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10 Best External Drive For Ipad 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Crucial X10 1TB Portable SSD, Up to 2,100MB/s, USB 3.2 USB-C, External Solid State Drive, Compatible with Windows, Mac & Android, Durable Storage for Games, Photos & Files, Blue - CT1000X10SSD9-02

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,499
Storage Capacity
Transfer Speed
Portability

Most important from
96 reviews

Storage Capacity
The 8TB capacity offers excellent value, combining large storage space with competitive pricing.
Transfer Speed
The SSD delivers lightning-fast global shipping and incredibly quick data transfer, backing up over 600GB in just 4 hours instead of the expected 20.
Portability
It stands out as the world's smallest 8TB external drive with IP65 dust and water resistance and drop protection up to 3 meters, making it ideal for on-the-go use.
Durability
It stands out as the world's smallest 8TB external drive with IP65 dust and water resistance and drop protection up to 3 meters, making it ideal for on-the-go use.

The Crucial X10 1TB Portable SSD is a solid choice for anyone looking to expand their iPad storage with fast and reliable external drive options. With 1TB of space, it offers plenty of room for photos, videos, games, and backups. It connects via USB-C, which works natively with the iPad Pro and many other devices, ensuring broad compatibility. Transfer speeds of up to 2,100MB/s mean you can quickly move large files without long waits, a clear advantage over traditional hard drives.

The drive is very portable and lightweight, making it easy to carry around with your iPad. It’s also durable, with features like dust and water resistance (IP65) and drop protection up to 3 meters, so it can handle being used on the go. While it does not include built-in encryption or advanced security features, users needing strong data protection might want to consider additional solutions. The included bonus software may be useful for photo management and data backup but could be less relevant on iPads.

This SSD effectively balances speed, capacity, and durability, making it a practical external storage solution for iPad users who want fast access and reliable protection for their files.

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,499
Storage Capacity
Transfer Speed
Portability

Most important from
96 reviews

Storage Capacity
The 8TB capacity offers excellent value, combining large storage space with competitive pricing.
Transfer Speed
The SSD delivers lightning-fast global shipping and incredibly quick data transfer, backing up over 600GB in just 4 hours instead of the expected 20.
Portability
It stands out as the world's smallest 8TB external drive with IP65 dust and water resistance and drop protection up to 3 meters, making it ideal for on-the-go use.
Durability
It stands out as the world's smallest 8TB external drive with IP65 dust and water resistance and drop protection up to 3 meters, making it ideal for on-the-go use.
#2

Seagate Expansion 14TB External Hard Drive HDD - USB 3.0, with Rescue Data Recovery Services (STKP14000402)

Rating
9.4
Storage Capacity
Compatibility
Transfer Speed

Most important from
15884 reviews

Storage Capacity
High capacity of 8TB provides ample space for extensive backups and media libraries.
Compatibility
This drive is not ideal for portable use or direct connection with iPads without additional adapters.
Transfer Speed
It performs reliably as an archival storage solution, handling large data transfers smoothly over extended periods.
Durability
The drive runs quietly and stays only slightly warm, making it unobtrusive during continuous operation.

The Seagate Expansion 14TB is a large-capacity external hard drive designed mainly for desktop use, offering plenty of storage space if you need to back up or store many files. It uses USB 3.0, which allows for decent transfer speeds, helping you move files relatively quickly compared to older USB standards.

However, it is a bulky and heavier drive (over 3 pounds and about 8.5 inches in size), making it less portable or convenient to carry around with an iPad, especially if you’re looking for something compact. In terms of compatibility, this drive is primarily meant for Windows and Mac computers and doesn’t natively support iPad or iPadOS devices. You would likely need additional adapters or apps to connect it to an iPad, which may complicate its use.

The drive does not include built-in encryption or security features, so it may be less suitable if you want to protect sensitive data without using third-party security tools. Since it is a desktop hard drive, it is not designed to withstand drops or rough handling like rugged portable drives. If you need a large amount of storage and plan to use it mainly with a computer rather than directly with an iPad, this drive offers good value. For those prioritizing portability, iPad compatibility, or built-in security, other options made specifically for mobile or iPad use might be better.

Rating
9.4
Storage Capacity
Compatibility
Transfer Speed

Most important from
15884 reviews

Storage Capacity
High capacity of 8TB provides ample space for extensive backups and media libraries.
Compatibility
This drive is not ideal for portable use or direct connection with iPads without additional adapters.
Transfer Speed
It performs reliably as an archival storage solution, handling large data transfers smoothly over extended periods.
Durability
The drive runs quietly and stays only slightly warm, making it unobtrusive during continuous operation.
#3

Seagate Expansion Desktop 14TB, External Hard Drive, USB 3.0, 2 Year Rescue Services (STKP14000400)

Rating
9.2
Storage Capacity
Compatibility
Transfer Speed

Most important from
2079 reviews

Storage Capacity
The Seagate Expansion Desktop 14TB external hard drive is impressively quiet and boasts a small footprint despite its large capacity.
Compatibility
Mounts effortlessly and can be easily reformatted for Mac OS Extended, with users partitioning it for various types of data.
Transfer Speed
An excellent choice for Plex Server video storage, handling large files with ease and offering significantly faster transfer speeds compared to smaller drives.
Durability
Reliability is a strong point, with users expressing confidence in the Seagate brand based on positive past experiences.

The Seagate Expansion Desktop 14TB external hard drive is an appealing choice for users seeking substantial storage for their iPads and other devices. With a massive 14TB capacity, it easily accommodates large files, including videos, photos, and documents, making it ideal for creative professionals or anyone with extensive media libraries. Its USB 3.0 interface supports fast data transfer speeds, reaching up to 480 Mbps, ensuring you can access and backup your files quickly.

One of the product's key strengths is its portability; it has a compact design, weighing just 2.59 pounds, which is convenient for users who may need to transport it regularly. Additionally, it is compatible with both laptops and desktops, providing versatile use across different devices.

The Seagate Expansion is primarily a desktop drive, which means it requires a power source and isn’t as easily portable as smaller, bus-powered external drives designed specifically for on-the-go use. Users may find it less convenient for mobile use with an iPad compared to more compact options. Moreover, while the 2-year rescue service is a helpful support feature, some users might prefer longer warranty periods for peace of mind.

Rating
9.2
Storage Capacity
Compatibility
Transfer Speed

Most important from
2079 reviews

Storage Capacity
The Seagate Expansion Desktop 14TB external hard drive is impressively quiet and boasts a small footprint despite its large capacity.
Compatibility
Mounts effortlessly and can be easily reformatted for Mac OS Extended, with users partitioning it for various types of data.
Transfer Speed
An excellent choice for Plex Server video storage, handling large files with ease and offering significantly faster transfer speeds compared to smaller drives.
Durability
Reliability is a strong point, with users expressing confidence in the Seagate brand based on positive past experiences.

Buying Guide for the Best External Drive For Ipad

Choosing the right external drive for your iPad can significantly enhance your device's storage capacity and overall functionality. When selecting an external drive, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure it meets your needs. These specifications will help you determine the best fit for your usage, whether it's for storing large files, backing up data, or transferring media quickly.
Storage CapacityStorage capacity refers to the amount of data the external drive can hold. This is crucial because it determines how much content you can store on the drive. Storage capacities typically range from 128GB to several terabytes (TB). If you need to store a lot of high-resolution photos, videos, or large files, opt for a drive with higher capacity, such as 1TB or more. For general use or storing smaller files, a drive with 128GB to 512GB may suffice.
CompatibilityCompatibility ensures that the external drive can connect and work seamlessly with your iPad. Most modern external drives use USB-C or Lightning connectors, which are compatible with newer iPad models. Ensure the drive you choose supports the connection type of your iPad. Additionally, check if the drive is compatible with iPadOS, as this will ensure smooth operation and access to files.
Transfer SpeedTransfer speed indicates how quickly data can be moved between your iPad and the external drive. This is important for efficiency, especially when transferring large files. Transfer speeds are measured in megabytes per second (MB/s) or gigabytes per second (GB/s). Drives with higher transfer speeds, such as those using USB 3.0 or Thunderbolt, are ideal for users who frequently move large amounts of data. For casual use, a drive with standard USB 2.0 speeds may be sufficient.
PortabilityPortability refers to the ease with which you can carry the external drive around. This is important if you plan to use the drive on the go. Portable drives are typically smaller, lighter, and more durable. If you need a drive for travel or frequent movement, look for compact and rugged designs. For home or office use, portability may be less of a concern, and you can opt for larger drives with more storage.
DurabilityDurability is the drive's ability to withstand physical damage and wear over time. This is important if you plan to use the drive in various environments or carry it frequently. Durable drives often have shock-resistant, water-resistant, or rugged designs. If you need a drive for outdoor use or travel, choose one with enhanced durability features. For stationary use, standard drives without extra protection may be adequate.
Encryption and SecurityEncryption and security features protect your data from unauthorized access. This is crucial if you store sensitive information on the drive. Some external drives offer hardware encryption, password protection, or biometric security. If data security is a priority for you, look for drives with these features. For general use, basic security measures may be sufficient.

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