Buying Guide
The Best Seagate Portable External Drives
Seagate sells plain hard drives, encrypted drives and SSDs under similar names. These five cover the range.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
Seagate's portable range includes the basic Portable and Expansion hard drives, the password-protected One Touch, and small SSDs. The names overlap, so this guide sorts them by use.
Every pick is a Seagate drive, compared on its Amazon listing.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Best Seagate Value
Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive2TB with drag-and-drop on Windows and Mac.
Best for: Everyday backups
Check price for Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Secure Seagate
Seagate One Touch 2TB Portable Hard Drive with PasswordPassword with hardware encryption and two-year warranty.
Best for: Sensitive files
Check price for Seagate One Touch 2TB Portable Hard Drive with Password on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Seagate SSD
Seagate Ultra Touch SSD 1TBPalm-sized SSD with a USB-A adapter.
Best for: Speed and portability
Check price for Seagate Ultra Touch SSD 1TB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)Best for Consoles
Seagate Portable 1TB External Hard DrivePC, Mac, PlayStation and Xbox listed.
Best for: Console backups
Check price for Seagate Portable 1TB External Hard Drive on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Simplest Seagate
Seagate Expansion Portable 1TB External Hard DrivePlain 1TB USB 3.0 drive.
Best for: One backup job
Check price for Seagate Expansion Portable 1TB External Hard Drive on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Seagate Value1 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
- Everyday backups
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Expansion 1TB cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It is the low-cost way to add backup space to any laptop. On capacity it ties with the One Touch 2TB at 2TB. Like the Seagate Portable 1TB, it has a USB 3.0 (USB-A) connection, while the Ultra Touch SSD uses a USB-C with USB-A adapter 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. When we checked, only the Seagate Portable 1TB and cheaper picks cost less, and the One Touch 2TB cost more.
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 Ultra Touch SSD
Cons
- Costs more than the Expansion 1TB at the time of writing
Best Secure Seagate2 of 5
Seagate One Touch 2TB Portable Hard Drive with Password
Seagate's One Touch adds password-protected hardware encryption and a brushed-metal case to a 2TB hard drive.
Best for
- Sensitive files
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Expansion 1TB cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Its warranty runs two years with Rescue data recovery. It matches the Seagate Portable 2TB on capacity (2TB). It shares a USB 3.0 connection with the Expansion 1TB; the Seagate Portable 1TB goes with a USB 3.0 (USB-A) connection.
It also offers scheduled or one-click backups. 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 Seagate Portable 2TB and the Ultra Touch SSD, based on our last check.
Key specs
- Drive type
- HDD
- Capacity (as reviewed)
- 2TB
- Connection
- USB 3.0
- Durability claim
- Not stated
- Security
- Password, hardware encryption
Pros
- Brushed-metal enclosure
- Scheduled or one-click backups
- Two-year warranty with Rescue data recovery
- Capacity of 2TB, ahead of the Ultra Touch SSD
Cons
- Costs more than the Expansion 1TB at the time of writing
Best Seagate SSD3 of 5
Seagate Ultra Touch SSD 1TB
Seagate's Ultra Touch SSD is a palm-sized fabric-covered SSD with a USB-A adapter in the box.
Best for
- Speed and portability
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Expansion 1TB was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
An Android app manages phone backups. Its fabric-covered shell is palm-sized, and it ships with a USB-A adapter and an Android app for phone backups. Some Macs need it reformatted first.
It includes a year of Mylio Create and two months of Adobe CC Photography. It matches the Seagate Portable 1TB and the Expansion 1TB on capacity (1TB). You get a USB-C with USB-A adapter connection here, which sets it apart from the Expansion 1TB and its a USB 3.0 connection. It was the highest-priced of the 5 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the One Touch 2TB and the rest.
Key specs
- Drive type
- SSD
- Capacity (as reviewed)
- 1TB
- Connection
- USB-C with USB-A adapter
- Durability claim
- Not stated
- Security
- None stated
Pros
- Fabric-covered palm-sized design
- Included USB-A adapter
- Android app for phone content
- USB-C with USB-A adapter connection, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the Expansion 1TB at the time of writing
Best for Consoles4 of 5
Seagate Portable 1TB External Hard Drive
The 1TB Seagate Portable lists PC, Mac, PlayStation and Xbox support and a year of Rescue data recovery.
Best for
- Console backups
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Expansion 1TB cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Mac users reformat it first. On capacity it ties with the Ultra Touch SSD and the Expansion 1TB at 1TB. Like the Seagate Portable 2TB, it has a USB 3.0 (USB-A) connection, while the Ultra Touch SSD uses a USB-C with USB-A adapter connection.
It also offers the lowest price tier among Seagate drives here. It connects by USB-A; a USB-C-only laptop such as a MacBook Air needs an adapter or a USB-C cable. It ships formatted for Windows, so a Mac user reformats it (exFAT for both systems, APFS for Time Machine).
As a spinning hard drive it is slower than an SSD and less tolerant of knocks while running. When we checked, only the Expansion 1TB cost less, and the Seagate Portable 2TB cost more.
Key specs
- Drive type
- HDD
- Capacity (as reviewed)
- 1TB
- Connection
- USB 3.0 (USB-A)
- Durability claim
- Not stated
- Security
- None stated
Pros
- PC, Mac, PlayStation and Xbox compatibility
- One year of Rescue data recovery
- The lowest price tier among Seagate drives here
Cons
- Costs more than the Expansion 1TB at the time of writing
Simplest Seagate5 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
- One backup job
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.
It matches the Ultra Touch SSD and the Seagate Portable 1TB on capacity (1TB). It shares a USB 3.0 connection with the One Touch 2TB; the Ultra Touch SSD goes with a USB-C with USB-A adapter 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 undercut the Seagate Portable 1TB and every other pick on price 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
- Plain 1TB USB 3.0 drive
Cons
- Capacity trails the Seagate Portable 2TB (2TB)
The catch
The trade-off is capacity; for more, the Seagate Portable 2TB is rated for 2TB.
How We Chose These Seagate Portable External Drives
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.
- The figures behind the order
- We compared five drives on drive type, capacity, connection and security from manufacturer specifications. Nothing was tested in-house; 4 of the 4 fields compared are stated for every pick.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the Seagate Portable 2TB to the Expansion 1TB, state drive type, capacity and connection.
- Who each pick suits
- The Seagate Portable 2TB for 2TB with drag-and-drop on Windows and Mac; the One Touch 2TB for password with hardware encryption and two-year warranty; the Ultra Touch SSD for palm-sized SSD with a USB-A adapter.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Expansion 1TB ($100 to $150) to the Ultra Touch SSD ($150 to $250).
What to Look for in a Seagate Portable External Drive
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Capacity
The Seagate Portable 2TB tops capacity at 2TB and the Expansion 1TB sits lowest at 1TB; 2 picks share the top figure. If capacity is your first filter, the Seagate Portable 2TB sets the ceiling at 2TB.
Extras that separate them
The Ultra Touch SSD: an included USB-A adapter. The Seagate Portable 1TB: one year of Rescue data recovery. The Expansion 1TB: USB 3.0.
An M.2 2280 SSD held in a hand Budget
$100 to $150 buys the Expansion 1TB, the Seagate Portable 1TB, the Seagate Portable 2TB and the One Touch 2TB; $150 to $250 buys the Ultra Touch SSD at our last check.
Start from what matters most
Everyday backups: the Seagate Portable 2TB. Sensitive files: the One Touch 2TB. Speed and portability: the Ultra Touch SSD.
An M.2 SSD inside a clear external enclosure Drop and water ratings
IP ratings and drop heights are manufacturer claims. They matter for drives that travel in bags; a drive that stays on a desk needs less.
How to Choose a Seagate Portable External Drive
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday backups | Seagate Portable 2TB | 2TB with drag-and-drop on Windows and Mac |
| Sensitive files | One Touch 2TB | Password with hardware encryption and two-year warranty |
| Speed and portability | Ultra Touch SSD | Palm-sized SSD with a USB-A adapter |
| Console backups | Seagate Portable 1TB | PC, Mac, PlayStation and Xbox listed |
| One backup job | Expansion 1TB | Plain 1TB USB 3.0 drive |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Seagate Portable 2TB leads on capacity at 2TB, ahead of the One Touch 2TB at 2TB.
| Drive | Drive type | Capacity (as reviewed) | Connection | Durability claim |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seagate Portable 2TB | HDD | 2TB | USB 3.0 (USB-A) | Not stated |
| One Touch 2TB | HDD | 2TB | USB 3.0 | Not stated |
| Ultra Touch SSD | SSD | 1TB | USB-C with USB-A adapter | Not stated |
| Seagate Portable 1TB | HDD | 1TB | USB 3.0 (USB-A) | Not stated |
| Expansion 1TB | HDD | 1TB | USB 3.0 | Not stated |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Expansion 1TB was the lowest-priced pick ($100 to $150) and the Ultra Touch SSD the highest ($150 to $250) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Drives |
|---|---|
| About $100 to $150 | Expansion 1TB, Seagate Portable 1TB, Seagate Portable 2TB, One Touch 2TB |
| About $150 to $250 | Ultra Touch SSD |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Seagate Portable 2TB our Best Seagate Value pick?
The label rests on 2TB with drag-and-drop on Windows and Mac. It makes sense for everyday backups.
Do the Seagate Portable 2TB and the One Touch 2TB differ on connection?
The Seagate Portable 2TB and the Seagate Portable 1TB use USB 3.0 (USB-A); the One Touch 2TB and the Expansion 1TB use USB 3.0; the Ultra Touch SSD uses USB-C with USB-A adapter.
What extras do the Seagate Portable 2TB and the One Touch 2TB include?
The Seagate Portable 2TB: an 18in USB 3.0 cable. The One Touch 2TB: a brushed-metal enclosure. The Ultra Touch SSD: a fabric-covered palm-sized design.
Who should choose the One Touch 2TB?
The One Touch 2TB carries our Best Secure Seagate label for password with hardware encryption and two-year warranty. It ranks second of 5 here and sat in the $100 to $150 tier at our last price check; it suits sensitive files.
Should I pick the Seagate Portable 2TB or the Expansion 1TB?
The Seagate Portable 2TB suits everyday backups; the Expansion 1TB suits one backup job.
Bottom Line
The Seagate Portable 2TB is the value choice for backups. The One Touch adds encryption and a longer warranty, the Ultra Touch SSD is the small, fast option, and the 1TB Portable and Expansion suit smaller jobs.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best External Storage for a Laptop: SSDs and Hard Drives
- Related guideThe Best External Hard Drives for a MacBook Air
- Related guideThe Best External SSDs for a Laptop
- Lower budgetThe Best Budget External SSDs
- Similar guideThe Best Portable External Hard Drive
- 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 storagePCIe 5.0 vs PCIe 4.0 SSD: When the Difference Matters
- Similar guideThe Best External Hard Drive
- 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
View all articles