Buying Guide
The Best External Hard Drive for Photos
From the Seagate Portable 2TB to the Passport Ultra for Mac: five external drives ranked on capacity and drive type, with who should skip each one.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
Photo libraries grow fast, so capacity per dollar favors hard drives. Every pick is a hard drive, ordered by capacity.
Our comparison rests on published figures for drive type, capacity (as reviewed) and connection; nothing here was tested in-house, and where a maker leaves a figure out, we say so.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
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
Toshiba Canvio Advance 4TBA USB 3.0 connection.
Best for: Buyers who want USB 3.0 connection.
Check price for Toshiba Canvio Advance 4TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
WD My Passport 4TBA USB 3.0 connection.
Best for: Buyers who want USB 3.0 connection.
Check price for WD My Passport 4TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
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)
Lowest Price Here
Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard DriveA lower price than the Canvio Advance 4TB and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Spending as little as possible, with the Canvio Advance 4TB the next step up.
Check price for Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Largest Capacity1 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 Seagate Portable 2TB 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 Canvio Advance 4TB comes closest at 4TB. A USB-C (USB 3.1) connection is unique to it among these picks, while the WD My Passport 4TB uses a USB 3.0 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. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the WD_Black P10 4TB.
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 Seagate Portable 2TB at the time of writing
Also Consider2 of 5
Toshiba Canvio Advance 4TB
What the Canvio Advance 4TB brings to the table is a USB 3.0 connection.
Best for
- Buyers who want USB 3.0 connection.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Seagate Portable 2TB was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It also is rated for 4TB. On capacity it ties with the WD My Passport 4TB and the WD_Black P10 4TB at 4TB. Like the WD My Passport 4TB, it has a USB 3.0 connection, while the Seagate Portable 2TB uses a USB 3.0 (USB-A) connection.
You get a password protection software security here, which sets it apart from the Seagate Portable 2TB and its a none stated security. 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 Seagate Portable 2TB cost less, and the WD My Passport 4TB cost more.
Key specs
- Drive type
- HDD
- Capacity (as reviewed)
- 4TB
- Connection
- USB 3.0
- Durability claim
- Not stated
- Security
- Password protection software
Pros
- USB 3.0 connection
- Capacity of 4TB, ahead of the Seagate Portable 2TB
- Password protection software security, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the Seagate Portable 2TB at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
WD My Passport 4TB
The WD My Passport 4TB stands out for a USB 3.0 connection.
Best for
- Buyers who want USB 3.0 connection.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Seagate Portable 2TB cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It also is rated for 4TB. On capacity it ties with the Canvio Advance 4TB and the WD_Black P10 4TB at 4TB. Like the Canvio Advance 4TB, it has a USB 3.0 connection, 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 priced above the Canvio Advance 4TB and below the WD_Black P10 4TB at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Drive type
- HDD
- Capacity (as reviewed)
- 4TB
- Connection
- USB 3.0
- Durability claim
- Not stated
- Security
- Password protection with hardware encryption
Pros
- USB 3.0 connection
- Capacity of 4TB, ahead of the Seagate Portable 2TB
- HDD drive type
Cons
- Costs more than the Seagate Portable 2TB at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 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
- If budget leads, the Seagate Portable 2TB was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It also is rated for 4TB. On capacity it ties with the Canvio Advance 4TB and the WD My Passport 4TB at 4TB. No other pick in this guide offers a USB 3.2 Gen 1 connection; compare the WD My Passport 4TB, which has a USB 3.0 connection.
It shares a none stated security with the Seagate Portable 2TB; the Canvio Advance 4TB goes with a password protection software security. 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 My Passport 4TB 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 Seagate Portable 2TB
- USB 3.2 Gen 1 connection, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the Seagate Portable 2TB at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here5 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
- Spending as little as possible, with the Canvio Advance 4TB 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 is the low-cost way to add backup space to any laptop. Its 2TB capacity is the smallest in this group; the Passport Ultra for Mac leads at 5TB. A USB 3.0 (USB-A) connection is unique to it among these picks, while the Canvio Advance 4TB uses a USB 3.0 connection.
Like the WD_Black P10 4TB, it has a none stated security, while the Canvio Advance 4TB uses a password protection software security. It also comes with 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. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Canvio Advance 4TB was the next step up.
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
- USB 3.0 (USB-A) connection, the only one here
Cons
- Capacity trails the Passport Ultra for Mac (5TB)
The catch
If capacity is your priority, the Passport Ultra for Mac (5TB) is the stronger choice.
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 Passport Ultra for Mac to the Seagate Portable 2TB, state drive type, capacity and connection.
- Who each pick suits
- The Passport Ultra for Mac for the largest capacity here (5TB); the Canvio Advance 4TB for a USB 3.0 connection; the WD My Passport 4TB for a USB 3.0 connection.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Seagate Portable 2TB ($100 to $150) to the Passport Ultra for Mac ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in an External Hard Drive for Photos
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Capacity
Across these 5 picks capacity spans 2TB (the Seagate Portable 2TB) to 5TB (the Passport Ultra for Mac). For less, the Canvio Advance 4TB is the runner-up at 4TB ($150 to $250 tier).
Features beyond the spec table
The Canvio Advance 4TB: a USB 3.0 connection. The WD_Black P10 4TB: PlayStation, Xbox and PC compatibility. The Seagate Portable 2TB: drag-and-drop file saving on Windows and Mac.
An M.2 SSD inside a clear external enclosure How much to spend
$100 to $150 buys the Seagate Portable 2TB; $150 to $250 buys the Canvio Advance 4TB, the WD My Passport 4TB and the WD_Black P10 4TB; $250 to $500 buys the Passport Ultra for Mac at our last check.
Match the pick to your priority
Buyers who put capacity first: the Passport Ultra for Mac. Spending as little as possible, with the Canvio Advance 4TB the next step up: the Seagate Portable 2TB.
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 Photos
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who put capacity first | Passport Ultra for Mac | The largest capacity here (5TB) |
| Buyers who want USB 3.0 connection | Canvio Advance 4TB | A USB 3.0 connection |
| Buyers who want USB 3.0 connection | WD My Passport 4TB | A USB 3.0 connection |
| Buyers who want PlayStation, Xbox and PC compatibility | WD_Black P10 4TB | PlayStation, Xbox and PC compatibility |
| Spending as little as possible, with the Canvio Advance 4TB the next step up | Seagate Portable 2TB | A lower price than the Canvio Advance 4TB and the rest when we checked |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Passport Ultra for Mac leads on capacity at 5TB, ahead of the Canvio Advance 4TB at 4TB.
| Drive | Drive type | Capacity (as reviewed) | Connection | Durability claim |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passport Ultra for Mac | HDD | 5TB | USB-C (USB 3.1) | Not stated |
| Canvio Advance 4TB | HDD | 4TB | USB 3.0 | Not stated |
| WD My Passport 4TB | HDD | 4TB | USB 3.0 | Not stated |
| WD_Black P10 4TB | HDD | 4TB | USB 3.2 Gen 1 | Not stated |
| Seagate Portable 2TB | HDD | 2TB | USB 3.0 (USB-A) | Not stated |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the Seagate Portable 2TB, sat in the $100 to $150 tier, 3 tiers in all up to the Passport Ultra for Mac at $250 to $500; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Drives |
|---|---|
| About $100 to $150 | Seagate Portable 2TB |
| About $150 to $250 | Canvio Advance 4TB, WD My Passport 4TB, WD_Black P10 4TB |
| About $250 to $500 | Passport Ultra for Mac |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Passport Ultra for Mac ahead of the Canvio Advance 4TB on capacity?
The Passport Ultra for Mac tops capacity at 5TB; the Canvio Advance 4TB follows at 4TB, 25% apart. The Seagate Portable 2TB is at the other end of this group with 2TB.
Is the Passport Ultra for Mac worth paying more than the Seagate Portable 2TB?
On paper it adds capacity (5TB against 2TB). The Seagate Portable 2TB sat in the $100 to $150 tier and the Passport Ultra for Mac in the $250 to $500 tier when we checked, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if capacity decides your purchase.
What makes the Passport Ultra for Mac the Largest Capacity?
It earns the label for the largest capacity here (5TB). The Canvio Advance 4TB is next on capacity at 4TB, so this pick's 5TB is 25% further out. The Seagate Portable 2TB, the cheapest pick, sat in the $100 to $150 tier against $250 to $500 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It suits anyone who puts capacity first.
Do the Passport Ultra for Mac and the Canvio Advance 4TB differ on connection?
The Passport Ultra for Mac uses USB-C (USB 3.1); the Canvio Advance 4TB and the WD My Passport 4TB use USB 3.0; the WD_Black P10 4TB uses USB 3.2 Gen 1; the Seagate Portable 2TB uses USB 3.0 (USB-A).
Beyond the specs, what sets the Passport Ultra for Mac and the Canvio Advance 4TB apart?
The Passport Ultra for Mac: formatting for Mac out of the box. The Canvio Advance 4TB: a USB 3.0 connection. The WD My Passport 4TB: a USB 3.0 connection.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Passport Ultra for Mac, chosen for the largest capacity here (5TB). Look at the Canvio Advance 4TB for a USB 3.0 connection, the WD My Passport 4TB for a USB 3.0 connection and the WD_Black P10 4TB for PlayStation, Xbox and PC compatibility if those matter more to you.
Keep a second copy of irreplaceable photos in another place.
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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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