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10 Best Backup Drives 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Seagate STEL8000100 Backup Plus Hub 8TB External Desktop Hard Drive Storage

The Seagate STEL8000100 Backup Plus Hub is an external desktop hard drive with an impressive storage capacity of 8TB, making it suitable for both business and personal use. This drive is ideal for users who need substantial storage space for data backups, media files, and essential documents. Its USB 3.0 connectivity ensures high-speed data transfers, which can be beneficial for quickly moving large files. The additional two USB 3.0 ports on the hub can be used to charge mobile devices and transfer files from other USB devices, adding to its convenience.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Connectivity
Convenient USB 3.0 ports on the hub are a fantastic addition, eliminating the need for separate USB hubs.
Durability
The drive is reliable with no issues after years of continuous use, maintaining snappy access times and quiet operation.
Backup Software
The included backup software is user-friendly and offers flexible options for scheduled backups, enhancing overall convenience.
Speed
Ideal for backups, this drive offers great performance with average write speeds around 115-120 MB/sec and read speeds up to 190 MB/sec.
#2
10.0 score

SanDisk 4TB Desk Drive SSD – Desktop External Solid State Drive, Up to 1000MB/s, USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2 - SDSSDT40-4T00-NA25

The SanDisk 4TB Desk Drive SSD is a solid choice for those needing ample storage space, offering 4TB of capacity which is ideal for large collections of photos, videos, music, and important documents. Its solid-state drive (SSD) type ensures fast performance, with read speeds up to 1000MB/s, making it four times faster than traditional desktop hard drives (HDDs). This rapid speed significantly enhances data access and backup processes, which can be further automated using the included backup software, though it requires download and installation along with user registration.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Storage Capacity
With ample capacity, this drive easily accommodates documents, pictures, and music, replacing cloud services without lag issues.
Connectivity
Despite requiring its own power supply, the drive's fast responsiveness and lack of connection issues make it highly recommended for desktop use.
Backup Software
The drive integrates seamlessly with Mac Time Machine, proving to be a good value for backup purposes.

Top 10 Best Backup Drives 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Seagate STEL8000100 Backup Plus Hub 8TB External Desktop Hard Drive Storage

Storage Capacity: 8 TB
Drive Type: External Hard Drive
Connectivity: USB 3.0
Portability: Limited
Speed: High-speed

Chosen by 1186 this week

LaCie Mobile Drive 5TB External Hard Drive Portable HDD – Moon Silver USB-C USB 3.0, for Mac and PC Desktop, 1 Month Adobe CC (STHG5000400)

Storage Capacity: 5 TB
Drive Type: Mechanical Hard Disk
Connectivity: USB, Thunderbolt, USB-C, USB 3.0
Portability: 3.59 x 4.88 x 0.79 inches
Durability: Robust build quality
Backup Software: Single-click or scheduled backups
Speed: 7200 RPM
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Buying Guide for the Best Backup Drives

Choosing the right backup drive is essential to ensure your data is safe and easily accessible. Backup drives come in various types and sizes, and selecting the right one depends on your specific needs, such as the amount of data you need to store, how often you need to access it, and where you plan to use the drive. Understanding the key specifications will help you make an informed decision.
Storage CapacityStorage capacity refers to the amount of data a backup drive can hold. This is important because it determines how much information you can store on the drive. Storage capacities typically range from a few hundred gigabytes (GB) to several terabytes (TB). If you have a lot of large files, such as videos or high-resolution photos, you might need a drive with several terabytes of storage. For basic document storage, a few hundred gigabytes might be sufficient. Consider your current data needs and potential future growth when choosing the capacity.
Drive TypeBackup drives come in different types, primarily Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) and Solid State Drives (SSDs). HDDs are generally cheaper and offer larger storage capacities, but they are slower and more prone to physical damage. SSDs are faster, more durable, and have no moving parts, making them ideal for frequent access and portability, but they are more expensive and typically offer less storage capacity. If you need a lot of storage and cost is a concern, an HDD might be the best choice. If speed and durability are more important, consider an SSD.
ConnectivityConnectivity refers to how the backup drive connects to your computer or other devices. Common options include USB 3.0, USB-C, Thunderbolt, and wireless connections. USB 3.0 is widely compatible and offers decent speeds, while USB-C and Thunderbolt provide faster data transfer rates but may require compatible ports. Wireless drives offer convenience but can be slower and less reliable. Choose a connectivity option that matches your device's ports and your need for speed and convenience.
PortabilityPortability is about how easy it is to carry the backup drive around. Portable drives are smaller, lighter, and often more durable, making them ideal for travel or frequent movement. Desktop drives are larger and typically offer more storage but are designed to stay in one place. If you need to carry your data with you, look for a portable drive. If the drive will stay on your desk, a desktop drive might be more suitable.
DurabilityDurability refers to how well the backup drive can withstand physical damage, such as drops or spills. This is particularly important for portable drives that are frequently moved. SSDs are generally more durable than HDDs because they have no moving parts. Some drives are specifically designed to be rugged and resistant to shocks, water, and dust. If you plan to use the drive in harsh conditions or travel with it often, look for a durable, rugged model.
Backup SoftwareBackup software is the program that helps you manage and automate the backup process. Some drives come with their own software, which can offer features like automatic backups, encryption, and cloud integration. Good backup software can make the process easier and more reliable. If you want a hassle-free backup experience, look for drives that include robust software options.
SpeedSpeed refers to how quickly data can be read from or written to the backup drive. This is important if you need to transfer large files or perform backups frequently. SSDs are generally faster than HDDs, and connectivity options like USB-C and Thunderbolt can also affect speed. If you need quick access to your data or plan to perform regular backups, prioritize speed in your selection.

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