Best External Hard Drives (2026): SanDisk, Samsung, and More
Need an ultrafast drive for video editing or a rugged option to back up your photos in the field? We’ve got a solution for every situation.
When it comes to choosing an external hard drive in 2026, there are several factors to consider. Solid-state drives (SSDs) are generally preferred due to their speed and durability, but traditional hard disk drives (HDDs) remain a cost-effective option for backing up large amounts of data. The AI-driven surge in memory-hungry data centers has caused prices to rise significantly, making it essential to find the best value for your needs.
Some top picks for the most common use cases include SanDisk, Samsung, and Seagate drives. SanDisk offers a NAS-compatible SSD, while Samsung delivers reliability and speed. Seagate's Desktop Drive 8000 provides a good balance of performance and affordability, with 8 TB options available for around $300.
For portable drives, Crucial's X9 Pro stands out, offering a combination of speed, portability, and affordability. Its symmetrical read and write speeds of up to 1,100 MB/s make it a top choice for backing up phones and other portable devices. The X9 Pro has proven its reliability over multiple years of use across various operating systems.
Western Digital's My Passport series is ideal for travelers and on-the-go backups. Its USB-C cable and pocket-friendly design make it easy to carry around. The drive also features 256-bit AES encryption for added security, making it perfect for protecting sensitive data while traveling. Seagate's Portable External Hard Drive is another solid option, offering a thinner and more pocketable design at around $190 for 4 TB of storage.
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