Rankings
The BUFFALO External SSD offers fast 600 MB/s reads in an ultra-light, PlayStation-licensed package, making it ideal for gamers and casual creators. Its plastic build and occasional reliability concerns keep it from being a premium choice.
The WD My Passport 2TB is a portable, bus-powered HDD offering solid performance, hardware encryption and a lightweight design. It is ideal for Windows users needing secure backup on the go, though the plastic build and lack of ruggedness limit its durability.
The WD My Passport 1TB is a compact, bus-powered HDD offering basic storage, hardware encryption and solid USB 3.0 performance. It is ideal for budget-friendly, portable backups on Windows, though it lacks ruggedness and uses an older Micro-B connector.
A rugged 1 TB portable HDD with hardware encryption and a one-touch backup button, offering solid durability but limited by an older micro-USB interface and HDD-class speeds.
The Seagate One Touch 2TB is a portable 2.5" HDD with AES-256 hardware encryption, an aluminum case, and USB 3.0 connectivity, ideal for mobile professionals needing secure, cross-platform storage.
A rugged 1 TB portable HDD with solid drop protection and useful backup software, but limited by modest speeds, a short warranty, and software-only encryption.
The Toshiba Canvio Basics 2TB is a budget-friendly, lightweight portable HDD with USB-C-compatible USB-3.0 performance, suited for users who need reliable storage without extra features.
The ADATA HD710 Pro 1 TB is a rugged 2.5-inch external HDD offering IP68 protection and MIL-STD-810G shock resistance, aimed at users needing durable storage in harsh environments. Its performance is limited to typical HDD speeds, and it lacks bundled backup software.
The Toshiba Canvio Basics 1TB is a lightweight, bus-powered portable HDD offering solid sequential performance and broad OS compatibility, ideal for casual backup and media storage.
The WD Elements 2 TB Portable HDD offers affordable, high-capacity storage in a lightweight, bus-powered package, suitable for everyday backups and media transfers but lacking security features and a robust warranty.
| Attribute | | | | | Transcend StoreJet 25M3G 1TB | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 TB | 2 TBbest | 2 TBbest | 2 TBbest | 1 TB | 1 TB | 1 TB | 1 TB | 2 TBbest | 1 TB | |
— | 117 MB/s | 100 MB/s | 110 MB/s | — | 142 MB/s | — | 127.54 MB/s | 120 MB/s | 600 MB/sbest | |
— | 114 MB/s | 95 MB/s | 110 MB/s | — | — | — | 72.55 MB/s | 120 MB/sbest | — | |
3 yearsbest | 1 years | 2 years | 3 yearsbest | 3 yearsbest | 1 years | 1 years | 3 yearsbest | 2 years | 3 yearsbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.272 kg | 0.15 kg | 0.13 kg | 0.12 kg | 0.181 kg | 0.149 kg | 0.185 kg | 0.122 kg | 0.148 kg | 0.017 kgbest |
— | — | — | — | 8 MBbest | 8 MBbest | — | — | — | — | |
— | — | 5,400 RPMbest | 5,400 RPMbest | 5,400 RPMbest | 5,400 RPMbest | — | 5,400 RPMbest | 5,400 RPMbest | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | | | | Transcend StoreJet 25M3G 1TB | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Warranty(1) | ||||||||||
Warranty Period (years) | 3 years | 1 years | 2 years | 3 years | 3 years | 1 years | 1 years | 3 years | 2 years | 3 years |
Connectivity(2) | ||||||||||
Interface | USB 3.2 Gen 1 | USB 3.0 | USB 3.2 Gen 1 | USB 3.2 Gen 1 | USB 3.0 | USB 3.0 | USB 3.0 | USB 3.2 Gen 1 | Micro-USB 3.2 Gen 1 | USB 3.2 Gen 2 |
USB Version | USB 3.2 Gen 1 | USB 3.0 | USB 3.2 Gen 1 | USB 3.0 | USB 3.0 | USB 3.0 | USB 3.0 | USB 3.0 | USB 3.0 | USB 3.2 |
Power & Battery(1) | ||||||||||
Power Source | — | bus | Bus-powered | Bus-powered | Bus-powered | bus | Bus-powered | Bus-powered | Bus-powered via USB | — |
Security(1) | ||||||||||
Hardware Encryption | — | false | false | true | true | false | false | true | true | — |
Physical(1) | ||||||||||
Weight (kg) | 0.272 kg | 0.15 kg | 0.13 kg | 0.12 kg | 0.181 kg | 0.149 kg | 0.185 kg | 0.122 kg | 0.148 kg | 0.017 kg |
Compatibility(1) | ||||||||||
Operating System Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows; macOS | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows; macOS; Linux; PS4; Xbox One; Wii U | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS, Chromebook | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS, PlayStation |
Storage(3) | ||||||||||
Storage Capacity (TB) | 1 TB | 2 TB | 2 TB | 2 TB | 1 TB | 1 TB | 1 TB | 1 TB | 2 TB | 1 TB |
Drive Type | HDD | HDD | HDD | HDD | HDD | HDD | HDD | HDD | HDD | SSD |
Form Factor | 2.5-inch SATA HDD | 2.5 inches | 2.5 inch | 2.5-inch | 2.5-inch | 2.5 inches | 2.5-inch | 2.5-inch | 2.5" | 2.5 inches |
Performance(2) | ||||||||||
Sequential Read Speed (MB/s) | — | 117 MB/s | 100 MB/s | 110 MB/s | — | 142 MB/s | — | 127.54 MB/s | 120 MB/s | 600 MB/s |
Sequential Write Speed (MB/s) | — | 114 MB/s | 95 MB/s | 110 MB/s | — | — | — | 72.55 MB/s | 120 MB/s | — |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers highlight the HD710 Pro as a near-bulletproof storage solution with excellent durability, but note that performance is limited to HDD speeds, making it unsuitable for high-speed workflows.
Everyday users praise the drive's durability and rugged features, while recurring complaints focus on slower transfer rates, the need to reformat for macOS, and the USB port cover becoming stiff.
“Still working perfectly after being dropped multiple times.”
“Looks and feels very sturdy. Great for outdoor use.”
“Fast access, no lagging even when nearly full.”
Pick My Passport when security and extended warranty matter; pick Elements for a straightforward, budget-friendly storage solution.
WD includes security and backup software; Toshiba focuses on simplicity, lower price, and lighter weight.
Choose Seagate for stronger hardware security and a premium aluminum build; choose WD if you prefer a familiar plastic design and don't need hardware encryption.
Professional reviewers describe the Canvio Basics as a no-frills, well-built drive that delivers solid performance for its price, though they note the slow random write speed and older Micro-USB connector.
Users rate it highly for reliability and speed, praising its Xbox compatibility and plug-and-play simplicity, while occasional connection issues and the need to reformat for macOS draw criticism.
Professional reviewers praise the Elements for its large capacity, low price and versatile plug-and-play nature, noting adequate USB 3.0 speeds but criticizing the lack of encryption and relatively short warranty.
Everyday users appreciate the immediate Windows compatibility, reliable backup performance, and compact form factor, while recurring complaints focus on the need to reformat for macOS, limited durability, and trial-only backup software.
Professional reviewers praise the My Passport 2TB for its generous capacity, solid USB 3.0 performance, and built-in encryption, calling it a near-perfect portable backup for travelers, but criticize the lack of a metal chassis and rugged features.
Everyday users commend the drive's reliability, ease of setup, and value, while recurring complaints focus on the need to reformat for macOS, audible noise, and a plastic case that feels fragile.
TechRadar and PCMag highlighted the drive's military-grade durability and backup button, while noting the legacy micro-USB port and slower performance versus SSDs.
Users praise its durability and water-resistance, but many wish for a modern USB-C connector and faster speeds.
Professional reviewers praise its straightforward plug-and-play experience and reliable 5,400 RPM performance, while noting the lack of security features and slower speeds compared with SSDs.
Users rate it highly for ease of use, portability, and reliability, though they note the need to reformat for macOS and the fragility of the Micro-B cable.
Reviewers commend the tough rubberized construction and adequate USB 3.0 performance, noting the modest premium for military-grade durability.
Users highlight durability and ease of use, while some report warmth and occasional hardware failures over time.
Professional reviewers praise the My Passport for its solid security, ease of use and excellent portability at a low price point, but note its lack of ruggedness, older Micro-B connector and modest performance versus SSDs.
Everyday users love the drive's compact size, ample 1 TB capacity and reliable Windows plug-and-play experience, while common complaints focus on the plastic case scratching, need to reformat for macOS and durability concerns of the Micro-B port.
Professional reviewers highlight the One Touch's strong security features and premium aluminum chassis, noting that hardware AES-256 encryption is uncommon at this price. They commend its straightforward plug-and-play experience but point out the lack of USB-C and limited ruggedness.
Everyday users overwhelmingly praise the drive's reliability, fast setup, and built-in encryption, often rating it 5 out of 5. Common complaints revolve around confusing software trial offers, occasional need to reformat for Time Machine, and concerns about shock susceptibility.
Professional reviewers praise the BUFFALO SSD for its strong PlayStation integration, high read speeds, and hassle-free plug-and-play experience, rating it highly for compatibility and ease of use. However, they note the plastic build feels cheap and warn that long-term performance may be inconsistent, especially compared to more rugged, faster competitors.
Everyday users love the drive's speed, portability, and instant usability, often calling it a cost-effective way to expand PS4/PS5 storage. Recurring complaints focus on the fragile feel of the plastic housing, occasional sudden failures, speed degradation over time, and mixed experiences with warranty support.
