Key Points
The right hard drive for storing your photos will need to have fast data transfer speeds, measured in revolutions per minute (RPM). Higher RPM generally means faster performance.
Sufficient storage capacity is also crucial to hold all your images and videos. Drives are available from 1TB to 18TB.
Look for drives with multiple ports like USB 3.0, Thunderbolt 3, etc. to enable easy connections with different devices and prevent compatibility issues.
Hard drives play a vital role in digital photography, providing safe and expansive storage for all your precious photos. But with so many options across varying speeds, interfaces, and prices, it can get overwhelming to pick the perfect one. This guide will walk you through the key factors to consider and recommend top drives for different needs and budgets.
Best Overall: Seagate Backup Plus
The Seagate Backup Plus Ultra Touch is our top pick for the best overall external hard drive for photo storage. It strikes the right balance of speed, capacity, affordability, and reliability.
While a rotational hard drive, it still delivers decent performance with reported speeds up to 160MB/s. Coupled with high capacities up to 14TB, you‘ll have ample room for photos and videos for years to come.
It works seamlessly with both Windows and Mac right out of the box. The included USB 3.0 connection offers versatile compatibility, while the slim and modern design makes it highly portable.
Retailing between $65 to $310 for capacities ranging from 2TB to 14TB, it hits the sweet spot for value. More importantly, Seagate drives are known for their durability and longevity.
If you want lots of storage on a budget without compromising too much on speed or portability, the Seagate Backup Plus is undoubtedly the drive to beat.
Fastest Option: Samsung X5 Portable SSD
The Samsung X5 Portable SSD is the undisputed speed champion with exceptional read and write speeds up to 2,800MB/s and 2,300MB/s respectively.
It achieves its unmatched velocity by using cutting-edge Thunderbolt 3 and NVMe technologies. This makes it perfect for transferring lots of high-res photos quickly.
Available from 500GB to 2TB, its premium speed and performance come at a premium price tag ranging from $200 to $550. But for professional photographers who value speed above all else, the Samsung X5 Portable SSD is worth every penny.
Its sleek, shock-resistant design and hardware encryption provide the added bonuses of portability and security. For those with compatible Thunderbolt 3-equipped Macs or PCs, this drive blows away the competition.
Best for Travel: SanDisk Professional G-Drive ArmorATD
The SanDisk Professional G-Drive ArmorATD is purpose-built for photographers on the move. Its rugged design makes it dustproof, rain resistant, and capable of withstanding up to a 1,000lb crush.
So you can take it on all your global adventures without worry. It uses a standard hard drive with capacities up to 5TB, offering abundant storage at affordable prices.
While speeds top out at 140MB/s, it‘s sufficient for most photographer‘s needs. The durable build does come with some added weight, but the compact footprint keeps it easily portable.
For travel photographers wanting ample capacity that can withstand harsh environments, the G-Drive ArmorATD is a prudent choice. With prices ranging from $90 for the 1TB model up to $170 for the 5TB version, it provides outstanding value too.
Best Budget Option: WD Elements Portable HDD
If you‘re looking for an ultra-affordable external hard drive with solid performance, the WD Elements is a top option with massive capacities up to 5TB.
It uses a standard hard drive with platter rotation speeds of 5,400RPM. So while peak transfer rates reach only about 480MB/s, it‘s fast enough for routine photo backups and basic editing.
The simple, no-frills design highlights its affordability. But hidden beneath the ordinary exterior lies proven WD build quality and reliability. Portable and bus-powered, it works seamlessly with USB 3.0 ports on both Windows PCs and Macs.
With prices ranging from $47 for 1TB to $100 for 5TB, it‘s easy to stock up on vast storage without putting a huge dent in your wallet. If you want lots of space on a tight budget, the WD Elements Portable hard drive is a wallet-friendly solution.
Most Secure Option: iStorage DiskAshur DT2
For photographers with sensitive images or strict privacy requirements, the iStorage DiskAshur DT2 offers unparalleled security. It uses military-grade 256-bit AES hardware encryption to protect your data combined with a Common Criteria EAL5+ certified secure microprocessor.
You need to enter a 7-15 digit PIN to unlock the encrypted drive every time it‘s connected. The alphanumeric keypad prevents against brute force hacking attempts. It‘s also dustproof, waterproof, and shockproof for durability.
Available from 2TB up to a whopping 18TB, transfer speeds reach 225MB/s over its USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface. Of course, this level of security and capacity comes at a premium — expect to pay $190 for 2TB to $840 for 18TB.
If you deal in highly sensitive images or restricted content, the iStorage DiskAshur DT2 offers uncompromising data protection worthy of government agencies.
What to Consider When Buying an External Hard Drive for Photos
Here are some key factors to evaluate when choosing the best external hard drive for your photography needs:
Storage Capacity
As photo and video file sizes continue to balloon, you‘ll want a drive with sufficient room for all your current and future storage requirements.
While 1-2TB may cover basic needs initially, it‘s better to get more capacity upfront if your budget allows. Drives are available from 1TB for under $50 up to a massive 18TB for over $700.
Calculate your total storage needs, then add some headroom for future growth. Storing RAW high MP images and 4K video eats up space quickly.
Drive Speeds
Faster drives allow quicker editing, copying, and backups of your precious photo collections. Portable HDDs use spinning platters that rotate at speeds measured in RPM (revolutions per minute). Standard drives operate at 5,400 RPM.
For better performance, look for 7,200 RPM or even 10,000 RPM options. Solid state drives (SSDs) offer vastly faster speeds still, but currently only at lower capacities and higher prices.
The interface used is also vital — USB 3.0 allows faster transfers than USB 2.0. Next-gen interfaces like Thunderbolt 3 or USB 3.2 Gen 2 can hit amazing speeds upwards of 2,800MB/s.
Build Quality and Features
Photographers often travel to extreme locations and environments. So increased durability can prevent failures and lost images. Look for features like waterproofing, shock resistance, dust proofing, and crush protection if needed.
Security is another concern when traveling abroad or storing sensitive client deliverables. Drives with AES hardware encryption and lockable bays with PIN authentication offer robust protection.
Also check that extra features like backup software, password managers, port replicators etc. match your workflow needs. The software should work seamlessly on both Windows and Mac.
Warranties and Support
Reputable manufacturers like Western Digital, Seagate, and SanDisk stand behind their products with strong warranties against defects:
- Seagate drives come with 1 to 5 years of coverage
- Western Digital offers up to 3 years on some models
- SanDisk provides up to 5 years on certain SSD lines
This protects your data and budget from premature drive failures. Compare warranty terms before buying lesser-known brands.
Verifying compatibility with your specific desktop or laptop model is prudent too. While most external drives work universally across Windows and Mac, occasionally OEM devices have restrictions.
Using Hard Drives for Photo Storage
External HDDs offer photographers a reliable and cost-effective means to store entire lifetimes worth of memories. The ample capacities let you archive all your RAW files, edits, and exports without worrying about running out of room down the line.
They provide much more space than typical internal drives in laptops. Portable drives don‘t require external power, making them easy to take anywhere. Rugged options handle adventure travel too.
With USB 3.0 allowing transfer speeds approaching the limits of spinning hard drives, you don‘t have to wait forever to copy large folders over. It‘s fast enough for smooth image browsing, reasonable editing, and regular backups.
For more demanding tasks like 4K video editing, external SSDs are better suited. But they remain far more expensive per GB compared to HDDs. Hard drives give lots of bang for the buck with decent performance for most photographers.
The weak point is vulnerability to shock damage. So treat portable drives gently, use protective casings during transit, and keep backups in multiple locations. Following some basic precautions, they will reliably hold your precious photos for years.
Conclusion
There‘s no one definitive "best external hard drive" for everyone. Needs and budgets vary widely between hobbyists and professionals.
Hopefully this guide gives you a great starting point to identify drives matching your specific price, speed, capacity, and feature preferences.
In summary:
- The Seagate Backup Plus is well-rounded with nearly unbeatable value
- The Samsung X5 offers unmatched speed for high-end users
- The G-Drive ArmorATD protects your data through demanding conditions
- The WD Elements provides shockingly low cost per terabyte
- For utmost security, the DiskAshur DT2 is virtually hack-proof
Do your homework, shop carefully, and choose wisely. A quality hard drive deserves to be your photo archive for generations. Protecting decades of photographic memories carries no small responsibility.
