Important data should be archived. At least one backup copy should be on an external hard drive. TECHBOOK presents the best models.
TECHBOOK knows the market: The prices of external hard drives with the same storage capacity vary greatly from different manufacturers. Our editorial staff reveals what you should pay particular attention to and presents six of the best external hard drives for reliable data backup and fast data transfer.
What makes a good external hard drive?
Security is one of the most important keywords when it comes to external hard drives, because hacking and data loss can have serious consequences not only in a professional but also in a private environment. Depending on the application context, the transfer speed of the external data carrier also requires special attention. If the integrated software contains additional protection features and enables continuous, simple data transfer, the best hard drive can be found quickly. All the better if it is available at an affordable price.
Also Read: Best Internal SSDs to Make Laptop Faster
500GB: Maxtor M3 Portable
A practical external hard drive with an attractive design for smaller storage requirements – that’s the Maxtor M3 Portable. The robust plastic housing and the interface are also suitable for frequent use in everyday life. Users also praise the integrated software. For example, the AutoBackup saves the data independently, i.e. without any action on your part. An additional memory buffer guarantees that the stored data is checked in good time and deleted if necessary. The speed both when reading and when saving data can hardly be surpassed.
Furnishing
advantages and disadvantages
Rating at idealo: Grade 1.0 | 5 out of 5 stars
Per
- + Outstanding transfer rate
- + Appealing design
- + Convenient built-in software
- + Relatively cheap price
cons
1TB: Buffalo DriveStation Velocity
The manufacturer Buffalo specializes in data carriers with above-average speeds. The Buffalo DriveStation Velocity external hard drive is a good example of his innovative spirit. The TurboPC EX function ensures faster data transfer than usual. The SuperEco automatic switch-off function saves electricity. In addition, the integrated software and the robust hardware are well matched to ensure maximum security. Although the external hard drive is not suitable for transport due to its weight, it stays with you for longer. Because the solid housing and the encryption protect all data in the long term. It is therefore an optimal model for the office or home office to secure private data on shared computers.
Furnishing
advantages and disadvantages
Rating at idealo: Grade 1.0 | 5 out of 5 stars
Per
- + High-speed performance
- + Secure encryption
- + Robust housing
- + 2 years manufacturer guarantee
- – Rather unsuitable for transport
1TB: Western Digital My Passport Ultra
Chic design of the metal housing with a PC look, fast data transfer and maximum protection – the Western Digital My Passport Ultra external hard drive offers all of this in one storage solution. The integrated WD backup software ensures that data can be easily restored if necessary: the backup is automatically created hourly, daily or monthly, as required. The manufacturer’s WD Discovery feature is also one of the advantages of this model, which ensures the import and management of social media and cloud storage. Password protection and compatibility with the Xbox and PlayStation 4 are just as practical. The external hard drive is available with different storage capacities from 1 to 5 TB.
Furnishing
advantages and disadvantages
Rating at idealo: Grade 1.1 | 5 out of 5 stars
Per
- + Relatively fast data transfer
- + Additional password protection
- + Compatible with Xbox and PS4
- + 3 years manufacturer guarantee
- – Software partly outdated, requires updates
- – USB connector wears out quickly / becomes loose quickly
1TB: Verbatim Fingerprint Secure
Large storage capacity in a lightweight: The compact external hard drive Verbatim Fingerprint Secure is one of the storage devices that guarantee the greatest possible data security thanks to fingerprint scanner and backup software. Up to eight users can be authorized via fingerprint.
The AES-256 encryption and the excellent data transfer performance brought this gadget well-deserved top positions on relevant rating portals. The TECHBOOK editorial team is also completely convinced of this compact, portable USB hard drive and the unbeatable price-performance ratio.
Furnishing
advantages and disadvantages
Rating at idealo: Grade 1.3 | 4.5 out of 5 stars
Per
- + Very good value for money
- + More security thanks to fingerprint scanner
- + Excellent data transfer
cons
- – Possible bugs in the integrated software
2TB: Toshiba Canvio Gaming
Toshiba is known for high-performance external hard drives for a small budget. The storage device, which is optimized for storing games, also convinces with its price and fast data transfer. The Toshiba Canvio Gaming hard drive is the absolute insider tip for gaming fans who, according to the manufacturer, can store up to 50 of the latest game releases on 2 TB. The design is simple, the focus is above all on functionality – handy design, accessible software and a practical always-on mode, thanks to which the hard drive starts immediately in the next gaming session. The hard drive is also available with storage capacities from 1 to 4 TB: for creating an exquisite gaming library according to your own preferences.
Furnishing
advantages and disadvantages
Rating at idealo: Grade 1.0 | 5 out of 5 stars
Per
- + Handy design
- + Solid data transfer performance
- + Optimized for saving games and videos
cons
- – No hardware encryption
4TB: Toshiba Canvio Flex
A versatile talent: The Toshiba Canvio Flex external hard drive is compatible with Macs and Windows PCs as well as tablets and offers a brilliant performance when transferring data across devices. It offers secure data transfer without reformatting when switching from one device to another. If you travel a lot and need your data to be at hand at all times, this portable storage solution is an affordable recommendation. It is also available with a smaller storage capacity of 1 TB or 2 TB. Thanks to the cable included in the scope of delivery, the connection succeeds immediately. The design is simple and has a reserved metallic look.
Furnishing
advantages and disadvantages
Rating at idealo: Grade 1.1 | 5 out of 5 stars
Per
- + Enormous storage capacity
- + Transfer rates at a very high level
- + Low price
- + 3 years manufacturer guarantee
cons
- – No hardware encryption
- – Occurrence of frequent bugs possible
Conclusion
In terms of value for money, TECHBOOK was particularly impressed by the Western Digital My Passport Ultra external hard drive. Toshiba’s storage devices are also cheap and have excellent transfer speeds. In the future, however, the manufacturer should try to find a more reliable solution for the sporadically occurring software bugs that is on the same high level as the other Toshiba services. If you are looking for a low-cost entry-level variant, the Maxtor M3 Portable model is recommended. If the greatest possible data security is required, the purchase of the Verbatim Fingerprint Secure or the Buffalo DriveStation Velocity is a good idea.
Other articles worth knowing about external data backup
For everyone who wants to learn more about what is important when processing data and how best to back up and transfer your own files: TECHBOOK knows the latest developments in the industry and is there when innovative storage solutions are launched. Current updates, product tests and advice on how to handle data carriers – our editorial team always offers you practical recommendations that you can implement directly.