External drives

The external drive is the easiest way to keep backups, transfer large files, and expand the memory of a laptop or console. Here you will find classic external hard drives with large capacity, fast external SSD drives with USB-C, and rugged models with shock-resistant casing for travel.

How to choose

• HDD or SSD. External hard drives offer a lot of space at a good price and are suitable for archiving and backups. External SSD drives are many times faster, lighter, and better at withstanding shocks, making them better for working with and transferring large files.
• Capacity. 1 TB is enough for documents and photos. 2–5 TB is a reasonable choice for video and full backups, while 3.5-inch desktop drives with separate power supply can go much higher.
• Connection. USB 3.0 and newer versions provide sufficient speed for a hard drive. Fast SSD drives reveal their capabilities only with USB 3.2 Gen 2, USB4, or Thunderbolt ports.
• Form factor. 2.5-inch drives are powered directly from USB and can fit in your pocket. 3.5-inch drives are for the desk and need to be plugged into an outlet.
• Protection. Models with rubberized casing and protection against dust and water are suitable for travel, fieldwork, and photographers.

What to watch out for

• A backup makes sense only if it is on a separate drive, not on the same computer.
• Safely eject the drive from the system to avoid damaging the data during writing.
• Hard drives do not like shocks while working – do not move them while copying.
• Some drives come formatted for a specific system – you may need to format them again.

Compatibility

External drives work with Windows, macOS, and many TVs and consoles. For exchange between Windows and Mac, the exFAT format is the most convenient. Consoles have their own speed and capacity requirements – check them in the description. Network models with Ethernet or Wi-Fi connect to the home network and provide access to files from all devices at home. If a drive is not recognized by an older computer, the reason is often insufficient power from the USB port – in that case, a dual cable or powered hub helps. If you need something smaller for documents, check out USB drives, and for internal installation in a computer – SSD drives.