10 Best Backup Drives 2026 in the United States

The Crucial X10 1TB Portable SSD is a solid choice if you need a fast and durable external storage drive for backing up files like photos, videos, or game data. With 1TB of storage, it offers ample space for most everyday users, students, and gamers. Unlike traditional hard drives, its solid-state design means it transfers data much quicker, reaching speeds up to 2,100MB/s, so backups and file access are noticeably faster. The drive uses USB-C connectivity but also works with USB-A, making it compatible across Windows, Mac, Android devices, and gaming consoles like PS4, PS5, and Xbox. Portability is a strong point here—the drive is compact, lightweight, and built tough with dust and water resistance (IP65 rating) and can survive drops from nearly 10 feet, making it great for travel or on-the-go use. Additionally, it includes three months of backup and photo organizing software, which adds value for users looking for easy ways to manage their data.

While 1TB is sufficient for many, power users or those with very large backups might find this limiting. Also, the USB 3.2 interface is fast but not the absolute fastest available on the market, so some high-end users might notice quicker options elsewhere. The Crucial X10 effectively balances speed, durability, and convenience, making it a reliable choice for anyone needing a portable drive that can handle backups safely and quickly without fuss.

The G-Technology 18TB G-DRIVE USB-C is a large-capacity desktop external hard drive that offers plenty of space for backing up huge amounts of data, making it ideal for users who need reliable, long-term storage. Its 18TB capacity means you can store thousands of photos, videos, and documents without worrying about running out of space. It connects via USB-C with USB 3.1 Gen 1, providing good data transfer speeds suitable for everyday backup tasks, though it’s not the fastest drive available if you need very high-speed transfers.

The drive’s all-aluminum enclosure gives it a sturdy and durable feel, protecting your data from everyday bumps. While it’s classified as portable, keep in mind it’s a desktop-sized 3.5-inch drive and weighs over 4 pounds, so it’s not as easy to carry around as smaller portable drives. The device supports USB Power Delivery, which can charge compatible laptops while you back up files—this is a convenient feature if you use it with a laptop.

It’s also Apple Time Machine ready, meaning Mac users can set up automatic backups easily. If you want a simple, high-capacity backup solution primarily for desktop use and especially if you use a Mac, this drive fits well. For those needing more portable or faster options, or built-in cross-platform backup software, other drives could be worth considering.

The Samsung T7 Portable SSD is a solid choice for anyone needing a fast and reliable external backup drive, offering a large 4TB storage capacity that can hold extensive files like videos, photos, and game data. Its solid-state drive (SSD) design means it’s much quicker and more durable than traditional hard drives, boasting fast read and write speeds up to 1,050 MB/s, which helps you save or access files without long waits.

It connects using USB 3.2 Gen 2, making it compatible with PCs, Macs, gaming consoles, smartphones, and tablets, so you can easily back up data from multiple devices. The T7 is compact and lightweight, making it very portable, and its sturdy aluminum body with shock resistance can protect your data even if it’s dropped from about 6 feet high. Samsung also provides reliable backup software, enhancing ease of use for regular backups or file management.

While it is highly durable and fast, the T7’s speed may not reach the maximum levels of some newer SSDs, and it depends on USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports to perform at top speed, so older devices might not fully benefit from its capabilities. This drive is ideal if you want a dependable, high-capacity solution for backing up or transferring large amounts of data quickly, whether you're a student, professional, or gamer.