Best Portable Hard Disk: (2023 Guide & Reviews)
Cathy Welch Sep 28, 2023 8:01 PM
A Best portable hard disk is a convenient device used for backing up and storing large amounts of data. It is small in size and can be easily carried around. Portable hard disks are available in different sizes, ranging from 500GB to 2TB.
They are also widely used for storing video and music files, photos, and other important documents. Portable hard disks offer faster data transfer rates than other external storage devices such as USB flash drives. In addition, they are more reliable and durable than other external storage devices. Portable hard disks are an ideal choice for people who need to take their data with them wherever they go.

Top Choice
No | Image | Product | Score | Check |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | ![]() | Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive HDD — USB 3.0 | 9.4 | Check Price |
2 | ![]() | WD 5TB Elements Portable HDD | 9.4 | Check Price |
3 | ![]() | LaCie LAC9000633) Rugged Mini 4TB External Hard Drive Portable HDD | 9.4 | Check Price |
4 | ![]() | LaCie Rugged Mini 5TB External Hard Drive Portable HDD | 9.2 | Check Price |
5 | ![]() | WD 5TB My Passport Portable External Hard Drive | 9.2 | Check Price |

Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive HDD — USB 3.0
Color: Black
Dimensions: 0.58 x 4.6 x 3.15 Inches
Warranty: 1 Year Limited
Verdict:
The Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive is an excellent choice for those who need to store and access lots of content on the go. It is easy to set up and use, and provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable.
Specs:
- Capacity: 2TB
- Interface: USB 3.0
- Compatibility: Windows and Mac computers
- Included Cable: 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
Pros:
- Easily store and access 2TB of content
- Easy to set up and use
- Plug and play simplicity
- Compatible with Windows and Mac computers
- Includes 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- One-year Rescue Service
Cons:
- None noted

WD 5TB Elements Portable HDD
Color: Black
Dimensions: 0.82 x 4.35 x 3.23 Inches
Warranty: 2 year manufacturer
Verdict:
WD 5TB Elements Portable HDD is an excellent external hard drive for PC and Mac users, offering a high capacity in a small enclosure and plug-and-play compatibility with Windows PCs.
Specs:
- Capacity: 5TB
- Transfer rate: 5Gbps
- Compatible with: USB 3.0 and USB 2.0
- Weight: 0.28 lbs
Pros:
- High capacity in a small enclosure
- Transfer data at maximum speed with USB 3.0
- Plug-and-play ready for Windows PC
- Compatible with USB 2.0 and USB 3.0
- Lightweight and portable
Cons:
- Not compatible with Mac OS

LaCie LAC9000633) Rugged Mini 4TB External Hard Drive Portable HDD
Dimensions: 0.79 x 5.3 x 3.4 Inches
Warranty: 2 Year Limited
Verdict:
The LaCie External Hard Drive Rugged Mini is a great hard drive for anyone looking for a reliable and secure storage solution. It offers fast speeds, excellent protection from dust and water, and a complimentary Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps Plan.
Specs:
- Capacity: 4TB
- USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 compatible
- Shock, drops up to 4 feet, dust and water resistant
- Password protection built in
- Maximum speed is 130 mb per second
- Includes 1-month complimentary membership to Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps Plan
Pros:
- Fast speeds
- Excellent protection from dust and water
- Complimentary Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps Plan
- USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 compatible
- Password protection
Cons:
- Requires reformatting for Mac compatibility

LaCie Rugged Mini 5TB External Hard Drive Portable HDD
Color: Orange
Dimensions: 1.02 x 3.39 x 5.31 Inches
Warranty: 2 year manufacturer
Verdict:
The LaCie Rugged Mini 5TB External Hard Drive is an excellent choice for those who need a travel-friendly, durable, and high-capacity storage solution. It offers fast transfer speeds, all-terrain durability, and a complimentary one-month membership to the Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps plan.
Specs:
Capacity: 5TB
Connectivity: USB 3.0/2.0
Transfer Speed: Up to 130MB/s
Durability: Drop, Crush, and Water-Resistant
Warranty: Two-Year Limited
Pros:
- High capacity of up to 5TB
- Fast transfer speeds up to 130MB/s
- All-terrain durability
- Complimentary one-month membership to the Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps plan
Cons:
- Expensive compared to other external hard drives

WD 5TB My Passport Portable External Hard Drive
Color: Black
Dimensions: 0.75 x 4.22 x 2.95 Inches
Warranty: 3-year manufacturer's limited warranty
Verdict:
The WD 5TB My Passport Portable External Hard Drive provides a slim design, 256-bit AES hardware encryption, and a SuperSpeed USB 3.0 port for fast data transfer, making it a great option for those who need extra storage and secure data protection.
Specs:
Storage Capacity: 5TB
Software: Device management and backup with password protection
Encryption: 256-bit AES hardware encryption
Interface: SuperSpeed USB 3.0 port (5Gbps); USB 2.0 compatible
Warranty: 3-year limited warranty
Pros:
- Slim design for easy portability
- 256-bit AES hardware encryption for secure data protection
- SuperSpeed USB 3.0 port for fast data transfer
- 3-year limited warranty
Cons:
- Software must be downloaded and installed (terms and conditions apply)
- User account registration may be required

Toshiba Canvio Flex 4TB Portable External Hard Drive USB-C USB 3.0
Color: Silver
Dimensions: 0.77 x 4.37 x 3.15 Inches
Warranty: 3 year limited manufacturer

LaCie Rugged Raid Shuttle 8TB External Hard Drive Portable HDD
Dimensions: 0.7 x 3.9 x 2.6 Inches
Warranty: 3 year warranty

Oyen Digital 10TB MiniPro Dura RAID USB-C Portable Rugged Hard
Color: Black
Dimensions: 1.4 x 7 x 5.7 Inches
Warranty: 3 YEAR WARRANTY
Last update on 2023-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API
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A portable hard disk is a great way to store large amounts of data in a small, convenient package. Image source: Amazon.com
What is the maximum storage capacity of a portable hard disk?
The maximum storage capacity of a portable hard disk can range from between 500GB to 8TB depending on the model.
What types of files are compatible with a portable hard disk?
Most portable hard drives are compatible with most types of files, including documents, images, videos, audio, and compressed archives. Some portable hard drives may be compatible with specific types of files, such as those used for backup or specific file formats.
How much power does a portable hard disk require?
The amount of power required by a portable hard disk depends on the type of hard disk and the power requirements of the device it is connected to. Generally speaking, most portable hard disks will require at least 500mA of power, although some higher-end models may require up to 1A of power.
What is the best portable hard disk for my budget?
The best portable hard drive for your budget depends on your specific needs. Portable hard drives come in different sizes, speeds, and capacities, so you should consider what you need to store and the speed at which you need to access it. Some of the most popular portable hard drives include Western Digital My Passport, Seagate Backup Plus Slim, and Toshiba Canvio Basics.
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A portable hard disk is a great way to store and transfer data on the go. Image source: Amazon.com