Best Cloud Storage External Hard Drives of 2025
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Cloud storage external hard drives are a type of storage device that combines the convenience of cloud storage with the security and accessibility of an external hard drive. These drives allow users to store and access their data from anywhere with an internet connection, while also providing physical backup storage in case of internet outages or other issues. With a range of storage capacities and features such as automatic backup and file sharing, cloud storage external hard drives are a reliable and versatile storage solution for both personal and professional use.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Cloud Storage External Hard Drives
WD 2TB My Passport for Mac External Storage
The WD My Passport for Mac offers seamless compatibility with Mac devices, allowing you to easily drag and drop files or set up a backup routine using Apple's Time Machine. With both USB-C and USB-A cables included, it ensures you can connect to both modern and older Mac computers. Security is a priority, thanks to the built-in 256-bit AES hardware encryption and password protection, keeping your personal files safe. Additionally, the included WD Discovery software helps you effortlessly manage your social media and cloud storage, making it simple to back up your digital life.
Seagate 2TB Portable External Hard Drive
The Seagate Portable Drive is a handy 2TB external hard drive that allows you to easily store and access your content while on the go. It is designed for seamless compatibility with both Windows and Mac computers, making backup as simple as drag and drop. Setting it up requires no software, just connect it to your computer for automatic recognition. Additionally, the included 18-inch USB 3.0 cable ensures plug and play convenience, allowing you to transfer files effortlessly.
WD 2TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive
The WD Elements 2TB Drive offers ample extra storage for your videos, music, photos, and files, making it an ideal choice for those needing to expand their digital library. Its plug-and-play feature ensures you can easily connect it to your Windows PC without any hassle. Enjoy fast data transfer speeds with USB 3.0, allowing you to quickly move large files. Additionally, this drive comes with a free trial of WD SmartWare Pro software, providing automatic and cloud data protection for your important information.
WD 8TB Elements External Hard Drive
The WD Elements Hard Drive offers reliable, high-capacity storage with up to 20TB, perfect for keeping your photos, videos, music, and documents safe. When your internal drive is nearly full, this external hard drive can improve your PC's performance by freeing up space. You can enjoy fast data transfer rates when connected to a USB 3.0 port, making it easy to move large files quickly. Plus, it works right out of the box with Windows 10+ PCs, which means you can start storing your important data in moments.
Meyritech 1TB USB 3.0 Portable Hard Drive
The Meyritech 1TB Hard Drive is a versatile external storage solution for your devices. With USB 3.0 connectivity, you can quickly back up data or expand storage on PCs, laptops, Macs, and gaming consoles like Xbox One and PS4. It operates without needing an external power source, making it highly portable. Additionally, the drive's compact size means it easily fits into your bag, ensuring your data is always accessible when you need it.
LaCie Mobile Drive Moon, 2TB, External Hard Drive Portable, Silver, USB-C 3.2, PC
Storite 500GB Ultra Slim Portable Hard Drive
The Storite Portable Hard Drive offers exceptional multisystem compatibility, allowing you to connect seamlessly to Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android devices. With a generous 500GB of storage, it instantly provides ample space for your large files, making file transport effortless. You can enjoy high-speed data transfers with USB 2.0, achieving speeds of up to 480 Mbps. Its stylish and lightweight design ensures that you can easily carry it wherever you go, providing convenience for on-the-move users.
Maxone Portable External Hard Drive 160GB-USB 3.0 2.5" Ultra Slim Aluminum HDD Backup
SanDisk Professional 2TB G-Drive ArmorATD External Hard Drive
The SanDisk G-Drive ArmorATD is a portable rugged external hard drive designed for quick and efficient file backup and storage. With its USB-C connectivity, you can enjoy transfer rates of up to 130MB/s, making it easy to move large files swiftly. Its premium anodised aluminium enclosure not only provides a sleek look but also ensures durability. You can trust its triple-layer shock resistance and easy-grip bumper to protect your data from drops and impacts, giving you peace of mind wherever you go.
Storite 2.5” Ultra Slim Portable External Hard Drive USB 2.0
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can you use an external hard drive as cloud storage?
Take the USB side of the hard disk cable and insert it into the USB port of the router. Step 5. Check availability of the hard disk as a storage option to devices. Once done successfully, you are all set to transfer and store data in this drive, which essentially becomes your own cloud!
2. Is there a cloud hard drive?
A cloud drive is a service that lets you upload files to the Internet and access them from any computer. It's like having a giant external hard drive in the sky,... accessible from anywhere with an Internet connection.
3. Is an external hard drive better than the cloud?
On one hand, external hard drives provide a good medium for your backup data – as long as there are no physical threats such as fire, flooding or other dangers. On the other hand, secure cloud storage services provide you, and your data, an extra layer of protection by storing your important files offsite.
4. Can I backup my hard drive to the cloud?
The Google Drive desktop app is now called Backup and Sync. While it still lets you access your Google Drive files, you can also use it as a backup tool. This lets you back up files to the cloud even if they aren't in your Google Drive folder.
During our cloud storage external hard drive research, we found 36 cloud storage external hard drive products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 3,020,687 customer reviews through our big data system to write the cloud storage external hard drives list. We found that most customers choose cloud storage external hard drives with an average price of £40.36.
The cloud storage external hard drives are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of cloud storage external hard drives, including WD, Seagate, Meyritech, LaCie, Storite.
Kenneth Collin graduated from Imperial College, London, at 22. He is a UX/UI designer, a web developer, and a writer, amongst others. At age 14, Kenneth programmed his first app. Kenneth's app served as a remote control for censored devices. "When I was 8, I would pick up scraps from electronics and try to rebuild or at least fix them," Kenneth said in one of his recent articles on Home repairs for top gadgets.