
The cheapest drive, Seagate Portable 1TB at $69.99, actually holds the highest user rating—4.7 out of 5 from 58,224 reviewers—beating even the 5 TB flagship. This shows that price isn’t the only driver of satisfaction.
In this roundup we examined 13 Seagate models spanning three price tiers. Budget options (Portable 1TB, One Touch 2TB, Portable 4TB, Portable 5TB) keep you under $150 while offering capacities from 1 TB to 5 TB and ratings between 4.6 and 4.7. Mid‑range picks (Expansion 4TB at $159.99, Expansion 6TB at $169.00) bring desktop‑class 5400‑7200 RPM performance and up to 280 MB/s transfer speeds. Premium choices—like the 8 TB Backup Plus Hub at $267.99 with a built‑in USB hub and the $302.94 Starfield Game Hub—target gamers and creators who need up to 8 TB of space and extra connectivity.
We’ll break down each model’s strengths, key specs and who they’ll serve best, so you can match storage to your workflow. Whether you need a plug‑and‑play portable drive for travel or a desktop powerhouse for media archives, we’ve got you covered.

Seagate Portable 5TB
Its compact 27.94 mm height makes it easy to slip into any workspace, pairing well with its strong value and high rating.

Seagate Backup Plus Hub 8TB
Ideal for audiophiles and enthusiasts craving premium sound and extra features, it sits at $267.99—about $119 more than the Best Overall.

Seagate Expansion 6TB
With an 8.58‑inch depth, the drive offers a sturdier, higher‑capacity design that stands apart from the slimmer Portable and hub‑focused models, appealing to users wanting a solid desktop drive.
Also considered
Score Analysis
Key score advantages vs. runner-up (Seagate Backup Plus)
Price Range

Seagate Portable 5TB
$154.35

Seagate Backup Plus Hub 8TB
$267.99

Seagate Expansion 6TB
$169.00

Seagate Game Drive 5TB Xbox
$179.99

Seagate Expansion 4TB
$169.99

Seagate Portable 1TB
$79.99

Seagate Portable 4TB
$139.99

Seagate One Touch 2TB
$69.99

Seagate Starfield Game Hub 8TB
$310.00

Seagate Game Drive 5TB
$179.99

Seagate Portable 2TB
$99.99
Seagate Backup Plus 5TB
$139.75

Seagate One Touch 5TB
$159.30
Spec Comparison
TL;DR: The Seagate Portable 5 TB offers a bus‑powered USB 3.0 drive with 5 TB of space, 100–120 MB/s speeds and a lightweight 0.5732018812‑lb design for easy cross‑platform backups.
The standout spec is the massive 5 TB storage capacity, which the drive packs into a size of 27.94 mm × 233.68 mm × 152.4 mm and weighs 0.5732018812 pounds (260 g). It connects via USB 3.0 (USB 3.2 Gen 1) with an 18‑inch (45.7 cm) cable and delivers up to 100–120 MB/s transfer speeds, making large media libraries easy to move without a separate power brick.
Compared with its Seagate siblings, this model is lighter than the Expansion 4TB (2.094391489 lb) and the Game Drive 5TB (0.7495716908 lb), yet it shares the same 18‑inch cable length as the One Touch 5TB and Expansion 4TB. It’s taller than the One Touch 5TB (20 mm vs 27.94 mm) and considerably longer (233.68 mm vs 115 mm), giving it a more substantial feel while still remaining portable. Its 5 TB capacity matches the One Touch, Game Drive, and Backup Plus offerings, but its typical transfer speed falls below the One Touch’s 130 MB/s and the Expansion 4TB’s up‑to‑280 MB/s.
Users consistently praise the plug‑and‑play simplicity and the ability to back up photos, videos, and game libraries with a single drag‑and‑drop. Professional reviewers note the drive’s reliable operation across Windows, macOS, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, but they also point out that the 100–120 MB/s ceiling feels modest for very large file transfers. The plastic enclosure isn’t rugged, and a few owners mention the short 18‑inch cable can be limiting on cramped desks. The drive runs bus‑powered, includes a 1‑year Seagate Rescue Data Recovery subscription, and comes with a 2‑year limited warranty.
Pros
Cons
Best for: Most users looking for a well‑reviewed, reliable mainstream option
Avoid if: You need a rugged, high‑speed SSD‑level drive or extensive portability for outdoor use
“User friendly and gets the job done”
“Great value for how much storage it gives you”
TL;DR: The Seagate Backup Plus Hub delivers 8 TB of desktop storage, a built‑in dual USB‑C 3.0 hub, and up to 160 MB/s transfer speeds, but it carries a premium $267.99 price tag.
What really sets this drive apart is its 8 TB capacity (about 7.2 TB usable after formatting) combined with two front‑facing USB 3.0 ports that can charge devices or connect cameras directly. The included 1.2 m (4 ft) USB‑C cable lets you reach a comfortable distance, and the drive sustains data rates up to 160 MB/s over a 5 Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface.
Compared with the other twelve Seagate options, the Backup Plus Hub sits toward the higher end of the price spectrum and is a bit heavier than the ultra‑light portable models (e.g., the 0.57‑lb Portable 5 TB) but lighter than the 2.74‑lb Starfield Game Hub. Its 7.8‑in height makes it taller than the Starfield’s 48‑mm profile, while the 4.65‑in length and 1.61‑in width keep it slimmer than many bulkier desktop drives. The 1.2 m cable is longer than the 0.46 m cables on the Starfield and Game Drive Xbox models, giving you more flexibility on a desk.
Users consistently praise the 8 TB storage for photo and video libraries and love the convenience of the built‑in hub for charging phones while backing up files. Professional reviewers note the dual‑port design as a genuine differentiator and appreciate the bundled Seagate Dashboard software plus a four‑month Adobe Creative Cloud Photography Plan trial. On the downside, several reviewers flag the lack of PS4 support, the need for an external AC adapter, and the absence of hardware encryption or RAID for mission‑critical data.
Technically, the drive spins at 5900 RPM and draws a maximum of 0.9 A from the wall while delivering 3 A at 12 V to the drive itself. Seagate backs it with a two‑year limited warranty and a two‑year Rescue Data Recovery Service, adding peace of mind for long‑term storage.
Pros
Cons
Best for: Home users and creative professionals who need massive local storage for photos, videos, and games, and who appreciate a built‑in USB hub for charging and peripheral access.
Avoid if: You're shopping on a tight budget — it's priced at $267.99.
“perfect for storing family photos, music, and videos.”
“The USB hub functionality is frequently praised for reducing cable clutter and enabling device charging.”
TL;DR: The Seagate Expansion 6TB is a desktop‑class external hard drive delivering 6 TB of storage, 7200 RPM speed and USB 3.0 performance, but its size and power‑brick limit true portability.
At the heart of this drive is a 6 TB capacity paired with a 7200 RPM spindle, which Seagate markets as faster than the typical 5400 RPM portable drives. The USB 3.0 (USB 3.2 Gen 1) interface promises a theoretical maximum transfer speed of 5 Gbps, and the included 18‑inch (45.72 cm) USB‑C to Type‑A cable lets you plug straight into a Windows 10/11 PC or a macOS 10.12+ system (reformatting required). Plug‑and‑play works automatically, requiring no driver installation.
Compared with the other twelve entries in this roundup, the Expansion 6TB sits in the premium tier. It weighs 2.59 lb, which is considerably heavier than the Seagate Portable 5TB at roughly 0.57 lb and the Seagate One Touch 5TB at about 0.59 lb. Its 3.5‑inch desktop form factor also makes it bulkier than the 2.5‑inch Seagate Game Drive 5TB, which tips the scales at around 0.75 lb. While those portable models offer convenience, they cap out at 5 TB, leaving the Expansion with a clear capacity advantage.
User feedback repeatedly praises the drive’s straightforward setup and the “instant” feel of dragging large video libraries onto the 6 TB volume. Reviewers note the 7200 RPM motor gives noticeably quicker copy times than many 5400 RPM rivals. On the downside, several owners report an audible hum and occasional grinding noises when the drive is under heavy load, and the need for an external 18 W power adapter means it’s not a go‑bag solution for frequent travelers.
Technically, the drive follows a 3.5‑inch desktop design, which aligns with its 8.58‑inch depth, 8.35‑inch width, and 3.03‑inch height footprint. Backward compatibility with USB 2.0 ensures it will work with older machines, though at reduced speeds. The built‑in power management and included Seagate Toolkit backup software add a layer of data protection, while the limited‑time Rescue Data Recovery Services subscription offers extra peace of mind.
Pros
Cons
Best for: Home users with extensive photo/video libraries, gamers needing extra console storage, and students who require massive, reliable backup space.
Avoid if: You need a rugged, travel‑ready drive, require NAS/RAID functionality, or are sensitive to noise and bulk.
“Easy to set up – just plug in and go.”
“Ample storage for movies and games.”
TL;DR: The Seagate Game Drive 5TB for Xbox offers 5 TB of Xbox‑certified storage, a 45.7 cm braided USB‑A to Micro‑B cable, and up to 140 MB/s transfer speed in a compact 266 g, green‑LED design.
This external HDD packs a 5 TB capacity, a 4200 RPM spindle, and real‑world transfer speeds of 100–115 MB/s (up to 140 MB/s peak). It connects via USB 3.2 Gen 1 and draws power directly from the console, so no external adapter is needed. The unit measures 21 mm deep, 122 mm high and 81 mm wide, and it weighs just 266 g, making it easy to slip onto your Xbox shelf.
When you line it up against other Seagate options in this roundup, a few trade‑offs emerge. The non‑Xbox Seagate Game Drive 5TB spins at 5400 RPM, a full 1200 RPM faster than this model’s 4200 RPM, but it also weighs about 0.75 lb (≈340 g), so the Xbox‑specific drive is a tad lighter. The Seagate Portable 5TB shares a similar 100–120 MB/s transfer range and a comparable weight of roughly 260 g, yet it lacks the Xbox‑certified branding and green LED bar. The One Touch 5TB tips the scales at about 0.59 lb (≈268 g), making it essentially the same heft as this drive.
Reviewers consistently praise the plug‑and‑play simplicity and the generous 5 TB vault for Xbox titles. Professional reviewers note the solid build and the confidence that comes from the official Xbox certification. On the downside, the 4200 RPM HDD can’t match the load‑times of SSDs, and the drive can’t run Xbox Series X|S‑optimized games directly. Users also mention that the green LED bar stays lit and can’t be turned off, which may be a minor distraction in a dark gaming room.
Pros
Cons
Best for: Xbox Series S owners needing extra storage, or anyone wanting a large, Xbox‑certified library with hassle‑free plug‑and‑play.
Avoid if: You require SSD‑level performance, want to run next‑gen optimized titles directly from external storage, or are looking for the cheapest storage solution.
“Works perfectly for Series S”
“Fast with plenty of storage”
TL;DR: The Seagate Expansion 4 TB delivers plug‑and‑play desktop storage with USB 3.0 speeds up to 280 MB/s, a solid 4 TB capacity, and a year of rescue data recovery for $159.99.
At its core, the Expansion 4 TB offers a spacious 4 TB of storage housed in a 3.5‑inch external HDD. The drive spins at 5400 RPM and reaches data transfer rates of up to 130–280 MB/s through a USB 3.0 (micro‑USB) port, while the included 18‑inch (45.72 cm) cable lets you connect quickly to a laptop or desktop. A fanless, plastic enclosure keeps the unit quiet, and the 18 W external AC adapter supplies power, making it a true desktop‑oriented solution.
When you line it up against the other twelve drives in this roundup, the Expansion places itself in the mid‑range price tier and is notably heavier than portable options like the One Touch 5 TB, which weighs about 0.59 lb, yet lighter than the larger 6 TB model that tips the scales at roughly 2.59 lb. Its 18‑inch cable length matches the standard provided by many rivals, and the 4 TB capacity outstrips several 5 TB portable drives that require reformatting for Time Machine use.
Reviewers consistently praise the drive’s plug‑and‑play simplicity: Windows 10 and macOS 10.12 or later automatically recognize it, and the bundled Seagate Toolkit backup software gets users up and running without a steep learning curve. Reviewers highlight the added one‑year Rescue Data Recovery subscription as a valuable safety net. On the flip side, users have reported occasional early‑life failures, a lack of hardware encryption, and a sleep‑wake latency that can feel sluggish for those who need instant access.
Technically, the drive follows Seagate’s typical 5400 RPM design, which balances power consumption with reliable performance for backup and archival tasks. The USB 3.0 interface (also known as USB 3.2 Gen 1) ensures compatibility with modern PCs while remaining backward‑compatible with USB 2.0 ports. Because it relies on an external power brick, the unit isn’t suited for on‑the‑go use, but it excels as a stationary backup hub.
Pros
Cons
Best for: Home and office users seeking a balance of features and value
Avoid if: You have limited desk space or need portability
“Easy to set up – just plug in and go.”
“Ample storage for movies and games.”
TL;DR: The Seagate Portable 1TB offers a lightweight, bus‑powered HDD with 1 TB of storage, USB 3.2 Gen 1 connectivity and a $69.99 price tag, making it a solid budget pick for everyday backups.
This drive packs 1 TB (1024 GB) of mechanical storage into a 2.5‑inch form factor and spins at 5400 RPM, delivering a typical transfer speed of about 120 MB/s over its USB 3.2 Gen 1 (USB 3.0) interface. The included 18‑inch (45.72 cm) cable keeps the setup tidy, and at just 0.4189 lb (190 g) the unit is easy to slip into a backpack or laptop bag.
At $69.99, it lands at the lower end of the price spectrum compared with its Seagate siblings in this roundup, many of which carry higher capacities and therefore higher price points. Its weight matches the 0.4188782978 Pounds of the 2 TB Portable model, but it’s heavier than the One Touch 2 TB, which lists at 0.32628414776 Pounds. The 45.72 cm cable length matches most peers, though a few models ship with slightly longer cables. It provides a strong value proposition for users who don’t need the extra terabytes of larger models.
Reviewers consistently praise the instant plug‑and‑play experience on Windows and the convenience of the bundled Seagate Dashboard backup software plus a 1‑year Rescue Data Recovery Service. Users love the lightweight design for travel and the ability to back up console games on PlayStation or Xbox. However, the 5400 RPM HDD is slower than SSD alternatives, and macOS users must reformat the NTFS‑formatted drive to exFAT for cross‑platform use. Professional reviewers also note the lack of built‑in encryption or rugged protection, so it’s best suited for indoor, low‑risk storage.
Pros
Cons
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable entry-level option
Avoid if: You need advanced features or professional‑grade performance
“User friendly and gets the job done”
“Great value for how much storage it gives you”
TL;DR: The Seagate Portable 4TB offers 4 TB of plug‑and‑play storage, 107 MB/s sequential reads, and a 457 mm USB‑C cable in a lightweight, bus‑powered package.
The drive’s headline spec is its 4 TB of capacity paired with a sequential read speed of 107.2 MB/s and write speed of 104.5 MB/s, making it a solid choice for backing up large photo libraries or video collections. It ships with a 457 mm USB 3.0 cable and draws power directly from the host via a Micro‑B USB 3.0 connector, so you won’t need an external adapter.
Compared with the other twelve entries in this roundup, the Seagate Portable 4TB sits in the middle of the weight range—it’s lighter than the bulkier Expansion 4TB (over 2 lb) but a touch heavier than the ultra‑light Backup Plus 5TB (about 0.26 lb). Its cable length matches the One Touch 5TB’s 18‑inch lead, while the Backup Plus 5TB’s cable is marginally longer at 460 mm. It provides more storage than the 2 TB and 1 TB models without reaching the higher price points of the 5 TB and 6 TB variants.
User feedback highlights the drive’s straightforward plug‑and‑play setup and cross‑platform compatibility with Windows and macOS. Reviewers appreciate the UASP support, which helps with multitasking small‑file transfers, but several users note that the thin plastic shell feels cheap and can scratch easily. A recurring complaint is occasional USB‑signal hiccups on certain front‑panel ports, leading to brief disconnections.
Technically, the drive runs at 5400 RPM and benefits from a theoretical USB 3.0 bandwidth of 5 Gbps. The inclusion of Seagate’s 1‑year Rescue Data Recovery Service adds a safety net for accidental data loss, and the drive’s dimensions (117 mm depth, 20.1 mm height, 20.8 mm thickness, 80 mm width) keep it portable enough for a backpack or laptop bag.
Pros
Cons
Best for: Budget‑conscious buyers seeking a reliable entry‑level option
Avoid if: You want the best value‑per‑dollar in its price range
“User friendly and gets the job done”
“Great value for how much storage it gives you”
TL;DR: The Seagate One Touch 2TB offers 2 TB of portable storage, AES‑256 hardware encryption, and a 46 cm USB‑3.0 cable for $69.99, making it a secure, budget‑friendly choice for everyday use.
What really sets this drive apart is the built‑in AES‑256 hardware encryption with password protection, a feature that many portable HDDs at this price skip. It packs 2 TB of capacity into a brushed‑aluminum 2.5" chassis that measures just 11.71 mm in height, 114.8 mm in length and 78.0 mm in width, and it weighs only 0.32628414776 lb (148 g). The USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Micro‑USB 3.0) interface promises up to 5 Gbps transfer speed, with a typical throughput of 120 MB/s, and the included 46 cm cable lets you plug straight into Windows, macOS or Chromebook laptops.
Compared with the other Seagate options in this roundup, the One Touch 2TB is lighter than both the Seagate Portable 1TB and the Seagate Portable 2TB, which weigh about 0.4189 lb each. It’s a bit heavier than the Seagate Backup Plus 5TB (0.2625 lb) but still feels very portable thanks to its aluminum finish. Its 46 cm cable is marginally longer than the 45.7 cm cables found on the One Touch 5TB and Portable 5TB, giving a tiny edge in reach. While it shares the same 5 Gbps USB‑3.0 bandwidth as the higher‑capacity models, it lacks a native USB‑C connector that newer competitors have started to include.
User feedback highlights the convenience of the plug‑and‑play setup and the peace of mind from the hardware encryption. Reviewers consistently note the sleek metal look and the quick setup via the Seagate Toolkit. However, several users point out the need to reformat the drive for macOS Time Machine use and find the bundled Adobe and Mylio trial offers confusing. As a mechanical HDD, it doesn’t match the raw speed of SSDs, and the lack of rugged construction means it isn’t ideal for rough handling.
Technically, the drive draws power from its USB connection, so you won’t need an external power brick. Seagate ships it formatted in exFAT, which works out‑of‑the‑box with Windows and macOS, though macOS users may reformat to HFS+ or APFS for Time Machine. The two‑year warranty and included Rescue Data Recovery Services round out a solid support package for a $69.99 price point.
Pros
Cons
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable entry-level option
Avoid if: You need advanced features or professional‑grade performance
“Plugged it in, formatted exFAT in about 3‑seconds... and it just… worked. No muss, no fuss.”
“Outstanding choice for Mac users – security, speed, and compatibility all in one.”
TL;DR: The Seagate Starfield Game Hub packs 8 TB of space, customizable RGB lighting, and a built‑in USB‑A/C hub, but its external power brick and premium $302.94 price make it a niche choice for Xbox fans.
The standout spec is the massive 8 TB capacity, paired with a 7200 RPM spindle and a listed sequential read/write speed of 250 MB/s. Its Starfield‑themed chassis includes a front‑mounted, customizable RGB LED strip and three ports – a USB‑A front, a USB‑A rear, and a USB‑C front – all powered by a 460 mm cable and an external AC adapter.
Compared with its peers, the hub is heavier than the Seagate Backup Plus Hub 8TB (which weighs about 2.34 lb) and carries a shorter cable than that model’s 1.2 m lead. Its 8 TB storage dwarfs the 5 TB Game Drive Xbox and 5 TB Game Drive models, as well as the 6 TB and 4 TB Expansion drives, giving it the highest capacity in the lineup. While many competitors are lighter and more portable, this unit’s desktop‑oriented dimensions (48 mm × 205 mm × 127 mm × 80 mm) and external power requirement set it apart as a stationary solution.
Users praise the sheer volume and the Starfield aesthetic, noting that the plug‑and‑play setup feels straightforward and the hub ports are handy for controllers and headsets. Professional reviewers highlight the solid ~250 MB/s transfer rate for a traditional HDD and the added convenience of the built‑in USB hub. However, the consensus is that the drive can't run Xbox Series X|S optimized games directly, so you have to copy titles to the console’s internal SSD first. The external power brick also draws criticism for being bulky and potentially blocking outlet space.
Pros
Cons
Best for: Xbox Series X|S owners with large game libraries who want long‑term archival storage and enjoy the Starfield aesthetic.
Avoid if: You need fast load times, plan to run next‑gen titles directly from the drive, or are on a tight budget — it's priced at $302.94.
“perfect for storing family photos, music, and videos.”
“The USB hub functionality is frequently praised for reducing cable clutter and enabling device charging.”
TL;DR: The Seagate Game Drive 5TB offers an officially licensed 5 TB USB 3.2 Gen 1 HDD with a compact 2.5‑inch form factor, but its 5400 RPM speed and heavier build make it best for archival storage rather than fast PS5 gaming.
The drive’s headline spec is its 5 TB (5000 GB) mechanical storage, housed in a 2.5‑inch hard disk form factor and powered directly from the USB bus. It connects via USB 3.2 Gen 1 (USB 3.0) and spins at 5400 RPM, delivering the typical performance of a portable HDD. At 122.5 mm (4.823 in) tall, 81 mm (3.189 in) wide and weighing 0.7495716908 pounds (340 g), it’s a solid‑feel unit that fits easily beside a PlayStation console.
Compared with the other twelve drives in this roundup, the Game Drive is heavier than the Seagate Portable 5TB (0.5732018812 lb) and the Xbox‑branded Game Drive (0.58642961692 lb), yet it matches the Xbox version’s height and width. Its 5400 RPM spindle is faster than the Xbox model’s 4200 RPM but identical to the Seagate Portable 5TB, putting it in the mid‑range of rotational speeds among the HDD options. While the price point sits toward the premium end of the set, the capacity and official PlayStation licensing give it a unique value proposition.
Users consistently praise the drive’s plug‑and‑play setup and the peace of mind that comes from the official PlayStation license, which guarantees seamless compatibility with PS4 and PS5. Reviewers note the solid build quality and the convenience of a pre‑formatted exFAT file system. The trade‑off is the modest 5400 RPM speed, which results in longer load times than SSD alternatives, and the fact that PS5 titles cannot be launched directly from the drive. These points align with the common complaint that the unit is “not that speedy” for next‑gen gaming.
Pros
Cons
Best for: Buyers willing to invest in a proven, high-quality option
Avoid if: Reliability and user satisfaction are your top concerns
“Works perfectly for Series S”
“Fast with plenty of storage”
TL;DR: The Seagate Portable 2TB offers 2 TB of bus‑powered storage for $89.99, weighs just 0.4188782978 lb, and plugs in with an 18‑inch USB 3.0 cable for instant use.
This drive’s headline spec is its 2 TB capacity paired with a budget‑friendly price tag of $89.99. Weighing only 0.4188782978 pounds, it’s light enough to slip into a laptop bag without adding noticeable heft. The package includes an 18‑inch USB 3.0 cable, so you can connect to any Windows or Mac computer and start copying files right away—no extra software required.
Within the Seagate lineup, the 2 TB model sits below the 4 TB and 5 TB variants in price, while offering more storage than the 1 TB Portable and the One Touch 2 TB models. It’s heavier than the One Touch 5TB but lighter than the Portable 4TB, placing it in a comfortable middle ground for users who want a balance of capacity and portability without the premium cost of the larger drives.
Reviewers consistently praise the drive’s plug‑and‑play simplicity and the convenience of its lightweight plastic case. Professional reviewers note that the USB 3.0 interface delivers fast transfers for a 5400 RPM HDD, making it a solid value per terabyte. On the flip side, users have flagged the plastic enclosure as less rugged than metal‑cased competitors, and some have experienced a loose Micro‑USB port after frequent plugging. macOS users also need to reformat the drive before use, and the unit ships without built‑in encryption or bundled backup software.
Pros
Cons
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable entry-level option
Avoid if: You need advanced features or professional‑grade performance
“User friendly and gets the job done”
“Great value for how much storage it gives you”
TL;DR: The Seagate Backup Plus 5TB packs a full five‑terabyte capacity into a 0.2625‑lb, bus‑powered 2.5‑inch drive with a 460 mm USB‑3.0 cable and delivers about 90 MB/s real‑world transfer speeds.
At its core, this drive offers 5 TB of advertised storage inside a brushed‑metal 2.5‑inch enclosure that weighs just 0.2625 pounds (265 g). It draws power directly from the USB‑3.0 Micro‑B to USB‑A cable, which measures 460 mm (46 cm) and eliminates the need for a wall adapter.
Compared with its peers, the Backup Plus is lighter than the Seagate One Touch 5TB (≈0.59 lb) and the Seagate Portable 5TB (≈0.57 lb). Its cable is shorter than the 18‑inch (45.7 cm) cable on the Portable 5TB, and its depth of 20.9 mm is far slimmer than the 117 mm depth of the Portable 4TB. While the Portable 4TB weighs 254 g, the Backup Plus is only marginally heavier at 265 g, keeping it comfortably portable.
Users consistently praise the 5 TB capacity and the plug‑and‑play convenience of a bus‑powered drive. Professional reviewers note the value proposition of low cost per terabyte and the respectable 90 MB/s average transfer speed for large files. Common complaints focus on the outdated Micro‑B connector, the lack of an included carrying case, and the inherent fragility of a mechanical HDD that can warm up during extended use.
The drive spins at 5400 RPM, has a 128 MB cache, and supports 600,000 load/unload cycles. It supports USB 3.0 up to 5.0 Gbps while remaining backward compatible with USB 2.0 at 480 Mbps. Seagate includes its Toolkit software, a one‑year subscription to Mylio Create, and two months of Adobe Creative Cloud Photography, and it comes with a 2‑year limited warranty.
Pros
Cons
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable entry-level option
Avoid if: You need advanced features or professional‑grade performance
“perfect for storing family photos, music, and videos.”
“The USB hub functionality is frequently praised for reducing cable clutter and enabling device charging.”
TL;DR: The Seagate One Touch 5TB offers 5 TB of bus‑powered storage, AES‑256 hardware encryption, and a 5 Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface for $144.99, making it a solid mid‑range portable drive.
The standout spec is its massive 5 TB capacity packed into a 0.59 lb (268 g) aluminum‑brushed enclosure. It runs entirely off the USB port—no external power brick needed—and protects your files with AES‑256 hardware encryption and password protection. The drive connects via a Micro‑USB B to USB‑A cable that’s 18 in (45.7 cm) long, and it delivers up to 5 Gbps theoretical speed with a real‑world typical transfer rate of 130 MB/s.
Compared with other Seagate options in this roundup, the One Touch is slightly heavier than the Seagate Portable 5TB (0.573 lb) but lighter than the Seagate Expansion 4TB (2.09 lb). Its height of 0.78 in (20 mm) is shorter than the Portable 5TB’s 27.94 mm, and its length of 4.54 in (115 mm) is less than half of that model’s 233.68 mm. Width-wise, at 3.15 in (80 mm) it matches the Portable 4TB’s 80 mm width, while being markedly narrower than the Portable 5TB’s 152.4 mm. These dimensions give it a more compact footprint than many of its peers.
Users consistently praise the drive’s plug‑and‑play simplicity and the peace of mind that hardware encryption provides. Everyday owners love the generous storage for photos and videos, and professional reviewers highlight the reliable build quality for travel. The most common complaints revolve around the Micro‑USB B connector, which often requires a USB‑C adapter for newer laptops, and the absence of a USB‑C cable in the box. The bundled Toolkit backup app offers functional but basic features, and the included Dropbox and Mylio subscriptions expire after six months.
Technically, the One Touch uses a 2.5‑inch mechanical HDD and ships pre‑formatted with exFAT for cross‑platform compatibility. Alongside the drive, Seagate includes a 6‑month Dropbox backup, a 6‑month Mylio Photos+/Create subscription, a 1‑year Rescue Data Recovery service, and a 4‑month Adobe Creative Cloud Photography plan, adding tangible value for creative users.
Pros
Cons
Best for: Home users and creative professionals who need large, secure portable storage for photos, videos, and backups.
Avoid if: You require USB‑C connectivity out of the box, SSD‑level transfer speeds, or an ultra‑lightweight drive.
“Plugged it in, formatted exFAT in about 3‑seconds... and it just… worked. No muss, no fuss.”
“Outstanding choice for Mac users – security, speed, and compatibility all in one.”
Breakdown

Seagate Portable 5TB
Pros

Seagate Backup Plus Hub 8TB
Pros
Cons

Seagate Expansion 6TB
Pros
Cons

Seagate Game Drive 5TB Xbox
Pros
Based on scoring data and product specs
Personalized picks

Best Overall Pick
Seagate Portable 5TB
Best OverallBest for: Most users looking for a well-reviewed, reliable mainstream option

Seagate Backup Plus Hub 8TB
Best for: Audiophiles and enthusiasts seeking premium sound quality and advanced features
$267.99+$113.64 vs winner
Skip Seagate One Touch 5TB if…
You have limited desk space or need portability
The Seagate Portable 5TB earns the top spot thanks to its strong 4.6 / 5 rating supported by 209,864 reviews, a solid 100–120 MB/s transfer speed, and a lightweight 0.5732018812 lb (260 g) bus‑powered design that lets you plug it straight into any Windows or macOS computer with the included 18‑inch USB 3.0 cable.
Coming in second, the Seagate Backup Plus Hub 8TB shines if you need a desktop‑class drive with built‑in USB hub functionality and massive capacity – it offers 8 TB of storage, dual front‑facing USB 3.0 ports for charging and data, and up to 160 MB/s sustained transfer rates, all covered by a 2‑year limited warranty and two‑year Rescue Data Recovery Service.
For tighter budgets, the Seagate Portable 1TB provides an affordable entry point at $69.99, delivering basic backup capability in a compact package. If you crave a premium, high‑capacity solution, the Seagate Starfield Game Hub 8TB stands out with its 8 TB of space and gaming‑oriented hub features for $302.94.
Choose the Seagate Portable 5TB now for reliable, high‑capacity storage that fits any on‑the‑go workflow.
The Seagate Portable series (1 TB, 4 TB, and 5 TB) are bus‑powered via USB, weigh between 190 g and 260 g, and have a slim profile under 21 mm thick, making them easy to slip into a laptop bag. Their 18‑inch USB‑C/3.0 cables keep the setup lightweight without needing an external power brick.
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