Bestselling External Hard Drive For Backup

In today’s digital world, protecting your precious memories and important documents is more crucial than ever. An unexpected system crash or accidental deletion can lead to significant loss. This is where a reliable external hard drive for backup becomes an indispensable tool for everyone.

Whether you’re safeguarding family photos, critical work files, or your extensive media collection, having an external drive provides peace of mind. Our curated list acknowledges this vital need, presenting a range of top-performing options.

We understand that different users have different requirements, from robust portability to vast storage capacities. This selection offers a variety of products to suit diverse budgets and technical preferences. You’ll find everything from budget-friendly choices to premium, high-performance solutions.

Each product on our list has been chosen for its quality, features, and popularity among users. We aim to help you make an informed decision, ensuring you find the best external hard drive for backup that perfectly fits your specific needs. Let’s explore some of the finest options available on Amazon today.

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1. Western Digital My Passport Portable External Hard Drive

The Western Digital My Passport is a consistently bestselling external hard drive for backup, renowned for its sleek design and reliable performance. It offers a perfect blend of portability and robust storage, making it a favorite among many users.

This product is ideal for those constantly on the go who need to carry their data securely. It often comes with WD Backup software and password protection, enhancing its appeal for security-conscious individuals. It’s a mid-range option with excellent features.

Best for: Everyday users needing portable, secure storage.

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2. Seagate Portable External Hard Drive

For straightforward and dependable storage, the Seagate Portable External Hard Drive is a top contender. It boasts a simple plug-and-play setup, making it incredibly user-friendly right out of the box. No software installation is typically needed.

This drive is perfect for anyone seeking a no-fuss solution for backing up their files quickly. Its compact design means it slips easily into a bag, providing convenient storage. It’s a budget-friendly choice that delivers solid performance and great value.

If you want: An easy-to-use, affordable backup solution.

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3. SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD

When speed is your priority, the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD stands out. This solid-state drive offers incredibly fast read and write speeds, significantly cutting down backup times for large files. It’s a premium product in the storage market.

Its rugged construction is another major plus, featuring IP55 water and dust resistance, making it suitable for adventurous users. This drive is best for photographers, videographers, and anyone needing rapid, durable storage. Its quality is unmatched.

Perfect for: Creative professionals and users needing extreme durability and speed.

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4. Samsung T7 Portable SSD

The Samsung T7 Portable SSD delivers impressive speed and a compact, lightweight design. It utilizes USB 3.2 Gen 2 technology, allowing for lightning-fast data transfers that rival internal SSDs. This review highlights its excellent performance.

It’s a fantastic option for those who prioritize both speed and a small footprint. The T7 also includes optional password protection and AES 256-bit hardware encryption for enhanced data security. This makes it a great choice for sensitive files.

Great choice for: Tech enthusiasts and professionals demanding quick and secure backups.

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5. Western Digital My Book Desktop External Hard Drive

For users needing vast amounts of storage that stays put, the Western Digital My Book desktop drive is an excellent pick. It offers capacities up to 18TB (18,000 GB), making it ideal for archiving extensive media libraries.

This drive typically includes WD Backup software and password protection for comprehensive data management. It’s designed for stationary use, connecting via USB to your computer. It offers premium capacity at a mid-range price for its size.

Best for: Home users or small businesses with large data archiving needs.

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6. Toshiba Canvio Basics Portable External Hard Drive

The Toshiba Canvio Basics offers a reliable and straightforward solution for everyday backup. It’s known for its robust build quality and easy-to-use functionality, making it a popular choice for many. This product excels in simplicity.

This drive is perfect for students or general users who need extra storage without complicated features. Its plug-and-play operation means you can start backing up files immediately. It’s a budget-friendly option focused on core functionality.

If you want: A simple, dependable, and affordable external hard drive for backup.

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7. LaCie Rugged Mini Portable Hard Drive

The LaCie Rugged Mini is instantly recognizable by its distinctive orange rubber casing, signifying its superior durability. It’s drop-resistant, crush-resistant, and rain-resistant, built to withstand the rigors of travel and outdoor work.

This drive is a top choice for field photographers, filmmakers, and anyone working in challenging environments. It offers a balance of portability and protection, ensuring your data remains safe. Its premium price reflects its specialized features.

Perfect for: Outdoor adventurers, photographers, and those needing extreme data protection.

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8. G-Technology G-DRIVE Mobile USB-C Portable Hard Drive

The G-Technology G-DRIVE Mobile is designed with creative professionals in mind, offering high-speed USB-C connectivity. It’s formatted for Mac out of the box but easily reformattable for Windows users. Its quality is highly regarded.

This drive is perfect for designers and videographers who need fast access to large project files on the go. Its sleek aluminum casing not only looks professional but also adds to its durability. It’s a mid-to-premium priced product.

Great choice for: Mac users and creatives requiring fast, stylish, and reliable portable storage.

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9. Seagate Expansion Desktop External Hard Drive

For those needing significant storage for their desktop setup, the Seagate Expansion Desktop drive provides ample space. It’s a simple, high-capacity solution for consolidating all your digital content in one place.

This product is an excellent option for users building a vast media library or needing to back up multiple computers. Its straightforward design focuses on providing reliable storage without unnecessary frills. It’s a budget-friendly choice for large capacities.

Best for: Desktop users seeking massive storage at an affordable price.

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10. Crucial X8 Portable SSD

The Crucial X8 Portable SSD delivers impressive performance with read speeds up to 1050MB/s, making it significantly faster than traditional hard drives. Its durable, unibody aluminum design offers protection against drops and extreme temperatures.

This product is great for gamers, creative professionals, or anyone looking to speed up their workflow. It’s compatible with a wide range of devices, including PCs, Macs, PS4, Xbox One, and Android devices. This review highlights its versatility.

If you want: A fast, durable, and versatile SSD for various devices.

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11. Western Digital Elements Portable External Hard Drive

The Western Digital Elements Portable drive offers essential storage in a no-frills package. It’s a popular choice for its simplicity and affordability, providing reliable backup without complex features. Its black finish is sleek and understated.

This drive is an excellent entry-level option for anyone needing basic, dependable external storage. It’s compatible with both USB 3.0 and USB 2.0, ensuring broad connectivity. It’s a budget-friendly pick for everyday use.

Perfect for: Users seeking basic, reliable, and cost-effective portable storage.

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12. Silicon Power Armor A60 Portable Hard Drive

The Silicon Power Armor A60 is built for adventures, featuring military-grade shockproof and water-resistant protection. Its durable rubber casing and internal suspension system guard against accidental drops and spills.

This product is an excellent option for outdoor enthusiasts, students, or anyone who needs a truly rugged drive. It’s designed to withstand harsh conditions while keeping your data safe. Its price point is generally mid-range for its features.

Great choice for: Students and active users who need a tough, protective backup solution.

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13. Buffalo MiniStation Extreme NFC Portable Hard Drive

The Buffalo MiniStation Extreme NFC combines rugged durability with advanced security features. It’s shockproof, dustproof, and water-resistant, making it suitable for demanding environments.

Its standout feature is NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, allowing for easy, secure unlock with a tap of your NFC-enabled device. This offers a unique blend of protection and convenience. It’s a mid-to-premium priced product.

Best for: Users prioritizing both extreme durability and advanced, convenient security.

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14. WD_BLACK P10 Game Drive External Hard Drive

Designed specifically for gamers, the WD_BLACK P10 Game Drive provides extra storage for your ever-growing game library. It’s optimized for performance to ensure smooth gameplay and quick load times.

This product is compatible with Xbox, PlayStation, PC, and Mac, making it a versatile choice for multi-platform gamers. Its rugged metal top cover adds to its durability. It’s a mid-range price point for its specialized function.

If you want: Dedicated, high-capacity storage for your video game collection.

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15. Fantom Drives G-Force 3 Desktop Hard Drive

The Fantom Drives G-Force 3 offers a robust and reliable desktop storage solution with a focus on high performance. Its aluminum enclosure not only looks professional but also helps dissipate heat for optimal operation.

This drive is an excellent choice for users who need a stable and fast backup for their desktop setup, especially for large files. It’s compatible with both Mac and PC. Its quality is well-regarded among power users.

Perfect for: Desktop power users needing reliable, high-performance storage.

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16. ADATA HD710 Pro External Hard Drive

The ADATA HD710 Pro takes ruggedness to the next level with its triple-layered protection. It’s IP68 dustproof and waterproof, and military-grade shockproof, capable of surviving submersion and significant drops.

This product is ideal for industrial use, outdoor professionals, or anyone who regularly exposes their devices to harsh conditions. It offers exceptional protection for your valuable data. It’s a mid-range price for extreme durability.

Great choice for: Extreme adventurers and professionals working in challenging environments.

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17. SanDisk G-DRIVE ArmorATD All-Terrain Drive

The SanDisk G-DRIVE ArmorATD provides serious all-terrain durability for your data. It features triple-layer shock resistance, including an internal shock mount, a solid aluminum enclosure, and a rubber bumper.

This drive is perfect for creative adventurers who need to protect their footage and photos in the field. It’s ready for drops, rain, and dust, ensuring your files are safe. This review shows its premium build.

Best for: Photographers and videographers needing robust, high-capacity field storage.

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18. Seagate IronWolf Pro 16TB NAS Hard Drive (for external enclosures)

While primarily an internal drive, the Seagate IronWolf Pro is often purchased to be placed in high-quality external NAS enclosures for advanced backup solutions. It’s built for 24/7 performance and heavy workloads.

This product is ideal for small businesses or prosumers building their own network-attached storage (NAS) system. It offers enterprise-class reliability and performance. This is a premium component for a specialized backup setup.

If you want: To build a robust, high-capacity, always-on network backup system.

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19. Western Digital My Cloud Home Duo Personal Cloud Storage

The Western Digital My Cloud Home Duo offers a different approach to backup, providing personal cloud storage. It connects to your Wi-Fi router, allowing you to save content from all your devices wirelessly.

This product features two hard drives set up in mirrored mode (RAID 1) for extra data protection. It’s great for families or small teams wanting a centralized, accessible backup solution without monthly fees. It’s a premium, feature-rich option.

Perfect for: Families and small groups needing centralized, wirelessly accessible backup.

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20. Lacie Mobile Drive External Hard Drive

The LaCie Mobile Drive combines elegant design with reliable storage, often featuring a unique diamond-cut design. It’s compatible with both Mac and Windows and typically includes a one-month Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps plan.

This product is an excellent option for creative individuals who appreciate aesthetics alongside functionality. It offers good speed and portability for everyday tasks. Its price point is typically mid-range.

Great choice for: Designers and creatives who value both style and reliable performance.

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21. Glyph Atom RAID Portable SSD

The Glyph Atom RAID Portable SSD is engineered for demanding creative workflows, offering RAID 0 performance for blazing-fast speeds. It’s housed in a rugged, bus-powered aluminum enclosure.

This product is a top-tier choice for professional video editors and music producers who require the absolute fastest portable storage. It’s built for heavy use and high-performance tasks. This is a premium investment for serious professionals.

Best for: Professional editors and producers needing maximum portable SSD speed.

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22. NETGEAR ReadyNAS 212 2-Bay Network Attached Storage (Diskless)

Similar to the IronWolf drive, the NETGEAR ReadyNAS 212 is a diskless NAS enclosure, an advanced backup solution. You populate it with your own hard drives (like the IronWolf) to create a powerful network storage system.

This product is for advanced users or small businesses looking for a scalable, secure, and centralized backup hub. It offers features like automatic backup, remote access, and robust data protection. It’s a premium, specialized purchase.

If you want: An advanced, customizable, and scalable network backup solution.

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23. Seagate Backup Plus Hub Desktop Hard Drive

The Seagate Backup Plus Hub offers not just massive storage but also convenient USB 3.0 hub ports on the front. This allows you to charge devices or connect other peripherals directly to your drive.

This product is perfect for desktop users looking to consolidate their backup and streamline their workspace. It’s a practical solution for managing multiple devices. It offers great capacity at a mid-range price.

Perfect for: Desktop users who appreciate integrated USB hub functionality with their backup.

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24. G-Technology G-DRIVE External Hard Drive with Thunderbolt 3

For the ultimate in speed and connectivity for Mac users, the G-Technology G-DRIVE with Thunderbolt 3 is a premium choice. It offers incredibly fast data transfers and can be daisy-chained with other Thunderbolt devices.

This product is ideal for high-end creative professionals, especially those working with 4K or 8K video. Its enterprise-class hard drives provide robust reliability. This is a top-tier investment for maximum performance.

Great choice for: Mac professionals needing the fastest possible desktop storage with Thunderbolt 3.

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25. Silicon Power Rugged Portable External Hard Drive (Military-Grade)

Another strong contender in the rugged category, this Silicon Power drive offers military-grade shockproof and water-resistant protection. It features a unique cable-carry design, making it easy to keep your USB cable organized.

This product is an excellent option for students, outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone prone to dropping their devices. It provides reliable data protection in a durable package. Its price point is generally budget-friendly for its features.

Best for: Budget-conscious users needing robust, military-grade protection for their data.

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Last Words

Choosing the bestselling external hard drive for backup doesn’t have to be a daunting task. As you’ve seen, the market offers a fantastic array of products, each designed with specific needs and preferences in mind. From lightning-fast SSDs to massive desktop drives, there’s a perfect solution for every user.

Whether you prioritize rugged durability for outdoor adventures, blazing speed for creative work, or simply vast capacity for your growing digital life, our list has presented some of the top options. Remember to consider factors like storage capacity, portability, connection type, and any specialized features that align with your requirements.

Each product highlighted here represents a strong contender in its category, offering excellent quality and features for its price. We encourage you to review the specifics of each drive and consider how it fits into your daily routine. Don’t hesitate to do further research on Amazon to compare current prices and read user reviews. Investing in a reliable external hard drive is an investment in the security of your digital world.