The hard drive in your PC or laptop is full? Want more spaces for keeping your important files??? No matter! Just follow Our best external hard drive for backup review to know how you can easily expand the hard drive storage in your PC or Laptop.
If your expectation is not to go too expensive, then our best external hard drives are well enough to save, secure, and protect all your important files and folders.
So, considering all cases, we have selected the 10 Best 2TB External Hard Drives as an effective and portable backup solution so that you can carry your files wherever you go.
Table of Contents
Comparison Table of Best External Hard Drive for Backup
| Image | Product Name | Features | Price |
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WD Elements USB 3.0 Portable Drive |
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Seagate Portable 2TB Hard Drive |
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Toshiba Canvio Hard Drive |
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LaCie Rugged Mini Hard Drive |
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Seagate Backup Plus Slim Hard Drive |
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WD 2TB Passport Portable External Hard Drive |
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Toshiba Canvio Basics External Hard Drive |
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Seagate Backup Plus Ultra Touch Portable Drive |
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Transcend USB 3.1 Gen 1 Rugged External Hard Drive |
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Seagate Game Drive 2TB External Hard Drive |
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What Is an External Hard Drive?
An external hard drive is a device connected to the outside of a computer or laptop through a USB cable to expand the storage or backup important files of your computer or laptop. It’s easily portable and available in various storage capacities.
How to use an external hard drive?
It’s very easy to use an external hard drive. First, you need to read the manual guide of your hard drive. Be familiar with the settings and configuration. Basically, most of the external hard drives are plug-and-play. So, you need to plug it through a USB cable with your Desktop or laptop, and if the power cable is required then plug it into an outlet then turn it on. After appearing on the drive on the screen, you may start transferring files from and to the drives.
What is an external hard drive used for?
The main purpose of using External hard drives is to expand the storage capacity to keep and back up important files. Besides, it’s used for increasing the speed of your computer or laptop performance.
Is it better to use an external hard drive?
Why not!! An external storage hard drive provides you more storage capacity to keep and backup your important contents. You can set a password and only you can access your drive. So, it’s better to use an external hard drive to keep your secured data protected. Besides, for the people who want to play new games, an external hard drive is more useful for them to store many new games.
What is the best wireless hard drive?
Surly My Passport Wireless Pro Portable External Hard Drive, Wifi USB 3.0 – WDBSMT0040BBK-NESN is the best option for, who search wireless external hard drive. You can use wifi extender or router for it.
How did we pick?
After long research and considering some important features we have picked the 10 Best Buy 2TB External Hard Drives. Those important features are given below that we looked for.
- Dependability: If you don’t buy a reliable hard drive, then your hard drive may be a failure soon. It’s an important factor to check. Very few companies in the market provide reliable external drives. So, you just need to check whether your hard drive is made with reliable options or not.
- Build quality: External hard drive may be spoiled by slipping from your hand or carrying one place to another place. But, if it’s protected and made with a sturdy case then it will last a long time. So, you need to check the build quality of the external storage drive you want to buy.
- Size and Weight: It’s also an important fact that we considered. If the size and weight is smaller and lighter, then it will be easily portable and convenient for use.
- Speed: The most important factor that you need to consider is nothing but speed. The more speed of transferring file rates will be, the best hard drive it will be considered.
- Price: Price is an important factor that we considered. After checking the Amazon reviews, we picked the 10 Best Buy 2TB External Hard Drives at an affordable price. At a reasonable price, you can’t find the best hard drive like our selected items.
- Capacity: In fact, we reviewed the 2 TB capacity of external hard drives because 2 TB hard drives deserve their balance of value and total cost. Larger capacity requires a better price-per-terabyte value.
- Warranty: For the user’s peace of mind, a good warranty is a very important factor that we considered to pick. Our picked items provide a good warranty for your mental satisfaction and confidently usage.
- Backup and Utility Software: Automatic and easily backup software is very important to keep your files protected. Besides, some extra features software provides you with more facilities. So, we considered these factors and followed good reviews to choose from.
What Is The Most Reliable External Hard Drive?
Actually to find out which external hard disk will be the most reliable is quite tough. But after long research and considering Amazon reviews, we have selected the 10 best external hard drives for backup. Among our picked items you may purchase any one as the best external hard disk.
- WD 2TB Elements USB 3.0 Portable External Hard Drive
- Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive
- Toshiba Canvio Advance 2TB Portable External Hard Drive
- LaCie Rugged Mini 2TB External Hard Drive
- Seagate Backup Plus Slim 2TB External Hard Drive
- WD 2TB Passport Portable External Hard Drive
- Toshiba Canvio Basics 2TB Portable External Hard Drive
- Seagate Backup Plus Ultra Touch Portable 2TB External Hard Drive
- Transcend 2TB USB 3.1 Gen 1 Rugged External Hard Drive
- Seagate Game Drive 2TB External Hard Drive
So, buy any of the above selections to expand the storage and backup important files. Here are the reviews of
The Best External Hard Drive for Backup for 2021
01: WD 2TB Elements USB 3.0 Portable External Hard Drive
Features:
- Hard Disk Size: 2 TB
- Hardware Interface: USB 3.0
- Brand: Western Digital
- Hardware Platform: Mac, PC
- Operating System: PC; Mac
- Product Dimensions: 4.35 x 3.23 x 0.59 inches
- Product Weight: 4.7 ounces
- Color: Black
The WD 2TB Elements USB 3.0 Portable External Hard Drive is one of the Best 2TB External Hard Drive. With compatibility for both Mac and PC, the WD 2TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive is very reliable and provides fast data transfer rates as well as high capacity storage with universal connectivity.
It works seamlessly with both USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 cables. This is an excellent portable hard drive to expand the storage on your PC or laptop. You may use it assuredly as one of the best external hard drives for photos in the market.
What We Like
- Provides very fast data transfer rates.
- Highly improves PC performance.
- Compatibility with both USB 3.0 and USB 2.0.
- Comes with a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty.
- Compatible with both Mac and Windows.
- Reasonable price.
- Set up is super easy.
What We Dislike
- May cause some fatal interaction with Mac TimeMachine.
02: Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive
Features:
- Hard Disk Size: 2 TB
- Hardware Interface: USB 3.0
- Brand: Seagate
- Hardware Platform: Mac, PC
- Operating System: Windows®10, Windows 8, Windows 9
- Product Dimensions: 4.6 x 3.15 x 0.58 inches
- Product Weight: 6.7 ounces
- Color: Black
Offering Easily store and access 2TB portable backup solution for carrying your content wherever you go, the Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive comes with compatibility with Windows or Mac computers.
You can set up this hard drive very easily and you don’t require any software to set up. If you want to buy an excellent portable high transfer speed external storage drive then, the Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive will be the best option for your choice.
What We Like
- Comes with an 18 inch USB 3.0 cable.
- Provides a one-year limited warranty.
- The installation process is very simple.
- Compatible with Windows or Mac computers.
- Provides high transfer rates of data.
- Perfect to expand PS4’s storage.
What We Dislike
- Backup software seems a problem.
03: LaCie Rugged Mini 2TB External Hard Drive
Features:
- Hard Disk Size: 2 TB
- Hardware Interface: USB 3.0
- Brand: LaCie
- Hardware Platform: Mac, PC
- Operating System: Latest version of Windows® 7 or later / Mac OS® X 10.5 or later
- Product Dimensions: 3.39 x 0.75 x 5.31 inches
- Product Weight: 0.50 lbs
- Color: Orange
If you are looking for a rugged drive for all-terrain reliability, then the LaCie LAC9000298 Rugged Mini 2TB External Hard Drive will be the best option for your choice.
This external drive provides long durability because it’s designed for IP67-rated drop shock dust and extreme water resistance. So, it will be protected from any drop, rain, dust, and crush.
Besides, this compact portable external hard drive provides a 2-year limited warranty so that customers can use it confidently.
In fact, if you look for an ideal solution for transporting data on set, then you may use this LaCie LAC9000298 Rugged Mini 2TB External Hard Drive assuredly.
What We Like
- Offers premium protection.
- Easily portable.
- Provides fast transfer speeds.
- Offers easy automatic backup software.
- Comes with 2 years limited warranty for long-term peace of mind.
What We Dislike
- Slow in Lightroom.
- Complains about slower hard drive
04: Seagate Backup Plus Slim 2TB External Hard Drive
Features:
- Hard Disk Size: 2 TB
- Hardware Interface: USB 3.0
- Brand: Seagate
- Hardware Platform: PC, Laptop, and Mac
- Hard Drive Rotational Speed: 1 RPM
- Product Dimensions: 4.52 x 3.07 x 0.46 inches
- Product Weight: 4.5 ounces
- Color: Red
If your expectation is for expanding the storage on your PS4, then the Seagate Backup Plus Slim 2TB External Hard Drive will be the perfect solution undoubtedly. It works perfectly and designed with a minimalist brushed metal enclosure for durability.
No hard drive will be as perfect as this drive for backup files with a single click for Mac and Windows. Because of the slim design, it’s easily portable wherever you go.
What We Like
- The best solution for backup files.
- Easy and fast to install.
- Features a minimalist brushed metal enclosure for durability.
- Offers a One-year complimentary subscription to Mylio Create App.
- Also provides a two-month membership to Adobe Creative Cloud Photography Plan.
- Has a two-year limited warranty for users’ peace of mind.
What We Dislike
- Lower transfer speed.
- The port on the hard drive seems short.
05: WD 2TB Passport Portable External Hard Drive
Features:
- Hard Disk Size: 2 TB
- Hardware Interface: USB 3.0
- Brand: Western Digital
- Hardware Platform: PC, Laptop, and Mac
- Product Dimensions: 4.22 x 2.95 x 0.44 inches
- Product Weight: 4.23 ounces
- Style: Standard Enclosure
- Color: Red
You can rely on WD 2TB Passport Portable External Hard Drive because it has many good ratings from the users. It features automatic backup, user-friendly software, and password protection with drive management.
Compatible with Windows and Mac and being Shock Resistant you can use this external storage drive assuredly. Besides, it’s compatible with the super speed USB 3.0 port that provides faster speed.
Overall, we recommend you use this Western Digital hard drive as one of the Best Buy 2TB External Hard Drive assuredly.
What We Like
- Provides Automatic backup feature.
- Features password protection with 256-bit AES hardware encryption.
- Provides 3-Year manufacturer’s limited warranty.
- Superspeed transfer rates.
- Small size for easily portable.
- Provides awesome performance.
What We Dislike
- USB C port not available.
- Includes no hard case or travel bag.
06: Seagate Backup Plus Ultra Touch Portable 2TB External Hard Drive
Features:
- Hard Disk Size: 2 TB
- Hardware Interface: USB 3.0
- Brand: Seagate
- Product Dimensions: 4.52 x 3.07 x 0.46 inches
- Product Weight: 5.33 ounces
- Style: Portable External Hard Drive
- Color: White
If you are a fan of stylish fabric design external hard drives for Mac or Windows, then the Seagate Backup Plus Ultra Touch Portable 2TB External Hard Drive has all the features and performance that you look for.
It’s easily compatible with USB-C and USB 3.0 and provides faster transfer rates.
You can take a two-month membership to Adobe Creative Cloud Photography Plan so that you can edit, organize, store, and share your photos easily.
Besides, you may take a 1-year complimentary subscription to the Mylio Create app for easy protection. Backup your important files are very simple now with this drive. Having a two-year limited warranty, you can use it with peace of mind.
What We Like
- Provides software and hardware-encrypted password-protection.
- Unique and Stylish decorative technique fabric design.
- Offers complete software package.
- Provides a Two-year limited warranty.
- Installation is totally easy.
What We Dislike
- The read/write rates may dissatisfy you.
- A factory reset erases all the software.
07: Transcend 2TB USB 3.1 Gen 1 Rugged External Hard Drive
Features:
- Hard Disk Size: 2 TB
- Hardware Interface: USB 3.1
- Brand: Transcend
- Hardware Platform: PC, Laptop, and Mac
- Hard Drive Rotational Speed: 5400 RPM
- Product Dimensions: 5.10 x 3.24 x 0.74 inches
- Product Weight: 6.56 ounces
- Style: Slim
- Color: Grey
You will be a big fan of the Transcend 2TB USB 3.1 Gen 1 Rugged External Hard Drive! Because it’s designed with some advanced features, outstanding quality, performance, and reliability.
This external storage drive is equipped with the USB 3.1 Gen 1 interface with the support of UASP so that it can provide lightning-fast transfer rates.
There are three-stage shock protection systems in this drive and they are silicone rubber case, reinforced hard casing, and internal shock-absorbing suspension damper. The excellent anti-shock protection system meets US military drop-test standards. So, you can store data on this drive fully protected!
What We Like
- Awesome anti-shock protection.
- Offers a one-click auto-backup button.
- Provides Transcend Elite data management software.
- Also offers RecoveRx data recovery software.
- Guaranteed quality and performance.
- Excellent drive for your money.
What We Dislike
- Doesn’t provide any kind of drop protection.
08: Seagate Game Drive 2TB External Hard Drive
Features:
- Hard Disk Size: 2 TB
- Hardware Interface: USB 3.0
- Brand: Seagate
- Compatible Devices: Desktop, Laptop, Television
- Product Dimensions: 4.47 x 2.99 x 0.38 inches
- Product Weight: 4.77 ounces
- Style: Slim
- Color: Grey
Are you looking for a game drive that’s designed with black with a blue aluminum enclosure as well as will be the perfect accessory for any gaming setup? Then, our Seagate Game Drive 2TB External Hard Drive will be the best option for your choice.
This external hard drive is compact, sturdy, and easily portable. So, it will be the best companion for your trip. No need to erase your old games now!! Because if you use this 2TB hard drive, it will be very easy to store 50+ games.
What We Like
- The setup process is also very simple and hassle-free.
- You can store a massive collection of your favorite games.
- Plug-and-play setup.
- Can work with Xbox Series.
- Provides fast and seamless performance.
- Comes with a 1-year warranty.
- PS4 compatible
.
What We Dislike
- Comes annoying notification from ps4.
- It no longer works with ps4.
09: Toshiba Canvio Advance 2TB Portable External Hard Drive
Features:
- Hard Disk Size: 2 TB
- Hardware Interface: USB 3.0
- Brand: Toshiba
- File System: NTFS
- Compatible Devices: Laptop
- Product Dimensions: 4.3 x 3.1 x 0.55 inches
- Product Weight: 5.3 ounces
- Color: Black
This external storage device is made with a compact design to offer high storage capacity and very fast access to the stored content. Having a backup of two years warranty, you can use this hard drive confidently.
Besides, this desktop drive provides free and user-friendly software to protect your computer’s files and contents. Having powered by USB 3.0 technology, this external storage drive provides a very faster speed of data transfer.
You can set a password to secure this hard drive and prevent unauthorized users so that they can’t access your private information. Overall, this portable external hard drive can be used as one of the Best External Hard Drive for Photos beyond question.
What We Like
- Provides energetic design, backup, and security.
- Also provides an automatic backup function to save valuable content.
- You can use it to backup your MacBook.
- Provides faster file transfer rates.
- Recognized by most Operating systems.
- Comes with 2 years limited warranty.
What We Dislike
- Has complains of the failure of the drive after a few months of use.
- The USB cable falls out of the drive easily.
- Poorly developed software.
10: Toshiba Canvio Basics 2TB Portable External Hard Drive
Features:
- Hard Disk Size: 2 TB
- Hardware Interface: USB 3.0
- Brand: Toshiba
- File System: NTFS
- Product Dimensions: 4.30 x 3.10 x 0.55 inches
- Product Weight: 5.28 ounces
- Style: Plug&Play
- Color: Black
You will be really a great fan of Toshiba (HDTB420XK3AA) Canvio Basics 2TB Portable External Hard Drive because it’s built with an awesome sleek profile design with a matte, smudge resistance finish!!
If you look for a hard drive that’s very easy to use and no software required to install, then we may suggest you use this external storage drive as the best option.
You don’t need any external AC power cord as it’s compatible with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 perfectly. For your peace of mind, it comes with a 1-year standard limited warranty.
What We Like
- Really works super fast.
- Unique and awesome design.
- Great product for your money.
- Provides excellent read and write performance.
- Very simple to encrypt with Windows BitLocker.
What We Dislike
- The Cord for this drive seems short.
- No mention of the LED light color convention for USB 3.0 or USB 2.0 port.
How to choose the best external hard drive?
In fact, it’s not a difficult task to choose the best external hard drive at all. First, you need to think about how much storage space you need. If you want to keep a backup of your important documents, media, and files and also want a lot of memory for games, then investing in a 2 TB hard drive is well enough.
After choosing storage capacity you need to consider whether your external drive is easily portable or not. Portable hard drives are quite expensive than desktop drives but ultra-convenient to use.
Last, of all, you should check the compatibility of USB port 3.0 or above for faster transfer speed.
Besides, you can Turn on your PC or MAC using a Wifi smart plug!
Can I use an external hard drive as my main drive?
Yes, you can use an external hard drive as your main drive. But the problem you face is that it will work more slowly and cause failure than an internal hard drive. You must install the operating system on it to use it as the internal drive.
Can I plug in two external hard drives at once?
Not only two external hard drives, but you can also connect multiple external hard drives at once to your desktop or laptop using a USB or Firewire connection. It requires a RAID setup.
How to Extend the Life of Your External Hard Drive?
To expand the lifespan of an external hard drive you need to be gentle while using it. That means:
- You need to keep it clean and dust out because dust is the enemy of electronic devices.
- You should eject properly before unplugging.
- Should avoid overheating
- Keep it cool as per as possible
- Stop turn off unnecessarily
Should I get an external SSD or HDD?
Undoubtedly an SSD is incomparable with an external hard drive. The performance of an SSD drive is overall much better than a hard drive. But the problem is that the price of an SSD drive that has the same storage capacity as a hard drive is very high. So, at an affordable budget, you should use an external hard drive.
Can you recover data from a dead hard drive?
Yes, you can recover data from a dead hard drive with a bootable CD/DVD of data recovery software. But, you should backup your important files to recover.
Do hard drives go bad if not used?
It’s sorry to say that hard drives may go bad if not used for a long time. Actually, it’s not a good long term storage device. The maximum lifespan is about 10 years long but the magnetic tapes can last for 50 years.
Conclusion
Actually, if you want to reduce your waiting with faster drives and interfaces, then you should use an external hard drive for your computer or Laptop. You will undoubtedly go far outrun gains in the performance if you use our selected external hard drives. Sometimes, the storage capacity of a desktop or laptop is not enough for your working or keeping files, videos, photos, games, and more. That’s why an external hard may be the best solution to keep your all-important files protected.
