Best External Drives 2026
Top external drives recommendations.
Best External Drives 2026: Top Picks Reviewed
Our experts analyzed 6 top external drives based on professional reviews from 12 expert sources. See our top picks for 2026.
Our Top Picks
Top External Drives Reviewed
10 products
1
Best OverallSanDisk
Pro-G40 Portable SSD 2TB
9.2/10
- Capacity:2TB
- Interface:Thunderbolt 3/USB-C
- Durability:IP68, 3m drop
- Read Speed:2800 MB/s
$419.99
2
Best PremiumLaCie
Rugged SSD Pro 4TB
9.0/10
- Capacity:4TB
- Interface:Thunderbolt 3
- Durability:IP67, 3m drop, 2-ton crush
- Read Speed:2800 MB/s
$509.99
3
Best ValueWestern Digital
WD My Passport SSD 2TB
8.8/10
- Capacity:2TB
- Features:Hardware encryption
- Interface:USB-C 3.2 Gen 2
- Read Speed:1050 MB/s
$84.99
4
Crucial
X9 Pro 2TB
8.2/10
- Capacity:2TB
- Interface:USB-C 3.2 Gen 2
- Durability:IP55, 2m drop
- Read Speed:1050 MB/s
$119.00
5
SanDisk
Extreme PRO 4TB Portable SSD
8.2/10
- Weight:2.9 oz
- Capacity:4TB
- Interface:USB 3.2 Gen 2x2
- Dimensions:4.3 x 2.3 x 0.4 inches
$399.99
6
Western Digital
Elements
8.0/10
- Capacity:4TB
- Warranty:2 years
- Interface:USB 3.0
- Form Factor:desktop
$99.99
7
Crucial
X9 Pro 500GB Portable SSD
8.0/10
- Weight:1.8 oz
- Capacity:500GB
- Interface:USB 3.2 Gen 2
- Dimensions:2.5 x 2.5 x 0.4 inches
$69.99
8
Samsung
T7 Shield 2TB Portable SSD
8.0/10
- Weight:3.5 oz
- Capacity:2TB
- Interface:USB 3.2 Gen 2
- Dimensions:3.5 x 2.3 x 0.3 inches
$159.99
9
Western Digital
WD My Passport 5TB Portable Hard Drive
7.3/10
- Weight:7.4 oz
- Capacity:5TB
- Interface:USB 3.0
- Dimensions:4.22 x 2.95 x 0.75 inches
$169.00
10
Seagate
One Touch 1TB SSD
7.0/10
- Weight:2.1 oz
- Capacity:1TB
- Interface:USB 3.0
- Dimensions:2.76 x 1.97 x 0.39 inches
$69.99
How We Review External Drives
We aggregate and analyze research from trusted sources across the web. By combining multiple expert opinions, we provide a comprehensive view that no single review can offer.
Our recommendations consider:
- Expert ratings and verdicts from multiple sources
- Pros and cons mentioned across reviews
- Price-to-performance value
- Reliability and build quality feedback
- Recent product updates and refreshes
We may earn commission from links on this page. Learn more