Best USB-Powered External Hard Drives of 2025

The Seagate Expansion Portable offers a sleek and simple design, making it easy for you to take your photos, movies, and music wherever you go. With drag-and-drop file saving, you can effortlessly store your files without complicated software. The drive is powered by USB 3.0, ensuring faster data transfer speeds, which is particularly useful for large files. It also automatically recognises both Windows and Mac computers, allowing for a straightforward setup. However, for use with Time Machine, you will need to reformat the drive.

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.

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 WD 5TB Elements is an exceptional external hard drive designed for high storage and fast transfer rates. With its impressive 5 TB capacity, you can easily store and transfer large files, including HD movies, without hassle. Its lightweight and compact design makes it perfect for on-the-go use. Additionally, you can boost your PC's performance by transferring files swiftly to this device, allowing your computer to run smoothly. The hard drive is pre-formatted for Windows and can be reformatted for macOS, providing flexibility for different users.

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.

The Seagate 5TB Drive is an Amazon exclusive that simplifies file backups for both Windows and Mac users. You can easily back up your files using the drag-and-drop method, making the process quick and straightforward. Installing the drive is hassle-free as it connects directly to your computer and is automatically recognised, eliminating the need for software. With the included 46cm USB 3.0 cable, you can enjoy fast file transfers, ensuring that your data is moved swiftly and efficiently.

The Sonnics 3TB External Drive is an ideal storage solution for your Windows PC, Apple Mac, Xbox One, or Playstation 4. Formatted with the EXFAT file system, it provides flexibility as you can reformat it to NTFS if needed. With USB 3.0 technology, you can enjoy ultra-high-speed data transfers of up to 5GBPS, ensuring that your games load faster. This mains-powered external hard drive offers immediate extra storage, allowing you to install games directly onto it with ease.

The Sonnics 500GB Hard Drive offers USB 3.0 super speed with a 5Gbps transfer rate, allowing you to quickly move large files without any hassle. Its ultra-slim and lightweight design makes it easy to carry around, perfect for on-the-go storage. You won’t need an external power source, as it runs directly from a USB port, providing convenience wherever you are. Formatted to FAT32, it works seamlessly with both Windows and Mac operating systems, making it a reliable choice for all your storage needs.

The SUHSAI External Hard Drive offers impressive compatibility with various devices, including PCs, Macs, and gaming consoles like PS4 and Xbox. With a generous 500GB of storage, you can easily save and back up essential files, from documents to videos. Its USB 3.0 technology ensures high-speed data transfer, allowing you to move files quickly. Additionally, its ultra-slim design makes it highly portable, fitting comfortably in your hand or bag, so you can take your important data wherever you go.

The ModusTech External HDD is an excellent choice for quick and efficient data management. With ultra-fast USB 3.0 connectivity, you can transfer files at speeds up to 5 Gbps, making backups and data transfers effortless. Its compact and portable design allows you to carry large amounts of data easily, whether for work or leisure. Additionally, it features a plug-and-play setup, meaning you can start using it immediately without any software installation. This convenience lets you focus on your tasks without delays or complications.