If you love to take pictures or videos while on vacation, especially professionally, there’s a good chance you’ll need the best hard drive type. Getting products from the best hard drive company will be vital since you might produce thousands of images and hundreds of hours of footage. And in case you don’t know which one to get, that’s why we’re here! We’ve curated some excellent alternatives to a hard drive for travel, or some of you might call it the best external drive for travel. That way, you’ll be able to get a portable hard drive that’s really reliable and tough enough to overcome the various abuses that may lie ahead. So are you guys ready? Let’s jump straight to the topic!
How to Choose The Best Hard Drive Type
As always, choosing travel gear requires some serious consideration. Especially if it’s related to electronic objects, such as the best hard drive type. The last thing you want is to miss some of the best hard drive company deals and end up with an unknown product, of questionable quality.
You have to really make sure that the hard drive for travel you get is reliable. This is because it’ll probably be the only backup you have of all your photos and videos. So it’s vital to get only the best external hard drives for travel.
So, to help you out a bit, we’ve put together a kind of quick buying guide here. This way, you’ll know exactly what qualities you should pay attention to before making any decisions. Without further ado, here are three important factors you can consider in choosing a best portable hard drive
Capacity
To find out how much hard drive capacity you need, make sure of the following things. Decide how long you’ll be traveling. Next, decide whether to grab the documentation in JPEG or RAW format. For professionals, the best type of hard drive is supposed to have a storage capacity of at least 2 terabytes. It would be perfect for shorter trips. In addition, make sure the product comes from a well-known brand. The best hard drive company usually has many branch offices around the world. So in case of a product failure, you can easily claim your warranty.
Dimensions and Weight
The smaller and lighter the hard drive you carry, the better. You’d be surprised to know that there’s a large-capacity hard drive for travel that comes in a pack no bigger than a smartphone. And since the device won’t put much weight on your backpack, It should be your best external hard drive for travel.
Durability
This shouldn’t be your main concern, since all modern-day hard drives are built with tough construction. Unless you intentionally plan to get rough with it, your hard drive should be fine. But if you want some extra protection for your best portable hard drive, then it would be a good idea to invest in a padded case or pouch.
Which Type of Drive is Best and Why?
Most tech enthusiasts would suggest going with a Solid State Drive aka SSD. They generally come in a compact form and work more efficiently, since no moving parts are involved. Apart from that, SSD won’t significantly affect laptop battery power.
Can a Hard Drive Last 10 Years?
A hard drive can only last a maximum of five years before it needs to be replaced. Of course, you can find external storage that can last up to a decade, but they’re rare. As a side note, data on a failed hard drive will be nearly impossible to recover. So, if your portable drive starts to show signs of slowing down, then it’s a good time to do some backups.
Who Makes the Most Reliable Hard Drives?
According to the index on Platinum Data Recovery, HGST is the best hard drive company with an annual failure rate of only one percent. Coming in second place is Toshiba with 3.5 percent. While in the third position we have Seagate with a failure rate of 4 percent.
Most Affordable: Silicon Power A60
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You can get a brand new Silicon Power A60 unit by paying the equivalent price of a regular hard drive for travel. But with this beast, you’ll get the extra toughness you’re looking for. Apart from having the IPX4 rating, the drive also boasts a rubberized case for protection against shocks. As for performance, you’ll get a data transfer speed rating of 120Mb/s, with USB 3.1 and USB 2.0 support.
With a slim design and a fairly light case, the Silicon Power A60 is the best hard drive type worth considering. And being the best hard drive company, Silicon Power also includes a warranty on this product. Unfortunately, instead of covering your data, it only covers the drive. But hey, that’s better than nothing right?
What We Love
Affordable hard drives, great for those on a tight budget
Pros:
- Affordable
- Water-resistant
- Nice case
- Cable storage
Cons:
- There’s no data warranty
Most Robust: G-Technology G-Drive R
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If you’re planning to visit some tough places, getting an external hard drive with great resistance is a must. G-Technology G-Drive R would be an excellent choice since it was made to receive a lot of beatings.
Being a Solid State Drive aka SSD, this portable drive doesn’t have any moving parts in it. Apart from that, you can expect the G-Drive R to work as usual when submerged in three feet of water, for half an hour straight! If that’s not enough, this beast can also handle up to 1000lbs of force.
Apart from that, SSDs are normally faster than mechanical hard drives. That’s why you’ll get lightning-fast data transfer rates of 560MB/s here. If you ask us, this is the best external hard drive for travel that you’re looking for!
And since you’re considering getting a portable hard drive, why not look for a new camera as well? We’ve got some great recommendations on our list of the 13 best travel cameras. Check them out if you’re interested in creating some fantastic documentation for your next vacation.
What We Love
It can handle a lot of beating, perfect when you plan to visit remote places
Pros:
- Toughness
- Fast data transfer rate
- Includes USB-C and USB-A cables
- Light
Cons:
- It’s a bit pricey
Most compact: Samsung T7
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Samsung has long been known for its sleek devices. And that’s why we don’t hesitate to recommend the Samsung T7 as the best hard drive portable. It’s available in varying capacities, with 2TB being the largest. Of course, you’ll need to pay a lot more for this premium product. But in exchange, you will get the best hard drive type with data transfer speeds up to five times faster than regular drives!
Another thing to love about the Samsung T7 is how compact it is. As expected from a best hard drive company, the T7 weighs only about two ounces and is no bigger than a small pile of business cards. You can even easily slip this device into your jacket or jeans. But on the downside, the drive misses water and dust protection. However, this shouldn’t be a problem if you only travel to urban areas.
What We Love
A premium hard drive with reliable performance
Pros:
- Comes in a compact size
- Impressive performance
- Encryption technology
- Premium quality
Cons:
- No water and dust protection
Most Independent: WD My Passport Wireless SSD
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Inventive is perhaps the best word to describe WD My Passport Wireless SD. This external drive doesn’t require a laptop or computer to work! If you frequently visit remote places, then this is your best hard drive type. Say goodbye to giving up that precious suitcase space on your fragile laptop.
And since it’s an SSD device, the WD My Passport Wireless SD will give you lightning-fast performance. It uses a USB-A port connection, with a transfer rate of up to 390MB per second. You can just plug the drive in any Windows or macOS device and it will work just fine. Furthermore, there’s Wi-Fi support that allows you to connect the device with a smartphone or camera. Thus, you can immediately back up your photos and videos without the need for a computer device. What an excellent product from the best hard drive company!
What We Love
It doesn’t require a computer to work, connect it with your smartphone or camera immediately
Pros:
- No laptop required
- Many advanced features
- Sleek design
- Lightning-fast data transfer
Cons:
- Vulnerable to water
Most Reliable: SanDisk Extreme Portable
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The SanDisk Extreme Portable is a hard drive for travel that won’t cost you a fortune. It works just as fast as any SSD, but at a much more reasonable price. That’s why this one drive has become quite popular among travelers, especially those who are new to videography and photography.
Dimension-wise, the SanDisk Extreme Portable isn’t the smallest SSD around. But compared to its other counterparts, this product still falls in the mini category. Apart from that, the transfer rates are impressive, with the support of USB-C and USB-A cables. For protection, the Extreme Portable boasts an IP5 rating for complete protection against water and dust. Apart from that, this product is also built to withstand falls from a height of up to six feet. No wonder there are so many people who dub SanDisk as the best hard drive company. They manage to make a hit with this one!
What We Love
A high-performance SSD, available at a reasonable price
Pros:
- Fairly affordable
- Protection against water and dust
- Impressive transfer rates
- Compact
Cons:
- Not the smallest SSD around
Most Budget-Friendly: Transcend StoreJet M3
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Not all external hard drives cost you an arm and a leg. Transcend StoreJet M3 is one of them. Offered at a reasonable price, this thing has an impressive drop resistance. Apart from that, the drive is encased in a tough enclosure with a rubberized case and internal suspension. If you’re going to have a bumpy ride, this is the best hard drive portable you definitely won’t want to miss.
With the 1st generation USB 3.1 port, Transcend Store Jet M3’s 5400rpm drive will provide you with reliable data transfer speeds. It also comes with its own backup program, in case you want to copy all your data to another device with a single push of a button. Add to that with Windows, macOS, and Linux support, and you’ve got the best external hard drive for travel you’ve been looking for.
What We Love
One of the most affordable and reliable options around
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Impressive fall resistance
- USB 3.1 port support
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux
Cons:
- No water protection
Most Tiny: Samsung T5
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If you don’t mind adding a little to your budget, you can get the Samsung T5 – the best hard drive type with tiny dimensions. It’s great when you want to pack lightly for shorter trips.
Being an SSD, the Samsung T5 doesn’t contain any moving mechanisms inside its sturdy enclosure. It also works more efficiently than regular hard drives, offering you data transfer rates of up to 540MB per second. When you don’t have much time to back up your data, this device works really well.
Samsung itself has been widely recognized as the best hard drive company in the world. And they certainly didn’t mess with the T5. It’s one of the most compact portable drives around. With dimensions of 2.3x3x0.4 inches, this amazing device is no bigger than your business card box!
And since external hard drives don’t come cheap, you might want to consider storing them in a reliable bag or briefcase. For that, you can check our list of the 13 most durable luggage. Some of them feature internal mesh pockets, which are perfect for protecting your portable drive from bumps and shocks.
What We Love
It comes in a tiny package and can provide more than reliable performance
Pros:
- Read-write speeds of up to 540MB/s
- Top to bottom metal design
- Fits in the palm of your hand
- Hardware encryption
Cons:
- More expensive than mechanical hard drives
Safest: Western Digital My Passport
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When it comes to hard drives for travel, there’s no name you can trust more than Western Digital. They have been in the industry for over two decades and manage to manufacture some of the most reliable portable hard drives. Western Digital My Passport is one of their latest offerings. It’s claimed by many to be one of the safest portable data stores.
Coming with its own encryption system, My Passport guarantees the confidentiality of your data. In case the hard drive is stolen or lost, no one will be able to access your private photos, documents, or videos. Apart from that, this compact device is also available in a variety of colors. If you are a traveler or a photographer, this is the best external drive for travel that is worth both your money and your time.
What We Love
It comes with its own encryption system, ensuring the confidentiality of data in case the hard drive is lost or stolen
Pros:
- Auto backup with included WD Backup Software
- Compatible with Windows and MacOS
- 3 years manufacturer’s warranty
- Hardware encryption
Cons:
- Some report about heating after a couple of hours
Most Capacity: Seagate Backup Plus
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For those who are serious about photography, you’re gonna need the best hard drive portable with massive capacity. For that, we recommend getting one of the Seagate Backup Plus. These portable hard drives are available in a wide variety of capacities. If you’re willing to sacrifice a little on compactness, you can get a model with a maximum storage capacity of 5TB.
At 4.5x3x0.8 inches and eight ounces, the Seagate Backup Plus is still quite compact though. However, we’ve to admit that it’s not as slim as other competitions. Furthermore, you can choose between a variety of colors: silver, red, blue, and black.
What We Love
Available in massive capacities, up to a maximum of 5TB
Pros:
- Features a minimalist brushed metal enclosure
- Two-year limited warranty
- Two-year Rescue Data Recovery Services
- Compatible with Windows and MacOS
Cons:
- It’s a bit bulky
Lightest: Seagate Backup Plus Ultra Slim
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The Seagate Backup Plus Ultra Slim is another great alternative to the best hard drive type. Apart from being reliable and offered at a reasonable price, this portable storage is also lightweight and compact. The plastic housing is less than half an inch thick while weighing no more than five ounces. If you plan on going on shorter trips, the Backup Plus Ultra Slim should be your go-to drive.
With a maximum capacity of up to 2 terabytes, the Backup Plus Ultra Slim has more than enough space for all your photos and footage. It also excels in write and read speeds, reaching up to 120MB per second. And just like any product from a best hard drive company, you can choose between two different colors: gold or platinum.
What We Love
It comes in an ultra slim pack, just under half an inch thick
Pros:
- Fast plug-and-play connectivity
- Automatic backups
- Complimentary two-month membership to Adobe Creative Cloud
- Compatible with PC and Mac
Cons:
- Not recommended for those who need more storage
Most Rugged: Lacie Rugged Portable External Hard Drive
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Love to go somewhere extreme or do adrenaline-pumping outdoor activities? Then make sure you pack the Lacie Rugged Portable External Hard Drive in your backpack. This product is super tough, one of the best on the market. You can drop the hard drive from four feet high or let it run over by the car and it’ll still work as if nothing happened! Plus, there’s protection against water and dust. So, it seems safe to say that you can take this hard drive with you anywhere, anytime!
Apart from its outstanding ruggedness and durability, the Lacie Rugged Portable External Hard Drive also has impressive performance. It’s capable of transferring and writing data at speeds of up to 130MB per second, as you’d expect from the best external hard drive for travel. And in case you’re working with a Macintosh operating system, Lacie has another version with a built-in lightning cable.
And since we’re on the topic of tech, did you know that we have plenty of good recommendations for travel gadgets? You can get started by checking out our list of the 13 best coolers for laptops. Find some amazing solutions to keep your device from overheating and maintain top performance while you’re on the go.
What We Love
The most rugged hard drive for travel, can withstand all kinds of abuse
Pros:
- Compatible with macOS and Windows
- USB-C port support
- Able to face almost any terrain, drop and crush
- Two-year limited warranty protection plan
Cons:
- Some reported about warranty issues
Most Reliable for Professionals: SanDisk Extreme Pro V2
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The SanDisk Extreme Pro V2 is the best hard drive portable built specifically for professionals. It boasts a sleek design and extremely robust construction. But to unlock its best potential, you need to combine the hard drive with a 20 Gbps USB system. Only by then, you’ll get really lightning-fast data transfer rates. Some even claim it’s as fast as a Thunderbolt 3 system!
Another impressive thing about the SanDisk Extreme Pro V2 is the enclosure. It’s made of a rigid aluminum chassis and boasts an IP55 rating for water and dust resistance. For your data security, SanDisk applies AES 256-bit full-disk encryption. In case any irresponsible parties want to snoop on your private documents, all their efforts will be in vain!
What We Love
Built specifically for professionals, it boasts lightning-fast data transfer speeds and a super sturdy enclosure
Pros:
- AES 256-bit encryption
- Responsive USB 3.2 Gen performance
- Weather-resistant
- 5-year warranty
Cons:
- The cables included are too short
Most Innovative: Samsung T7 Touch
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When it comes to innovation, nothing can beat Samsung. Being the best hard drive company, they never seem to run out of ideas to impress us all. Unlike most hard drives, the Samsung T7 Touch has a unique touch-based security system. No one will be able to access the data on the hard drive unless you slide your finger over the tiny fingerprint scanner. Genius!
Apart from that, the Samsung T7 Touch boasts a solid aluminum construction. It’s also available in a wide selection of colors to satisfy all kinds of tastes. Add to that with 256-bit AES data encryption plus USB-A and USB-C cable support, then you get the best hard drive type you’ve been looking for.
What We Love
Unique locking system using fingerprint touch
Pros:
- AES 256-bit hardware encryption
- Built-in fingerprint scanner
- Sleek design
- Capacity up to 2TB
Cons:
- Less than five years warranty
