Best USB 3.0 External Hard Drives of 2025

Kenneth Collin Avatar
Kenneth Collin
Last Updated: 31 Jan 2025

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USB 3.0 External Hard Drives are a convenient and efficient way to store and transport large amounts of data. These external hard drives offer high-speed data transfer rates and large storage capacities, making them ideal for backing up important files, storing multimedia content, and carrying data on the go. With their plug-and-play functionality, these external hard drives can be easily connected to a computer or laptop without the need for additional software or hardware. They also offer a reliable and secure way to store sensitive data and protect it from loss or damage.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

WD 4TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive Cover #TOP 1
WD 4TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Seagate Expansion Desktop 6TB External Hard Drive Cover #TOP 2
Seagate Expansion Desktop 6TB External Hard Drive
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Meyritech 1TB USB 3.0 Portable Hard Drive Cover #TOP 3
Meyritech 1TB USB 3.0 Portable Hard Drive
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 USB 3.0 External Hard Drives

WD 4TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive

WD
WDBU6Y0040BBK-WESN
Black
WD 4TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive Cover
WD 4TB Elements portable external hard drive, USB 3.0 interface, portable external storage, Plug-and-Play, SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 1, Formatted for PC and Mac, Black

The WD 4TB Elements Drive offers you ample extra storage for your videos, music, photos, and files, making it easier to keep your digital life organised. With its plug-and-play feature, you can quickly connect it to your Windows PC without any hassle. The drive supports fast data transfers via USB 3.0 and USB 2.0, ensuring that moving large files is efficient. Additionally, it comes with a free trial of WD SmartWare Pro software for automatic and cloud data protection, giving you peace of mind regarding your valuable data.

What We Like
Ample storage capacity
Easy plug-and-play setup
Fast data transfer speeds
Cloud data protection software included
#TOP 2

Seagate Expansion Desktop 6TB External Hard Drive

STKP6000400
Black
Seagate Expansion Desktop 6TB External Hard Drive Cover
Seagate Expansion Desktop, 6TB, External Hard Drive, USB 3.0, 2 year Rescue Services (STKP6000400)

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.

What We Like
Easy plug-and-play setup
Fast file transfer speeds
Drag-and-drop saving
Compatible with Windows and Mac
#TOP 3

Meyritech 1TB USB 3.0 Portable Hard Drive

Black
Meyritech 1TB USB 3.0 Portable Hard Drive Cover
Meyritech 1TB USB 3.0 Hard Drive Type-C for Portable External Data Storage, Macbook, iMacs, PCs, Laptops, Xbox One & PS4 Consoles (Capacity, 1TB)

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.

What We Like
Fast data transfer speeds
Portable and lightweight design
No external power needed
Compatible with various devices
#TOP 4

Verbatim 53195 2TB Portable Hard Drive

53195
Black
Verbatim 53195 2TB Portable Hard Drive Cover
Verbatim 53195 2TB Portable USB 3.0 Hard Drive - Black

The Verbatim 2TB Hard Drive offers a range of features designed to enhance your data storage experience. With USB 3.0 SuperSpeed, you can enjoy ultra-fast data transfer, making it effortless to move large files quickly. The plug 'n' play functionality means you can simply connect it to your device without needing additional power, ensuring convenience when you're on the go. Plus, the included Nero Backup Software helps you easily secure your important files, while the energy-saving software ensures efficient power usage, keeping your device eco-friendly.

What We Like
Ultra-fast data transfer
Plug 'n' play convenience
Nero Backup Software included
Energy-saving features
Multiple colour options

WD 2TB My Passport for Mac External Storage

WD
WDBA2D0020BBL-WESN
Blue
WD 2TB My Passport for Mac External Storage Cover
WD 2TB My Passport for Mac portable external storage, USB 3.0, Mac Compatible external hard drive, software for device management, backup and password protection, Time Machine Ready, Midnight Blue

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.

What We Like
Easy Mac compatibility
Multiple connection options
Strong data security
Convenient file management
#TOP 6

ModusTech 1TB Portable External Hard Drive

ModusTech
Black
1 TB
ModusTech 1TB Portable External Hard Drive Cover
ModusTech External Hard Drive 1TB – Portable USB 3.0/ Type-C High-Speed HDD –Compatible with Windows Mac Laptop PC Desktop PS4 Xbox One–Slim External Storage Backup for Data Movie Game & Photo(1 TB)

The ModusTech External HDD offers ultra-fast USB 3.0 and Type-C connectivity, allowing you to transfer files at speeds up to 5 Gbps. This means you can back up large files like HD movies and games effortlessly. Its compact and portable design makes it easy for you to carry your data wherever you go. Plus, with a plug-and-play setup, you can start using it immediately without any software installation. With massive storage options, the drive caters to all your data storage needs.

What We Like
Fast data transfer speeds
Portable and lightweight design
Easy plug-and-play setup
Ample storage capacity

UnionSine HD2510 500GB Portable External Hard Drive

UnionSine
HD2510
Black
500GB
UnionSine HD2510 500GB Portable External Hard Drive Cover
UnionSine HD2510 500GB USB 3.0 Ultra Slim Portable External Hard Drive HDD Compatible with PC, Mac, Laptop, Xbox, Xbox One, PS4 (Black)

The UnionSine HD2510 Hard Drive offers versatile compatibility, allowing you to connect it to various devices like TVs, game consoles, and computers. This ensures you can easily access your data wherever you need it. Its improved design features rounded corners and a non-slip surface, providing a comfortable grip during use. With lightning-fast transfer speeds of up to 120MB/s read and 103MB/s write, you can quickly move large files. Plus, the plug-and-play functionality makes setup effortless, as there's no need for software installation.

What We Like
Versatile device compatibility
Comfortable non-slip design
Fast transfer speeds
Easy plug-and-play setup
#TOP 8

WD 8TB Elements External Hard Drive

WD
WDBWLG0080HBK-EESN
Black
WD 8TB Elements External Hard Drive Cover
WD 8TB Elements External Hard Drive, Desktop HDD storage, USB 3.0 compatible, Fast Transfer rates, Easy add on storage for all your pictures, videos, music and documents, Black

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.

What We Like
High storage capacity
Fast data transfer rates
Improves PC performance
Plug-and-play simplicity
Compatible with USB 2.0
#TOP 9

Seagate 2TB Game Drive for PS4/PS5

STLV2000202
White LED
Seagate 2TB Game Drive for PS4/PS5 Cover
Seagate Game Drive for PS4/PS5, 2 TB, External HDD, USB 3.0, Officially Licensed, Blue LED, incl 2 weeks Playstation+ (STLV2000202)

The Seagate Game Drive offers gamers an impressive 2 TB of storage, allowing you to build your game vault without worrying about sacrificing or deleting titles. Its official licensing ensures seamless compatibility with all PS5 and PS4 models, making it easy to set up and use. The built-in blue LED lighting adds a stylish touch, enhancing your gaming setup. With its lightweight and portable design, you can take your entire library with you, ensuring your games are always within reach.

What We Like
Officially licensed for PS4/PS5
2 TB storage capacity
Portable and lightweight
Stylish blue LED lighting
#TOP 10

Toshiba Canvio Partner 1TB Portable Hard Drive

HDTB510EK3AB
Black
Toshiba Canvio Partner 1TB Portable Hard Drive Cover
Toshiba Canvio Partner 1TB Portable 2.5’’ External Hard Drive, USB 3.2, Mac & Windows compatible. Xbox, PS4, PS5 (HDTB510EK3AB)

The Toshiba Canvio Partner is an excellent external hard drive that offers a generous 1TB of storage, allowing you to easily store all your important documents, photos, music, and videos. Its USB 3.0 interface ensures fast transfer speeds of up to 5Gbps, so you can quickly move large files without hassle. Designed for convenience, the drive is plug-and-play, meaning you can start using it immediately without any software installation. Furthermore, its compact and lightweight design makes it perfect for those who need to take their data with them wherever they go.

What We Like
High storage capacity
Fast data transfer speeds
Plug-and-play functionality
Portable and lightweight design
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can USB 3.0 power a hard drive?

If you are using a USB 3.0 port, your port will be able to supply a maximum of 900 mA (0.9 A). You can usually find the power requirements of your drive in the technical specifications on the label of the drive or on the manufacturer's website.

2. Can I use a USB 3.0 external hard drive in a USB 2.0 port?

Yes, Integral USB 3.0 Flash Drives and card readers are backwards compatible with USB 2.0 ports. The USB 3.0 Flash Drive or card reader will work at the speed of the port, for example if you use a USB 3.0 Flash Drive in your USB 2.0 laptop, it will work at USB 2.0 speed.

3. Is USB 3.0 faster than a hard drive?

The theoretical transfer speed of USB 3.0 is 4.8 Gbit/s (600MBps) vs. 480 Mbit/s (60MBps) which is a 10X improvement. Sustained transfer speeds (real life) for external hard drives are about 85MBps for USB 3.0 and about 22MBps for USB 2.0, so about a 5X improvement but still a significant advancement in transfer speed.

Editor's Notes

During our usb 3.0 external hard drive research, we found 112 usb 3.0 external hard drive products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 3,464,632 customer reviews through our big data system to write the usb 3.0 external hard drives list. We found that most customers choose usb 3.0 external hard drives with an average price of £41.39.

The usb 3.0 external hard drives are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of usb 3.0 external hard drives, including WD, Seagate, Meyritech, Verbatim, ModusTech.

Written by
Kenneth Collin Avatar

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.