Perhaps nothing is worse than finding there's not enough room on your PC to store your new files. External drives can be a great solution to that problem and a good way to backup and protect your most important data. 

Here are the best external hard drives to cover all requirements, including desktop models, slimline portables and matchbox-sized SSDs. Whatever your specifications, whatever your budget, we have the perfect external storage for you.

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Samsung T5

Best overall external drive

Inspired by its predecessor, the Samsung T5 is a lightweight, inexpensive, high-speed storage drive that looks like a portable storage device of the highest quality. Using the latest version of Samsung's 3D V-NAND technology, it packs up to 2 TB of storage space in a tiny design. At the same time, it comes at different prices in a range of storage sizes.

According to a review, the solid-state drive dominated the competition (and its predecessor T3) in read and write tests while maintaining the same physical footprint. Enclosed in a sturdy, aluminum case, Samsung claims that this external drive can stand a drop from as high as six feet.

Seagate Backup Plus Ultra Slim Portable

Most lightweight external drive

The Seagate Backup Plus Ultra Slim Portable will probably suit the bill if you're looking for anything compact that's also reasonably priced. It weighs a light 4.8 ounces and measures just 9.65 millimeters (0.38 inches) long. The enclosure is made primarily of black plastic, supplemented with a top of Platinum or Gold aluminum.

The speeds won't equal those of a solid-state drive. Still, some tests show that it can compete with any external mechanical device given its highly compact size. You can get the drive-in capacities of 1 TB and 2 TB.

Adata SE800

Toughest external drive

Looking for an extra-lasting SSD drive with super-fast speeds? Look no further than the newest SSD external to Adata, the SE800. Using the 512 GB or 1 TB edition, it boasts of a read and write feature with speeds of up to 1,000MBps. It links via a USB-C port and supports USB 3.2 Gen2 (10Gbps), while compliant with USB 2.0 backward.

This drive features a robust enclosure complemented by a polished surface with a black or blue hairline. The company says this drive meets the MIL-STD-810 G 516.6 impact resistance level, is fully resistant to dust, and can stay submerged for an hour in six feet of water.

Western Digital My Passport Ultra

Best budget external drive

The My Passport Ultra from Western Digital is not the lightest drive on the market. Still, it does come with a three-year warranty and a reputation for speed. Best of all, the drive doesn't need external power and has a sleek, stylish design, which is possibly why it's the first option for many on a budget.

You can't expect quick read and write speeds at this price. It includes a free WD Backup tool, password security, and capabilities to encrypt hardware with 256-AES. This is available in capacities of 1 TB, 2 TB, 4 TB, and 5 TB, with Blue or Silver finishes. It connects via USB-C, as opposed to other drives on this list.

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