The 10 Best Pc Storage Drives, Tested And Researched

Dan Simmons By, Dan Simmons
Updated
Best Pc Storage Drives
Best Pc Storage Drives

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: Seagate 2TB External Hard Drive

This Seagate 2TB External Hard Drive is a perfect storage solution for anyone who needs to access lots of data on the go. This external hard drive features 2TB of storage space, making it ideal for storing photos, videos, documents, and more. Read Review

2. Best For The Price: Maxone 500GB External Hard Drive

This Maxone 500GB External Hard Drive is the perfect solution for storing and backing up your data. It features a sleek and lightweight all-aluminum design that is both anti-scratch and delivers remarkable strength and durability. Read Review

3. : UnionSine 500GB External Hard Drive

The UnionSine 500GB External Hard Drive is the perfect storage solution for all your data needs. With a massive 500GB capacity and USB 3.0 connection, it is compatible with PCs, Desktops, Laptops, Macs, Xbox Ones, Xbox 360s, and PS4s. Read Review

4. Best Capacity: Toshiba Canvio 2TB Hard Drive

The Toshiba 2TB External Hard Drive is the perfect solution for storing your gaming data. Featuring USB 3.0 technology, this hard drive allows you to enjoy fast transfer speeds and quick access to your games, music, videos, and more. Read Review

5. Best Efficient: WD_BLACK 5TB P10 Hard Drive

The WD_BLACK 5TB Game Drive is a robust and reliable external hard drive that provides ample storage for all your favorite games. It is compatible with Playstation, Xbox, PC, and Mac, so you can easily take your games on the go. Read Review

The storage drive is one of the most critical components when building or upgrading your computer. The storage drive stores all your software, applications, documents, and media, so you must get one that meets your needs and provides reliable performance and enough capacity. With so many options available, knowing which is best for you can be difficult. That's why we've put together this guide to the best PC storage drives on the market.

We'll cover the different types of storage drives available, the pros and cons of each, and what you should look for when choosing a storage drive for your PC. We'll also provide top choices for the best PC storage drives. So whether you're a gaming enthusiast looking for the fastest performance or a budget-minded user looking for the most storage for the least amount of money, this guide will help you find the perfect storage drive for your PC.

Following extensive study and analysis, We think the best pc storage drives of 2024 is Seagate 2TB External Hard Drive. This external hard drive features 2TB of storage space, making it perfect for storing photos, videos, documents, and more. However, it is not the only thing on our list. We also show a complete buyer's guide; several options are available to help you find the most suitable.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Seagate 2TB External Hard Drive
Our Score:
9.7
Seagate

The Seagate 2TB External Hard Drive is an excellent option for anyone searching for a simple method to back up and carry significant amounts of data. It is compatible with personal computers (PC and Mac), video game consoles (PlayStation and Xbox), and USB 3.0 for transferring data quickly. You will have no trouble storing and retrieving any number of images, videos, songs, documents, and other types of media thanks to the capacity of 2 terabytes.

This product has a drag-and-drop user interface, which makes managing files quite simple. Utilizing this trustworthy device, you can ensure the safety and protection of your data. Because of its streamlined appearance and low profile, it is convenient to carry wherever you go. You need to connect the portable hard drive to a computer to set it up, and the computer will automatically recognize it without needing additional software. Unfortunately, the USB port's cord pops out easily. 

TOP Choice #2 Maxone 500GB External Hard Drive
Our Score:
9.6
Maxone

The Maxone 500GB External Hard Drive is the ideal choice for securing and backing up the essential data you need to keep safe. It offers a quick and steady performance for the PS4, PS4 Pro, and Xbox One, and it does not delete or refuse to play a game. Meanwhile, this item is compatible with PC, Microsoft Windows, and Mac OS (version 10.6.5 and later). This USB hard drive is far quicker than and is compatible with USB 2.0 backup drives. It is powered by USB 3.0 technology, allowing a high-speed transfer speed of up to 5 Gbit/s.

This device requires no further software installation or an external power supply before use. Your computer and gaming console will benefit significantly from the additional storage space. Because of its skinny profile and low weight, this device is ideal for usage when traveling. The All-Aluminum anti-scratch type offers outstanding strength and endurance, allowing this portable hard drive to operate at a low temperature while maintaining a quiet environment. While it works well, it has some clicking noise after some use.

TOP Choice #3 UnionSine 500GB External Hard Drive
Our Score:
9.5
UnionSine

The UnionSine external hard drive offers lightning-fast data transfer rates thanks to its compatibility with USB 3.0 thicker copper core cables. The maximum theoretical read speed ranges from 125 to 137 megabytes per second, and the top theoretical write speed is 103 megabytes per second. Its motherboard uses a JMicron 578 solution that does not make any noise and is designed to fit the size. Because of its slender and petite form, it can be easily carried and stored in a pocket.

The hard disk chip has an anti-interference layer made of aluminum wrapped around it. This helps to enhance the heat that can be dissipated while protecting the data. It helps eliminate electromagnetic interference, maintains a consistent transmission speed, and lengthens the cable's useful life. It has a large storage capacity of 500 GB and connects through USB 3.0, making it suitable for personal computers, laptops, desktops, Macs, Xbox Ones, Xbox 360s, and PS4s. However, the plug-in is a bit loose, so the wire may fall out.

4 Toshiba Canvio 2TB Hard Drive
Our Score:
9.3
Toshiba

The Toshiba 2TB External Hard Drive lets you play your favorite heritage PS4, PC, or Xbox One games on the most recent console. It also provides storage for your new PS5 or Xbox Series X. This item is designed to function with both the current generation and the next generation of consoles, so it is compatible with both. Because it has a storage capacity of 2 terabytes (TB), it offers plenty of room for all your game files. As a result, it is a perfect solution for keeping and backing up your gaming collection.

This unit has a sleek style that will look excellent next to your game console, and its USB 3.0 interface enables quick data transfers and access. It offers a responsive gaming experience thanks to its firmware-customized "Always-On" mode. You will spend less time frantically clearing space for the newest game releases and more time progressing through the game's stages. This item allows you to easily save your game data while providing you with the convenience of a portable hard drive. The only issue is that it does not have Bluetooth connectivity.

5 WD_BLACK 5TB P10 Hard Drive
Our Score:
9.2
WD_BLACK

The WD_BLACK 5TB hard drive is a robust and dependable external hard drive designed to provide gamers with the highest possible gaming experience. This portable product is ideal for storing and transferring all your favorite games, regardless of the platform. It includes a USB Type-A to Micro-B cable 18 inches long (457mm) and a SuperSpeed interface reaching up to 5Gbps. This storage features transfer speeds of up to 140MB/s, allowing you to swiftly load games and start playing without waiting.

This device is compatible with Xbox Series X/S consoles and PlayStation 5 consoles. You can keep your whole collection of fun on the hard drive because it has a capacity of 2 terabytes (TB), and the exterior of the hard drive is built to be robust to prevent damage to your data. This item will allow you to take your gaming experience to the next level. The only downside is that it may get a bit hot.

6 Silicon Power 4TB A62L Hard Drive
Our Score:
9.1
SP Silicon Power

The Silicon Power 4TB External Hard Drive is the ideal device for storing all of your data in one convenient location. It is constructed to be impenetrable to dust, scratches, and water, thanks to its ultra-durable design, which has a robust armor exterior and an IPX4 water-resistant structure. In addition, this item is compatible with the newest PlayStation 5 gaming system, allowing quick data transfer speeds. You can keep your essential files safe and sound with four terabytes of storage space.

This device offers a USB 3.1 Gen 1 interface, which is backward compatible with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0, and a sleek and fashionable exterior appearance. It is compatible with PCs and Macs, allowing you to transfer and exchange data across various operating systems. This Drive has a flexible cable-carrying design, making it simple to store cables. Because of its compact size and low weight, it is very convenient to carry wherever you go. Unfortunately, it does not come with screws.

7 MegaZ 320GB External Hard Drive
Our Score:
9.0
MegaZ

The MegaZ External Hard Drive is an ultra-compact, lightweight storage option. It provides 320GB of capacity to save your photographs, music, videos, documents, and other data. This product includes a USB 3.0 connection, which ensures that data transfer is quick and effective, and its compact size makes it easy to take it wherever you go. Because this drive is compatible with various devices, including PCs, Macs, laptops, the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Chromebooks, it is an excellent option for anyone seeking a dependable and transportable storage solution.

This device lets you back up enormous amounts of data in a matter of seconds and provides an extremely high transfer speed, which will boost the performance of your computer. This external drive is ready to use and requires no additional power supply or software installation. Your data is guaranteed to be safe and sound thanks to its operation being wholly silent and using very little power. However, the backup system is not very excellent.

8 Maxone 500GB External Hard Drives
Our Score:
8.9
Maxone

✔System Compatibility: Microsoft Windows 10/ Windows 8.1/ Windows 8/ Windows 7/ Mac OS (10.6.5 and above)/ Xbox/ PS4/ smart TV

✔What You Get: 1 x portable hard drive, 1 x USB 3.0 cable, 1 x user manual, 3-Year Manufacturer Warranty

✔Plug-and-Play: Ready to go without external power supply and  software installation needed

✔Slim Style Pocket Sized Design: Mini portable hard drive protected by sturdy and durable case, comfortably fits your palm

✔Latest Version: 2.5-inch external hard drive, super fast transfer speed with upgrade USB 3.0(up to 5 Gbit / s), which is ten times as fast as - but still compatible with - USB 2.0, ready to backup massive data in seconds

9 HWAYO 2.5'' 120GB External Hard Drive
Our Score:
8.8
HWAYO

Plug and Play - Without software to install, just plug and play with USB connection.

High-capacity storage to go, fast data transfer rates, you can save and backup any files, movies, music, photos, games and more.

Ultra-fast Data Transfers - Works with USB3.0 and USB2.0 to deliver, up to 5Gbps transfer speed, which is about 10 times as fast as USB 2.0

Simple & Ultra slim, the small, light weight enclosure features massive capacity and high quality and reliability.

System Compatibility - It can compatible with PC / Desktop / Laptop / MacBook / Chromebook.

10 Acasis 2.5" 120GB External Hard Drive
Our Score:
8.6
ACASIS

✔Improve PC Performance: Powered by USB 3.0 technology, this USB hard drive is much faster than - but still compatible with - USB 2.0 backup drive, allowing for super fast transfer speed at up to 5 Gbit/s

✔System Compatibility:Windows/2000/7/8/10,Vista,Linux,Mac,Android,TV.Ps4

✔Metal Desigin:Merely 0.55 inch thick.ABS Plastic+Aluminum external hard drive,with aluminum finish-style.shockproof, anti-pressure, ultra slim and portable.

✔Package Includes: 1 x Portable Hard Disk , 1 x USB 3.0 cable,user's manual,3-Year manufacturer warranty with free technical support service

✔Plug and Play:With no software to install, just plug it in and the drive is ready to use.

Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

What to Look For in a best pc storage drives?

It may take a long longer to make the best shopping decision. As a result, we are accessible to assist you with your best pc storage drives issue at any time of day or night!

There are some highlighted features of best pc storage drives you should be aware of before make decision:

Cache Memory

This is a cache that functions much like Computer RAM Memory. It stores important files temporarily so that it takes less time to access them on the disk. The larger the cache size, the faster the hard disk will be. However, the difference is not major, and as such, this should not be the biggest determiner.

Performance

Transfer speed is the feature that most people notice on a daily basis. We evaluated each drive with tests that replicated different real-world uses, and we focused on the drives that consistently outperformed the other contenders. Drives that did well on some tests but failed others were unreliable and not worth purchasing.

External Vs. Internal HDD

The main advantage of external hard disks is their portability. Which also makes them perfect backups in case your PC is compromised. Desktop PCs allow you room to add extra hard disks, but if you are using a laptop or other gaming device, you will have to replace your existing hard drive.

Speed

HDDs, or hard drives, contain spinning disks that read and write your data. The faster these disks spin—rated in rotations per minute (RPM)—the faster the drive can access data and transfer it to your computer.

Size Of The Disk

I understand that you are buying the hard disk in order to eliminate the need to delete some files when you install a new game or add modifications. Also, at a time when a single game can take up to 100GB, Call of Duty WWII is 90GB; it only makes sense that you select the hard disk that will allow you sufficient storage space.

Rotation Speed

Did you know that hard drives store information on spinning magnetic plates? The faster these plates spin, the faster the load and access time. The rotation is measured in RPM (Rotations per Minute), and although we recommend hard disks with 7200RPM, 5400RPM is still a good option.

Reliability

All hard drives eventually die, and there’s no definitive answer on when that day will come. We recommend replacing your backup drives between the third and sixth years of use, if possible. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to get metrics on which hard drive models are more reliable over the long run, and even so, there will always be outliers and failures that occur sooner than expected.

FAQs

What is a PC storage drive?

A PC storage drive is a device that is used to store data digitally. It can be either an internal or external device, such as a hard drive, solid-state drive, or USB flash drive.

How do I choose the right PC storage drive for my needs?

Choosing the right PC storage drive for your needs will depend on the type of files you need to store, the amount of storage capacity you require, and your budget. Generally, hard drives offer larger storage capacities at a lower cost, while solid-state drives offer faster speeds and a smaller form factor. USB flash drives offer a portable solution for small files.

What is the difference between a hard drive and a solid-state drive?

Hard drives are traditional storage devices that use spinning disks to store data. They offer larger storage capacities at lower cost, but tend to be slower than solid-state drives. Solid-state drives offer faster speeds, but tend to be more expensive and offer smaller storage capacities.

How do I install a PC storage drive?

The installation process will vary depending on the type of drive you have. Internal hard drives and solid-state drives will require installation into your computer’s chassis. USB flash drives can be plugged into any USB port on your computer.

How do I back up my data on a PC storage drive?

Backing up data to a PC storage drive is easy. You can use Windows’ built-in backup tools or third-party backup software to create copies of your important files and store them on the drive.

We will keep the list of best pc storage drives up-to-date once there are new technology and information available. Please check our website frequently to see the most up-to-date information by our editor.

Do you have any questions or comments regarding best pc storage drives that you'd like to share with us? We will try to attain even greater comedy as a result of your efforts.


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About Dan Simmons

Dan Simmons

Dan Simmons is a writer who loves home theater and HiFi audio. As the editor of TheAudioInsights, he has helped countless people enjoy the best possible sound quality in their homes. He is an audiophile who takes great pleasure in helping others find the perfect audio equipment for their needs. When he's not writing or editing, Dan enjoys listening to music and spending time with his family.