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10 Best Backup Drives 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

G-Technology 12TB G-DRIVE with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C Desktop External Hard Drive, Silver - 0G05383-1

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,257
Connectivity
Speed
Durability

Most important from
337 reviews

Connectivity
Thunderbolt connectivity is a standout feature, freeing up USB ports and offering reliable performance with zero connectivity issues.
Speed
The drive processes HD audio and graphics virtually as fast as an SSD once it wakes up, providing excellent performance for multimedia work.
Durability
Despite skepticism, the drive has performed flawlessly over months, proving its reliability.

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.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,257
Connectivity
Speed
Durability

Most important from
337 reviews

Connectivity
Thunderbolt connectivity is a standout feature, freeing up USB ports and offering reliable performance with zero connectivity issues.
Speed
The drive processes HD audio and graphics virtually as fast as an SSD once it wakes up, providing excellent performance for multimedia work.
Durability
Despite skepticism, the drive has performed flawlessly over months, proving its reliability.
#2

LaCie d2 Professional 16TB

Rating
9.8
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
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

Crucial X8 4TB Portable SSD - Up to 1050MB/s - PC and Mac - USB 3.2 External Solid State Drive - CT4000X8SSD9

Rating
9.7
Drive Type
Speed

Most important from
1309 reviews

Drive Type
The Crucial X8 SSD is compact, fast, and reliable, making it an ideal choice for Time Machine backups on MacOS.
Speed
Impressive speeds both to and from the X8 make it perfect for storing large MP4 and MP3 files.

The Crucial X8 4TB Portable SSD is a solid choice for anyone in need of a reliable backup drive with significant storage capacity. It offers a generous 4TB of storage, which is suitable for storing large amounts of data, making it ideal for users who need to back up extensive media libraries or professional files. One of its standout strengths is its impressive speed, boasting read speeds up to 1050 MB/s, which ensures quick data transfers. This is especially advantageous for those who need to frequently move large files or access data rapidly.

Its compatibility across a wide range of devices, including PCs, Macs, tablets, smartphones, and popular gaming consoles, adds versatility. The inclusion of both USB-C and USB-A connectors means it can easily connect to both modern and older devices, enhancing its usability for a diverse user base.

Portability is another plus, with the drive being compact and lightweight, weighing only 3.36 ounces. This makes it easy to carry around, fitting conveniently in a bag or pocket. Its durable design, featuring an anodized aluminum core, offers protection against drops from up to 7.5 feet, as well as resistance to extreme temperatures, shock, and vibrations, which is ideal for those on the go. One potential downside is that, like many SSDs, it might be more expensive compared to traditional HDDs, but the trade-off is in its speed and reliability. Additionally, while it offers great durability, users in need of specialized backup software may need to look elsewhere, as this drive does not come with dedicated backup software.

The Crucial X8 4TB Portable SSD is well-suited for users seeking a high-capacity, fast, and durable backup solution, particularly those who value portability and need a drive that can work seamlessly across various devices.

Rating
9.7
Drive Type
Speed

Most important from
1309 reviews

Drive Type
The Crucial X8 SSD is compact, fast, and reliable, making it an ideal choice for Time Machine backups on MacOS.
Speed
Impressive speeds both to and from the X8 make it perfect for storing large MP4 and MP3 files.

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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