10 Best Backup Drives 2025 in the United States

The Samsung T7 Shield Portable SSD is a solid choice if you're looking for a fast, reliable external drive to back up your files. It offers 1TB of storage, which is a good amount for photos, videos, and documents. Being a solid-state drive (SSD), it’s much faster and more durable than traditional hard drives, with read and write speeds up to about 1,000 MB/s. This means large files transfer in seconds, which is great if you often move heavy projects or game files. It connects via USB 3.2 Gen 2, ensuring quick data transfers and wide compatibility with PCs, Macs, Android devices, gaming consoles, and even iPhones, including newer models.

The drive’s standout feature is its rugged design: it’s IP65 rated, so it’s resistant to water and dust, and it can survive drops from nearly 10 feet. This makes it a great companion if you travel or work outdoors. It’s also very portable, small enough to fit in your hand or pocket, and lightweight at just over 3 ounces. On the software side, Samsung includes Magician software, which helps monitor drive health and protect your data, making backup management easier.

One downside is that the 1TB capacity might feel limiting for users needing to store very large libraries or multiple backups; larger options exist but at higher cost. Also, while the drive is fast, it’s not the absolute fastest on the market if you demand top-tier performance. The Samsung T7 Shield is a durable, speedy, and versatile backup drive well-suited for users who want a mix of portability, protection, and solid performance without complexity.

The G-Technology 12TB G-DRIVE is a robust desktop external hard drive ideally suited for users with significant storage needs. Its expansive 12TB storage capacity makes it well-suited for backing up large volumes of data, which is essential for professionals handling extensive multimedia files or businesses safeguarding critical data. The drive type, being external, offers a convenient plug-and-play solution for desktops without requiring internal installation.

Connectivity is a standout feature, with dual Thunderbolt 3 ports and a USB-C port supporting USB 3.1 Gen 1, enabling high-speed data transfers and daisy chaining with up to five additional devices. This ensures compatibility with the latest devices and maximizes transfer speeds, benefiting users who need quick access to their data. Portability is modest due to its desktop design, which is less suited for frequent travel compared to more compact portable drives. However, its solid all-aluminum casing provides excellent durability, protecting the device from potential physical damage. The stylish look is an added bonus for users who appreciate aesthetic design alongside functionality.

The included backup software allows for automated backups, enhancing data security and convenience. Speed is bolstered by a 7200 RPM rotational speed, which supports fast data retrieval and writing. The manufacturer's 5-year limited warranty offers peace of mind concerning reliability and longevity. While highly rated, the drive may not be ideal for users who need portability over capacity or for those operating on a tighter budget, given its premium features. For those in need of a reliable, high-capacity backup solution with robust connectivity and durability, the G-Technology 12TB G-DRIVE is a commendable choice.

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.