Buying Guide
The Best External Hard Drive for PC
Five external drives compared, from the Rugged USB-C to the Aegis Padlock 2TB, with the trade-offs of each named.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
An external hard drive adds space for a PC's backups, media and game archives. Every pick is a hard drive.
We sorted these picks by drive type, capacity (as reviewed) and connection, working from the makers' own data; any figure a maker omits is noted as missing, 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.
Premium Pick
Apricorn Aegis Padlock 2TBAn administrator password feature at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Rugged USB-C costs less.
Check price for Apricorn Aegis Padlock 2TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Largest Capacity
WD My Passport Ultra for Mac 5TBThe largest capacity here (5TB).
Best for: Buyers who put capacity first.
Check price for WD My Passport Ultra for Mac 5TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
WD_Black P10 Game Drive 4TBPlayStation, Xbox and PC compatibility.
Best for: Buyers who want PlayStation, Xbox and PC compatibility.
Check price for WD_Black P10 Game Drive 4TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
WD_Black P10 Game Drive 2TBPlayStation, Xbox and PC compatibility.
Best for: Buyers who want PlayStation, Xbox and PC compatibility.
Check price for WD_Black P10 Game Drive 2TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
LaCie Rugged USB-C 2TB Portable Hard DriveThe lowest price among these external drives at the time of writing.
Best for: Spending as little as possible, with the WD_Black P10 2TB the next step up.
Check price for LaCie Rugged USB-C 2TB Portable Hard Drive on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Premium Pick1 of 5
Apricorn Aegis Padlock 2TB
The Aegis Padlock 2TB is built around an administrator password feature.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Rugged USB-C costs less.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Rugged USB-C, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it is rated for 2TB. It matches the WD_Black P10 2TB and the Rugged USB-C on capacity (2TB). A USB 3.0 connection is unique to it among these picks, while the WD_Black P10 4TB uses a USB 3.2 Gen 1 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. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the Passport Ultra for Mac.
Key specs
- Drive type
- HDD
- Capacity (as reviewed)
- 2TB
- Connection
- USB 3.0
- Durability claim
- Not stated
- Security
- PIN, AES-XTS 256-bit hardware encryption
Pros
- Administrator password feature
- USB 3.0 connection, the only one here
- An administrator password feature at the highest price in the group
Cons
- Costs more than the Rugged USB-C at the time of writing
Largest Capacity2 of 5
WD My Passport Ultra for Mac 5TB
WD's My Passport Ultra for Mac arrives formatted for macOS and connects by USB-C.
Best for
- Buyers who put capacity first.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Rugged USB-C was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It adds 256-bit AES hardware encryption and the largest capacity here, 5TB. Nothing else here matches its 5TB capacity; the WD_Black P10 4TB comes closest at 4TB. A USB-C (USB 3.1) connection is unique to it among these picks, while the WD_Black P10 4TB uses a USB 3.2 Gen 1 connection.
It also comes with formatting for Mac out of the box, a metal cover and a USB-C connection. As a spinning hard drive it is slower than an SSD and less tolerant of knocks while running. Its price falls between the WD_Black P10 4TB and the Aegis Padlock 2TB, based on our last check.
Key specs
- Drive type
- HDD
- Capacity (as reviewed)
- 5TB
- Connection
- USB-C (USB 3.1)
- Durability claim
- Not stated
- Security
- Password, 256-bit AES hardware encryption
Pros
- Formatting for Mac out of the box
- Metal cover
- USB-C connection
- Largest capacity of the picks (5TB)
Cons
- Costs more than the Rugged USB-C at the time of writing
Also Consider3 of 5
WD_Black P10 Game Drive 4TB
What the WD_Black P10 4TB brings to the table is PlayStation, Xbox and PC compatibility.
Best for
- Buyers who want PlayStation, Xbox and PC compatibility.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Rugged USB-C, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It also is rated for 4TB. On capacity it sits mid-pack at 4TB: the Passport Ultra for Mac is rated for 5TB, and the Rugged USB-C comes in at 2TB. Like the WD_Black P10 2TB, it has a USB 3.2 Gen 1 connection, while the Aegis Padlock 2TB uses a USB 3.0 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. When we checked, only the WD_Black P10 2TB and cheaper picks cost less, and the Passport Ultra for Mac cost more.
Key specs
- Drive type
- HDD
- Capacity (as reviewed)
- 4TB
- Connection
- USB 3.2 Gen 1
- Durability claim
- Not stated
- Security
- None stated
Pros
- PlayStation, Xbox and PC compatibility
- Capacity of 4TB, ahead of the Aegis Padlock 2TB
- HDD drive type
- USB 3.2 Gen 1 connection
Cons
- Costs more than the Rugged USB-C at the time of writing
Strong Alternative4 of 5
WD_Black P10 Game Drive 2TB
What the WD_Black P10 2TB brings to the table is PlayStation, Xbox and PC compatibility.
Best for
- Buyers who want PlayStation, Xbox and PC compatibility.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Rugged USB-C cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It also is rated for 2TB. It matches the Aegis Padlock 2TB and the Rugged USB-C on capacity (2TB). It shares a USB 3.2 Gen 1 connection with the WD_Black P10 4TB; the Aegis Padlock 2TB goes with a USB 3.0 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. Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the Rugged USB-C at the time of writing. Its price falls between the Rugged USB-C and the WD_Black P10 4TB, based on our last check.
Key specs
- Drive type
- HDD
- Capacity (as reviewed)
- 2TB
- Connection
- USB 3.2 Gen 1
- Durability claim
- Not stated
- Security
- None stated
Pros
- PlayStation, Xbox and PC compatibility
- HDD drive type
- 2TB capacity
- USB 3.2 Gen 1 connection
Cons
- Costs more than the Rugged USB-C at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here5 of 5
LaCie Rugged USB-C 2TB Portable Hard Drive
The LaCie Rugged USB-C puts a native USB-C connector on a 2TB drive rated against drops, dust and rain.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible, with the WD_Black P10 2TB the next step up.
Skip if
- Skip it if capacity matters most to you; the Passport Ultra for Mac offers 5TB.
Why we like it
It suits a MacBook without adapters. The LaCie Rugged shell is built to survive drops, dust and rain, which suits carrying footage between sites. It connects over USB-C and works with USB 3.0 ports on older machines.
It matches the Aegis Padlock 2TB and the WD_Black P10 2TB on capacity (2TB). You get a USB-C (USB 3.0 compatible) connection here, which sets it apart from the WD_Black P10 2TB and its a USB 3.2 Gen 1 connection. You also get Mac and PC compatibility.
As a spinning hard drive it is slower than an SSD and less tolerant of knocks while running. It undercut the WD_Black P10 2TB and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Drive type
- HDD
- Capacity (as reviewed)
- 2TB
- Connection
- USB-C (USB 3.0 compatible)
- Durability claim
- Drop, shock, dust and rain resistant
- Security
- None stated
Pros
- Native USB-C connection
- Mac and PC compatibility
- Resistance to drops, dust and rain
- USB-C (USB 3.0 compatible) connection, the only one here
Cons
- Capacity trails the Passport Ultra for Mac (5TB)
The catch
The trade-off is capacity; for more, the Passport Ultra for Mac is rated for 5TB.
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.
- What we compared
- We lined up five drives on drive type, capacity, connection and security, using each maker's published specs. These are research figures, not bench results, and every compared field is stated for all 5 picks.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the Aegis Padlock 2TB to the Rugged USB-C, state drive type, capacity and connection.
- Who each pick suits
- The Aegis Padlock 2TB for an administrator password feature at the highest price in the group; the Passport Ultra for Mac for the largest capacity here (5TB); the WD_Black P10 4TB for PlayStation, Xbox and PC compatibility.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Rugged USB-C ($100 to $150) to the Aegis Padlock 2TB ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in an External Hard Drive for PC
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much capacity you need
The Passport Ultra for Mac tops capacity at 5TB and the Rugged USB-C sits lowest at 2TB. For less, the WD_Black P10 4TB is the runner-up at 4TB ($150 to $250 tier).
Features beyond the spec table
The Passport Ultra for Mac: a metal cover. The WD_Black P10 4TB: PlayStation, Xbox and PC compatibility. The Rugged USB-C: Mac and PC compatibility.
An M.2 SSD inside a clear external enclosure Where your budget lands
$100 to $150 buys the Rugged USB-C; $150 to $250 buys the WD_Black P10 2TB and the WD_Black P10 4TB; $250 to $500 buys the Passport Ultra for Mac and the Aegis Padlock 2TB at our last check.
Match the pick to your priority
Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Rugged USB-C costs less: the Aegis Padlock 2TB. Buyers who put capacity first: the Passport Ultra for Mac. Spending as little as possible, with the WD_Black P10 2TB the next step up: the Rugged USB-C.
A small M.2 SSD next to an external drive enclosure Mac and Windows formatting
Many drives ship formatted for Windows. On a Mac, reformat to APFS for Time Machine, or exFAT to share the drive with a Windows PC.
How to Choose an External Hard Drive for PC
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Rugged USB-C costs less | Aegis Padlock 2TB | An administrator password feature at the highest price in the group |
| Buyers who put capacity first | Passport Ultra for Mac | The largest capacity here (5TB) |
| Buyers who want PlayStation, Xbox and PC compatibility | WD_Black P10 4TB | PlayStation, Xbox and PC compatibility |
| Buyers who want PlayStation, Xbox and PC compatibility | WD_Black P10 2TB | PlayStation, Xbox and PC compatibility |
| Spending as little as possible, with the WD_Black P10 2TB the next step up | Rugged USB-C | The lowest price among these external drives at the time of writing |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Passport Ultra for Mac leads on capacity at 5TB, ahead of the WD_Black P10 4TB at 4TB.
| Drive | Drive type | Capacity (as reviewed) | Connection | Durability claim |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aegis Padlock 2TB | HDD | 2TB | USB 3.0 | Not stated |
| Passport Ultra for Mac | HDD | 5TB | USB-C (USB 3.1) | Not stated |
| WD_Black P10 4TB | HDD | 4TB | USB 3.2 Gen 1 | Not stated |
| WD_Black P10 2TB | HDD | 2TB | USB 3.2 Gen 1 | Not stated |
| Rugged USB-C | HDD | 2TB | USB-C (USB 3.0 compatible) | Drop, shock, dust and rain resistant |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the Rugged USB-C, sat in the $100 to $150 tier, 3 tiers in all up to the Aegis Padlock 2TB at $250 to $500; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Drives |
|---|---|
| About $100 to $150 | Rugged USB-C |
| About $150 to $250 | WD_Black P10 2TB, WD_Black P10 4TB |
| About $250 to $500 | Passport Ultra for Mac, Aegis Padlock 2TB |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the WD_Black P10 4TB compare with the Passport Ultra for Mac on capacity?
The Passport Ultra for Mac leads at 5TB, with the WD_Black P10 4TB at 4TB. The Rugged USB-C closes the ranking at 2TB.
What makes the Passport Ultra for Mac the Largest Capacity?
It carries the badge for the largest capacity here (5TB). The WD_Black P10 4TB is next on capacity at 4TB, so this pick's 5TB is 25% further out. The Rugged USB-C, the cheapest pick, sat in the $100 to $150 tier against $250 to $500 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It makes sense for anyone who puts capacity first.
Do the Aegis Padlock 2TB and the Passport Ultra for Mac differ on connection?
The Aegis Padlock 2TB uses USB 3.0; the Passport Ultra for Mac uses USB-C (USB 3.1); the WD_Black P10 4TB and the WD_Black P10 2TB use USB 3.2 Gen 1; the Rugged USB-C uses USB-C (USB 3.0 compatible).
Beyond the specs, what sets the Aegis Padlock 2TB and the Passport Ultra for Mac apart?
The Aegis Padlock 2TB: an administrator password feature. The Passport Ultra for Mac: formatting for Mac out of the box. The WD_Black P10 4TB: PlayStation, Xbox and PC compatibility.
Should I pick the Aegis Padlock 2TB or the Rugged USB-C?
The Aegis Padlock 2TB suits buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the Rugged USB-C costs less; the Rugged USB-C suits spending as little as possible, with the WD_Black P10 2TB the next step up.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Aegis Padlock 2TB, chosen for an administrator password feature at the highest price in the group. Look at the Passport Ultra for Mac for the largest capacity here (5TB), the WD_Black P10 4TB for PlayStation, Xbox and PC compatibility and the WD_Black P10 2TB for PlayStation, Xbox and PC compatibility if those matter more to you.
Windows File History can back up to any of these.
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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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