We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Portable Hard Drives 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

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.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Seagate Game Drive for Xbox 2TB External Hard Drive Portable HDD - USB 3.2 Gen 1, Black with built-in green LED bar , Xbox Certified, 3 year Rescue Services (STKX2000400)

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,146
Storage Capacity
Transfer Speed
Durability

Most important from
24766 reviews

Storage Capacity
With 2TB capacity, it significantly increases storage space, allowing multiple games to stay installed without constant management.
Transfer Speed
The drive delivers fast load times and smooth gameplay, matching the performance of internal storage with no noticeable lag.
Durability
Robust build quality combined with a sleek, gaming-inspired aesthetic adds both durability and style.
Portability
Its compact and lightweight design fits snugly alongside the console, enhancing portability without awkward protrusion.
Compatibility
Plug-and-play functionality makes expanding Xbox Series X/S storage effortless without any setup hassle.

The Seagate Game Drive for Xbox is a solid choice if you're looking to expand your gaming storage with 2TB capacity, which is enough to hold many games without constantly deleting old ones. Its USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface offers a fast transfer speed of up to 600 MB/s, so loading and moving games should be fairly smooth. Designed specifically for Xbox, it’s Xbox-certified, meaning it’s guaranteed to work well with Xbox Series X, Series S, and all Xbox One models. The drive’s sleek black casing and green LED bar make it look stylish next to your console.

In terms of portability, this drive is compact and light (under 6 ounces), so it’s easy to carry around if you game in different places. However, it’s a 3.5-inch mechanical hard drive, which is typically less durable against drops or bumps compared to smaller 2.5-inch drives or SSDs, so you should handle it with some care. While it does not have advanced security features like encryption, it includes a 3-year data recovery service, which is a nice safety net if data loss occurs.

If you're primarily an Xbox gamer needing extra space, this drive fits well, combining good speed, compatibility, and a gaming-friendly design. If you need something more rugged or faster (like an SSD), or plan to use it with other devices, there might be better options. Being a mechanical drive, it may be slower and less shock-resistant than solid-state drives. Still, for its price and purpose, it provides a reliable, plug-and-play solution to hold your growing Xbox game library.

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,146
Storage Capacity
Transfer Speed
Durability

Most important from
24766 reviews

Storage Capacity
With 2TB capacity, it significantly increases storage space, allowing multiple games to stay installed without constant management.
Transfer Speed
The drive delivers fast load times and smooth gameplay, matching the performance of internal storage with no noticeable lag.
Durability
Robust build quality combined with a sleek, gaming-inspired aesthetic adds both durability and style.
Portability
Its compact and lightweight design fits snugly alongside the console, enhancing portability without awkward protrusion.
Compatibility
Plug-and-play functionality makes expanding Xbox Series X/S storage effortless without any setup hassle.
#2

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

Rating
9.4
Storage Capacity
Compatibility

Most important from
15884 reviews

Storage Capacity
Perfect for archival storage with ample capacity and reliable performance.
Compatibility
Solid, easy setup with quick reformatting for different operating systems.

The Seagate Expansion 14TB External Hard Drive offers extensive storage capacity, which is excellent for users needing significant space for files, backups, and media. With USB 3.0, it promises fast transfer speeds, making it suitable for quickly moving large amounts of data. The plug-and-play feature is convenient, allowing users to simply connect the power adapter and USB cable for immediate use. Its automatic recognition of Windows and Mac computers simplifies setup, though reformatting is required for use with Time Machine on Mac.

This hard drive is designed for desktop use, indicated by its 3.5-inch form factor and relatively large dimensions (8.58 x 8.35 x 3.03 inches), along with its weight of 3.03 pounds, which may limit portability compared to smaller drives. Durability-wise, it does not mention any special rugged features, so it might be better suited for stationary use rather than frequent travel. Compatibility is broad, supporting both Windows and Mac platforms, but users should be aware of the need for reformatting if utilizing Time Machine.

Security features are not highlighted in the product description, suggesting rudimentary protection without advanced encryption options. It includes Rescue Data Recovery Services, which adds a crucial layer of data protection in case of unexpected failures. This external hard drive is ideal for users who require substantial storage capacity and fast transfer speeds in a desktop environment, prioritizing ease of use over portability and advanced security.

Rating
9.4
Storage Capacity
Compatibility

Most important from
15884 reviews

Storage Capacity
Perfect for archival storage with ample capacity and reliable performance.
Compatibility
Solid, easy setup with quick reformatting for different operating systems.

Buying Guide for the Best Portable Hard Drives

When choosing a portable hard drive, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Portable hard drives are essential for storing and backing up data, transferring files between devices, and expanding your storage capacity. Understanding the different specs will help you make an informed decision and select a drive that meets your requirements.
Storage CapacityStorage capacity refers to the amount of data the hard drive can hold. This is important because it determines how much information you can store on the drive. Capacities typically range from 500GB to several terabytes (TB). If you need to store large files like videos, high-resolution photos, or extensive software, you should opt for a higher capacity (1TB or more). For basic document storage and smaller files, a lower capacity (500GB to 1TB) may suffice.
Transfer SpeedTransfer speed indicates how quickly data can be read from or written to the hard drive. This is crucial for efficiency, especially when dealing with large files or frequent data transfers. Transfer speeds are often influenced by the type of connection (USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB 3.1, or USB-C). USB 3.0 and above offer faster speeds compared to USB 2.0. If you need to transfer large amounts of data quickly, look for drives with USB 3.0 or higher.
DurabilityDurability refers to the hard drive's ability to withstand physical impacts, such as drops or bumps. This is important if you plan to carry the drive around frequently. Some portable hard drives come with rugged designs, shock resistance, and water resistance. If you need a drive for travel or outdoor use, consider a more durable model. For home or office use, standard durability may be sufficient.
PortabilityPortability is about the size and weight of the hard drive. A more portable drive is easier to carry around. This is important if you need to take the drive with you on the go. Smaller, lighter drives are more convenient for travel, while larger drives may offer more storage but can be bulkier. Choose a size that balances your need for storage with your need for portability.
CompatibilityCompatibility refers to the hard drive's ability to work with different operating systems and devices. This is important to ensure that the drive can be used with your computer, laptop, or other devices. Most drives are compatible with both Windows and Mac, but some may require reformatting. Check the compatibility specifications to ensure the drive will work with your devices. If you use multiple operating systems, look for a drive that supports both without needing reformatting.
Security FeaturesSecurity features include encryption and password protection to keep your data safe. This is important if you store sensitive information on the drive. Some portable hard drives offer hardware encryption and software to protect your data. If security is a priority, look for drives with built-in encryption and strong password protection. For less sensitive data, basic security features may be adequate.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now