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Cloud storage may be more popular than ever, but external hard drives help free up space on your computer while storing important files without depending on an internet connection. They can be an excellent way to back up important files, such as photos, work documents, and media. As they range from 500GB to 20TB and above, you'll find that only one or two will be enough to handle all of your existing and future storage needs. As a bonus, hard drives don't require monthly subscription fees, unlike many cloud storage services.

I, along with many ZDNET authors, have tested, reviewed, and owned external hard drives from vendors including Lexar, Western Digital, and Samsung. In ZDNET's latest update, we conducted a thorough review of our 2026 guide. We also listed the WD 6TB My Passport and Seagate Portable 2TB among our alternative favorites.

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