Over the past year, Backblaze collected data on the failures of 73,653 hard drives. It is noteworthy that total percentage breakdowns in 2016 decreased slightly and amounted to 1.95%, while in 2015 this value was 2.47%, and in 2014 6.39%.

As for individual manufacturers, the WDC company “distinguished itself” here, whose products showed a 3.88% failure rate. In second place in terms of failure rate was Seagate with an indicator of 2.65%. Backblaze notes that this indicator is complex and takes into account several factors at once, including the total number of drives examined, the time of their use and other data. You can read more about the calculation method.

In addition, the report provides a summary table for the period from 2013 to 2016. It follows from it that the most unsuccessful model of all time is the ST1500DL003 (Seagate) hard drive with a failure rate of 90.92%.

Of course, these data are not exhaustive. They are limited to only one data recovery service. But we hope that they can help you get an idea of ​​the most unreliable drive models that you should avoid.

When choosing a computer or laptop, you have to pay attention to many parameters at once. At first glance, it may seem that it is not at all difficult to figure out what kind of processor, video card or memory should be. The whole difficulty is that each parameter has its own characteristics. So, for example, to choose HDD, you need to pay attention to its volume, connection interface and speed of operation. When choosing any device associated with a personal computer, careful analysis is required. What to do if you choose quality laptop, which has only one drawback: insufficient memory? The situation can be corrected with the help of external hard drives.

It is rarely possible to purchase a personal computer that would satisfy the user in absolutely all aspects. Sooner or later, various “pitfalls” may appear that you have not thought about before. There are situations when the video card turns out to be outdated, and it also happens that there is not enough memory. There is one interesting feature in this case. The thing is that users can load their PC with various programs. To meet their memory needs, you need to purchase additional new hard disk. But there are also situations when the user has to work with big amount material. Let's take as an example a photographer or editor who needs to create their own photo archive. In this case, you can additionally purchase an external hard drive. Next we will look at the reliability rating various devices, now let's talk about the disadvantages and advantages of external hard drives. We will also look at the reasons for their appearance.

Why external ones are needed hard disks?

An external hard drive appeared out of fear of losing information. Experts were faced with the fact that flash drives were not enough to store information. In addition, buying large quantities of such drives is not very convenient. Previously, disks and floppy disks were used, but today this option looks even worse. External hard drives appeared when a capacity of 500 GB or 1 TB was needed. The reason for the fear of data loss was the spread of spyware, viruses, Trojans and everything that could erase important necessary information. External hard drives have become a real salvation in this situation. They could have large enough volumes that you could throw in not only important documents, but also your favorite videos and other multimedia files.

External hard drives: reliability and durability

Devices such as external hard drives have many benefits. It doesn’t matter at all whether the device you are using is 50 GB or 2 TB. It all depends on the user's preferences. The main advantage of such a device is a large amount of memory. I'm also pleased with the ease of connecting to a PC. To connect an external hard drive, you don't need to look for additional software. Depending on the interface of the existing cable, you only need to connect the wire with the correct connector. The device is identified on the computer as an external drive. As a result, you get full access to all information stored on the disk. You can even protect your external hard drive from prying eyes. An external hard drive, unlike an integrated one, can not only be ruined, but also put away somewhere far away. As mentioned earlier, the user, together with the external hard drive protected from any threat. Let's say you've been working on important documents and you need to save them. You can write them to an external hard drive, and then in case virus attack all information will be saved. There is another benefit to using external hard drives. Such devices usually have fairly robust housings. The device consists directly of hard drive and a strong box. Depending on the type used, your hard drive will be protected to varying degrees from wear and external influences. One more significant advantage external hard drive is the structuring of information. It, like a regular hard drive, can be divided into blocks in which information is stored. You can also easily recover data from it, and to avoid loss of materials from the internal hard drive, you can simply transfer them to external drive.

External hard drive: disadvantages

External hard drives, especially large ones, have one main drawback. Their cost is sometimes too high. This is due to many reasons. Sometimes the price is artificially increased due to the popularity of a particular brand. However, buying one 1 TB external drive will still cost you less than buying 30 32 GB flash drives. The more carefully the user handles the external hard drive, the longer it will last. Most often, premature failures in such devices are associated with external damage. Problems especially often arise during transportation. The device may be knocked somewhere, even dropped somewhere, and all sectors are damaged, and necessary information gets lost. But the same story can happen with files that end up on the hard drive. If they are already damaged, then once they enter the device’s memory, viruses can spread and destroy all existing information.

Types of external hard drives

To choose a quality device, you need to study in detail the external hard drive you like. Volume is far from the only parameter that should be taken into account when choosing a model. It is also necessary to pay attention to the types of hard drives. The first type of discs differs in that their size is 3.5 inches. Such disks are usually purchased by owners of desktop computers. personal computers. Such devices are quite large in size, and they also require additional power. However, this option is considered acceptable. Its main feature is the possibility of automatic backup. The second type of external hard drives is 2.5 inches. Such a device is simply conducive to always being at hand. This hard drive usually has a sturdy casing. The reliability rating of devices of this kind is always topped by devices of this type. This is due to the fact that they are characterized by high impact resistance. If such a hard drive accidentally falls out of your pocket, it will not suffer much damage. Unless only the body gets scratched. All information will remain safe and sound. But everything has its limits: if you hit such a device with a hammer, it will most likely stop performing its functions.

External hard drive: how to choose the most reliable device?

To rank external hard drives by reliability rating, you need to pay attention to just a few basic parameters. It's about durability, materials and common problems, as well as software failures. Many experts have repeatedly tested devices from leading manufacturers. They were able to determine that today the most reliable external hard drives are produced by Hitachi. In addition, many models from this manufacturer were analyzed. As tests have shown, a Hitachi hard drive can only be damaged as a result of careless handling. Otherwise, experts were unable to detect any vulnerabilities or manufacturing defects.

However, you can pay attention to other manufacturers who produce external and internal hard drives. The most unreliable devices today are produced by Seagate. Perhaps the problem is that the developers of this company created the hard drive design in a short time. This could not but affect the quality of the product. The main problem with hard drives from this manufacturer is weak nodes. There is also information that the series contains a large percentage of defective products. There are examples where discs did not last more than one year. The most common problem that occurs when using external hard drives from Western, Seagate and Samsung is chip failure. This may affect the performance of the PC. As a result, the device begins to freeze and slow down. If you reboot the computer, the disk simply disappears from the system. This can only mean one thing: the microcode is destroyed. Also in some batches there is a problem with the motor spindle wedge. This type of breakdown usually occurs on hard drives with a large amount of memory. The design in this case uses a large number of magnetic plates, which overload the axis of the hard drive. Under their weight, it bends and then stops rotating completely. But this does not happen on its own. It only takes one time to drop or accidentally snag the hard drive. To notice such a malfunction, just listen to the noise of the hard drive. Usually in such cases it begins to “buzz.”

The most fragile devices

WD 2TB hard drives have failed users more than once. Due to the large volume, the devices have magnetic plates loaded on the axis. Therefore, such hard drives rarely last more than one year. Failures in the operation of magnetic heads also often occur. This is due to the fact that the disk overheats and receives external damage. The design of any hard drive from this manufacturer is quite flimsy. The WD Elements external hard drive is particularly sensitive to pressure and shock. If force is applied to the housing, the cover will move, the magnetic heads are located at a low angle to the magnetic plates. Such a failure will lead to instant loss of information on the hard drive. However, Western Digital drives are very popular among users. Such deficiencies are observed quite rarely. Most models are mechanically and electronically reliable.

500 GB hard drive

A huge number of external hard drives have recently appeared on the market. They may be released various manufacturers. Even those companies that were previously unknown to anyone are today becoming leaders. The simplest and most common option among users is a 500 GB hard drive. The main advantage of such devices is their cost. There are two models in this category, which can be called leaders both in terms of quantity positive feedback, and by the number of sales. For just 3,800 rubles you can buy an ADATA Dash Drive Durable HD650 external hard drive. main feature this tough The disc lies in its structural strength. In addition, the device also has an interesting design: unusual carbon inserts and bright colors. This drive received a three-layer rubberized case for reliability. Thanks to it, the hard drive can absorb shocks during transportation or use. In addition, fairly durable plastic was used in the manufacture of the case, which minimizes the likelihood of scratches. This model is based on the famous hard drive from Toshiba. Its rotation speed is 5400 rpm. The hard drive turned out to be quite light and compact. The maximum information exchange speed is 120 Mb/sec. There is also a status indicator. The hard drive uses a USB 2.0 interface.

Another model that belongs to the category of inexpensive external hard drives is Western Digital WDBLNP5000A-EEUE. This device has a rather attractive appearance. Inside there is a proprietary hard drive from the manufacturer. The rotation speed is 5400 rpm. The buffer size is 8 MB. The data transfer speed in this case will be the same as that of the previous model. The drive operates via USB 3.0 interface. There is a status indicator on the device body. The device, unlike the previous model, is sold together with software for maintenance and diagnostics. The cost of such a device is 5,300 rubles.

Universal drives

Consider external hard drives with a capacity of 1 TB. The cost of such devices averages 4-6 thousand rubles. Among all the devices in this category, we can especially highlight Silicon Power StreamS03. The hard drive has a rather interesting design. In appearance, it resembles a notebook with a curved upper corner and rounded sheets. To exchange information, you can use USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 interfaces. Sufficiently durable materials were used in the production of the case. The body of the device is made of high quality plastic. The device has a matte surface, so fingerprints and dust will not accumulate on it. The shell also has rubber seals that protect the device from shock. Not today, this is the best 1 TB external hard drive at a price of only 4,300 rubles.

Among external hard drives with a capacity of 1 TB, Toshiba STOR.ESLIM can also be distinguished. The device has an unremarkable design. The disk has a classic appearance and is compact in size. The board has an integrated SATA-USB controller. USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 interfaces can be used to exchange information. The information exchange speed can reach 110 Mb/s. The drive is made of durable materials, which increases its shock resistance. The device can be protected from outside interference by setting a password. It is also possible to configure automatic backups. The main advantage of this external hard The drive is heat resistant and quiet operation. The disadvantage of this model is the lack of hardware encryption. Buy today this model possible at a price of 4800 rubles.

Giants

For users for whom 1 TB is not enough, the Toshiba CANVIOALU external hard drive is suitable. The body of this hard drive is made of aluminum. The device is available in four color options. The hard drive case has a rough coating, so the device does not slip out of your hands. The design also includes a shock sensor, which improves the integrity of stored information. Price of this device today it is 6600 rubles.

They use different technologies, but their use is much the same as a USB drive - storing data externally in a secure and cost-effective way, whether for transferring large amounts of data or simply as a backup.

In this article, we will tell you about the best models currently available, and also help you answer questions such as “which external hard drive is best to choose?” or “Which brand of external hard drive is better?”

WD My Passport

Western Digital is one of the leading hard drive companies, so it's no surprise that its product made it onto this list. Note that the name of the device is rather strange (“My Passport”).

WD My Passport is a reliable external hard drive that performs all its functions with a bang. It's compact, easy to carry, and looks beautiful. The device comes in eight different colors. As icing on the cake, the drive is easy to use and comes with very useful WD software.

Characteristics:

• Capacity: 1 TB, 2 TB, 3 TB, 4 TB
• Dimensions: 110 × 81.5 × 21.5 mm
• Weight: 1 TB model: 170 g; models 2-4 TB: 250 g
• Colors: black, blue, orange, red, white, yellow, white-gold, black-gray
• Interface: USB 3.0

The biggest plus of the WD My Passport is, first and foremost, its size. It will fit in your hand or bag without any problems. All the color options and matching USB cables are a nice addition, and the included software makes the device easy to use.

We found no obvious problems with this device, although its performance lags behind more powerful models, especially when it comes to large files. This undoubtedly makes peripherals less attractive to professionals and those who need to regularly do backups large amounts of data, but this is an almost ideal choice for the average user.

Pros:

• Lightweight and compact;
• Impeccable design;
• Easy to use.

Minuses:

• Average performance.

WD Elements

Our list includes another external hard drive from Western Digital. This time we'll look at the Elements models, which are a more affordable alternative to the My Passport.

WD Elements external hard drives have a rather distinctive appearance compared to more expensive models, but they are very good in terms of storage capacity. They may feel cheap and look a little bulky, but they can more or less match the My Passport models in terms of performance, although they lack the user-friendly software that makes My Passport so great.

Characteristics:

• Capacity: 1 TB, 2 TB, 3 TB
• Dimensions: 1 TB model: 111x82x15 mm; 2 and 3 TB models: 111x82x21 mm
• Weight: 1 TB model: 130 g; 2 and 3 TB models: 230 g
• Colors: Black
• Interface: USB 3.0

WD Elements may not look as good as the My Passport, but it's also more affordable and even a little lighter and thinner. But, of course, if you compare performance, it will not surprise anyone with its speed. The device has no serious drawbacks, other than what we have already mentioned earlier.

Pros:

• Lightweight and compact;
• Accessible.

Minuses:

• Average performance;
• Tasteless design.

Toshiba Canvio Basics

Toshiba may not have as big a presence in the hard drive market as WD, but they make some of the best best models. Naturally, the company's track record also includes external hard drives.

Canvio Basics is a fairly simple option, but nevertheless very reliable and effective. These external hard drives come in several sizes and come in two different styles: Classic (softer look with rounded edges) and Contemporary (smoother, more angular look).

Characteristics:

• Capacity: 1 TB, 2 TB, 3 TB
• Dimensions: 119 × 78.7 × 20.5 mm
• Weight: 230 g
• Colors: Black
• Interface: USB 3.0

There's not much to say about this hard drive other than the fact that it's very similar to the WD Elements in terms of price and design. However, it performs slightly better, although only slightly. But overall, the device shares most of the strengths and weaknesses of the aforementioned WD models.

Pros:

• Two design options to choose from;
• Compact;
• Accessible.

Minuses:

• Average performance.

Seagate Expansion (Desktop)

All three previous models were notable for their compactness and portability, but with the Seagate Expansion Desktop the situation is completely different.

As you can see, this is a fairly chunky external hard drive compared to others, and it comes with a rubber stand on which the device sits. The capacity of various disk models can reach up to 8 TB. However, it is not very good in terms of aesthetics, as the appearance is spoiled by the polygonal pattern - but of course, some may appreciate this design.

Characteristics:

• Capacity: 2 TB, 3 TB, 4 TB, 5 TB, 8 TB
• Dimensions: 176 × 120.6 × 36.6 mm
• Weight: 950 g
• Colors: Black
• Interface: USB 3.0

The Seagate Expansion is a versatile external desktop hard drive that combines good performance and large capacity in one large chassis. What's more, while the device isn't exactly affordable since the minimum capacity is quite high (2TB), it's actually quite affordable in terms of price per gigabyte.

The biggest drawback of the Seagate Expansion is that it is difficult to carry, but it is worth remembering that the model is intended for desktop computer. However, this fact may be too noticeable for some users, especially considering that the device must be installed vertically. Apart from that, the only practical drawback is the lack of any software.

Pros:

• Large amount of memory;
• Relatively low price per GB;

Minuses:

• Large and heavy;

Seagate Expansion (Portable)

If you're interested in a lighter, more compact version of the above hard drive, you'll be pleased to know that Seagate also offers another variation of the Expansion called the Portable.

The difference is mainly in the size as the performance and external design remain the same as the desktop variant. Another difference is in the storage capacity, as the minimum capacity of the portable version is 1 TB, and the largest is 4 TB, which is nowhere near the value offered by the desktop version (8 TB).

Characteristics:

• Capacity: 1 TB, 2 TB, 4 TB
• Model sizes: 1 TB and 2 TB: 117x80x14.8 mm; 4TB model: 117x80x20.9 mm
• Weight: 1 TB and 2 TB models: 170 g; 4 TB model: 238 g
• Colors: Black
• Interface: USB 3.0

Essentially, Expansion Portable is just a smaller version of Expansion Desktop that focuses more on portability rather than large storage capacity. Also, when purchasing the device, you have the opportunity to receive a carrying bag.

In terms of functionality, it is also virtually identical to the Expansion Desktop in both read/write speed and price.

Pros:

• Low price per GB;
• Decent performance.

Minuses:

• No included software.

Seagate Backup Plus

This is the third product we've reviewed from Seagate. Backup Plus is a more performance-oriented hard drive.

The Backup Plus series is divided into two main versions: slim and portable. The first is obviously thinner, lighter and is the version with less storage capacity. Meanwhile, the second, somewhat bulky, includes options with a large amount of memory. Regardless of this, both models have beautiful metal design, as well as several color options to choose from.

Characteristics:

• Capacity: 1 TB, 2 TB, 4 TB, 5 TB
• Model sizes: 1TB and 2TB: 113.5x76x12.1; 4 TB and 5 TB models: 114.5x78x20.5
• Weight: 1 TB and 2 TB models: 159 g; 4 TB and 5 TB models: 247 g
• Colors: black, blue, silver, red
• Interface: USB 3.0

Seagate Backup Plus is significantly ahead of most other external hard drives when it comes to performance. Besides the excellent read/write speed and build quality, the choice of multiple colors is also pleasing to the eye. The device even comes with user-friendly software.

But what about the cons? Well, we don't have any major complaints about this hard drive. If we did have to pick one thing we didn't like, it would be something that doesn't actually have anything to do with the hard drive itself - the limited 2-year warranty. Obviously, this is very little, if we talk about a device in this price range and with such performance.

Pros:

• Elegant design;
• Large memory capacity;
• Good performance.

Minuses:

• Short warranty period.

How to Find the Best External Hard Drive

We've put together a list of a few questions you should ask yourself before choosing any external hard drive when purchasing:

1. Will I carry it with me often?

External hard drives are very clearly divided into portable and desktop models, which is immediately obvious based on their form factors. Of course, even desktop devices can be carried relatively easily, but if the device is smaller and lighter, the process becomes even easier.

2. Will I comply? backup data often or only occasionally?

This is a key question to ask when deciding whether you need a high-performance external hard drive. If you are a professional who backs up your data on a daily basis, then this is definitely an ideal option. On the other hand, casual users and gamers who don't often store large amounts of data will be inclined towards cheaper options.

3. How much memory do I need?

The easiest way to answer this question is to simply look at how much data you plan to store on that drive. If we are talking about large volumes of multimedia content, such as music, movies or TV series, then a hard drive with a large storage capacity is a priority. However, if you only plan to back up smaller files and pictures, you may be better off using a cloud service.

4. Do I need an external or internal hard drive?

External hard drives are designed for two purposes: backup and data transfer. If you need system disk To install the operating system, you should purchase an internal hard drive. Not only are they faster on their own, but they also use SATA 3.0 instead of USB 3.0, allowing for much greater throughput and more stable data transfer speed.

5. Does my computer have compatible ports?

As you can see, all external hard drives in this list (and all modern models in general) use USB 3.0 as a means of connecting to a computer. Luckily, USB 3.0 is backwards compatible, so you don't need to worry if your PC/laptop only has USB ports 2.0. Just remember that a USB 2.0 connection is much slower than a USB 3.0 connection.

Best external hard drive

Given that there are no significant differences in performance or price between any of the external hard drives listed here, we must consider more than just those two factors to determine the best model.

We managed to choose our favorite. My Passport from Western Digital is simply due to its ease of use, thanks to the included software. Moreover, we think that this is the most attractive external hard drive, but this is a purely subjective question. Considering all this, the device will be an excellent backup drive and a convenient way to transfer large amounts of data.

Do you agree with our choice? If not, let us know your favorite in the comments.

External hard drives purchased from DNS most often from January to May 2019.

The desire to buy something fast, reliable and of high quality with hard-earned or legally donated money is understandable to everyone. Don't rush to call Captain Obvious for help. There are 5 worthy representatives on review that meet all necessary parameters in the price segment from 4 to 5 thousand rubles with 1 terabyte of memory. It is impossible to buy a decent HDD for less money, but for more money - is there any point?

5th place

The dark-colored Transcend StoreJet 25M3S flaunts its green bangs and ranks fifth in the list of best external drives. Comes in 2 variations: Iron Gray and Armor Green. The device is equipped with USB 3.1, 2.5-inch form factor. SATA interface 6 Gigabits per second, spindle rotation 5,400 rpm. Absolutely standard parameters for HDD in this price category. But the cache memory, with a capacity of 128 megabytes, is definitely pleasing.

IN included double-headed cable 40 centimeters long with Type-A and USB Micro-B. The plastic box is clad in silicone that is pleasant to the touch, leaving no chance for greasy fingerprints to perpetuate on the surface. Super feature of the HDD: the backup button located right on the case. Activated using software installed on the computer. The baby has a second function: safe extraction. A semicircular stylish cutout is made under the button. The case itself is plastic, with three bolts. The box is equipped with damper holders. The external drive has passed MIL-STD-810G testing.

Reasons for popularity: appearance, the ability to make a backup from a button, a set of internal utilities for encrypting, restoring, and copying data. Connects in a couple of clicks Google Drive and Dropbox. You can recover accidentally deleted files.

4th place

Seagate Backup Plus Slim is the thinnest HHD in the top, with a thickness of only 12.1 millimeters. One USB 3.0 interface. It also comes in four more colors: stylish gray, fashionable blue, standard black and defiant red. Includes cord 46 cm long.

The plastic box is covered with an aluminum lid with traces of sanding; there are no fingerprints left, but stains and dust will delight you with the elaborate patterns. The operation indicator is almost invisible, it looks like a thin strip. Inside is a Samsung ST2000LM003. A little noisier than its fellow toppers. Cache: 32 megabytes. The device will easily fit into a shirt pocket or laptop bag.

The main feature: automatic backup to the cloud, the manufacturer gives 4 gigabytes of disk space for a period of one year. Reasons for popularity: thin, light, compact, fast. Looks like a stylish flash drive.

3rd place

The first thing I want to say about this disc is: reliable, like a Swiss watch. WD My Passport makes its own backups and protects information with a password. Available in several colors: black, white, blue and yellow. 50% of the surface is polished plastic, pleasant to the touch, the lower half is corrugated. The only one in the top with four legs on the back side. They dampen vibration and protect the belly from scratches. The indicator is located at the bottom next to USB 3.0 Type-A, cable length: 45 centimeters. Inside is a Western Digital Blue Series WD20NMVW. Weight 170 grams.

Protection is provided by built-in WD Security software. Every time you connect, the WD Unlocker window opens. If the combination is entered incorrectly several times, the data is erased, but the information can be restored from a backup. The automatic copy function saves files to the Dropbox cloud and can be configured on a schedule.

Reason for popularity: HDD stores data securely. Definite advantages: rubber feet, protection, auto-backup, resistant to prolonged loads, does not overheat. This device is for those who are looking for reliable storage for their files.

2nd place

The A-Data HD650 has a sporty youth style. The plastic in the center is reminiscent of the carbon fiber hood found on racing cars. Rubber inserts are glued to the top. The tail on one side is Micro-USB, on the other a full-fledged USB 3.0, U-shaped around the body. Length 33 centimeters, attached to special cavities on the sides. There are no screw fastenings, the two halves are simply glued together. Inside Toshiba MQ01ABF050. In terms of performance, he showed himself to be a great guy: fast, durable, daring.

The highlight of the device is its three-layer protection. Composite plastic and reinforced silicone leave HDD scratching fans without their favorite pastime. Weight only 201 grams. The assembly is excellent, no cracks, backlashes or other misunderstandings. There is moisture protection, the device can be thrown into a meter-long aquarium for 30 minutes, in case of a sudden visit from unwanted persons.

Slightly thicker than its counterparts - 21 millimeters. Connects to PC with via USB 3.1. The only negative is the cache memory - 8 megabytes brings tears to my eyes. The indicator can scare those who like to sit in pitch darkness with its bright light. But you can’t do without it, the hard drive works very quietly, only a slight vibration is observed.

The developers have created a shock-resistant device designed to withstand strong shaking - army standard of protection: MIL-STD-810G. Internal shock absorption will save the disc even if it falls into the hands of a healthy lifestyle enthusiast. Useful for tourists running their own video blog. All that remains is to decide which one to choose: black, blue or red.

1 place

So, meet the winner! Especially for those who are used to subjecting external drives to severe tests, Silicon Power has developed a durable Armor A30 device. This armored external hard drive, according to the manufacturers, has passed all possible drop tests. Its rough surface and special protrusions are designed to hold the product in the most playful hands. Able to fall from 3 meters without damaging stored data. Certification was also carried out according to the military standard MIL-STD-810G. Manufacturers have included a fairly short piece of USB cable, only 30 centimeters long, which is attached to special side cavities. Due to its matte silica gel coating, the case does not get dirty, there will be no fingerprints, but dust will settle with pleasure.

The device attracts attention with its non-standard appearance. Convex orange embossed plastic is designed to save the life of a fighter. The reverse side of the HDD is smooth, there are four holes for screws on the surface. The thickness of the case is 2 centimeters. A special suspension mechanism is used to secure the disc. Model weight 181 grams. Disk inside Seagate ST2000LM003. Memory buffer 32 megabytes.

Well suited for connecting to a TV, when working with video on a laptop. Armor A30 can be placed in a suitcase, and you can safely entrust your treasure to the baggage handlers at a train station or airport.

TOP 5 RESULTS:

1. Brutal extreme;
2. Healthy lifestyle specialist;
3. Reliable safe for files;
4. Stylish, thin, youth flash drive;
5. Pleasant to the touch black.

Each has its own bright advantages and minor shortcomings that do not spoil life, but are slightly annoying. This remark especially applies to small-tailed dust collectors. On the other hand, they are designed for travel and do not require too much distance from the computer, and for the convenient cord fastening you can generally forgive and have mercy. The choice is obvious - everyone will buy what is closest to their heart and operational needs.

External hard drives are designed for convenient data storage without purchasing an expensive laptop. It is enough to buy a laptop with a 120 GB drive under the system, and everything else can be stored on a removable drive.

The main criteria when choosing a disk are:

• Volume. Depends on your preferences and requests. For ordinary text documents A flash drive is enough. For films, electronic cards and other “heavy” projects, it is advisable to have a disk with a capacity of at least 1 TB.
• Connection interface. The old USB0 is quickly being replaced by 3.0 and 3.1 Gen variants. USB Type-C provides fast data transfer along with them.
• Buffer volume. Often when it is mentioned, an analogy is drawn with the processor cache memory. The buffer stores the most frequently used data.
• Frame. It is desirable to have metal and rubberized inserts or their full inclusion into all elements. With their help, damage resistance and durability are guaranteed.
• Weight. The lighter the better. SSDs are naturally lighter due to the circuitry. In general, there is no big difference in weight between a 1 TB or 4 TB HDD.

We have selected for you the top 20 best external hard drives.

Best 500GB External Hard Drives

The most budget category. A 500 GB disk is enough to store 300-400 low-quality films. This is an excellent choice for owners who need to reinstall the operating system and retain work data.

5 SSD SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 500 GB

Unusual shape
Country: USA
Average price: 9120 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.9

The product is made of a protected rubber-plastic body, its weight and dimensions are very small - 93x50x9 mm and weighing 39 grams. In appearance, the disk more closely resembles a flash drive that can be carried in your pocket. It really has protection; the device can withstand immersion in liquid. The only unprotected place remains the weak USB port of the Type-C format. Thus, you will need to look for and purchase a plug yourself if you plan to operate it in extreme conditions. The cell at the top right attracts more attention when you first meet it, that is, the disc could potentially play the role of a bracelet on your keys.

The device has one significant drawback, it lies in USB 3.1 Gen 2, the speed of which is limited by SATA. It is worth giving the manufacturer his due - he does not mess with the characteristics and does not attribute unnecessary things.

4 SSD Samsung Portable SSD T5 500 GB

Best external SSD
Country: South Korea
Average price: 7490 rub.
Rating (2019): 5.0

The best external SSD from Samsung. Completed in in the best spirit South Korean company. This lightweight, compact and fast drive connects via USB 3.1 Gen 2 and Type-C, which is why the package includes 2 cables at once. In order to distinguish the product from many competitors, Samsung will decide to give its product a blue color. Due to the chips, which are the highest quality in the world, the disc weighs only 51 grams.

Of the minuses, the first thing that catches your eye is the price. Almost twice the cost compared to the most expensive external HDDs makes the purchase somewhat unprofitable. When copying a large amount of data, the device becomes very hot. Another unique feature of the disk lies in the ability to encode the drive for reading, that is, no one except you will be able to use the posted information.

3 HDD Seagate Expansion Portable Drive 500 GB

Cheapest and lightest
Country: USA
Average price: 2997 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.6

The category opens with a hard drive from Seagate, which pleases customers with several parameters. The first is cost. The company does not chase the ruble and sets reasonable price tags for its products. The second is lightness. The weight of 170 grams is undoubtedly pleasing. There are no complaints about the design either, because the top edge is covered with something like a geometric pattern, combined with an unobtrusive load indicator. Everything else is made of matte plastic and except USB port 3.0 there is nothing more on the disk.

Inside the case there is a 2.5-inch disk with a rotation speed of approximately 5400 rpm. The rest of the indicators are also average, and the buyers themselves in the reviews rate the durability of use as a plus and speak negatively about the short included cable.

2 TOSHIBA CANVIO BASICS 500GB

The most practical case
Country: Japan
Average price: 3100 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.6

Another representative of the budget segment of the rating, but from the Japanese. In addition to the standard set of characteristics, the device has a stylish and modern design. Housing with rounded corners It turned out to be durable, despite the matte plastic. At the factory it is specially made rough so that during transportation it does not fall out of your hands or slide on the table.

During operation, the disk operates on an “install and use” system, which means there are no requirements for drivers and other data. Despite the interface USB connections 3.0 by default, the external drive also supports the previous generation channel, but the data transfer speed in this case will drop. Among the positive features of the model, buyers in reviews note the practicality and ergonomics of the case, as well as the durable cable for connection.

Flash drives (familiar “flash drives”) and external hard drives are completely different classes of devices. Their only similarity is information storage. But let’s look at the differences in a comparative table.

1 TRANSCEND TS500GSJ25M3

Powered by two USB. Protected housing
Country: Taiwan
Average price: 4025 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.7

The leader of the rating category was the product of Transcend. His distinctive feature became an additional power connector. The disk turned out to be quite energy-intensive, so another power source would not be superfluous. In addition, not all laptops and power supplies are able to provide sufficient energy to powerful removable drives.

The entire Store Jet M series, to which the disc belongs, has received awards for impact resistance. In particular, our hero is not afraid of falling, and the combination of green and black colors gives the case a modern look. According to customer reviews, the main advantages of the drive are shock protection, an additional power connector and a separate button for backing up files.

Best 1TB External Hard Drives

5 SSD ADATA SD700 1.024 TB

Optimal copy speed
Country: USA
Average price: 10190 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.9

To copy data without significant losses in speed, we recommend the ADATA SD700 1.024 TB SSD. In terms of compactness, the drive can be classified as medium, since it has smooth corners and a square shape. It has one body color – black, which is framed by a bumper trim of the same color. If you find it boring, you can choose an acid yellow color option. The coating can withstand splashes of water and immersion, you just need to remember to close the plug with the port.

Buyers in the reviews note that after 3-4 months the disk begins to malfunction, which is why it is necessary to format it. The connector itself is also weak, constantly loosening when connected and disconnected.

4 SSD Samsung Portable SSD T5 1 TB

Increased compactness
Country: South Korea
Average price: 13279 rub.
Rating (2019): 5.0

A tiny disk by modern standards, even larger than a Magic Mouse. Data transfer speeds via USB Type-C vary between 455/510 Mb/s.

But what’s really not very good here is the original cable. The disk itself is very small and light, and the cable is so rigid and thick that the disk will stand on its side, but not lie on the table. You can solve the problem by ordering a new cable, but finding a more convenient alternative is very difficult. By the way, the package includes 2 adapter cables: USB Type-C - USB 3.1 Type A Male and USB Type-C - USB Type-C. As for the appearance, there is nothing interesting here - the classic black case with inscriptions and the rounded shape for carrying in a pocket are already commonplace.

3 Lacie STFD1000400

Best design. Type-C connector
Country: France
Average price: 4850 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.7

The rating continues with the most advanced hard drive. First of all, attention is drawn to the appearance of the device. It’s not for nothing that the Porsche Design inscription is emblazoned on the top edge. The case is minimalistic, metal. No patterns or textured surfaces - flat, pleasant to the touch and great-looking aluminum everywhere. The thickness is also pleasing - only 10 mm - even hard drives with a capacity of 500 GB are thicker. Another advantage is the use of USB Type-C, a promising connector that is now used in smartphones, laptops, and many other devices. In short, using this connector allows you to carry just one cable with you, which is suitable for both charging devices and connecting an external hard drive.

Everything is much simpler inside. A regular 2.5' disk with a capacity of 1 TB is used. Write and read speeds are approximately the same and amount to 118-122 MB/sec. According to users, this is enough to edit 4K video directly on the hard drive.

The model has one drawback – cost. Behind Beautiful design and a modern port, the buyer will have to pay about one and a half thousand rubles.

Advantages:

• Great design
• USB Type-C
• Decent read and write speeds

Flaws:

• Expensive

2 ADATA DashDrive Durable HD650 1TB

The most durable case
Country: Taiwan
Average price: 3639 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.7

ADATA DashDrive Durable HD650 1TB took second place in the rating category. Among its obvious trump cards, buyers highlight the stylish and modern design. It is especially recommended for use by young people, since the bright main color (red or blue) goes well with the insert in the middle disguised as carbon. The appearance successfully combines both decorative and practical functions to protect vital modules from damage.

The device is quickly recognized by the computer, and the large memory capacity makes it possible to store many files.

Thanks to reliability important information will always remain safe and sound. From several color options, you can choose the one that suits your taste. Men will appreciate the black color scheme, while women will love the elegant and glamorous design in pink. The small size allows you to easily carry the hard drive in your pocket or purse.

Of the main disadvantages, according to reviews real buyers, you can highlight the insufficient length of the USB cable and a weak connector on the disk itself, which becomes loose over time, which can lead to contact breakage.

1 Western Digital My Passport 1 TB (WDBBEX0010B)

The optimum ratio of price and quality
Country: USA
Average price: 3860 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.8

Western Digital is one of the most famous and respected companies in the information storage industry. The 1TB model in question is sold in a huge number of stores, which means you'll almost certainly find it at your local electronics store. The design is typical for the “My Passport” series - the body is entirely made of glossy plastic, but is texturedly divided into two parts: smooth and corrugated. The plastic, unfortunately, is easily soiled and does not resist scratches well. But there are a lot of colors - there are both classic (black, white) and bright (yellow, blue, red, etc.) colors. There are rubber feet at the bottom to prevent slipping on the table. The weight is small - only 170 grams. With ports, everything is traditional - one USB 3.0 connector.

Inside, like most other participants, there is nothing remarkable. A 1 TB HDD with a rotation speed of 5400 rpm is used. Average read/write speed on par with competitors is 110-120 MB/sec. Note that WD has specialized software that allows you to easily make backups to an external hard drive, check the performance of the disk, protect data with a password, etc.

Advantages:

• High reliability
• Useful proprietary software
• Good speed performance

Best 2TB External Hard Drives

2 TB is already quite an impressive volume. It is still represented by both types of drives, but HDD are already beginning to outweigh. This volume is good for storing 4K movies, which on average occupy 30-70 GB. Thus, they are ideal for those buyers who want to have their own large storage. Concerning SSD , then due to their novelty and volume, their purchase becomes unprofitable.

5 SSD SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 2 TB

Popular analogue for Samsung
Country: USA
Average price: 26990 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.9

Remember, in our rating we looked at the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 500 GB? So, this is the same thing, only with a capacity of 2 TB. It costs 300 rubles cheaper than its South Korean counterpart, but its reading speed is higher - 550 MB/sec versus 540. An interesting fact is that there are no reviews or customer reviews for it - just because of the low demand, since for that kind of money You can purchase a full-fledged laptop with an SSD drive and headphones.

Generally, this disk inherited all the features of its “bigger” brother with a capacity of 500 GB. Its body is still resistant to damage and can act as a keychain.

4 SSD Samsung Portable SSD T5 2 TB

Top SSD
Country: South Korea
Average price: 27,260 rub.
Rating (2019): 5.0

The highest quality SSD on the market and at the same time extremely expensive. This is due to the difficulty of placing a sufficient number of chips on a small board area. The attempt of Samsung engineers to create a top-end drive was successful, and it works at the stated speed, consistently squeezing 593 MB/sec. By the way, with a “gentle” mode of use at speeds from 120 to 300 Mb/sec, it hardly heats up and can serve as storage for games. At maximum loads, heating begins to be felt.

According to customer reviews, significant shortcomings They did not find it on the product. They all like data encryption, like for computers operating systems, and mobile. The only nitpick concerns the warranty period, which for regular disks is 5 years, but for external storage it's only 3 years.

3 Transcend TS2TSJ25M3

Military standard protection. Powered by two USB
Country: Taiwan
Average price: 5670 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.6

Some people use external hard drives as large home file storage, but significantly more people transport them regularly. It is very important for them to keep their data safe. Yes, information can be encrypted, but encryption will not save the hard drive from simply falling or drowning. But a protected case, like that of the bronze medalist in the rating, will save you. It meets the military standard MIL-STD-810F 516.5, which means it will survive drops, shocks and submersion. But the connectors are not covered with plugs. And users complain that over time they become loose, which is why contact is lost.

The speed of work is also frustrating. The average read speed is about 32 MB/s, which is a little strange considering the presence of a USB 3.0 interface. Power is supplied via two USB ports for greater stability. The only pity is that the cost is the highest among the top three.

Advantages:

• Military standard security
• Powered by two USB

Flaws:

• Loose connector
• Low speed
• Highest cost

2 Seagate STDR2000200

The most compact and lightest
Country: USA
Average price: 5386 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.7

Once again, Seagate products earn the title of lightest and most compact. It’s not for nothing that the model is included in the Slim line - the thickness of the 2 TB disk is only 12.1 mm. Most competitors are at least 20mm thick! Small and weight - 159 grams versus 250 for the leader of the rating. But don’t think that this is a Chinese product – numerous tests and user reviews indicate high reliability. Combined body: metal on top, side faces covered with glossy plastic, with durable matte plastic underneath.

Everything inside is standard. Read/write speeds may vary between instances. In reviews, users talk about 110-112 Mb/s, tests of profile resources are 120-125 Mb/s. In any case, these speeds will be enough for most users. Already from the factory there is about 500 MB of data on the disk. This is a proprietary Seagate Dashboard utility for backing up data, warranty terms and other useful information.

Advantages:

• Thin and light body
• High reliability
• Availability of proprietary software

Flaws:

• As with the entire line, the cable is short and stiff

1 Western Digital My Passport 2 TB (WDBUAX0020B)

The most reliable
Country: USA
Average price: 5390 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.7

Western Digital is one of the recognized leaders in the production of data storage systems. External hard drive WD My Passport 2 TB technical specifications differs little from its competitors. Reading speed is about 100-110 MB/s. The interface, of course, is USB 3.0.

Judging by the reviews, there are no complaints about the device. The build quality is excellent, the materials are nice. Except that the gloss very quickly becomes covered with scratches, taking on an untidy appearance. The hard drive itself does not suffer from bad sectors. Reliability is simply excellent. The manufacturer himself is confident in this, and therefore offers a 3-year warranty.

Advantages:

• Good technical characteristics
• Excellent reliability
• 3 year warranty
• Excellent branded software

Flaws:

• Glossy body, susceptible to scratches

The best 4TB external hard drives

4 or more terabyte drives are used in server systems. For the average buyer, they are pointless unless you are a 4K movie collector. This segment does not have SSD drives, since their price would be prohibitive, and the demand for such models on the market is extremely low.

5 HDD Toshiba Canvio Advance 4 TB

Japanese quality
Country: Japan
Average price: 7742 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.5

Toshiba have once again proven that they know how to make equipment and components. The buyer is offered a choice of 4 colors. There are both classic black and white, as well as dark blue and red options. In appearance combines the company's signature efficiency and elegance, as well as low heat generation during operation.

4 TB volume fit into an elegant case without any protection from external influence. This product is the epitome of safe use, build quality and durability in use. The scope of delivery is extremely modest and includes only a connection cable. Additionally, the buyer receives a two-year warranty on the product. The only one led indicator located at the top right in the form of a circle.

4 HDD Seagate Backup Plus Hub 4 TB

Vertical storage
Country: USA
Average price: 6860 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.5

While most external HDDs are produced in 2.5 format, Seagate decided not to deviate from the classics and released their product in 3.5 format. The form of positioning is also different; this option is located vertically rather than horizontally. There are also connection ports, the role of which is taken by 2 USB versions 3.0. When operating at maximum loads it makes almost no noise, but at medium and low loads it is not audible at all. There is an indicator of the device's operating status on the front panel.

Thanks to it, backup copies of any type of file will be created with high speed and reliability, thanks to the device’s support for various platforms. The monolithic plastic case is non-separable, the surface is non-marking, matte.

3 HDD Lacie Rugged Thunderbolt USB-C 4 TB

Highest speed. Protected housing
Country: France
Average price: 17940 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.6

In 3rd place in the top is a product from not the most popular company Lacie. It costs significantly more than its competitors due to its reliability and the use of advanced technologies. The seemingly massive body is made of aluminum, enclosed in a rubber shell, which absorbs part of the impact when falling. There is also IP54 water protection, which prevents you from “bathing” the disc in water, but saves you from splashes and rain (if you get caught in it).

The interfaces and the speed they provide perform well. USB Type-C and Thunderbolt are used for connection. For different testers, write and read readings ranged from a modest 50 MB/sec to an unattainable 250 MB/sec for most competitors. According to customer reviews, the drive is well protected, works quickly and has two up-to-date connection interfaces. The only negative is the very high price.

2 HDD Seagate Backup Plus Portable Drive 4 TB

Best price
Country: USA
Average price: 8249 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.7

The external hard drive from Seagate is a solid mid-ranger. The case is as minimalistic as possible - just a small block of matte plastic with small glossy inserts. Practical and looks good at the same time. The operating speed is slightly lower than that of the leader in the rating, but still decent. Average write speed is about 85 MB/s. USB 3.0 interface. And the hard drive would not start via the old USB 2.0. There are no complaints about vibration, noise or high temperatures - all indicators are within reason. But the reliability is mediocre. Quite often you come across defective models, so be prepared for the fact that you will have to go to a service center.

Advantages:

• Lowest cost
• Practical body
• Good speed performance
• Minimal vibration, noise and heat

Flaws:

• Defective hard drives found

1 Western Digital My Passport 4 TB (WDBUAX0040B)

Best speed and reliability
Country: USA
Average price: 8069 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.8

Once again, the first line of the rating is occupied by the propeller from WD. This model is a copy of the leader of the previous category. The body is the same, including dimensions. Accordingly, the problems remain the same - it gets scratched. But a 4 TB hard drive is installed inside. The recording speed is slightly higher - about 115 MB/s, USB 3.0 interface. Heating is moderate. The only drawback identified by customers is vibration. Due to the small legs, it is transferred to the table, which is not very pleasant. But there are no problems with reliability - after all, Western Digital are deservedly considered leaders.

The disk comes pre-installed with several useful utilities. WD Backup allows you to set up automatic backups important files to an external hard drive. WD Security – protects your data from unauthorized access using a password. You can also provide your information so that if the disk is lost, the finder can find you.

Advantages:

• High speed
• Better reliability
• Useful proprietary utilities

Flaws:

• The glossy body is scratched