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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

Western Digital 6TB My Book Desktop External Hard Drive, USB 3.0, External HDD with Password Protection and Auto Backup Software - WDBBGB0060HBK-NESN

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,304
Storage Capacity
Drive Speed
Reliability and Durability

Most important from
12821 reviews

Storage Capacity
Formatting was quick and gave me ample storage space for my extensive collection of games and data.
Drive Speed
Speeds are relatively fast, and the drive operates quietly with no audible irritation.
Reliability and Durability
The drive is incredibly reliable; I've been a My Book fanatic for years and never had serious issues.

The Western Digital 6TB My Book Desktop External Hard Drive offers a significant 6TB storage capacity, which is ample for recording and storing numerous TV shows and movies from your Tablo DVR. Its 3.5-inch form factor means it's a bit larger and less portable, but this is typical for desktop external hard drives. The USB 3.0 interface ensures fast data transfer speeds, which is beneficial for quickly moving large video files. It is also backward compatible with USB 2.0 ports, adding to its versatility.

The drive includes useful features like 256-bit AES hardware encryption for security and auto backup software, which can help in safeguarding your recordings. However, it should be noted that the software requires a download and user registration, which might be a bit cumbersome for some users. In terms of reliability and durability, Western Digital is a reputable brand known for producing sturdy and long-lasting hard drives. With a 4.4 out of 5-star rating from over 12,000 customer reviews, user satisfaction is generally high.

The drive's dimensions (3.46 x 8.5 x 6.7 inches) and weight (2.31 pounds) make it ideal for a stationary setup rather than for users needing a portable option. Additionally, password protection adds a layer of security which is a valuable feature for those concerned about the safety of their data. In summary, this hard drive is well-suited for users seeking a high-capacity, reliable storage solution for their Tablo DVR recordings, provided they are okay with the larger size and the requirement to install and register the software.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,304
Storage Capacity
Drive Speed
Reliability and Durability

Most important from
12821 reviews

Storage Capacity
Formatting was quick and gave me ample storage space for my extensive collection of games and data.
Drive Speed
Speeds are relatively fast, and the drive operates quietly with no audible irritation.
Reliability and Durability
The drive is incredibly reliable; I've been a My Book fanatic for years and never had serious issues.
#2

Western Digital 2TB Elements SE - Portable SSD, USB 3.0, Compatible with PC, Mac - WDBAYN0020BBK-WESN

Rating
9.8
Drive Speed
Form Factor
Compatibility

Most important from
21818 reviews

Drive Speed
Lightweight, fast, and highly portable, making file transfers quick and easy.
Form Factor
Super light and works well without any issue.
Compatibility
USB 3.0 compatibility ensures excellent performance on both PC and Mac.

The Western Digital 2TB Elements SE Portable SSD is a solid choice for those in need of a reliable and fast storage solution for their Tablo. With a generous storage capacity of 2TB, it offers ample space for storing recordings and other media files. The drive speed is notable, as it offers read speeds up to 400MB/s, which translates to quick file transfers and smooth playback of high-definition content. This speed ensures you can efficiently manage large files without waiting too long.

The 2.5-inch form factor is compact and portable, making it easy to carry around and use on different devices, including laptops, gaming consoles, desktops, and tablets. It's also designed to be durable, with drop resistance up to 2 meters, which adds a layer of protection for your data when you're on the move. The drive is compatible with both PC and Mac, supporting seamless plug-and-play functionality without the need for additional software installations. This makes it convenient for users who switch between different platforms.

Reliability is a key strength of this drive, backed by the trusted Western Digital brand. However, it's worth noting that while SSDs typically offer higher performance and durability compared to traditional hard drives, they tend to be more expensive. The price per GB may be higher compared to other types of storage, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious users. In summary, the Western Digital 2TB Elements SE is a versatile and high-performing portable SSD that is well-suited for use with the Tablo, especially for those who prioritize speed, reliability, and portability.

Rating
9.8
Drive Speed
Form Factor
Compatibility

Most important from
21818 reviews

Drive Speed
Lightweight, fast, and highly portable, making file transfers quick and easy.
Form Factor
Super light and works well without any issue.
Compatibility
USB 3.0 compatibility ensures excellent performance on both PC and Mac.
#3

Samsung T7 Shield Portable External Solid State Drive USB 3.2 1TB, IP65 Water Resistant, Compatible with PC/Mac/Android/Gaming Consoles (MUPE1T0K/AM), Beige

Rating
9.7
Drive Speed
Form Factor
Reliability and Durability

Most important from
14835 reviews

Drive Speed
The read and write speeds are incredibly fast, ensuring efficient workflow, especially for high-resolution footage.
Form Factor
Compact size and lightweight design make it extremely portable and perfect for on-the-go scenarios.
Reliability and Durability
The SSD's robustness and durability make it ideal for outdoor shooting and challenging environments.

The Samsung T7 Shield Portable External SSD offers a solid 1TB storage capacity, making it a good choice for backing up and storing large files. It excels in speed with its USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface, allowing fast read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s. This makes transferring large media files or working on intensive projects much quicker.

The compact form factor (2.5 inches) and lightweight design (3.42 ounces) make it highly portable and convenient to carry around. Additionally, its IP65 rating ensures it is resistant to water and dust, adding to its durability. The beige color might not be everyone's preference, but it does look sleek and professional.

On the downside, while it's compatible with various devices like PCs, Macs, Android devices, and gaming consoles, those needing more than 1TB might have to look into the higher capacities which could be pricier. If reliability and durability are top priorities, the Samsung T7 Shield should be on your list, particularly if you need to move it around frequently or use it in diverse environments.

Rating
9.7
Drive Speed
Form Factor
Reliability and Durability

Most important from
14835 reviews

Drive Speed
The read and write speeds are incredibly fast, ensuring efficient workflow, especially for high-resolution footage.
Form Factor
Compact size and lightweight design make it extremely portable and perfect for on-the-go scenarios.
Reliability and Durability
The SSD's robustness and durability make it ideal for outdoor shooting and challenging environments.

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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