The best external storage devices of 2020

It doesn't matter if you're a professional or a student, a gamer or a small business owner. If you use computers, you need a reliable external storage device. That's why today we're rounding up some of the best external storage devices you can buy in 2020. Check out this list to get the storage and security your files deserve.

The best external storage devices of 2020
Seagate One Touch SSD Tiny External Drive Palm-Sized Design

We all know the hassle of having a slow computer with almost-full memory. Hard drives have been around since the beginning of the computing era, but they’ve transformed into devices we’ve never seen before. Modern SSDs are smaller, cheaper, and way more powerful than before. Carrying your Instagram or YouTube videos with you in a hard drive is not a challenge anymore.

Related: Best office gadgets to help you multitask at work

But with so many options out there, which one should you go for? Should it be a compact, portable hard drive or a smart storage platform? We’ve sorted it for you in this roundup of some of the best external storage devices you can buy in 2020.

Seagate Fast SSD Compact Portable Hard Drive

Give your storage a boost with the Seagate Fast SSD Compact Portable Hard Drive. This portable SSD stores your files quickly wherever you are. With up to two terabytes of storage, this is one of the best external storage devices for keeping your data safe.


Cubbit Secure Cloud Storage Hub

Keep your cloud data private with the Cubbit Secure Cloud Storage Hub. For no monthly fee, this safe hub turns any hard drive into a private cloud. This way, you can share files and sync from anywhere.

LaCie Rugged Mini Portable Hard Drive

Secure your data from bumps and tumbles with the LaCie Rugged Mini Portable Hard Drive. This mini portable hard drive is durable, waterproof, and dustproof. It’s also compatible with USB 3.0.


iStorage diskAshur DT2 Encrypted Desktop Hard Drive

Guard your files with the iStorage diskAshur DT2 Encrypted Desktop Hard Drive. This device is hardware encrypted, so anyone who wants to open it will need a PIN. You’ll love the fast data transfer speed and easy operation.

iStorage diskAshur DT2 Encrypted Desktop Hard Drive

iStorage diskAshur DT2 Encrypted Desktop Hard Drive With a Laptop

WD My Book Duo External Storage Device

Expand your digital storage with the WD My Book Duo External Storage Device. This system provides an impressive 20 TB of storage and features a modern design that stands tall on your work desk.

WD My Book Duo External Storage Device

WD My Book Duo External Storage Device on a Desk

Seagate One Touch SSD Tiny External Drive

Another great item on our roundup of best external storage devices is the Seagate One Touch SSD Tiny External Drive. This small SSD works at high speed for video streaming and provides either a 500-gigabyte or a one-terabyte capacity.


Apollo Cloud 2 Duo Powerful Storage Device

Store your important files on the Apollo Cloud 2 Duo Powerful Storage Device. This system has a companion app that will also help you organize your documents, videos, photos, and more. And you’ll be able to give up to forty private members access.


LaCie Portable 2TB USB-C SSD

You’ll get plenty of storage with the LaCie Portable 2TB USB-C SSD. With 2TB capacity, this lightweight SSD lets you edit directly from the external drive. The 540 Mbps makes it quick and easy to manage your files.

Amber Smart Storage Platform

Access your files from anywhere with the Amber Smart Storage Platform. This device boasts an all-in-one design that easily stores your files locally and allows you to access them remotely.


Western Digital WD_BLACK P10 Game Drive External HDD

Another of our best external storage devices, the Western Digital WD_BLACK P10 Game Drive External HDD, gives you the space and speed you need. This hard drive transfers data at up to 140 Mbps. Its design is also pretty cool and can handle your real-world activities.


Seagate Backup Plus Ultra-Slim Portable Hard Drive

If you need an external storage device that’s portable, look no further than the Seagate Backup Plus Ultra Slim Portable Hard Drive. Weighing fewer than five ounces and measuring less than half an inch thick, this thin hard drive is easy to take anywhere.

Western Digital G-Technology ArmorATD Rugged Portable Hard Drive

One of our best external storage devices for your adventurous lifestyle is the Western Digital G-Technology ArmorATD Rugged Portable Hard Drive. This compact hard drive has three layers of shock-resistant material and can stand up to rain and dust.


Samsung X5 Thunderbolt 3 Portable SSD

You’ll be able to back up and retrieve your files quickly with the Samsung X5 Thunderbolt 3 Portable SSD. Both the one- and two-terabyte editions deliver an impressive write speed of up to 2,300 Mbps.

Samsung X5 Thunderbolt 3 Portable SSD

Samsung X5 Thunderbolt 3 Portable SSD on a Desk

RAVPower Mini External Portable SSD Hard Drive

Transfer your data unbelievably fast with the RAVPower Mini External Portable SSD Hard Drive. This portable hard drive transfers data at 540 Mbps and has a shock-proof and scratch-resistant case.


iStorage diskAshur PRO2 Secure Hard Drive

The iStorage diskAshur PRO2 Secure Hard Drive is another great option on our roundup of the best external storage devices. This storage device unlocks with a unique PIN, and its 256-bit encryption has military-grade approval.

iStorage diskAshur PRO2 Secure Hard Drive

iStorage diskAshur PRO2 Secure Hard Drive With a Laptop on a White Desk

So, which of these best external storage devices of 2020 do you think you’ll be adding to your tech collection? I’m all about the RAVPower Mini External Portable SSD Hard Drive. Please share your thoughts with us in the comments.

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Lauren has been writing and editing since 2008. She loves working with text and helping writers find their voice. When she's not typing away at her computer, she cooks and travels with her husband and two daughters.
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