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10 Best Backup Drives 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

LaCie d2 Professional 16TB

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,400
Storage Capacity
Drive Type
Connectivity

Most important from
38 reviews

Storage Capacity
At 16 TB, it stands out as one of the largest single external hard drives available, offering great value for its price.
Drive Type
Equipped with an Enterprise Seagate Ironwolf Pro HD, it offers fast and dependable backup solutions for large-scale storage needs.
Connectivity
The LaCie d2 Professional is a reliable choice for photographers, handling large files with impressive speed and connectivity.
Durability
This drive performs flawlessly, even after rigorous stress testing, and is backed by a solid warranty.
Speed
The LaCie d2 Professional is a reliable choice for photographers, handling large files with impressive speed and connectivity.

The LaCie d2 Professional 16TB is a robust external backup drive designed for hefty storage needs, making it suitable for professionals who deal with large amounts of data. Boasting a massive 16TB capacity, it offers ample space to store extensive files, projects, or media libraries. Its mechanical hard disk with a 7200 RPM speed ensures decent performance for backup and storage, though it may not match the speed of SSDs for tasks requiring high-speed data transfer.

This drive connects via USB, making it widely compatible with both PC and Mac platforms. The Serial ATA-600 interface offers reliable connectivity, but some users might find the lack of more modern connectivity options, like USB-C or Thunderbolt, a limitation depending on their setup. With a form factor of 3.5 inches and weighing around 3.92 pounds, it's more suited for desktop use rather than on-the-go portability. Its sturdy build suggests a certain degree of durability, though as a mechanical drive, it might be more prone to damage from physical shocks compared to solid-state drives. Users should be cautious when moving it around.

Durability is a key feature, but it's always wise to ensure backups are done in controlled environments to avoid potential data loss from accidental drops. The sleek black design complements most setups, and its size is reasonable for a desktop device. Despite its rank in the market, customer reviews averaging 4.5 out of 5 stars indicate a generally positive reception, highlighting its reliability and performance for large-scale data storage.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,400
Storage Capacity
Drive Type
Connectivity

Most important from
38 reviews

Storage Capacity
At 16 TB, it stands out as one of the largest single external hard drives available, offering great value for its price.
Drive Type
Equipped with an Enterprise Seagate Ironwolf Pro HD, it offers fast and dependable backup solutions for large-scale storage needs.
Connectivity
The LaCie d2 Professional is a reliable choice for photographers, handling large files with impressive speed and connectivity.
Durability
This drive performs flawlessly, even after rigorous stress testing, and is backed by a solid warranty.
Speed
The LaCie d2 Professional is a reliable choice for photographers, handling large files with impressive speed and connectivity.
#3

Samsung T7 Touch Portable SSD 2TB,up to 1050MB/s, USB 3.2 External Solid State Drive, Black (MU-PC2T0K/WW)

Rating
9.4
Connectivity
Portability

Most important from
932 reviews

Connectivity
Comes with both USB C to USB C and USB A to USB C cables, adding to its versatility.
Portability
Setup is a breeze right out of the box, with fast performance and a compact size.

The SAMSUNG T7 Touch Portable SSD is a solid choice for those needing a reliable and secure backup drive. With a 2TB storage capacity, it offers ample space for a wide range of files, from personal documents to large media files. Its SSD type ensures fast read and write speeds, up to 1,050MB/s and 1,000MB/s respectively, significantly outpacing traditional hard drives. This speed is a major advantage for users who transfer large files frequently.

The USB 3.2 Gen 2 connectivity ensures compatibility with a variety of devices, including PCs, gaming consoles, tablets, and Macs, making it versatile and easy to use across different platforms. Its compact size (3.4 x 2.2 x 0.3 inches) and lightweight build (2 ounces) enhance its portability, fitting easily into a pocket or bag for on-the-go use. Durability is another strength, as it is shock-resistant and can withstand drops from up to 6 feet, making it a reliable option for travel or daily use.

The added fingerprint security feature provides an extra layer of protection for sensitive data, appealing to users concerned about security. However, one downside is the lack of dedicated backup software, which means users might need to rely on third-party solutions for automated backups. Additionally, those who need a cheaper option might find it a bit pricey compared to other external storage solutions.

Rating
9.4
Connectivity
Portability

Most important from
932 reviews

Connectivity
Comes with both USB C to USB C and USB A to USB C cables, adding to its versatility.
Portability
Setup is a breeze right out of the box, with fast performance and a compact size.

Buying Guide for the Best Backup Drives

Choosing the right backup drive is essential to ensure your data is safe and easily accessible. Backup drives come in various types and sizes, and selecting the right one depends on your specific needs, such as the amount of data you need to store, how often you need to access it, and where you plan to use the drive. Understanding the key specifications will help you make an informed decision.
Storage CapacityStorage capacity refers to the amount of data a backup drive can hold. This is important because it determines how much information you can store on the drive. Storage capacities typically range from a few hundred gigabytes (GB) to several terabytes (TB). If you have a lot of large files, such as videos or high-resolution photos, you might need a drive with several terabytes of storage. For basic document storage, a few hundred gigabytes might be sufficient. Consider your current data needs and potential future growth when choosing the capacity.
Drive TypeBackup drives come in different types, primarily Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) and Solid State Drives (SSDs). HDDs are generally cheaper and offer larger storage capacities, but they are slower and more prone to physical damage. SSDs are faster, more durable, and have no moving parts, making them ideal for frequent access and portability, but they are more expensive and typically offer less storage capacity. If you need a lot of storage and cost is a concern, an HDD might be the best choice. If speed and durability are more important, consider an SSD.
ConnectivityConnectivity refers to how the backup drive connects to your computer or other devices. Common options include USB 3.0, USB-C, Thunderbolt, and wireless connections. USB 3.0 is widely compatible and offers decent speeds, while USB-C and Thunderbolt provide faster data transfer rates but may require compatible ports. Wireless drives offer convenience but can be slower and less reliable. Choose a connectivity option that matches your device's ports and your need for speed and convenience.
PortabilityPortability is about how easy it is to carry the backup drive around. Portable drives are smaller, lighter, and often more durable, making them ideal for travel or frequent movement. Desktop drives are larger and typically offer more storage but are designed to stay in one place. If you need to carry your data with you, look for a portable drive. If the drive will stay on your desk, a desktop drive might be more suitable.
DurabilityDurability refers to how well the backup drive can withstand physical damage, such as drops or spills. This is particularly important for portable drives that are frequently moved. SSDs are generally more durable than HDDs because they have no moving parts. Some drives are specifically designed to be rugged and resistant to shocks, water, and dust. If you plan to use the drive in harsh conditions or travel with it often, look for a durable, rugged model.
Backup SoftwareBackup software is the program that helps you manage and automate the backup process. Some drives come with their own software, which can offer features like automatic backups, encryption, and cloud integration. Good backup software can make the process easier and more reliable. If you want a hassle-free backup experience, look for drives that include robust software options.
SpeedSpeed refers to how quickly data can be read from or written to the backup drive. This is important if you need to transfer large files or perform backups frequently. SSDs are generally faster than HDDs, and connectivity options like USB-C and Thunderbolt can also affect speed. If you need quick access to your data or plan to perform regular backups, prioritize speed in your selection.

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