Best External Hard Drives for Desktop of 2025

The Seagate Expansion 6TB Drive is an easy-to-use external hard drive that simply requires you to plug in the power adapter and USB cable. With USB 3.0, you can enjoy fast file transfers, making it simple to back up your important data. The drive allows for drag-and-drop file saving right out of the box, providing a hassle-free experience. It automatically recognises both Windows and Mac computers, which means you can set it up without unnecessary complications, although reformatting is needed for Time Machine use.

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.

The WD My Book Drive offers a reliable solution for your storage needs, providing ample space to securely store your photos, videos, music, and documents. It is easy to use, ready to go with both Mac and Windows computers, allowing you to start transferring files immediately. This drive comes with backup software, helping you to set up automatic backups to ensure your important files are always safe. Additionally, the built-in password protection with hardware encryption keeps your content private, giving you peace of mind as you store sensitive information.

The Seagate Game Drive Hub offers an impressive 8TB of storage, allowing you to create the ultimate Game Vault without worrying about space for your favourite titles. It is Xbox-certified, meaning it is fully compatible with Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and all generations of Xbox One, ensuring seamless gameplay. The built-in LED bar lights up your gaming area in iconic Xbox green, enhancing your gaming atmosphere. Additionally, the dual front-facing USB-C and USB-A ports let you easily connect and power your peripherals, providing added convenience during intense gaming sessions.

The Verbatim 4 TB Hard Drive offers high-speed and high-capacity storage, making it perfect for your data backup needs. With USB 3.0 Superspeed technology, you can enjoy ultra-fast data transfer, saving you valuable time. Its stylish black design allows you to place it flat or on its side, fitting seamlessly into your workspace. Additionally, the included Nero backup software simplifies the process of securing your files, providing peace of mind.

The LaCie d2 Professional is an excellent choice for creatives using Mac or PC systems with limited storage. With speeds of up to 260 MB/s, you can easily edit and archive your projects without delays. Its USB-C connectivity ensures future compatibility, allowing for seamless integration with modern devices. The aluminium design not only reduces noise and vibration but also enhances reliability. This external hard drive is perfect for users who demand both performance and peace of mind.

The Seagate Expansion HDD is a user-friendly external hard drive that connects easily with a power supply and USB cable. You can enjoy fast data transfers thanks to its USB 3.0 compatibility, making it ideal for quickly moving large files. With the drag-and-drop file storage feature, you can effortlessly manage your files on Windows without any complicated setup. Keep in mind that if you wish to use it with a Mac, you'll need to reformat the drive, so ensure your data is backed up beforehand.

The Maxone 500GB HDD features an ultra-slim design at just 0.4 inches thick, making it easy to carry and store. Its all-aluminium casing not only provides durability but also ensures it runs cool and quiet, enhancing your experience. With USB 3.0 technology, you can enjoy super-fast transfer speeds of up to 5 Gbit/s, significantly improving your PC's performance. The drive is compatible with various devices, including game consoles like PS4 and Xbox One, allowing for seamless storage expansion.

The UnionSine External HDD offers a substantial 10TB capacity, making it ideal for storing large files such as 4K videos and games. With its advanced MTC multi-layer caching technology, you can expect faster loading times for applications and files, enhancing your productivity. Its USB-C 3.2 Gen2 interface ensures compatibility with various devices, including PCs, Macs, and gaming consoles. Additionally, the upgraded cable and anti-vibration design help maintain efficient data transfer and reduce noise during operation, providing a seamless user experience.

The Sonnics 2TB External Hard Drive is an ideal storage solution for your Windows PC, Mac, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Smart TV. It’s pre-formatted to FAT32, allowing you to easily connect and start using it right away, or you can reformat it to suit your needs. With USB 3.0 technology, you will benefit from ultra-high-speed data transfers of up to 5GBPS, making file transfers quicker and more efficient. Being mains powered, this desktop drive offers reliable performance, especially when you need extra storage for your games.