Environment
The casing of this hard drive is made of over 50% recycled plastic. The packaging is made of over 50% recycled pulp and is fully recyclable.
Technical Specifications
- Capacity: 5 TB
- Connection: Micro-B
- Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 1, USB 2.0
- Transfer speed: up to 5 Gb/s
- Dimensions (L x W x H):...
Pro
- Small, light, great design
- Small and handy
- Absolutely reliable,
Contra
- A little slow
- Special cable, no standard USB-C
- Supplied USB cable a little short

4. Toshiba Canvio Basics
High-capacity storage in a practical, compact, matte black casing. The Canvio Basics hard drives from Toshiba are available in various sizes and are perfect for storing data, music, movies, and pictures. These devices are powered via USB and can be connected to a PC or laptop with a single USB cable. The portable hard drives with USB 3.0 technology are much faster than, yet still compatible with, USB 2.0 devices, allowing for quick transfers while organizing your files. The device is ready to use with Microsoft Windows and is powered through the USB cable. Intuitively drag and drop files to and from your PC or laptop.
Model 2023.
Pro
- Small & handy ergo easy to transport
- Very compact
- Reliable, quiet
Contra
- no USB-C
- Much too slow (SMR technology)
- Cable is quite short

5. WD Elements Desktop
The compact WD Elements with up to 10 TB of storage is the ideal additional storage for photos, music, videos, and all other files. When the internal hard drive reaches its capacity limits, the PC becomes slower. Don't delete files. Move files to the external desktop storage WD Elements. This will free up space on the built-in hard drive and get your computer back on track. Ready to use immediately with your Windows PC. Simply plug it into the USB port, and you'll have enough storage again. This drive is compatible with the latest USB 3.0 devices but is also backward compatible with USB 2.0. We understand how important your data is to you. That's why our hard drives meet the highest standards for durability, shock resistance, and long-term reliability. Additionally, we protect the hard drive with a robust casing that offers a perfect combination of style and protection.
Pro
- Very quiet
- Fast and reliable
- Lots and lots of storage space
Contra
- Attention, disturbingly loud.
- too expensive
- It's just not an ssd so it's a bit slow with large data

6. Intenso memory center
When connected to a USB 3.0 port, the hard drive lets you access and save files in blazing speed. Reduce transfer time by up to 3 times when compared to USB 2.0 transfer rates (Performance may vary based on user's hardware and system configuration). With this single drive you get compatibility with the latest USB 3.0 devices and backward compatibility with USB 2.0 devices as well.
Pro
- Extremely quiet
- The Memory Centre works perfectly
- On off switch
Contra
- No USB-C port on the housing
- External power supply unit required

7. Toshiba Canvio Advance V2
The Canvio Advance is a reliable storage solution for those who desire quality in an unmatched style. It is available in three colors that cater to every taste. As an added bonus, a backup software package and easily configurable security software are included to protect your data.
The Canvio Advance features a modern textured surface in three stylish colors. You can choose from a black, light beige, or red option.
Diverse interests that lead to various places—do you know this feeling? Then you need a storage solution that keeps up. The Canvio Advance is the perfect companion. Whether it's for backups at home or data on the go, this elegant hard drive supports you in your creative endeavors.
These portable hard drives are much faster than USB 2.0 devices thanks to USB 3.2 Gen 1 technology, while still being compatible with them. This makes organizing your files particularly quick and efficient.
With over 50 years of experience in hard drive technology and unparalleled quality standards, your files are always reliably and securely stored on Toshiba's portable hard drives.
Pro
- Small and handy
- Practical size
Contra
- not loud, but still audible
- No long-term experience yet
- nothing found yet

8. Intenso Memory Case
The hard disk is ideal for backing up private data and can be taken anywhere due to its low weight. The Memory Case not only makes a good impression as a back-up solution or additional storage option, it also convinces visually. The black or white housing with high-gloss piano lacquer surface looks simple but high-quality. The blue LED lamp signals the active data transfer.
Pro
- Handy and small
- Handy and lightweight
Contra
- Nothing but trouble
- No disadvantages
- Not to be used

9. WD My Passport Ultra
Withstands Every Adventure
The metal casing of the My Passport Ultra mobile hard drive not only looks good but is also particularly robust. This makes it the ideal companion for on-the-go use. This high-capacity USB-C-enabled storage device provides easy access to your important files—wherever you are. Use the included Acronis True Image for Western Digital software for secure data backup, including ransomware protection. During your travels, password protection adds an extra layer of security.
Sleek Metal Design
Thanks to USB-C technology, the My Passport Ultra is a fast mobile storage solution for your PC. The included USB 3.2 Gen 1/USB 3.0 adapter ensures compatibility with older devices.
Compatible with USB-C
The My Passport Ultra mobile hard drive connects effortlessly to USB-C-enabled devices. The included USB-C to USB-A adapter provides additional compatibility with older devices, offering versatility and convenience in a compact format.
Large Capacity
With a storage capacity of up to 6 TB, you can take your photos, videos, music, and important documents with you anywhere, keeping everything securely at your fingertips.
Easy Backups. Including Ransomware Protection.
The included Acronis True Image for Western Digital software simplifies the scheduling of backups for your valuable files. Additionally, back up your important applications and protect your computer system from data loss due to ransomware attacks.
Protection for Important Data
Protect your files from unauthorized access at home or on the go. Use the included software for added security with password protection and integrated 256-bit AES encryption.
Designed with the Environment in Mind
The casing of this hard drive is made up of more than 50%...
Pro
- USB-C to USB 3.0 adapter
- Lots of storage space
- Small and compact
Contra
- Slow approx. 30-40MB/s
- Acronis software is not very user-friendly
- 20% more expensive than the variant without USB-C

10. Seagate Game Drive for PlayStation
Expand your game storage with the Game Drive for PS5. This officially licensed hard drive for PlayStation works seamlessly with PS5 and PS4 consoles and adds a touch of blue LED lighting to any gaming setup. Easily archive your PS5 games on the hard drive until it's time to transfer and play them.
Pro
- 5tb ps4 memory
- No installation
- Very small
Contra
- Only PS4 games available on demand
- Not compatible
