11 Best External Hard Drives For Photographers In 2024

11 External Hard Drives for Photographers

As specialists who deal with considerable volumes of data daily, photographers frequently find themselves in an emergency situation beyond the common use of a digital storage device. They rely on the external hard drive for photos and value a combination of compact size, large capacity and speed.

That’s because working with capacious media files is a difficult task, particularly while being outdoors and out of the reach of power sources. It is important to store the content separately: if the computer crashes, access to primary materials will still remain.

1. SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD

FixThePhoto editors’ choice

Capacity: 250 GB – 2 TB | Interface: USB-C | Max Transfer Speed: 550 MB/s | Dimensions: 1.3 × 3.98 × 5 inches | Weight: 1.44 oz

It is a thin, low-energy, travel-type SSD. The model belongs to solid-state drives cherished for compact size and absence of motion work inside. This reliable external hard drive is enclosed in a firm plastic case in a rubberized shell, has an IP55 degree of protection, doesn’t yield to water or particles.

It withstands a fall from a height of 2 m and can resist water flow for 3 minutes. The speedy file transmission lets you move HD pictures in no time and ensures flawless video performance worthy of the rank of the best portable hard drive for photographers.

2. Samsung T5 Portable SSD

Samsung V-NAND flash memory technology

Capacity: 500 GB – 2 TB | Interface: USB-C | Max Transfer Speed: 540 MB/s | Dimensions: 0.41 × 2.91 × 2.26 inches | Weight: 1.8 oz

Many users adore the Samsung T5 SSD external hard drive for a classy and glossy case made of metal with a non-slip bottom. The internal structure is built to withstand shock when dropped from 2 meters down. It is also the fastest external storage device.

Since the model is suitable for transferring massive files such as 4K video, HD shots, games, the model can be called the best SSD for photo editing. The hardware ciphering is an important feature for professionals who take the privacy of their clients seriously and want to protect the sensitive data with a password. The hard drive is extremely reliable, provides ultra-fast transmission speeds, and yet has a miniature body that fits in a palm.

• Find out what is the best video format to store 4K videos.

3. WD My Passport SSD Portable Storage

Slim solid-state drive with auto backup software

Capacity: 250 GB – 2 TB | Interface: USB-C | Max Transfer Speed: 540 MB/s | Dimensions: 3.5 × 1.8 × 0.39 inches | Weight: 1.44 oz

For those in need of an ultraportable external hard drive for photos with the stability of a solid-state drive and dainty design, this model would be among the best offers. In the manufacturer’s series of devices, this one combined the fastest drives with the narrowest body even for the standards of very compact SSDs, sitting comfortably in a regular pocket.

The automatic backup software that comes with it and the self-recharging technology are very convenient. Its beautiful design and the production’s great reputation make it the best portable external hard drive with a low failure rate.

4. WD My Passport External Hard Drive

A great choice if you rate capacity and cost

Capacity: 1 – 5 TB | Interface: USB-C | Max Transfer Speed: 5 GB/s | Dimensions: 4.22 × 2.95 × 0.44 inches | Weight: 4.2 oz

This model has become the best external hard drive for photos for professionals who prefer mobile storage of a large capacity for a reasonable cost. It meets storage requirements due to its small form factor, durability and built-in power supply. The package includes software for backup, encryption, and connection to social networks or cloud storage.

5. LaCie Rugged Mini Portable HDD

Compact portable design in a rubberized case

Capacity: 1 – 5 TB | Interface: USB 3.0 | Max Transfer Speed: 130 MB/s | Dimensions: 3.39 × 0.75 × 5.31 inches | Weight: 8 oz

If your requirements are cost and durability, this model should seem like a strong option. This option would perfectly meet the needs of a travel photographer. You would have no problems connecting it to either Windows or Mac.

The type is a regular hard drive and the file transferring happens slower. But there is compensation in the form of a free month of using Adobe Creative Cloud. This hard drive for photos, wrapped in an orange rubber bumper, lets no water or dust through and can withstand rough handling (like falling down from 4 feet or being crushed by a 1-ton car). On top of that, you get a 2-year warranty.

• Find out how else you can get Adobe Creative Cloud free.

6. WD My Passport Wireless Pro External HD

Mobile devices charger with SD card reader

Capacity: 1 TB – 4 TB | Interface: Wi-Fi, USB 3.0 | Max Transfer Speed: 433 MB/s | Dimensions: 5 × 5 × 0.94 inches | Weight: 16 oz

Out of the many consumers who are looking to buy the best storage device for photos, few would need a wireless device or one that can read an SD card. But for traveling photographers, it’s a necessity since they need to avoid taking a laptop.

The WD 2TB My Passport wireless external HD with SD card reader was designed to copy to its internal drive everything that’s on a memory card. Moreover, it has an integrated 6400 mAh battery bank that can charge your devices.

The device is a perfect data storage media for cases when you often stream files to a Smart TV, smartphone or anything else using Plex.

It is the best external hard drive for photographers and videographers, as it is rather universal and makes the working process easier.

• Learn more about the best free video players.

7. LaCie d2 Professional External Hard Drive

Enterprise-class drive for auto-backup

Capacity: 4 – 10 TB | Interface: USB 3.0 | Max Transfer Speed: 240 MB/s | Dimensions: 7.42 × 2.36 × 5.12 inches | Weight: 49.4 oz

The production of this brand is known among professional users as reliable and highly efficient. You will be impressed by the noiseless performance of the hard drive that the designers achieved through installing a unique fanless cooling mechanism.

The speed of data transfer reaches 7200 rpm. The one-piece aluminum body is a distinctive touch of the brand together with the blue light that blinks when automatically backing up. With a special 5-year warranty that also provides data recovery, this is the best hard drive for photo storage.

• Find out the other ways of getting Adobe Creative Cloud torrent.

8. G-Technology G-DRIVE USB-C Hard Drive

Stylish, high-capacity, reliable hard drive

Capacity: 4 TB – 14 TB | Interface: USB-C | Max Transfer Speed: 250 MB/s | Dimensions: 7.72 × 5.06 × 1.39 inches | Weight: 36.6 oz

When searching for the best external hard drive for photos Mac users single out this model specifically. It can boast a classy and elegant aesthetic around a high-performance tool. It charges a compatible MacBook, ciphers all data automatically and requires a password to access it.

The G logo glows when the drive is busy automatically backing up. The one-piece, lightweight aluminum case has a handy power button. Mac users have rated it as the best hard drive for photographers because of its hardiness, silence and unfailing performance.

9. WD My Book Desktop External Hard Drive

Equipped with social media and cloud storage import

Capacity: 3 – 14 TB | Interface: USB 3.0 | Max Transfer Speed: 180 MB/s | Dimensions: 5.5 × 1.9 × 6.7 in inches | Weight: 46 oz

The brand is famous for creating tempting offers. But this particular model stands out because it provides the most space in this price category and many users even claim it is the best cheap external hard drive you can currently find. It supports external hard drive hardware encryption, automatic backup through the company’s own program, and is supported by Apple's Time Machine.

It has a common USB 3.0 interface and an exFAT format that is perfect for working with a PC or laptop that runs on MacOS or Windows. The model is a versatile option with a temperate polycarbonate case, high capacity and operation speed that will remain convenient in use for years.

10. Seagate Backup Plus Hub External Hard Drive

Solid USB storage and charger for your devices

Capacity: 4 – 10 TB | Interface: USB 3.0 | Max Transfer Speed: 160 MB/s | Dimensions: 4.65 × 1.61 × 7.8 inches | Weight: 37 oz

The external hard drive 4TB has been designed with adaptability as the main feature. Being immediately accessible to Windows devices, it provides an NTFS driver that you can install to use Mac as well.

During the file transfer, you can also recharge any equipment through the USB 3.0 ports. The convenient backup software will only need one click from you to start the process of saving.

The reason why it’s the best external hard drive for photographers is the feature that allows users to put together backups from a number of sources like devices, clouds or social networks. You can install an app and include any phone or tablet into the file transferring chain. This allows you to have all your data from any source saved and protected without having to pay extra.

• Save even more with our Adobe Creative Cloud discounts.

11. Fantom Drives 4TB External Hard Drive

For professionals requiring performance and reliability

Capacity: 500 GB – 16 TB | Interface: USB 3.0 | Max Transfer Speed: 260 MB/s | Dimensions: 7.7 × 1.7 × 4.7 inches | Weight: 38.4 oz

The Fantom Drives G-Force 3 Series is designed for heavy-duty users, such as photographers, videographers and gamers. They usually need a lot of storage space with high-speed response and unfailing performance.

The model’s sleek aluminum body is meticulously designed and works like a natural radiator to create a virtually silent user experience. It can perform huge tasks with speed and ease. For these reasons, this model is the best for photographers and creatives who deal with audio and video and face a constant need for processing considerable amounts of data.

List of the Best External Hard Drives for Photographers

Image	Name	Features
	SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD OUR CHOICE	SSD with a quick transfer rate Data security with hardware ciphering Waterproof, dustproof and shockproof	Check PRICE →
	Samsung T5 Portable SSD FASTEST	Very fast Shock resistance and secure encryption Ultracompact, nothing extra	Check PRICE →
	WD My Passport Wireless Pro External HD WIRELESS	Wireless AC with password protection Up to 10 hours of battery life Charging and connecting up to 8 devices	Check PRICE →
	LaCie d2 Professional External Hard Drive Desktop HDD PROFESSIONAL	Enterprise-class drive Silent aluminum design Supported by Windows and Mac	Check PRICE →
	WD My Passport External Hard Drive AFFORDABLE	Software for backing up files, securing passwords, managing the drive Available in large capacities and colors Bus-powered and social media friendly	Check PRICE →

How to Choose the Best External Hard Drive for Photographers?

One of the worst things for a photographer is the loss of their materials due to a hardware failure or for another reason. Therefore, have more than one external hard drive for photos. The following recommendations, together with the external hard drive reviews, will help you make the right choice.

Type of Storage Mechanism & Capacity

Type of storage mechanism. Solid State Drives or SSDs use the newer flash technology without rotating parts inside. Therefore, the best SSD for photographers will provide silence, better read/write speed, smaller size/weight, and resistance to external influences. Use SSDs as portable devices and to expand the internal memory of a computer.

A familiar hard drive or HDD uses fragile moving parts that are vulnerable to shaking, it is noisier and heavier. An advantage of the mechanical nature of the HDD is its resistance to electromagnetic influences and statics, which will ensure the safety of files near electrical equipment.

Capacity is indirectly related to the type of hard drive through cost. The portability of SSDs is more expensive in terms of gigabytes of memory. Therefore, SSDs are put on the market at a higher price and in smaller volumes (max 2-4 TB). Their trump card is not the capacity, but portability, low power consumption, external security and data transfer speed, which are indispensable for travel and editing.

HDD offers more storage space at the best price – up to a couple of dozen terabytes. Therefore, an external HDD is suitable for local backup and can be considered the best storage device for photos.

Speed and Performance

Speed. For HDDs, the concept of rotation speed was introduced, the norm of which is 5400-7200 rpm. For both types of disks, the speed of read/write of files is valid. Usually the first is higher than the second one and is several hundred MB/s, the higher the faster. Due to the direct access to the flash memory cells, an SSD shows several times higher performance than an HDD.

None of the best external hard drives for photographers will operate at the peak speed indicated in its specification or determined by the type of connection. Transferring multiple files takes longer than transferring one of equal capacity. The installed OS and software also matter.

Performance is closely related to the type of device, speed indicators and the connection interface. With the introduction of fast interface technologies (USB 3.1 Gen-2 with a bi-directional speed of 10 Gb/s, USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 with a bi-directional speed of 40 Gb/s), it became possible to have external storage devices operating as extensions of the internal drives, provided that they are supported. The latest types of interface increase the performance and variability of the connection because new interfaces are often backward compatible with the previous version.

Additional Features

Some drives are preconfigured for MacOS or Windows. Reformatting is required for use on a different platform. To ensure cross-platform compatibility, the disks are equipped with additional software in the form of drivers.

Many manufacturers supply add-ons, such as backup, encryption or data management software, even free cloud storage. Some manufacturers include the cost of a monthly subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud Plan, which is an excellent alternative to an Adobe Creative Cloud crack.

Most of the best hard drives for photographers are powered by USB or Thunderbolt, no need for a dedicated power source. The package includes cables for converting between different designs of USB ports. It’s good if the drive supports Bus-Powered technology. With its help, the drive will be able to self-charge when connected or charge a connected external digital device.

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Ann Young

Hi there, I'm Ann Young - a professional blogger, read more