Rankings
The Transcend StoreJet 25M3 is a 1 TB rugged HDD with MIL-STD-810G drop protection, built-in 256-bit AES hardware encryption and a one-touch backup button. It offers solid USB 3.1 Gen 1 performance but is limited by its 5400 RPM drive and uses an older Micro-USB connector.
The WD My Book 6TB is a stationary desktop external HDD offering massive storage, solid USB 3.0 performance and built-in hardware encryption. It excels for backup and archive use but is bulky, needs an external power brick and lacks rugged features.
The Samsung T7 Touch 2TB portable SSD delivers blazing USB-C speeds, built-in fingerprint authentication, and AES-256 encryption in a feather-light aluminum case, ideal for secure, high-performance mobile storage.
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.
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.
The LaCie Rugged Secure 2 TB offers robust drop and crush resistance with optional AES-256 encryption, but its HDD performance and lack of native hardware encryption keep it from matching SSD-level speeds.
The IronKey Vault Privacy 80 1.92 TB SSD delivers top-tier hardware encryption and touchscreen authentication in a portable enclosure, but its USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface caps performance at 250 MB/s and the chassis lacks rugged protection.
The IronKey Vault Privacy 80 960 GB SSD focuses on military-grade hardware encryption and touchscreen authentication, delivering strong security at the cost of modest 250 MB/s transfer speeds and a bulkier form factor.
The ADATA 1 TB portable HDD offers a sleek, ultra-slim form factor with solid USB 3.1 performance and built-in 256-bit AES encryption, making it a good choice for travelers needing secure storage. However, its reliance on USB-A, lack of hardware encryption toggle, and occasional software quirks limit its appeal for power users.
| Attribute | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
6 TBbest | 1 TB | 2 TB | 1 TB | 2 TB | 2 TB | 1 TB | 2 TB | 0.96 TB | 1.92 TB | |
200 MB/s | 130 MB/s | 120 MB/s | 127.54 MB/s | 110 MB/s | 1,050 MB/sbest | 113 MB/s | 130 MB/s | 250 MB/s | 250 MB/s | |
93.2 MB/s | — | 120 MB/s | 72.55 MB/s | 110 MB/s | 1,000 MB/sbest | 114 MB/s | 130 MB/s | 250 MB/s | 250 MB/s | |
2 years | 3 yearsbest | 2 years | 3 yearsbest | 3 yearsbest | 3 yearsbest | 3 yearsbest | 2 years | 3 yearsbest | 3 yearsbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 1.05 kg | 0.19 kg | 0.148 kg | 0.122 kg | 0.12 kg | 0.058 kgbest | 0.227 kg | 0.336 kg | 0.285 kg | 0.29 kg |
64 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 | | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Warranty(1) | ||||||||||
Warranty Period (years) | 2 years | 3 years | 2 years | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years | 2 years | 3 years | 3 years |
Connectivity(2) | ||||||||||
Interface | USB 3.2 Gen 1 | USB 3.1 Gen 1 | Micro-USB 3.2 Gen 1 | USB 3.2 Gen 1 | USB 3.2 Gen 1 | USB 3.2 Gen 2 | USB 3.1 Gen 1 | USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 | USB 3.2 Gen 1 | USB 3.2 Gen 1 |
USB Version | USB 3.0 | USB 3.1 | USB 3.0 | USB 3.0 | USB 3.0 | USB 3.2 | USB 3.1 Gen 1 | USB 3.1 Gen 1 | USB 3.2 Gen 1 | USB 3.2 Gen 1 |
Power & Battery(1) | ||||||||||
Power Source | External AC adapter | USB Bus | Bus-powered via USB | Bus-powered | Bus-powered | bus-powered | Bus-powered | Bus-powered | Bus-powered | Bus-powered |
Security(1) | ||||||||||
Hardware Encryption | true | true | true | true | true | true | true | false | true | true |
Physical(1) | ||||||||||
Weight (kg) | 1.05 kg | 0.1898 kg | 0.148 kg | 0.122 kg | 0.12 kg | 0.058 kg | 0.2268 kg | 0.336 kg | 0.2849 kg | 0.2895 kg |
Compatibility(1) | ||||||||||
Operating System Compatibility | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS, Chromebook | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS, Android | Windows, macOS, Linux | macOS, Windows | Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, Android | Windows, macOS, Linux |
Storage(3) | ||||||||||
Storage Capacity (TB) | 6 TB | 1 TB | 2 TB | 1 TB | 2 TB | 2 TB | 1 TB | 2 TB | 0.96 TB | 1.92 TB |
Drive Type | HDD | HDD | HDD | HDD | HDD | SSD | HDD | HDD | SSD | SSD |
Form Factor | 3.5-inch | 2.5" | 2.5" | 2.5-inch | 2.5-inch | portable | 2.5-inch | 2.5 inch | Portable | Portable |
Durability(1) | ||||||||||
Drop Resistance | — | true | — | — | — | true | true | true | false | false |
Performance(2) | ||||||||||
Sequential Read Speed (MB/s) | 200 MB/s | 130 MB/s | 120 MB/s | 127.54 MB/s | 110 MB/s | 1050 MB/s | 113 MB/s | 130 MB/s | 250 MB/s | 250 MB/s |
Sequential Write Speed (MB/s) | 93.2 MB/s | — | 120 MB/s | 72.55 MB/s | 110 MB/s | 1000 MB/s | 114 MB/s | 130 MB/s | 250 MB/s | 250 MB/s |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers praise the My Book 6TB for its leading HDD performance, high sequential read speeds, and seamless cross-platform compatibility, while criticizing its lack of portability and large footprint.
Everyday users view the drive as dependable and fast, highlighting quiet operation and ease of setup, though they note the missing power indicator, bulky adapter and tendency to tip over.
“Massive storage”
“Fast transfers and secure”
“Quiet operation with no audible noise”
WD is a solid choice for brand-focused buyers who accept a slightly bulkier drive without shock-sensor features.
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 commend ADATA's portable drives for their ultra-slim design, fast USB 3.1 performance, and the inclusion of 256-bit AES encryption-features usually reserved for higher-priced competitors. The lack of USB-C and occasional software issues keep it from being a universal winner.
Everyday users appreciate the sleek look, solid speed, and built-in encryption, especially for travel and media work. Complaints focus on the dated HDDtoGO software, short cable, and occasional bad-sector issues.
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 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 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.
Professional reviewers consistently rate the T7 Touch as a benchmark for secure portable storage, awarding it 4.0-4.5 stars for speed and ease of use, while noting reliance on Samsung software for fingerprint unlocking and modest write-cache limitations.
Everyday users rate the drive highly (average 4.5/5), lauding its fast transfers, compact form factor, and fingerprint feature, though some complain about software dependence and occasional warmth.
Professional reviewers commend the StoreJet for its military-grade durability, effective three-stage shock system, and built-in hardware encryption, while noting the mechanical drive limits performance and the outdated Micro-USB interface.
Everyday users love the drive's toughness and backup button, but report slower transfer rates, the clunky software and occasional connection hiccups.
Reviewers commend its proven durability and balanced capacity, but note the lack of SSD-level speed and Thunderbolt connectivity limits high-end editing workflows.
Users highlight the drive's toughness and reliable performance, while complaining about HDD speed, power draw on hubs, and the need to reformat for macOS Time Machine.
Reviewers praise the gold-standard encryption and touchscreen usability, but criticize the sluggish 250 MB/s throughput, QLC NAND without DRAM, and premium price, noting limited value for speed-focused users.
Users commend the robust security features and ease of use, while repeatedly noting the slow performance, larger size, and high cost compared to consumer SSDs.
Reviewers applaud the encryption, touchscreen usability, and compliance, while criticizing the outdated USB 3.2 Gen 1 speeds, lack of rugged design, and premium price.
Users highly value the security features and touchscreen, yet repeatedly note the slow transfer rates and bulkier, non-rugged build.
