
Best affordable External hard drives
This page always stays fresh and updates automatically.
1. WD Elements Portable
Discover the reliability and large storage capacity of the WD Elements portable hard drive. With fast data transfer and seamless connectivity to USB 3.2 Gen 1/USB 3.0 devices, you can effortlessly back up your photos, videos, and other files on the go.
Smooth Expansion
With this plug-and-play hard drive, you can expand your capacity in seconds, allowing you to store your important files easily and worry-free.
High Capacity
The enormous storage capacity of up to 6 TB provides ample space for your valuable photos, unforgettable videos, and important documents while on the move.
Faster Data Transfer
Thanks to the high transfer speed of USB 3.2 Gen 1, you can quickly and easily access and share your files.
Designed for the Environment
The casing of this hard drive is made of over 50% recycled plastic. The packaging is made of over 50% recycled paper and is fully recyclable.
Technical Specifications
- Capacity: 5 TB
- Connection: Micro-B
- Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 1; USB 3.0
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 110 mm x 82 mm x 15 mm
- Weight: 0.13 kg
- Model Number: WDBUZG7500ABK-WESN
- Operating Temperature: 5 °C to 35 °C
- Non-Operating Temperature: -20 °C to 65 °C
- Certifications: FCC-ICES, CE, BSMI, RCM, VCCI, EAC, KC, UKCA
Product Features
- Plug-and-play expansion
- Huge storage capacities for photos, videos, music, important documents, and more
- SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbit/s)
Compatibility
- Windows 10 and above
- Reformatting may be required for other operating systems.
- Compatibility depends on the user's hardware configuration and operating system.
Package Contents
- WD Elements Portable Hard Drive
- SuperSpeed USB-A Cable (5 Gbit/s).
Pro
- Small & compact on the outside, 5TB on the inside
- Small, handy, easy to handle.
Contra
- Dedicated cable, normal (USB C) cables cannot be used
- Unfortunately, the connection is loose, the cable must always be removed for stowing!
- Slow, but perfectly OK for any normal person

2. Seagate Expansion Portable
The Seagate Expansion portable hard drive is compact and perfect for on-the-go use. Instantly add more storage space to your PC or Mac and take large files with you while traveling.
The setup is simple and effortless. You only need to connect the USB cable. The hard drive is powered through the USB cable, so no external power supply is required. The drive is also automatically recognized by the Windows or Mac operating system, meaning no software installation or configuration is necessary. File storage is easily done via drag-and-drop.
Take advantage of fast data transfer with USB 3.0 by using a USB 3.0 port. Additionally, the purchase of the Seagate Expansion includes Rescue Data Recovery Services for extra security in data recovery.
Pro
- small, quiet,
- Small, compact, handy
Contra
- Relatively high power consumption when starting up (caution with passive USB-C hubs)
- Extremely slow
- looks a bit cheaply made; housing is made of VERY thin plastic...

3. Seagate Expansion Desktop
Seagate Expansion Desktop Drive, expanded storage for your PC and Mac. The Seagate Expansion Desktop Drive provides additional storage space for your ever-growing collection of files. Instantly add space for more files, consolidate all your files in one place, or free up space on your computer's internal hard drive to improve performance.
Setup is straightforward; simply connect the included power supply and USB cable, and you're ready to go. It is automatically recognized by the Windows or Mac operating system, so no software installation or configuration is required. Saving files is also easy – just drag and drop.
Take advantage of fast data transfer rates with the USB 3.0 interface by connecting it to a USB 3.0 port. Additionally, the Seagate Expansion comes with Rescue Data Recovery Services to provide you with extra peace of mind.
Pro
- Lots of storage space
- Is quiet
- Large storage with 10 TB
Contra
- A little noisy on the desk.
- No USB-C, but USB 3 port
- A little slow

4. Intenso Memory Case
The hard disk is ideal for backing up private data and can be taken anywhere due to its low weight. The Memory Case not only makes a good impression as a back-up solution or additional storage option, it also convinces visually. The black or white housing with high-gloss piano lacquer surface looks simple but high-quality. The blue LED lamp signals the active data transfer.
Pro
- Handy and small
- Small and handy
- Easy to operate
Contra
- Nothing but trouble
- No disadvantages
- Not to be used

5. Toshiba Canvio Basics
High-capacity storage in a practical, compact, matte black case. The Canvio Basics hard drives from Toshiba are available in various sizes and are perfect for storing data, music, movies, and pictures. These devices are powered via USB and can be connected to a PC or laptop with a single USB cable. The portable hard drives with USB 3.0 technology are much faster than, yet still compatible with, USB 2.0 devices, allowing for quick transfers while organizing your files. The device is ready to use with Microsoft Windows and is powered through the USB cable. Intuitively drag and drop files to and from your PC or laptop.
Model 2023.
Pro
- Small and thin
- Reliable, quiet
- Very compact
Contra
- Much too slow (SMR technology)
- No USB C port
- Cable a little short

6. Toshiba Canvio Advance V2
The Canvio Advance is a reliable storage solution for those who desire quality in an unmatched style. It is available in three colors that cater to every taste. As an added bonus, a backup software package and easily configurable security software are included to protect your data.
The Canvio Advance features a modern textured surface in three stylish colors. You can choose from a black, light beige, or red option.
Diverse interests that lead to various places—do you know this feeling? Then you need a storage solution that keeps up. The Canvio Advance is the perfect companion. Whether it's for backups at home or data on the go, this elegant hard drive supports you in your creative endeavors.
These portable hard drives are much faster than USB 2.0 devices thanks to USB 3.2 Gen 1 technology, while still being compatible with them. This makes organizing your files particularly quick and efficient.
With over 50 years of experience in hard drive technology and unparalleled quality standards, your files are always reliably and securely stored on Toshiba's portable hard drives.
Pro
- Small but nice
- Small and handy
- Practical size
Contra
- not loud, but still audible
- No long-term experience yet
- nothing found yet

7. WD My Passport Ultra
Withstands Every Adventure
The metal casing of the My Passport Ultra portable hard drive not only looks good but is also particularly robust. This makes it the ideal companion for on-the-go use. This USB-C-capable storage device with high capacity provides easy access to your important files—wherever you are. Use the included Acronis True Image for Western Digital software for secure data backup, including ransomware protection. The password protection ensures additional security during your travels.
Sleek Metal Design
Thanks to USB-C technology, the My Passport Ultra is a fast mobile storage option for your PC. The included USB 3.2 Gen 1/USB 3.0 adapter ensures compatibility with older devices.
Compatible with USB-C
The My Passport Ultra portable hard drive easily connects to USB-C-capable devices. The included USB-C to USB-A adapter provides additional compatibility with older devices, offering versatility and convenience in a compact format.
Large Capacity
With a storage capacity of up to 6 TB, you can take your photos, videos, music, and important documents with you anywhere, keeping everything securely under control.
Easy Backups. Including Ransomware Protection.
The included Acronis True Image for Western Digital software simplifies the scheduling of backups for your valuable files. Additionally, back up your important applications and protect your computer system from data loss due to ransomware attacks.
Protection for Important Data
Protect your files from unauthorized access at home or on the go. Use the included software for added security with password protection and integrated 256-bit AES encryption.
Environmentally Designed
The casing of this hard drive is made of over 50% recycled plastic.
Pro
- Connection concept (USB-A to USB-C via adapter)
- Plenty of storage space
- Relatively small
Contra
- A little slow for large amounts of data
- Acronis software is not very user-friendly
- 20% more expensive than the variant without USB-C

8. WD My Passport
Those who are flexible get more out of life. Secure your valuable memories on the go with the My Passport mobile hard drive. This high-capacity storage medium offers a seamless USB connection and allows easy access to your important files anytime and anywhere. Use the included Acronis True Image for Western Digital software for reliable data backup, including ransomware protection. Never lose files again – with the My Passport mobile hard drive, you can safely store your memories and have them readily available at all times.
Sleek Design
A slim and durable design that makes your life on the go effortless and comfortable. Thanks to its robust construction, the hard drive is a reliable companion for your adventures.
Large Capacity
With a storage capacity of up to 6 TB, you can take your photos, videos, music, and important documents with you anywhere, keeping everything securely in hand.
Easy Backups. Including Ransomware Protection.
The included Acronis True Image for Western Digital software simplifies the scheduling of backups for your valuable files. Additionally, back up your important applications and protect your computer system from data loss due to ransomware attacks.
Protection for Important Data
Protect your files from unauthorized access at home or on the go. Use the included software for added security with password protection and integrated 256-bit AES encryption.
Designed for the Environment
The casing of this hard drive is made of over 50% recycled plastic. The packaging is made of over 50% recycled paper and is fully recyclable.
Technical Specifications
- Capacity: 2 TB
- Connection: Micro-B
- Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 1, USB 2.0
- Transfer Speed: Up to 5 Gb/s
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 107.19 mm x 74.93 mm x 13.46 mm.
Pro
- Small but big storage.
- Small and handy
- Absolutely reliable,
Contra
- Very slow
- No USB C (if you need this)
- USB cable is not particularly long

9. WD My Passport - for Mac
Model Number: WDBA2F0040BBL-WESN
My Passport for Mac - 4 TB (Blue)
Those who are flexible enjoy life more.
Safeguard your precious memories on the go with the My Passport for Mac portable hard drive. This USB-C compatible Mac storage device offers seamless USB connectivity, allowing easy access to your valuable files anytime and anywhere. Use the included Acronis True Image for Western Digital software for reliable data backup, including ransomware protection. Never lose files again – with the My Passport portable hard drive, you can securely store your memories and have them readily available at all times.
Ready for Macs. Optimized for Windows.
The My Passport for Mac portable hard drive is ready to use right out of the box and can be universally connected thanks to USB-C compatibility. To ensure the drive works seamlessly with Windows 10+ computers without reformatting, an HFS+ driver is available for download.
Sleek Design
A slim and durable design that makes your life on the go effortless and comfortable. With its robust construction, the hard drive is a reliable companion for your adventures.
Large Capacity
With a storage capacity of up to 6 TB, you can take your photos, videos, music, and important documents anywhere, keeping everything securely under control.
Easy Backups. Including Ransomware Protection.
The included Acronis True Image for Western Digital software simplifies the scheduling of backups for your valuable files. Additionally, secure your important applications and protect your computer system from data loss due to ransomware attacks.
Protection for Important Data
Protect your files from unauthorized access at home or on the go. Use the included software for added security with password protection.
Pro
- Small but mighty
- Very compact
- Small and light
Contra
- Plastic housing looks a bit cheap
- too expensive
- Nict stable, back up works well once then no longer.

10. WD My Passport USB-C
No matter where your creativity or adventures take you, the My Passport mobile hard drive is the perfect companion for travelling - and your USB-C devices. The storage is seamlessly compatible with Windows computers, Macs, Chromebooks, game consoles, smartphones and tablets via USB-C connection. Thanks to backup software and password protection, your files are safe.
Hassle-free connection
Connect the hard drive to USB-C and USB-A devices, including Windows computers, Macs, Chromebooks, gaming consoles, smartphones and tablets, without having to change cables.
Compatible with your devices
The My Passport mobile hard drive can be used directly with Windows computers, Macs, game consoles and mobile devices without the need to reformat or purchase additional software.
Enormous capacity for your content
Up to 6TB of storage for your important files, creative projects, school work, family photos, videos and favourite games in one central location.
Protection for important data
Use the included software to easily back up your valuable files and password protection with built-in 256-bit AES encryption.
Reliable guarantee
We manufacture our hard drives with proven components and offer a 3-year guarantee for absolute reliability.
Environmentally friendly design
The housing of this hard drive is made from more than 50% recycled plastic and the outer box is fully recyclable.
