Buying Guide
The Best External Hard Drive
Five external drives compared, from the YOTUO 1TB to the ADATA HD720 2TB, with the trade-offs of each named.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
External hard drives offer the most space for the money for backups and archives. Every pick is a hard drive, ordered from the lowest listed price.
Our comparison rests on published figures for drive type, capacity (as reviewed) and connection; where a maker leaves a figure out, we say so, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Lowest Price Here
YOTUO 1TB Portable External Hard DriveUndercutting the Expansion 1TB on price when we checked.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Expansion 1TB.
Check price for YOTUO 1TB Portable External Hard Drive on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Seagate Expansion Portable 1TB External Hard DriveA plain plug-in design.
Best for: Buyers who want plain plug-in design.
Check price for Seagate Expansion Portable 1TB External Hard Drive on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard DriveAn 18in USB 3.0 cable.
Best for: Buyers who want 18in USB 3.0 cable.
Check price for Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
Toshiba Canvio Basics 2TBReformatting required for Mac.
Best for: Buyers who want reformatting required for Mac.
Check price for Toshiba Canvio Basics 2TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
ADATA HD720 2TBA USB 3.0 connection at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the YOTUO 1TB costs less.
Check price for ADATA HD720 2TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
YOTUO 1TB Portable External Hard Drive
YOTUO's 1TB drive ships with both USB 3.0 and USB-C connections and a silicone sleeve.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Expansion 1TB.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: capacity of 1TB, behind the Seagate Portable 2TB (2TB).
Why we like it
It weighs 0.16kg. It stores and plays PS4 and Xbox One games directly, and a silicone sleeve cushions drops. It works with Windows, Mac and Linux.
On capacity it ties with the Expansion 1TB at 1TB. No other pick in this guide offers a USB 3.0 and USB-C connection; compare the Canvio Basics 2TB, which has a USB 3.0 connection. As a spinning hard drive it is slower than an SSD and less tolerant of knocks while running.
No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the Expansion 1TB was closest. What it gives up: capacity of 1TB, behind the Seagate Portable 2TB (2TB); by contrast, the Seagate Portable 2TB is rated for 2TB.
Key specs
- Drive type
- HDD
- Capacity (as reviewed)
- 1TB
- Connection
- USB 3.0 and USB-C
- Durability claim
- Silicone sleeve
- Security
- None stated
Pros
- Both USB 3.0 and USB-C connections
- Silicone sleeve
- 0.16kg weight
- Undercutting the Expansion 1TB on price when we checked
Cons
- Capacity of 1TB, behind the Seagate Portable 2TB (2TB)
Also Consider2 of 5
Seagate Expansion Portable 1TB External Hard Drive
The Expansion Portable is Seagate's simplest drive: a 1TB USB 3.0 hard drive with no extras.
Best for
- Buyers who want plain plug-in design.
Skip if
- Skip it if capacity matters most to you; the Seagate Portable 2TB offers 2TB.
Why we like it
It suits a single backup job. As a spinning hard drive it is slower than an SSD, but it costs less per terabyte for backups. It needs no power adapter and draws power over USB.
On capacity it ties with the YOTUO 1TB at 1TB. Like the Canvio Basics 2TB and ADATA HD720 2TB, it has a USB 3.0 connection, while the YOTUO 1TB uses a USB 3.0 and USB-C connection. You also get a plain plug-in design, USB 3.0 and a compact enclosure.
It connects by USB-A; a USB-C-only laptop such as a MacBook Air needs an adapter or a USB-C cable. It was priced above the YOTUO 1TB and below the Seagate Portable 2TB at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Drive type
- HDD
- Capacity (as reviewed)
- 1TB
- Connection
- USB 3.0
- Durability claim
- Not stated
- Security
- None stated
Pros
- Plain plug-in design
- USB 3.0
- Compact enclosure
Cons
- Capacity trails the Seagate Portable 2TB (2TB)
- Costs more than the YOTUO 1TB at the time of writing
The catch
It gives ground on capacity, where the Seagate Portable 2TB is rated for 2TB.
Strong Alternative3 of 5
Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive
Seagate's Portable 2TB is a plain USB 3.0 hard drive with an 18in cable.
Best for
- Buyers who want 18in USB 3.0 cable.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the YOTUO 1TB cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It is the low-cost way to add backup space to any laptop. It matches the Canvio Basics 2TB and the ADATA HD720 2TB on capacity (2TB). A USB 3.0 (USB-A) connection is unique to it among these picks, while the Expansion 1TB uses a USB 3.0 connection.
It also offers drag-and-drop file saving on Windows and Mac and a low price per terabyte. It connects by USB-A; a USB-C-only laptop such as a MacBook Air needs an adapter or a USB-C cable. As a spinning hard drive it is slower than an SSD and less tolerant of knocks while running. Its price falls between the Expansion 1TB and the Canvio Basics 2TB, based on our last check.
Key specs
- Drive type
- HDD
- Capacity (as reviewed)
- 2TB
- Connection
- USB 3.0 (USB-A)
- Durability claim
- Not stated
- Security
- None stated
Pros
- 18in USB 3.0 cable
- Drag-and-drop file saving on Windows and Mac
- Low price per terabyte
- Capacity of 2TB, ahead of the YOTUO 1TB
Cons
- Costs more than the YOTUO 1TB at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
Toshiba Canvio Basics 2TB
What the Canvio Basics 2TB brings to the table is reformatting required for Mac.
Best for
- Buyers who want reformatting required for Mac.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the YOTUO 1TB was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It also is rated for 2TB. It matches the Seagate Portable 2TB and the ADATA HD720 2TB on capacity (2TB). It shares a USB 3.0 connection with the Expansion 1TB and ADATA HD720 2TB; the Seagate Portable 2TB goes with a USB 3.0 (USB-A) connection.
It connects by USB-A; a USB-C-only laptop such as a MacBook Air needs an adapter or a USB-C cable. As a spinning hard drive it is slower than an SSD and less tolerant of knocks while running. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper Seagate Portable 2TB and the pricier ADATA HD720 2TB, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Drive type
- HDD
- Capacity (as reviewed)
- 2TB
- Connection
- USB 3.0
- Durability claim
- Not stated
- Security
- None stated
Pros
- Reformatting required for Mac
- Capacity of 2TB, ahead of the YOTUO 1TB
- HDD drive type
- USB 3.0 connection
Cons
- Costs more than the YOTUO 1TB at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
ADATA HD720 2TB
The ADATA HD720 2TB stands out for a USB 3.0 connection.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the YOTUO 1TB costs less.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the YOTUO 1TB, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It also is rated for 2TB. On capacity it ties with the Seagate Portable 2TB and the Canvio Basics 2TB at 2TB. Like the Expansion 1TB and Canvio Basics 2TB, it has a USB 3.0 connection, while the YOTUO 1TB uses a USB 3.0 and USB-C connection.
It connects by USB-A; a USB-C-only laptop such as a MacBook Air needs an adapter or a USB-C cable. As a spinning hard drive it is slower than an SSD and less tolerant of knocks while running. At our last price check it topped the group, with the Canvio Basics 2TB the nearest cheaper option.
Key specs
- Drive type
- HDD
- Capacity (as reviewed)
- 2TB
- Connection
- USB 3.0
- Durability claim
- IP68, shock resistant
- Security
- None stated
Pros
- USB 3.0 connection
- Capacity of 2TB, ahead of the YOTUO 1TB
- A USB 3.0 connection at the highest price in the group
Cons
- Costs more than the YOTUO 1TB at the time of writing
How We Chose
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- How these picks were ranked
- We lined up five drives on drive type, capacity, connection and durability claim, using each maker's published specs. These are research figures, not bench results: 3 of 5 picks leave out durability claim.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the YOTUO 1TB to the ADATA HD720 2TB, state drive type, capacity and connection and share None stated security.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Expansion 1TB, the Seagate Portable 2TB and the Canvio Basics 2TB give no durability claim.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the YOTUO 1TB ($50 to $100) to the ADATA HD720 2TB ($100 to $150).
What to Look for in an External Hard Drive
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Capacity across these picks
Here capacity runs from 1TB on the Expansion 1TB to 2TB on the Seagate Portable 2TB, a 100% spread. Start with the Seagate Portable 2TB if capacity decides it.
Features beyond the spec table
The Seagate Portable 2TB: drag-and-drop file saving on Windows and Mac. The Canvio Basics 2TB: reformatting required for Mac. The ADATA HD720 2TB: a USB 3.0 connection.
An M.2 SSD inside a clear external enclosure Budget
$50 to $100 buys the YOTUO 1TB; $100 to $150 buys the Expansion 1TB, the Seagate Portable 2TB, the Canvio Basics 2TB and the ADATA HD720 2TB at our last check.
Match the pick to your priority
Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Expansion 1TB: the YOTUO 1TB. Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the YOTUO 1TB costs less: the ADATA HD720 2TB.
A small M.2 SSD next to an external drive enclosure SSD or hard drive
A portable hard drive gives the most terabytes per dollar and suits backups. A portable SSD is several times faster, lighter and more tolerant of drops, which suits working files and games.
How to Choose an External Hard Drive
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Expansion 1TB | YOTUO 1TB | Undercutting the Expansion 1TB on price when we checked |
| Buyers who want plain plug-in design | Expansion 1TB | A plain plug-in design |
| Buyers who want 18in USB 3.0 cable | Seagate Portable 2TB | An 18in USB 3.0 cable |
| Buyers who want reformatting required for Mac | Canvio Basics 2TB | Reformatting required for Mac |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the YOTUO 1TB costs less | ADATA HD720 2TB | A USB 3.0 connection at the highest price in the group |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Seagate Portable 2TB leads on capacity at 2TB, ahead of the Canvio Basics 2TB at 2TB.
| Drive | Drive type | Capacity (as reviewed) | Connection | Durability claim |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YOTUO 1TB | HDD | 1TB | USB 3.0 and USB-C | Silicone sleeve |
| Expansion 1TB | HDD | 1TB | USB 3.0 | Not stated |
| Seagate Portable 2TB | HDD | 2TB | USB 3.0 (USB-A) | Not stated |
| Canvio Basics 2TB | HDD | 2TB | USB 3.0 | Not stated |
| ADATA HD720 2TB | HDD | 2TB | USB 3.0 | IP68, shock resistant |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the YOTUO 1TB, sat in the $50 to $100 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the ADATA HD720 2TB at $100 to $150; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Drives |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | YOTUO 1TB |
| About $100 to $150 | Expansion 1TB, Seagate Portable 2TB, Canvio Basics 2TB, ADATA HD720 2TB |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ADATA HD720 2TB worth paying more than the YOTUO 1TB?
On paper it adds capacity (2TB against 1TB). The YOTUO 1TB sat in the $50 to $100 tier and the ADATA HD720 2TB in the $100 to $150 tier when we checked, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if capacity decides your purchase.
What makes the YOTUO 1TB the Lowest Price Here?
It earns the label for undercutting the Expansion 1TB on price when we checked. It suits anyone who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the Expansion 1TB.
Do the YOTUO 1TB and the Expansion 1TB differ on connection?
The YOTUO 1TB uses USB 3.0 and USB-C; the Expansion 1TB, the Canvio Basics 2TB and the ADATA HD720 2TB use USB 3.0; the Seagate Portable 2TB uses USB 3.0 (USB-A).
Beyond the specs, what sets the YOTUO 1TB and the Expansion 1TB apart?
The YOTUO 1TB: both USB 3.0 and USB-C connections. The Expansion 1TB: a plain plug-in design. The Seagate Portable 2TB: an 18in USB 3.0 cable.
Who should choose the ADATA HD720 2TB?
The ADATA HD720 2TB carries our Premium Pick label for a USB 3.0 connection at the highest price in the group. It ranks fifth of 5 here and sat in the $100 to $150 tier at our last price check; it suits buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the YOTUO 1TB costs less.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the YOTUO 1TB, chosen for undercutting the Expansion 1TB on price when we checked. Look at the Expansion 1TB for a plain plug-in design, the Seagate Portable 2TB for an 18in USB 3.0 cable and the Canvio Basics 2TB for reformatting required for Mac if those matter more to you.
Hard drives dislike drops; carry an SSD if you travel.
Related Guides
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- Related guideThe Best External Storage for a Laptop: SSDs and Hard Drives
- Lower budgetThe Best Budget External SSDs
- Similar guideThe Best External Hard Drive for PC
- ExplainerPortable SSD vs external hard drive: which one for backups, games and carrying files
- ExplainerUSB speed names decoded for external SSDs: USB 3.2 Gen 2, USB4 and Thunderbolt
- Also see: ssds and storageHow Much SSD Storage Do You Need?
- Similar guideThe Best External Hard Drive for Mac
- Topic hubAll external storage guides
About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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