As technology continues to advance, our reliance on it keeps growing. With the need for more storage space, external hard drives have become a popular solution for individuals and businesses that require more storage space. External hard drives offer a portable, affordable, and easy way to expand your storage space. However, with so many options in the market, it can be challenging to determine the best external hard drive for your needs. In this article, we will explore the best external hard drives in 2022.
Criteria for Choosing the Best External Hard Drives
Before we dive into the top external hard drives, let's first discuss the criteria we considered when selecting our top picks.
Storage Capacity
Storage capacity is one of the most crucial factors to consider when choosing an external hard drive. The storage capacity you require will depend on the type of files you need to store. For instance, if you need a hard drive for storing photos, music, and videos, you will require a larger storage capacity than someone who only needs to store documents.
When considering storage capacity, it's essential to think about your future needs as well. It's always a good idea to choose a larger capacity than what you think you need to save yourself the trouble of having to upgrade in the future.
Transfer Speed
Transfer speed is another important factor to consider when choosing an external hard drive. The transfer speed determines how fast you can move files from your computer to the external hard drive. A faster transfer speed will save you time and increase productivity.
The transfer speed is usually measured in MB/s or GB/s. The faster the transfer speed, the quicker you can move files. It's essential to note that the transfer speed can vary depending on the type of files you're transferring and the computer's USB port.
Durability
Durability is a critical factor to consider when choosing an external hard drive. The hard drive should be able to withstand accidental drops and other physical factors that can damage it. Additionally, the hard drive should have a long lifespan to ensure that your data is safe for a long time.
When considering durability, it's essential to think about how and where you'll be using your external hard drive. If you're going to be moving around a lot, you may want to choose a hard drive with a shock-resistant casing. Additionally, if you're going to be using your hard drive in extreme weather conditions, you may want to choose a hard drive that is water-resistant or dustproof.
Price
Finally, the price is an essential factor to consider when choosing an external hard drive. You want to ensure that you get the best value for your money without compromising on quality. External hard drives come in different price ranges, from budget-friendly options to high-end models.
When considering price, it's essential to think about your budget and the features you require. It's always a good idea to do some research and read reviews to ensure that you're getting the best value for your money.
Top External Hard Drives in 2022
After considering the above factors, we have selected the following external hard drives as our top picks for 2022.
1. Seagate Backup Plus Slim
The Seagate Backup Plus Slim is a popular external hard drive that offers excellent storage capacity, transfer speed, and durability. It is available in different storage capacities ranging from 1TB to 5TB, making it ideal for anyone who needs a lot of storage space. Additionally, the hard drive has a fast transfer speed of up to 120MB/s, which makes it easy to move files quickly. The Seagate Backup Plus Slim is also durable, with a metal finish that can withstand accidental drops.
The Seagate Backup Plus Slim is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems, making it a versatile option for anyone who uses multiple devices. The hard drive also comes with a two-month subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud Photography plan, making it an even better value for photographers and graphic designers.
2. Western Digital My Passport
The Western Digital My Passport is another popular external hard drive that offers excellent storage capacity, transfer speed, and durability. It is available in different storage capacities ranging from 1TB to 5TB, making it ideal for anyone who needs a lot of storage space. Additionally, the hard drive has a fast transfer speed of up to 110MB/s, which makes it easy to move files quickly. The Western Digital My Passport is also durable, with a shock-resistant casing that can withstand accidental drops.
The Western Digital My Passport comes equipped with automatic backup software, making it easy to back up your files regularly. The hard drive also comes with password protection and hardware encryption to keep your data safe from unauthorized access.
3. Samsung T5
The Samsung T5 is a high-end external hard drive that offers exceptional transfer speed and durability. It is available in different storage capacities ranging from 500GB to 2TB, making it ideal for individuals who need a lot of storage space. Additionally, the hard drive has a fast transfer speed of up to 540MB/s, which makes it easy to move files quickly. The Samsung T5 is also durable, with a shock-resistant casing that can withstand accidental drops.
The Samsung T5 is a compact and lightweight hard drive that is easy to carry around. Additionally, it comes with AES 256-bit hardware encryption to keep your data safe from unauthorized access. The hard drive is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems, making it a versatile option for anyone who uses multiple devices.
4. LaCie Rugged USB-C
The LaCie Rugged USB-C is a rugged external hard drive that offers excellent durability and storage capacity. It is available in different storage capacities ranging from 1TB to 5TB, making it ideal for anyone who needs a lot of storage space. Additionally, the hard drive has a fast transfer speed of up to 130MB/s, which makes it easy to move files quickly. The LaCie Rugged USB-C is also durable, with a shock-resistant casing that can withstand accidental drops.
The LaCie Rugged USB-C is a rugged hard drive that is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. It is water-resistant and dustproof, making it ideal for outdoor use. Additionally, it comes equipped with AES 256-bit encryption to keep your data safe from unauthorized access.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the best external hard drive for your needs requires careful consideration of storage capacity, transfer speed, durability, and price. The Seagate Backup Plus Slim, Western Digital My Passport, Samsung T5, and LaCie Rugged USB-C are all excellent choices for anyone looking for the best external hard drives in 2022. Remember to choose an external hard drive that suits your needs and budget. It's always a good idea to do some research and read reviews to ensure that you're getting the best value for your money.