Our digital lives are expanding more rapidly than ever in 2025, from high-def photos and 4K videos, to game libraries and large application files. Whether you are a content creator, a student, a business professional, or just someone who casually uses media, a dependable and the best external hard drive no longer is an option for many but rather it is a requirement.
External storage solutions come in all types you can imagine, fast external SSD drives, standard hard disk external drives for storage capacity, hybrid external drives, promote them all. In this blog, we cover the best external hard drives for 2025, including portable drives, 1TB SSD drives, and Thunderbolt 4 devices. We've thought about recognized brands like Western Digital and Samsung so that you invest your precious storage time into a quality solution.
Why You Need an External Hard Drive in 2025
People have many reasons to purchase external SSD. Some students need a backup for class notes, while some photographers are saving their RAW files. Internal hard drives and cloud storage can be costly, limited, or can be an issue when your device is off-line. External SSDs or an external hard disk allow you:
- Having a portable backup for your important files.
- Having a faster speed to transfer files (more so with SSDS and Thunderbolt 4).
- Having memory for gaming consoles, laptops and mobile workstations.
- Having security on PC failures, ransomware, and system crashes.
Top Picks: Best External Hard Drives for 2025
1. Samsung T9 Portable SSD - Speed and Portability Combined
The Samsung T9 is a pro-grade 1TB SSD, making it perfect for photographers and videographers or other creative professionals on-the-go. With incredible transfer speeds (up to 2,000 MB/s.) it is a BES standard SSD with USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 interface. With its small size, you can easily carry this drive in your pocket as you bounce around. Now, what makes it the best external hard drive is, it works with Windows, macOS, and Android, and will even connect to gaming consoles.
Why it’s good for storing Samsung files:
You may not know this but Samsung already has its own standard for Galaxy devices which the T9 seamlessly integrates with, it’s also optimized for how Android uses file systems.
Pros:
- Shock resistant and super durable
- Extremely small in form factor
- You can storage support up to 1TB, 2TB, or 4TB options
2. Western Digital My Passport - Trusted and Budget-Friendly
The WD My Passport has always been a go-to option for reliable Western Digital external hard drives. The latest version in 2025 offers USB-C and USB-A capability, password protection, and a maximum storage of 5TB. This drive is a well-balanced model for users who want good value and capacity.
Best external hard drive for general users who want a traditional hard disk external with security features.
Pros:
- Includes auto backup software
- Storage ranges from 1TB to 5TB
- AES 256-bit hardware encryption
3. SanDisk Extreme Pro Portable SSD V2 - Rugged & Ultra-Fast
SanDisk, a brand belonging to Western Digital, provides one of the most rugged external SSD options available. The Extreme Pro Portable SSD V2 is made for high-performance needs and offers speeds of 2,000MB/s and IP55 water and dust resistance for peace of mind.
Best external hard drive for outdoor creators and travelers who need a powerful, rugged, and secure storage
Pros:
- Rugged with carabiner loop
- Compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4
- Available in 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB sizes
4. LaCie Rugged SSD Pro - Built for Thunderbolt 4 Performance
The LaCie Rugged SSD Pro is exceptional for Mac users, filmmakers, and anyone dealing with 6K or 8K footage. It uses Thunderbolt 4 and NVMe technology to produce huge transfer speeds that are ideal for editing off the drive.
It is a great Thunderbolt 4 option as it is fast enough for professional setups that produce large file sizes.
Pros:
- IP67 waterproof and dustproof
- Crush and drop resistant
- Supports Thunderbolt 3 & 4 / USB4
5. Seagate One Touch HDD - Stylish and Spacious
In the market for a hard disk that is finely made but functional? The Seagate One Touch offers a great deal of storage (up to 5TB) in a slim attractive body. Ideal for regular backups, multimedia storage and archival storage.
Best suited for non-technical or casual users and students who are looking for a sleek and one of the best hard disks external with storage.
Pros:
- Lightweight and compact
- You will get free data recovery services for 3 years
- Come with syncing software to aid with backups
What to Look for When Buying an External Hard Drive in 2025
Here are several potential features that may influence your decisions regarding which is best external hard drive for you:
- Storage Capacity: One terabyte or 1TB SSD drive is suitable for many users, while videographers may find they need to use 2TB or more.
- Speed: SSD (Solid State Drives) devices are much faster than HDD (Hard Disk Drives) devices. If speed is important, consider using NVMe based External SSDs.
- Interface: If you use USB-C or Thunderbolt 4 you can usually expect faster speeds than USB-A. Make sure your system is compatible with the interface you want to use.
- Durability: If you travel often or work outdoors in rugged conditions, consider a hard drive that is shock resistant or has an IP rating.
- Software: Having backup and encryption software is a great feature to have to secure your sensitive files.
SSD vs. HDD - Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between a hard disk external (HDD) and an external SSD depends on what matters most to you:
|
Criteria |
External SSD |
Hard Disk External Drive (HDD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Speed |
Much faster |
Slower |
|
Durability |
More shock-resistant |
More fragile |
|
Cost per GB |
Higher |
Lower |
|
Best for |
Speed and portability |
Budget and large storage |
If speed is your top priority and a bit more price tag doesn’t concern you, take the plunge on an external SSD. On the flip side, if you have a ton of terabytes of video, game libraries or backup files to store on a budget, a classic hard disk external is still a proven choice.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, we now have a plentiful variety of external storage (SSD or HDD) options for every need. Whether you're looking for a 1TB SSD drive, a Thunderbolt 4 behemoth, or even a trusted Western Digital external hard drive; you are sure to find a variety of options to suit your work and lifestyle.
So, the best external hard drive is the one that optimally considers speed, capacity, durability and budget, while making sure your data is safe and accessible.
FAQs
Q: What brand of external hard drive is most reliable?
- Samsung
- Western Digital
- SanDisk
- LaCie Rugged
- Seagate
Q: Can an HDD last 15 years?
Normally, Hard drives last for 3-5 years. Although some special models can last around 10-15 years as well, that’s not a normal case with each HDD.
Q: What is the future of the hard disk drive industry?
Shipped HDD capacity will grow at a 19% CAGR through 2027.
