In 2025, the search for the best external hard drive led experts to conduct real-world testing to determine the top picks. The focus was on fast transfer speeds, ample storage capacity, and portability. TechRadar’s Components Editor, John Loeffler, delved into hands-on testing of various HDDs using industry-standard tools and custom scripts to assess real-world performance.
After rigorous testing, the WD Elements portable HDD emerged as the top choice for most users due to its balance of value, read/write speeds, and storage capacity. While not leading in any single aspect, its well-rounded performance and reasonable price make it a versatile option for general users, offering a good mix of features without significant drawbacks.
For budget-conscious consumers, the UnionSine Ultra Slim external HDD stood out for its sleek design, fast read speeds, and attractive price-to-performance ratio. Despite limited capacity options, this drive’s performance and three-year warranty make it a solid choice for those needing up to 2TB of storage without breaking the bank.
Mac users seeking a reliable option found the WD My Passport Ultra suitable, thanks to its USB-C interface ideal for Time Machine backups. Although not the fastest, its convenience for Mac users, coupled with decent performance, makes it a practical choice for those prioritizing ease of use with Mac compatibility out of the box.
Gamers with extensive libraries gravitated towards the Seagate FireCuda Gaming Drive, offering up to 5TB capacity, high sequential read speeds, and quick copy-to-drive times. Despite its higher price per terabyte and limited capacity options, its performance loading and transferring games, along with RGB lighting support, make it a compelling choice for gaming enthusiasts.
For users requiring high-capacity storage, the Seagate Expansion desktop external hard drive excelled, providing exceptional read and write speeds akin to an external SSD. While lacking portability due to an external power source requirement, its vast capacity options and performance make it ideal for extensive system backups and storing large media files.
In challenging environments, the LaCie Rugged Mini external HDD shone for its durability, offering drop and crush resistance suitable for outdoor work. Despite its premium price per terabyte, its solid performance, backed by a three-year warranty, makes it a valuable choice for those prioritizing robustness and reliability.
Lastly, the WD My Passport emerged as the top choice for students, offering ample storage capacity at a reasonable price. With quick transfer speeds, durable design, and storage options ranging from 1TB to 6TB, it proves ideal for students dealing with documents, video files, and data backup needs.
John Loeffler, TechRadar’s Components Editor, meticulously tested each external hard drive to provide expert insights into the best options for various user needs. With a focus on performance, capacity, and value, the top picks offer a blend of features catering to diverse consumer preferences in the ever-evolving landscape of storage solutions.
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