At first glance, external hard drives for photos seem pretty simple; they’re devices that connect to your computer to help you store a large number of photos for longer periods. While they might appear as just storage tools, they can be extremely useful for safeguarding your memories, enabling you to protect a vast array of images without being limited by your computer’s internal storage.
But there are many types of external hard drives on the market, so finding the right one for your needs can be challenging. If you’re a professional photographer, you might prefer a hard drive with quick data transfer that can offload your photos easily if you need to free up space on your camera. On the other hand, amateur photographers or beginner enthusiasts usually prefer small flash drives like the ones mentioned in our best photo stick article. No matter which one you prefer, we are here to help you navigate through the many options, finding the best way to keep your photo memories safe and sound.
Our Picks for the Best External Hard Drive for Photos of 2023
- Best External Hard Drive for Photos Overall: Western Digital My Passport Ultra
- Best External Hard Drive for Professional Photographers: LaCie Rugged RAID Pro
- Best External Hard Drive for Amateur Photographers: Seagate Backup Plus Slim
- Fastest Data Transfer External Hard Drive for Photos: SAMSUNG T5 Portable SSD
- Best Affordable External Hard Drive for Photos: Toshiba Canvio Basics
Best Overall External Hard Drive for Photos
Western Digital My Passport Ultra 4TB
What we like
- The 4TB capacity can store a significant amount of data, providing ample space for your files.
- The sleek design and anodized metal cover offer a modern look and added durability.
- Users who prefer to have a bit of color variety will appreciate that this hard drive comes in two color options: dark blue and silver.
What we don’t like
- The performance might be average for users who require high-speed data transfer.
The Western Digital My Passport Ultra 4TB is a blend of modern design and practical features that users appreciate without being overly complex. With a 4TB capacity, it can store a substantial amount of data, ensuring your photos, videos, and files are secure. The device comes with a thin layer of anodized metal that not only gives it a sleek look but also provides a level of durability.
This hard drive is not just about storage; it’s about providing a comprehensive solution for your data needs. If you’re not a fan of complex setups, Western Digital offers a hard drive that is easy to use. The device is made from a durable combination of plastic and metal, and it comes with a three-year warranty.
Available in two colors: dark blue and silver, the Western Digital My Passport Ultra 4TB delivers the reliability and convenience that many users seek at a reasonable price. It’s an excellent choice for both beginners and advanced users. The large storage capacity can also satisfy experienced users who don’t want to worry about running out of space frequently.
Specs
- Storage Type: SSD
- Item Weight: 0.51 lbs
- Item Dimensions: 4.33 x 3.21 x 0.83 inches
- Hardware Interface: USB-C/A USB 3.1/2.0
- File System: NTFS
- Hard Drive Rotational Speed: 5400 RPM
- Read/Write speed: 125 MBps/120 MBps
Best External Hard Drive for Professional Photographers
LaCie Rugged RAID Pro
What we like
- The rugged build is designed to withstand harsh conditions, making it ideal for professionals working in challenging environments.
- The device includes a free data recovery service during its three-year warranty, offering peace of mind.
What we don’t like
- The device is quite expensive compared to other external hard drives in the market.
- You need to plug the device into a power outlet if your system doesn’t have a Thunderbolt 3 or USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type C port.
The LaCie Rugged RAID Pro 4TB is a high-performance external hard drive designed for professional photographers who need a reliable and robust storage solution. With a capacity of 4TB, it can store a vast amount of high-resolution photos and videos, ensuring your work is safe and accessible. The device is built to withstand harsh conditions, making it an ideal choice for photographers working in challenging environments.
This hard drive is not just about storage; it’s about providing a comprehensive solution for your data needs. It has two built-in hard drives and a special controller to make it faster, and it also has a slot for an SD card. The device is made from a durable combination of plastic and metal, and it comes with a three-year warranty that includes a free data recovery service.
Encased in a bright orange and silver shell, the LaCie Rugged RAID Pro 4TB is designed to take a beating and handle the weather almost anywhere you go. While it is quite expensive, its durability, large storage capacity, and additional features justify the price. It’s an excellent choice for professional photographers looking for a reliable and robust storage solution.
Specs
- Storage Type: HDD
- Item Weight: 1.06 lbs
- Item Dimensions: 5.51 x 3.58 x 1.18 inches
- Hardware Interface: SDXC, USB 3.0
- File System: NTFS
- Hard Drive Rotational Speed: 5400 RPM
- Sequential Read: 240 MB/s
- Sequential Write: 240 MB/s
Best External Hard Drive for Amateur Photographers
Seagate Backup Plus Slim
What we like
- The brushed metal cover looks nice.
- The device comes with bundled software, offering additional value.
What we don’t like
- The device may be more expensive if you only want storage.
The Seagate Backup Plus Slim 2TB is an external hard drive that stands out for its compact design, reliable performance, and substantial storage capacity, making it an ideal choice for amateur photographers. You can simply connect it to your device and start transferring your files. The device is encased in a sleek metal cover, offering a level of durability that can withstand daily use.
This hard drive is not just about storage; it’s about providing a comprehensive solution for your data needs. It comes with bundled software in the form of Mylio Create and Adobe CC Photography, offering additional value to users. The device is made from a durable combination of plastic and metal, and it comes with a two-year warranty.
Available in a brushed metal finish, the Seagate Backup Plus Slim 2TB offers a sleek and modern look. While it is slightly more expensive than some other external hard drives in the market, its reliability, large storage capacity, and additional features justify the price. It’s an excellent choice for amateur photographers looking for a compact and reliable storage solution.
Specs
- Storage Type: HDD
- Item Weight: 4.4 ounces
- Item Dimensions: 4.52 x 3.07 x 0.46 inches
- Hardware Interface: USB 3.0
- File System: NTFS
- Hard Drive Rotational Speed: 5400 RPM
- Read: 140 MB/s
- Write: 135 MB/s
Fastest Data Transfer External Hard Drive for Photos
SAMSUNG T5 Portable SSD
What we like
- The high-speed data transfer is ideal for users who need to move or carry large amounts of data quickly.
- The device comes with a three-year warranty, offering peace of mind.
What we don’t like
- The device is quite expensive compared to other external hard drives in the market.
The Samsung T5 Portable SSD is a top-tier external hard drive that stands out for its high-speed data transfer capabilities, making it an ideal choice for those who need to move or carry large amounts of data quickly. Available in various storage options ranging from 250GB to 2TB, it can store a substantial amount of photos and videos, ensuring your work is safe and accessible.
This hard drive is not just about storage; it’s about providing a comprehensive solution for your data needs. It comes with a USB Type-C connector, which is responsible for its high-speed data transfer. Encased in a sleek metal cover, the device offers durability that can withstand daily use.
Available in a brushed metal finish, the Samsung T5 Portable SSD offers a sleek and modern look. Despite being a premium device, its speed, reliability, large storage capacity, and the three-year warranty it comes with justify the price. It’s an excellent choice for those who need a high-speed, reliable, and compact storage solution.
Specs
- Storage Type: SSD
- Item Weight: 1.6 ounces
- Item Dimensions: 2.3 x 0.4 x 3 inches
- Hardware Interface: USB 3.1
- File System: NTFS
- Read: 430 MB/s
- Write: 320 MB/s
Best Affordable External Hard Drive for Photos
Toshiba Canvio Basics
What we like
- A 1TB capacity provides ample storage for photos and files.
- The simple design and USB 3.0 interface make it easy to use.
- The matte plastic enclosure adds a level of durability.
What we don’t like
- Lacks bundled software and password protection, which might be a concern for some users.
The Toshiba Canvio Basics 1TB is an external hard drive that combines simplicity and practicality, making it an ideal choice for those seeking an affordable storage solution. With a 1TB capacity, it can store a significant amount of photos and files, ensuring your work is safe and accessible. Simply connect it to your device via its USB 3.0 connector and start transferring your files.
Designed with a minimalist aesthetic, the Toshiba Canvio Basics 1TB offers reliable performance. It’s great for storing large files, backing up your data, or transferring files quickly. Encased in a matte plastic enclosure, it provides a level of durability that can withstand daily use.
Despite its no-frills design, this hard drive doesn’t come with any bundled software or password protection. Therefore, you might need to consider additional security measures for your data. However, it does come with a one-year warranty, adding to its reliability.
Specs
- Storage Type: HDD
- Item Weight: 5.30 ounces
- Item Dimensions: 4.3 x 3.1 x 0.55 inches
- Hardware Interface: USB 3.0
- File System: NTFS
- Read: 430 MB/s
- Write: 320 MB/s
Things to Consider When Buying an External Hard Drive
Picking the right external hard drive can be tough because there are so many different ones to choose from. Here are some key factors to consider when making your decision:
Storage Capacity
This is one of the most important factors to consider. How much space you need on the drive depends on what you want to use it for. If you’re a professional photographer or videographer, you’ll need a drive with a larger capacity, such as 2TB or more. If you’re using the drive for basic file backups or to store documents, a smaller drive may suffice.
Transfer Speed
The speed at which the drive can read and write data is crucial, especially if you’re transferring large files regularly. Drives with USB 3.0 or Thunderbolt interfaces typically offer faster transfer speeds than those with USB 2.0.
Durability and Build Quality
If you’re planning to carry the drive around with you, consider its build quality. Some drives are rugged and designed to withstand drops and bumps, while others are more delicate.
HDD or SSD
Consider whether the drive has a solid-state drive (SSD) or a hard disk drive (HDD). Solid-state drives (SSDs) last longer and work quicker, but they cost more. HDDs, on the other hand, offer more storage capacity for a lower price but are slower and less durable.
Security
If you’re storing sensitive data, consider a drive with built-in encryption for added security. Some drives also come with password protection features.
Price
External hard drives can vary significantly in price. Consider your budget and the features you need before making a decision. Remember, the cheapest option may not always be the best in terms of reliability and performance.
Compatibility
Ensure the drive is compatible with your operating system, whether it’s Windows, Mac, or Linux. Some drives may require reformatting for use with different operating systems.
Warranty
A longer warranty period can provide peace of mind, especially if you’re investing in a more expensive drive.
Final Thoughts
Investing in an external hard drive can significantly enhance your data storage and backup capabilities. Whether you’re a professional needing to store large files, a student looking to back up coursework, or someone who wants to safeguard precious family photos, there’s a hard drive out there to suit your needs.
Remember, the best external hard drive for you depends on your individual needs and circumstances. Consider factors like storage capacity, transfer speed, durability, security, price, and compatibility before making your decision.
While it might be tempting to go for the cheapest option, it’s important to consider the long-term reliability and performance of the drive. After all, the purpose of an external hard drive is to safely store and protect your valuable data.
Finally, always ensure you have a backup system in place. Even the most reliable hard drives can fail, so having a second copy of your important files is always a good idea.
Nerko is a writer for Zoopy, and he's been working there since 2019. He loves to ride his motorcycle and bicycle, especially in the summertime! He also enjoys watching science fiction movies, and his favorite movie is Interstellar. Nerko is also a competitive gamer - so if you're looking for a good competition, he's your man!