The Best External Hard Drive for Creatives in 2025
Your data is precious. In 2025, we're creating and storing more digital content than ever. From 4K videos to high-res photos, critical business documents to cherished family memories – losing any of it would be devastating.
That's where external hard drives come in. They're your digital safety net, portable vault, and expandable storage solution, all rolled into one.
But picking the best external hard drive isn't just about buying the biggest or most expensive option. It's about finding the perfect match for your specific needs.
Key factors we've analysed in our reviews:
- Storage capacity and value for money
- Data transfer speeds
- Build quality and durability
- Security features
- Connectivity options
- Brand reliability
- Price-to-performance ratio
We've spent countless hours testing and comparing the market's top contenders to bring you this definitive list of the best external hard drives for 2025.
Whether you're a creative professional handling massive media files, a gamer needing extra storage for your growing library, or someone looking to safeguard their essential documents, our comprehensive review will help you make the right choice.
Here are the top 10 external hard drives that stand out in 2025's competitive market.
- Selecting the ideal external hard drive depends on specific needs, like storage capacity, speed, and durability.
- HDDs are cost-effective for larger storage; SSDs offer faster speeds for tasks like video editing and gaming.
- Robust backup and security features, including hardware encryption, are vital for safeguarding important data.
Understanding Different Types of External Hard Drives
Let's break down the two main external drives you'll encounter in 2025: Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) and Solid-State Drives (SSDs).
Hard Disk Drives (HDDs)
- It uses magnetic platters and mechanical parts
- Ideal for large-scale storage needs
- Costs less per terabyte
- Slower data transfer speeds (120-150 MB/s)
- More susceptible to physical damage
- Perfect for backup storage, media libraries, and archival purposes
Solid-State Drives (SSDs)
- No moving parts – uses flash memory
- Lightning-fast data transfer speeds (up to 2,000 MB/s)
- More durable and shock-resistant
- Higher cost per terabyte
- Lower power consumption
- Perfect for gaming, video editing, frequent data transfers
Choosing Between HDD and SSD
Your choice depends on three key factors:
- Budget: HDDs offer more storage space for less money. A 4TB HDD costs roughly the same as a 1TB SSD.
- Speed Requirements: If you're editing 4K videos or running games directly from your external drive, an SSD's superior speed makes it worth the investment.
- Storage Needs: HDDs provide better value with larger capacities for extensive media collections or backup purposes where speed isn't critical.
Pro Tip: Some users opt for both – an SSD for active projects and an HDD for long-term storage. This hybrid approach maximises both performance and value.
1. Western Digital My Passport Ultra (5 TB)
The WD My Passport Ultra is a top choice for portable storage. This slim, pocket-sized drive offers an impressive 5TB capacity to hold 1 million high-resolution photos or 500 hours of 4K video.
Key Features:
- USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface with speeds up to 5Gbps
- Built-in 256-bit AES hardware encryption
- Automatic backup software included
- Compatible with Windows and Mac (after reformatting)
- Dimensions: 11.15 x 8.15 x 2.1 cm
The drive's metal-and-plastic design gives it a premium look while ensuring durability for everyday use. Its aluminium top cover effectively dissipates heat during large file transfers.
- USB-C and USB 3.1 compatible
- Innovative style with refined metal cover
- Password protection with 256-bit AES hardware encryption
- Formatted for Windows
- 3-year manufacturer's limited warranty
Performance Metrics:
- Sequential Read: 130MB/s
- Sequential Write: 120MB/s
- Random Access: 0.3ms
The My Passport Ultra stands out for its versatility. It efficiently handles everything from document storage to media libraries. The added password protection feature ensures sensitive data remains secure.
The included WD Discovery software suite offers:
- Drive management tools
- Social media and cloud storage import
- System-level backup options
- Hardware diagnostics
This drive perfectly balances portability, storage capacity, and affordability. Priced at £129.99, you're looking at around £26 per terabyte – a competitive price in today's market.
2. SanDisk Extreme Pro Portable SSD
The SanDisk Extreme Pro Portable SSD is a top choice for fast and reliable external storage. It's compact and powerful, perfect for tasks like 4K video editing, transferring large RAW photos, and handling demanding creative projects.
Key Performance Features:
- NVMe technology for professional-grade speeds
- USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 interface
- Up to 4TB storage capacity
- Real-world transfer rates: 20GB file in under 15 seconds
Rugged Build Quality:
- IP55 water and dust resistance
- 2-metre drop protection
- Forged aluminium chassis
- Built-in heat management
- Get NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds in a portable, high-capacity drive(1) (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device & other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance mean this tough drive can take a beating(3) (Previously rated for 2-meter drop protection and IP55 rating. Now qualified for the higher, stated specs.)
- Use the handy carabiner loop to secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind.
- Help keep private content private with the included password protection featuring 256‐bit AES hardware encryption.(3)
- Easily manage files and automatically free up space with the SanDisk Memory Zone app.(5)
The drive's sturdy design makes it ideal for photographers and videographers who work in challenging environments. Whether you're shooting outdoors or on location, you can trust that this drive will withstand the elements and keep your data safe.
One of the standout features of the SanDisk Extreme Pro is its ability to maintain high transfer speeds even during intensive tasks. This means quickly moving large files without worrying about performance issues or overheating.
Security is also a priority with this drive. It has built-in password protection and hardware encryption to keep your client files confidential. Plus, it's compatible with Windows and Mac systems, so you can easily use it with your existing devices.
With its speed, durability, and security features, the SanDisk Extreme Pro Portable SSD is an excellent choice for professionals needing reliable external storage.
3. WD My Book (up to 24TB)
The WD My Book is a top choice for desktop storage, offering huge capacity options from 4TB to an impressive 24TB. This external drive is perfect for users who need a lot of storage space.
Key Features:
- Automatic backup capabilities with WD Discovery software
- 256-bit AES hardware encryption
- USB 3.0 connectivity (backwards compatible with USB 2.0)
- Password protection options
- 3-year limited warranty
The price-per-terabyte ratio makes the WD My Book attractive for budget-conscious users. At roughly £15-20 per terabyte (depending on capacity), it's significantly more cost-effective than portable options.
- High-capacity add-on storage.Specific uses: Personal
- Fast data transfers
- Plug-and-play ready for Windows PCs
- WD quality inside and out
Performance Metrics:
- Read speeds: Up to 180 MB/s
- Write speeds: Up to 175 MB/s
The drive's desktop design requires AC power, so it can't be easily carried around. However, this design choice allows for larger storage capacities and greater reliability for long-term data storage.
Ideal Use Cases:
- Home media libraries
- Professional photo/video archives
- System backups
- Document storage
- Small business data storage
The WD My Book's strong build quality, along with WD's reputation for reliability, makes it a wise investment for users who prioritise storage capacity over portability.
4. LaCie 2big RAID
The LaCie 2big RAID is a powerful solution for creative professionals who need speed and dependability. This high-quality storage device offers advanced features usually found in enterprise systems, making it ideal for content creators.
Key Professional Features:
- RAID 0/1 configuration options
- Up to 40TB raw capacity
- Thunderbolt 3 connectivity
- 7200 RPM Seagate IronWolf Pro drives
- Hardware RAID controller
Creative professionals benefit from the device's versatile RAID configurations. RAID 0 maximises speed and storage capacity, perfect for video editing and 3D rendering. RAID 1 provides data redundancy through mirroring – which is essential for protecting valuable client projects.
- sthj16000800
- Memory storage capacity: 16.0
- System Requirements : Computer with a Thunderbolt 3, USB-C, USB 3.0, or USB 2.0 port. Latest version of Mac OS 10.12 or later / Latest version of Windows 10 or later. Minimum free disk space: 600 MB recommended
The aluminium enclosure houses enterprise-class drives designed for continuous operation. These drives deliver consistent performance under heavy workloads, which is crucial for projects with tight deadlines.
Performance Metrics:
- Read speeds up to 440MB/s
- Write speeds up to 440MB/s
- 5-year limited warranty
- 5-year Rescue Data Recovery Services
The LaCie 2big RAID integrates seamlessly with professional workflows through its Thunderbolt 3 interface. This connectivity ensures minimal delay when working with large media files or running multiple applications simultaneously.
The device's front-facing status LED provides instant visual feedback on drive health and RAID status, allowing creative professionals to focus on their work without constant system monitoring.
5. Seagate Expansion Card for Xbox Series X/S
The Seagate Expansion Card is a game-changer for Xbox Series X/S consoles when it comes to storage. This specially designed storage solution performs like the console's built-in SSD.
Key Features:
- 1TB storage capacity
- Compatible with Xbox Velocity Architecture
- Easy plug-and-play functionality
- No setup required
- Smooth game transfers
Unlike regular external drives, this expansion card directly connects with the Xbox Series X/S system, making it unique. Games load incredibly fast – just like the internal SSD – without compromise.
- SEAMLESS GAMEPLAY Designed in partnership with Xbox to seamlessly play Xbox Series X|S games from the internal SSD or the expansion card without sacrificing graphics, latency, load times, or framerates
- HIGHEST CAPACITY The only 2TB expansion card—and highest capacity available—that maximizes Xbox Series X storage, allowing you to collect thousands of games across four generations of Xbox without sacrificing performance
- XBOX OFFICIAL An expansion card that’s designed using officially licensed Xbox Velocity Architecture—providing faster load times, richer environments, and more immersive gameplay
- WARRANTY Enjoy long-term peace of mind with the included 3-year warranty
- LEVEL UP Every game that plays from the Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S plays at the same peak levels as the console’s internal SSD
The card's compact design fits perfectly into the dedicated expansion slot, creating a clean setup without extra cables or power supplies. Its proprietary connection ensures consistent performance across all gaming sessions.
Gaming-Specific Benefits:
- Support for Quick Resume feature
- Instant switching between games
- Compatibility with Series X/S games
- Optimised for next-generation gaming
While its price is higher than standard external drives, the specialised architecture makes it worth the investment for dedicated Xbox gamers. The card eliminates the need to shuffle games between storage devices, maintaining peak performance for every title in your library.
This expansion card is the only storage solution capable of running Xbox Series X/S optimised games directly from the drive – a crucial feature for modern gaming libraries.
6. WD Black P40 SSD
The WD Black P40 SSD is a top choice for gamers looking for high-performance storage. With its sleek design and advanced NVMe technology, this SSD offers lightning-fast read speeds of up to 2,000MB/s, making it ideal for quickly loading large game files.
Key Features:
- Customisable RGB lighting through WD Dashboard
- Shock-resistant design can withstand drops from up to 2 metres
- USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 interface for fast data transfer
- Available in sizes of 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB
The P40's aluminium core is a heatsink, maintaining peak performance during intense gaming sessions. Its compact size (119mm x 62.5mm x 14.5mm) makes it highly portable for gamers on the move.
- Customize your drive’s RGB lighting with the downloadable WD_BLACK Dashboard (Windows only) to show off your style and make every play personal.
- Kick loading into overdrive with a USB 3.2 Gen2x2 interface and speeds up to 2,000MB/s. (Based on read speed. 1 MB/s = 1 million bytes per second. Based on internal testing; performance may vary depending upon host device, usage conditions, drive capacity, and other factors.)
- Compatible with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S consoles. {Compatible with PlayStation 4 Pro or PS4 with system software version 4.50 or higher, PlayStation 5 (Play and store PS4 games; archive PS5 games), Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S (Play and store Xbox One games; archive Xbox Series X|S games).}
- Keep more of the latest and largest titles installed and ready to launch with capacities of up to 2TB. (1TB = 1 trillion bytes. Actual user capacity may be less depending on operating environment.)
- Built with WD_BLACK toughness thanks to a shock-resistant structure, this durable drive can survive a drop of up to two-meters.
Performance Metrics:
- Sequential read speed: up to 2,000MB/s
- Sequential write speed: up to 1,950MB/s
- Random read (IOPS): up to 180K
- Random write (IOPS): up to 170K
This SSD excels in real-world gaming situations. Loading screens in demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 or Red Dead Redemption 2 become quick pauses instead of long breaks. The drive's sturdy construction ensures durability for LAN party enthusiasts who often transport their gaming setups.
The WD Black P40 SSD offers excellent value for its price, making it a top choice for serious gamers who want fast load times and dependable external storage.
Capacity and Performance Considerations in Choosing an External Hard Drive
Let's dive into the numbers that matter in 2025's storage landscape.
Popular Storage Capacities:
- 1TB – 2TB: Perfect for daily backups and document storage
- 4TB – 8TB: Ideal for creative professionals and media collectors
- 12TB – 24TB: Suited for enterprise users and serious content creators
- 32TB+: Available for data centres and professional video production
Performance Metrics That Matter:
- Read/Write Speeds
- Random Access Time
- Cache Size
- Power Efficiency
The sweet spot for most users in 2025 sits between 4TB to 8TB. This range provides ample space for high-resolution photos, 4K videos, and extensive game libraries without breaking the bank.
Here's a quick performance breakdown by use case:
| Use Case Recommended Speed Minimum Capacity Gaming | 1000MB/s+ | 2TB |
| Photo Editing | 500MB/s+ | 4TB |
| Video Production | 2000MB/s+ | 8TB |
| Business Backup | 250MB/s+ | 1TB |
Speed vs Capacity Trade-offs:
- Higher speeds = Higher cost per TB
- Larger capacities = Lower cost per TB
- SSDs excel in speed but cost more
- HDDs win at capacity but sacrifice speed
Your optimal balance depends on your primary use case. A photographer might prioritise capacity for RAW files, while a video editor needs both speed and space. The key lies in matching your workflow requirements with the right speed and storage space combination.
Remember: A faster drive with insufficient space can be just as problematic as a spacious drive that's too slow for your needs. The goal is to find equilibrium between these two crucial factors.
The Role of Connection Interfaces in External Hard Drive Performance
Your external hard drive's connection interface is the highway between your data and your computer. The speed limit of this highway directly impacts your data transfer rates.
USB-A (USB 3.0/3.1/3.2)
- Transfer speeds up to 5Gbps
- Backwards compatibility with older devices
- Widespread availability across devices
- Limited by traditional connector design
USB-C
- Transfer speeds up to 20Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen 2×2)
- Reversible connector design
- Power delivery capabilities
- Future-proof connectivity standard
Thunderbolt 3/4
- Lightning-fast speeds up to 40Gbps
- Daisy-chain multiple devices
- Compatible with USB-C ports
- Enhanced video output capabilities
The real-world impact of these interfaces becomes clear in daily use. A 4K video file (100GB) transfers in:
- USB-A 3.0: ~3 minutes
- USB-C 3.2: ~40 seconds
- Thunderbolt 4: ~20 seconds
2025's external drives predominantly feature USB-C connections, with Thunderbolt options available for professional-grade devices. The choice between interfaces depends on your specific use case:
- Content Creation: Thunderbolt's superior speeds suit video editing and large file transfers
- Regular Backups: USB-C provides ample speed for daily data management
- Legacy Systems: USB-A remains viable for older device compatibility
The interface you select creates a ceiling for your drive's performance potential. A high-speed SSD paired with a slower connection type bottlenecks its capabilities, much like a sports car stuck in city traffic.
Ensuring Durability with Your Chosen External Hard Drive
Your external drive's durability directly impacts your data's safety. A drop can destroy years of precious memories, critical work files, or valuable digital assets.
Rugged vs. Semi-Rugged Designs
Rugged External Drives
- Military-grade shock resistance
- Water-resistant up to 3 metres
- Crush-proof cases (up to 1,000kg)
- Built for extreme temperatures (-20°C to 85°C)
- Ideal for outdoor professionals, adventurers, construction sites
Semi-Rugged Drives
- Basic shock absorption
- Light splash resistance
- Standard drop protection (1-2 metres)
- Perfect for daily commuters, students, office workers
Key Durability Features to Consider
- Internal Shock Mounts: Rubber bumpers absorb impact forces
- Reinforced Port Protection: Sealed USB ports prevent dust and moisture damage
- Aluminium Casing: Better heat dissipation and structural integrity
- Anti-shock Sensors: Detect free falls and park drive heads to prevent data loss
Investing in durability isn't optional for mobile users – it's essential. A standard external drive costs £50-100, while data recovery services start at £300. The price difference between a regular and rugged drive (£30-50) pays for itself the first time you drop it.
Full-rugged protection benefits professional photographers, field researchers, and construction managers. Office workers and students can opt for semi-rugged designs that balance protection with portability.
The durability rating system (IP – Ingress Protection) helps identify the proper protection level. IP67 means complete dust protection and water resistance up to 1 metre, while IP54 offers essential splash protection.
Backup and Security Features to Look For in an External Hard Drive
Data loss hits like a sledgehammer – unexpected, devastating, and often irreversible. Let's cut straight to what matters in protecting your digital assets.
Essential Backup Features:
- Automated Scheduling
- Set-and-forget backup systems
- Customisable backup frequencies
- Multiple backup version support
- File Recovery Options
- Point-in-time restoration
- Selective file recovery
- Quick search functionality
Your external hard drive isn't just storage – it's your digital vault. Here's what separates the amateur from the pro-level security features:
Security Must-Haves:
- Hardware Encryption
- AES 256-bit encryption (military-grade)
- Built-in password protection
- Secure erase capabilities
- Software Protection
- Anti-malware integration
- Unauthorised access alerts
- Remote wipe functionality
Think of backups like insurance – you don't need them until you need them—the best external drives of 2025 pack both automatic backup solutions and robust encryption features. Don't settle for drives without these core protections.
Pro Tip: Create a 3-2-1 backup strategy:
3 copies of your data
2 different storage types
1 copy stored off-site
Remember: The most expensive external hard drive is the one that fails to protect your data when you need it most. Invest in drives with comprehensive backup and security features – your future self will thank you.
FAQs
What are the main types of external hard drives?
The two main external hard drives are Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) and Solid-State Drives (SSDs). HDDs use spinning disks to read/write data, while SSDs use flash memory for faster access and higher durability.
How do I choose between an HDD and an SSD?
Choosing between an HDD and an SSD depends on your needs. If you require high speed and portability, an SSD is ideal. However, an HDD may be more suitable if you need heftier storage capacity at a lower cost.
What should I look for regarding capacity when selecting the best external hard drive?
When selecting the best external hard drive, consider the storage capacity that fits your needs—popular capacities in 2025 range from a few hundred gigabytes to several terabytes. Balance your speed requirements with the amount of data you plan to store.
What connection interfaces are standard for external hard drives?
Standard connection interfaces for external hard drives include USB-A and USB-C. USB-C and Thunderbolt connections offer faster data transfer speeds, making them preferable for high-performance needs.
Why is durability important in an external hard drive?
Durability is crucial for mobile users who may expose their drives to physical stress. Rugged designs provide shock protection, ensuring your data remains safe even under adverse conditions.
What backup and security features should I consider?
Look for external hard drives with built-in backup solutions and encryption features. Regular backups are vital for data protection, while encryption helps secure sensitive information from unauthorised access.
Last update on 2025-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pinterest
Facebook
LinkedIn
WhatsApp
