Best External Hard Drives November 2026
Compare the top-rated external hard drives to find the right balance of speed, capacity, and portability. This independent overview helps you evaluate key features and trade-offs so you can choose the best drive for your storage needs.
Last updated: 1 November 2026
The list is unchanged since the last update.
External Hard Drives & SSD: Top 5
1
Samsung T7 Portable SSD 1TB
from £156.8510 stores
from £156.85
10 stores
2
Samsung T7 Portable SSD 2TB
from £269.0013 stores
from £269.00
13 stores
3
WD Elements Portable USB 3.0 5TB
from £159.9910 stores
from £159.99
10 stores
4
SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 2TB
from £216.009 stores
from £216.00
9 stores
5
WD Elements Portable USB 3.0 2TB
from £91.9912 stores
from £91.99
12 stores
The Samsung T7 1TB delivers fast transfer rates up to 1,050 MB/s in a pocket-sized 58-gram enclosure. It connects via USB-C with USB 3.2 Gen 2 support and features built-in hardware encryption for data security. It is a practical choice for users needing quick file transfers on the go.
£156.85
£156.85/TB
In stock
£174.99
£174.99/TB
In stock
Pros
Up to 1,050 MB/s read speed
Weighs only 58 g
Built-in hardware encryption
Fast USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface
Cons
Lower capacity than mechanical drives
Can warm up during sustained transfers
The Samsung T7 2TB combines expansive storage with rapid transfer rates up to 1,050 MB/s. Built with a slim, lightweight aluminum shell, it supports USB 3.2 Gen 2 connectivity and password-protected encryption. It offers ample room for large media libraries and fast operational workflows.
£480.00
£289.99
Delivery: 1 day
Pros
Fast read speeds up to 1,050 MB/s
Generous 2 TB capacity
Weighs only 58 g
Built-in hardware encryption
Cons
Heats up during sustained writes
Higher cost per gigabyte than HDDs
The WD Elements 5TB provides vast storage in a portable 2.5-inch format for large archives and scheduled backups. It runs at 5,400 RPM and connects via USB 3.0 without requiring a separate power adapter. This drive is ideal for cost-effective bulk file storage.
Pros
Massive 5 TB storage space
USB bus-powered convenience
Quiet mechanical operation
Cons
5,400 RPM mechanical speed
Weighs 230 g
The SanDisk Extreme Portable 2TB delivers read speeds up to 1,050 MB/s in a remarkably light 52-gram casing. It includes built-in hardware encryption and USB 3.2 Gen 2 connectivity for rapid transfers. It is well-suited for photographers and travelers who prioritize weight and speed.
Pros
Fast read speeds up to 1,050 MB/s
Extremely lightweight at 52 g
Built-in hardware encryption
USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface
Cons
Higher cost per gigabyte than HDDs
Compact body can warm up during heavy use
The WD Elements 2TB is a compact 2.5-inch portable drive designed for budget-conscious file backup and storage. It offers 5,400 RPM performance powered directly through standard USB connections. It is a reliable solution for storing documents, media libraries, and server backups.
Pros
Ample 2 TB storage capacity
Plug-and-play USB power
Quiet 5,400 RPM operation
Cons
Slower mechanical transfer speeds
Weighs 234 g
Compare specifications
| Form factor | 2.5 inches | 1.8 inches | 2.5 inches | 2.5 inches | 2.5 inches |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hard drive | Flash/SSD | Flash/SSD | HDD | Flash/SSD | HDD |
| Storage capacity | 1 TB | — | 5 TB | 2 TB | 2 TB |
| Price/TB | 1 | — | 5 | 2 | 2 |
| Power management | — | — | USB | — | USB |
How we create the list
The ranking is updated monthly and is based on data we collect from our own platform. Products that rank highly are popular among our users while also maintaining high quality according to editorial expert assessments. Specifically, we weigh how many users follow the product via price alerts or lists, how it is rated by experts and users, as well as how much traffic it generates to stores and how well it is represented in retail. The texts on this page are AI-generated and created to give you a quick and clear overview. No products are paid placements – the ranking is driven solely by data.
