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10 Best Usb Hard Drive For Tablo 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

SanDisk Professional 22TB G-Drive Project - External HDD, Thunderbolt 3, USB (10Gbps), 7200RPM Ultrastar Hard Drive, Up to 260MB/s Read - SDPHG1H-022T-NBAAD

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,299
Storage Capacity
Drive Speed
Reliability and Durability

Most important from
319 reviews

Storage Capacity
The G-Drive's substantial capacity has enabled efficient file management and cloud syncing for large files, enhancing overall system performance.
Drive Speed
The G-Drive PRO boasts excellent build quality and meets expected speed standards for a mechanical hard drive.
Reliability and Durability
Despite its higher cost, the drive offers strong data integrity, making it a reliable investment for those who can afford it.

The SanDisk Professional 22TB G-Drive Project is a robust external hard drive designed for those who need extensive storage, particularly for project work such as video editing or large data backups. With a massive capacity of up to 22TB, you can store a substantial amount of data, which is ideal for creative professionals or businesses managing large files.

One of the standout features is its fast 7200RPM Ultrastar hard drive, providing impressive read speeds of up to 260MB/s. This speed is beneficial for transferring large files quickly, making it suitable for video editing and other demanding tasks. Additionally, the drive supports Thunderbolt 3 and USB interfaces, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices and facilitating speedy connections.

The inclusion of a PRO-BLADE SSD Mag slot allows for future upgrades, enhancing performance without needing to buy a new drive. This flexibility is a significant advantage for users who anticipate needing more speed or storage down the line. Although the drive is portable, it weighs 3.64 pounds and may not be the most convenient option for those looking for ultra-lightweight solutions. Given its enterprise-class design, it might be overkill for casual users who only require a small amount of storage. This drive is particularly well-suited for professionals or serious hobbyists who need significant storage and reliable performance but may not be the first choice for everyday casual users who require less capacity and speed.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,299
Storage Capacity
Drive Speed
Reliability and Durability

Most important from
319 reviews

Storage Capacity
The G-Drive's substantial capacity has enabled efficient file management and cloud syncing for large files, enhancing overall system performance.
Drive Speed
The G-Drive PRO boasts excellent build quality and meets expected speed standards for a mechanical hard drive.
Reliability and Durability
Despite its higher cost, the drive offers strong data integrity, making it a reliable investment for those who can afford it.
#2

Seagate STEL10000400 Backup Plus Hub 10TB External Hard Drive Desktop HDD – USB 3.0, for Computer Desktop Workstation PC Laptop Mac, 2 USB Ports 2 Months Adobe CC Photography

Rating
9.8
Storage Capacity
Drive Speed
Form Factor

Most important from
9821 reviews

Storage Capacity
While it requires external power and is less portable, its large capacity and speed make it perfect for extensive storage needs.
Drive Speed
Ideal for backups and performs exceptionally well with an average write speed of 115-120 MB/sec and read speed of 190 MB/sec.
Form Factor
The drive's advanced format and SMR technology balance affordability with good performance, making it a great value for its price.
USB Interface
The additional USB ports are incredibly useful for transferring files between multiple devices.
Reliability and Durability
The drive's reliability is commendable, with users experiencing minimal issues over several years of usage.

The Seagate STEL10000400 Backup Plus Hub is a 10TB external hard drive that offers ample storage for users who need to store large amounts of data. Its most notable strength is its massive 10TB capacity, which is ideal for extensive media libraries or backup needs. The drive operates at USB 3.0 speeds, ensuring fast data transfer rates, which is beneficial for quickly accessing and transferring large files. Additionally, the inclusion of two USB 3.0 ports allows users to charge mobile devices and connect other USB peripherals, adding a layer of versatility to its functionality. This feature can be particularly useful when using the drive with a Tablo device, as it can serve as a central hub for your setup.

The hard drive's compatibility with both Mac and Windows, facilitated by the NTFS driver for Mac, ensures seamless use across different systems. The complimentary four-month Adobe Creative Cloud Photography Plan membership is a nice bonus for users interested in photo and video editing.

On the downside, the drive's 3.5-inch form factor and requirement for an external power source make it less portable than smaller, bus-powered drives. Additionally, while the drive is marketed as portable, its size and weight (2.34 pounds) might not be as travel-friendly as one would expect. The USB 1.1 interface mentioned in the specs appears to be an error as the main connectivity is USB 3.0. Taking all this into account, the Seagate STEL10000400 is a solid choice for users needing substantial storage capacity and additional USB functionality, but its form factor may limit its portability.

Rating
9.8
Storage Capacity
Drive Speed
Form Factor

Most important from
9821 reviews

Storage Capacity
While it requires external power and is less portable, its large capacity and speed make it perfect for extensive storage needs.
Drive Speed
Ideal for backups and performs exceptionally well with an average write speed of 115-120 MB/sec and read speed of 190 MB/sec.
Form Factor
The drive's advanced format and SMR technology balance affordability with good performance, making it a great value for its price.
USB Interface
The additional USB ports are incredibly useful for transferring files between multiple devices.
Reliability and Durability
The drive's reliability is commendable, with users experiencing minimal issues over several years of usage.
#3

Western Digital 4TB My Passport SSD External Portable Solid State Drive, Grey, Up to 1,050 MB/s, USB 3.2 Gen-2 and USB-C Compatible (USB-A for older systems) – WDBAGF0040BGY-WESN

Rating
9.7
Drive Speed
Form Factor
Reliability and Durability

Most important from
8419 reviews

Drive Speed
Lightning-fast data transfer speeds of up to 1050MB/s make it ideal for large files.
Form Factor
Unbelievably compact and fast; perfect for any use case.
Reliability and Durability
Designed to withstand shock, vibration, and drops up to 6.5 feet, ensuring reliability on the go.

The Western Digital 4TB My Passport SSD is a portable external solid-state drive (SSD) that stands out with its impressive 4TB storage capacity, making it ideal for extensive video storage needs, such as those for a Tablo DVR system. The drive boasts blazing fast NVMe technology with read speeds up to 1,050 MB/s and write speeds up to 1,000 MB/s, allowing for quick data transfers and efficient use. This speed is particularly beneficial for transferring large media files or accessing recordings without lag.

The USB 3.2 Gen-2 and USB-C compatibility, along with an adapter for older USB-A systems, ensures broad device compatibility, enhancing its versatility for various setups, including desktops and gaming consoles. Despite these strengths, there are a few points to consider. The device is relatively compact and lightweight, which is great for portability, but the 3.5-inch form factor might be larger than some users expect for an SSD. Additionally, while it is robust with shock and vibration resistance and a drop resistance of up to 6.5 feet, it might still feel fragile due to its light weight.

Security is another strong suit with password-enabled 256-bit AES hardware encryption, ensuring your recordings and personal data are well-protected. The 5-year manufacturer’s limited warranty adds an extra layer of assurance regarding its longevity and reliability. Given its high performance and extensive storage capacity, this drive is a strong contender for those needing reliable and fast external storage for their Tablo DVR or other media-intensive uses. However, users should ensure they need such high capacity and speed to justify the investment.

Rating
9.7
Drive Speed
Form Factor
Reliability and Durability

Most important from
8419 reviews

Drive Speed
Lightning-fast data transfer speeds of up to 1050MB/s make it ideal for large files.
Form Factor
Unbelievably compact and fast; perfect for any use case.
Reliability and Durability
Designed to withstand shock, vibration, and drops up to 6.5 feet, ensuring reliability on the go.

Buying Guide for the Best Usb Hard Drive For Tablo

When choosing a USB hard drive for your Tablo, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best performance and reliability. The right hard drive will help you store and access your recorded shows smoothly. Here are the key specs you should look at and how to choose the best one for your needs.
Storage CapacityStorage capacity refers to the amount of data the hard drive can hold, measured in gigabytes (GB) or terabytes (TB). This is important because it determines how many shows and movies you can store on your Tablo. If you record a lot of high-definition content, you'll need a larger capacity. For light users, a drive with 500GB to 1TB might be sufficient. Moderate users might need 1TB to 2TB, while heavy users should consider 2TB or more.
Drive SpeedDrive speed, measured in revolutions per minute (RPM), affects how quickly data can be read from or written to the hard drive. This is important for ensuring smooth playback and recording. Most USB hard drives come with speeds of 5400 RPM or 7200 RPM. For most users, 5400 RPM is adequate and offers a good balance of speed and power consumption. However, if you want faster performance and don't mind a bit more noise and heat, a 7200 RPM drive might be better.
Form FactorForm factor refers to the physical size and shape of the hard drive. The most common form factors for USB hard drives are 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch. A 2.5-inch drive is more compact and portable, making it a good choice if you need to move the drive around or have limited space. A 3.5-inch drive is typically larger and may require an external power source, but it can offer higher capacities and potentially better performance. Choose based on your space constraints and portability needs.
CompatibilityCompatibility ensures that the hard drive will work seamlessly with your Tablo. This is crucial because not all hard drives are compatible with all devices. Check the Tablo's specifications or user manual to see which hard drive formats and capacities are supported. Most Tablo devices support USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 drives, but it's always best to confirm before purchasing.
Reliability and DurabilityReliability and durability refer to how well the hard drive can withstand regular use and potential physical impacts. This is important because a reliable drive will ensure your recordings are safe and accessible over time. Look for drives with good reviews and a solid warranty. Some drives are specifically designed to be more durable, with features like shock resistance. If you plan to use the drive in a stationary setup, standard reliability should suffice. For more rugged use, consider a drive with enhanced durability features.
Price per GBPrice per GB is a measure of how much storage you get for your money. This is important for getting the best value. Generally, larger drives offer a lower price per GB, but it's essential to balance cost with your actual storage needs. Calculate the price per GB by dividing the total cost of the drive by its capacity. Choose a drive that offers a good balance of cost and capacity based on how much storage you think you'll need.

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