To help you choose, here is a selection of the best external hard drives.
-
DR
The editorial staff of 20 Minutes did not participate in the production of this article.
In this area, external hard drives are a simple solution.
They plug in in an instant, operate without prior installation and are very discreet.
Everything you need to know before buying an external hard drive
What are the read and write speeds on an external hard drive?
Read and write speeds are often used when choosing a hard drive.
Write speed sets the maximum speed at which the system can write new data to disk.
The reading speed gives the speed with which he can consult them.
Reading speed is always more important than writing speed.
Thus, by speaking of transfer speed, one generally designates the reading speed.
What is an SSD hard drive?
An SSD (Solid-State Drive) is different from traditional HDD (Hard Disk Drive) by the speed of their transfers: an SSD is much faster in reading as in writing than an HDD.
SSD hard drives are most often used to store resource-intensive software, such as video games or image editing applications.
In this way, they speed up its execution.
When to prefer an external hard drive?
Although they are small in size, external hard drives take up a bit of desk space.
On average, they are also a bit more expensive.
They are preferred by nomadic workers, or those who do not lack space on their desk.
The selection of the best external hard drives of the moment
Western Digital Elements 1TB: the compact and lightweight external hard drive
Western Digital Elements 1TB - DR
Western Digital's external hard drive offers a nice extension of its storage capacity.
With 1 TB, there is enough space to accommodate a large number of files.
This device from the Elements range adopts a style that is both clean and compact: with a length of 11.1 cm and 8.2 cm wide, it takes up little space and is lightweight (134 g).
It is easy to transport and connects to USB in an instant.
The pros and cons of the Western Digital Elements 1TB external hard drive:
Most :
Compact and discreet;
Light, it can be taken in a pocket;
USB 3.0 connection.
The lessers :
Transfer speeds.
Buy Western Digital Elements
Toshiba Canvio Basics 4TB: the large capacity external hard drive
Toshiba Canvio Basics - DR
For people looking for a very large storage capacity, we prefer external hard drives of 4 or 5 TB, or even more.
Drives like Toshiba's Canvio Basics thus offer an unbeatable space-price ratio.
Usable immediately, its 4 TB is spacious enough to accommodate extremely large files.
If it is a little longer and heavier (14 cm long for 249 g), this disc retains the compact 2.5 "format and has two USB 3.0 and 2.0 inputs.
The pros and cons of the Toshiba Canvio Basics 4TB external hard drive:
Most :
Very large storage capacity;
Excellent space-price ratio;
Two USB inputs;
Quiet.
The lessers :
Slightly slow transfer speeds for large files.
Get the Toshiba Canvio Basics
Western Digital WD My Passport 2TB: the external hard drive protected by a password
Western Digital WD My Passport - DR
It is not uncommon to store important files on external hard drives.
This is why Western Digital and its My Passport range offer an external hard drive with protections against data theft.
The drive therefore has password protection and AES 256-bit hardware encryption.
The WD My Passport also includes WD Backup software to restore data in the event of a problem.
The pros and cons of the Western Digital WD My Passport 2TB external hard drive:
Most :
256-bit AES encryption;
Password protection ;
Supplied with backup software;
Weight (120 g).
The lessers :
Its color makes it less discreet.
Buy Western Digital WD My Passport
Transcend StoreJet 25H3: the shockproof external hard drive
Nomadic device par excellence, the StoreJet 25H3 from Transcend emphasizes its solidity.
Very reliable, its case has triple protection against shocks and knocks.
Its 4 TB of storage also offers protection against data loss.
Besides hardware encryption, it includes a backup button.
Just tap on it to instantly back up all of its files.
And the transfers of this external hard drive are intended to be fast thanks to the USB 3.1 Gen 1 connectivity.
Pros and cons of the Transcend StoreJet 25H3 external hard drive:
Most :
4 TB of storage;
Transfer speed;
Triple physical protection;
Its button to save files.
The lessers :
A bit more expensive.
Get the Transcend StoreJet here
Samsung Portable SSD T5: the external SSD hard drive
Samsung Portable SSD T5 - DR
Nothing like an SSD for better transfer speeds.
The Samsung T5 Portable SSD thus achieves up to 540 MB / s in writing, sufficient speed even for transferring very large files.
Its capacity of 500 GB is also interesting for storing its favorite applications.
It also benefits from AES 256-bit encryption.
This SSD finally opts for a minimalist all-metal profile.
This way, he is not afraid of falls.
The pros and cons of the Samsung Portable SSD T5 external hard drive:
Most :
Transfer speed;
Presence of AES 256-bit encryption;
Ultra-compact (7.4 cm long) and light;
Metal body.
The lessers :
As an SSD, its space-price ratio is less attractive than an HDD.
Get the Samsung Portable SSD T5
External hard drives aren't just about their storage capacity. Their read or write speeds are also important criteria. As for the best models, they are also equipped with protection software and / or come with a box allowing them to be stored in a vertical position.
Purchase guide
Good deal Cdiscount: The Seagate Expansion Desktop 10TB external hard drive at 209.99 euros
Purchase guide
Good deal Darty: 30% discount on the Asus TUF505 gaming laptop PC
Content offered by our expert tips, partners of 20 Minutes.
The editorial staff did not participate in its realization.
The prices mentioned in this article are indicative and are subject to change.
Good deal Darty
Amazon good deal
High tech, image and sound
Good deal Cdiscount
Good plan Fnac
Purchase guide
Good plan
Good deal Rue du Commerce