External drives are used for backing up files, storing photo and video archives and moving data between computers. In our range you will find portable drives from Silicon Power, Intenso, Toshiba, Western Digital, Transcend and LaCie.
The category has over 10 models, from simple everyday drives to solutions aimed at professionals.
How to choose an external drive
HDD or SSD. A hard disk drive (HDD) costs less per gigabyte, so it suits large archives and backups. An SSD copies files much faster, runs silently and has no moving parts, so it copes better with knocks. If you carry the drive every day or work with large video files, an SSD is worth the extra.
Capacity. For photos and documents, 500 GB or 1 TB is usually enough. For a full computer backup, choose at least twice the capacity your files occupy, and set aside several terabytes for video footage or a game library.
Connection and speed. Most modern external drives connect over USB 3.x, and newer computers and phones have a USB-C port. Check that the cable fits your device: even a fast SSD will run slowly if plugged into an old USB 2.0 port.
Durability. If the drive travels in a rucksack, choose a model with a rubberised case or shock protection. This matters most for HDDs, because a drop while the drive is running can damage the moving parts.
Compatibility. Many drives come formatted with NTFS, which is designed for Windows. If you will use the drive with a Mac, a TV or a games console, you often need exFAT, so some models will have to be reformatted.
Brands we carry
- Silicon Power: a Taiwanese manufacturer known for its rugged Armor series of portable drives with shock-resistant cases. It has the most models in this category.
- Intenso: a German brand offering straightforward portable drives and USB flash drives for everyday use.
- Toshiba: its Canvio series of portable hard drives is one of the best-known options for everyday backups.
- Western Digital: famous for the My Passport series, where drives often come with backup software and password protection.
- Transcend: its StoreJet series includes shock-resistant models with rubber protection.
- LaCie: a company owned by Seagate, known for designer-styled drives and storage for photographers and video editors.
You will also find MediaRange products.
External drive FAQ
What is the difference between an external HDD and an external SSD?
An HDD stores data on spinning platters, while an SSD uses memory chips. This makes an SSD faster, quieter and more resistant to knocks, while an HDD usually costs less for the same capacity. HDDs are often chosen for large archives and SSDs for daily carrying.
How much capacity do I need for backups?
Choose at least twice the capacity of the data you plan to back up, so there is room for newer versions of your copies. For documents and photos, 1 TB is often enough, while video files can need several terabytes.
Do I need to format an external drive before using it?
Usually not, because most drives come pre-formatted and work with Windows straight away. You will need to format it if you want to use it with a Mac or a TV, or across several systems. The exFAT file system is the most convenient choice for that. Copy any important files off first, as formatting erases everything on the drive.
Does an external drive work with a phone or a TV?
Often yes, but it depends on the connector and the power supply. A phone needs a USB-C port or an adapter, and some drives draw more current than a phone can supply. TVs usually recognise drives formatted as FAT32 or exFAT, so check the manual for your model.
