Best External Hard Drives for Photographer

10 Best External Hard Drives for Photographers to Use in 2022

Are you snapping lots of awesome pictures and wondering where to keep them safe? Well, get ready to learn about some super cool gadgets called external hard drives!

These magical devices are like treasure chests for your photos. It keeps them safe and sound for you to enjoy anytime.

Today, we’ll explore the best external hard drives for photographers. From storing your favorite snapshots to keeping your photo albums organized, these gadgets are perfect for keeping your picture treasures safe.

It also helps to share it with your friends and family. So, let’s dive in and discover the perfect external hard drive for your amazing photos!

Here, we have listed the best external hard drives for photographers.

WD My Passport

WD My Passport is a renowned choice for its spacious storage and data transfer speed.

It is a portable storage drive with various stylish colors, including – black, red, blue, white, orange, and yellow.

The 3TB & 4TB is quite thickened than the lower-capacity models, but the speed is great.

The WD My Passport has included backup software and encryption software.

So this drive is a perfect choice for the professional photographers.

Pros

  • Superfast
  • Compact size
  • Great storage space
  • Affordable price
  • Stylish colors
  • Automatic backup system

Cons

  • High versions are bulky
  • No USB-C

2. Lacie DJI Copilot

Lacie DJI Copilot

Lacie DJI Copilot is a great, innovative, and high-technology external drive.

It has an SD card slot where you can keep the backup of your shots. The dimension of this backup drive is 136 x 110 x 36mm.

Moreover, the image read/write speeds: 84/82MB/s and the video read/write speeds: 127/127MB/s.

By downloading the Copilot BOSS software, you can see the shots on the drive on your smartphone easily.

Pros

  • Versatile and sturdy
  • Easy to carry
  • Excellent storage
  • Holographic status screen
  • Amazing display
  • Great battery life
  • Dust resistant

Cons

  • Requires wall wart for charging
  • Comparatively slow
  • No progressive backups

3. Transcend StoreJet 25M3

Transcend StoreJet 25M3

If you are looking for a speedy and durable hard drive, Transcend StoreJet 25M3 will be the best for you.

Because it has an advanced three-stage shock protection system, durable anti-shock rubber outer case.

The average capacity is 1TB-2TB. Also, it keeps important files organized, protected, and up-to-date.

So we recommend using this high-quality external drive for enjoying better performance.

Pros

  • One-touch auto backup
  • Anti-shock protection
  • Fast transfer speed
  • Quality product
  • Multicolor options
  • Power-saving sleep mode is available
  • Includes Transcend elite software

Cons

  • Bulky casing
  • High price
  • Drive does not ship with Mac software
  • Not easy to carry

4. Samsung T5 Portable SSD

Samsung T5 Portable SSD

The Samsung T5 Portable SSD is adored by many users for its classic and super fast read-write speeds.

The internal structure is shock-resistant. The model is perfect for moving high-resolution files, for example, 4K video, HD shots, Games, etc.

For this reason, Samsung T5 is also known as the best SSD. In addition, the drive provides strong security of your files by offering optional password protection and AES 256-bit hardware encryption system.

Pros

  • Excellent transmission speed
  • Shock resistant
  • Compact design
  • Lightweight to carry(1.08 oz)
  • Secure encryption
  • USB-C interface
  • Great capacity (500GB-2TB)
  • Very dependable

Cons

  • Not dust protective
  • Expensive drive

5. SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD

SanDisk Extreme Portable drive

SanDisk Extreme Portable drive comes up with the capacity of storage from 250GB-2TB.

The dimensions of this drive are 1.3 × 3.98 × 5 inches and the interface is USB-C. It provides ultra file transmission speed (550MB/s).

Moreover, it is thin and perfect for travelers. Sometimes the performance may be lower depending on drive capacity, host device, application, and OS. But overall, it is a great external hard drive.

Pros

  • IP55 degree of protection
  • High-speed transfer
  • Compact and pocket-sized
  • Secured by hardware ciphering
  • Best for PC and Mac users
  • Water and dust resistant
  • Travel-type SSD
  • Excellent performance

Cons

  • There is no seal over the USB port
  • Slightly expensive
  • Not included WD backup software

6. iStorage diskAshur 2

iStorage diskAshur

Another best portable hard drive is iStorage diskAshur 2. You don’t need any extra software or computer link.

Because this drive can work perfectly with its 100% hardware data encryption.

Moreover, it features FIPS PUB 197 Validated Encryption Algorithm, PIN authentication (7-15-digit PIN), and Real-time military grade AES-XTS 256-bit hardware encryption.

Therefore, iStorage diskAshur 2 is ideal to safeguard your valuable and sensitive data.

Pros

  • Enough space (up to 8TB)
  • High-quality product
  • Multicolor options
  • Auto Lock system
  • USB 3.1 Portable Encrypted Drive
  • Amazing speed
  • No software required
  • Highly secure

Cons

  • Very costly for per gigabyte
  • Larger and heavier
  • No USB-C adapter
  • Short integrated USB cable

7. Seagate Portable External Hard Drive

Seagate Portable External Hard

If you intend to buy a low-priced, good quality drive, then Seagate Portable External Hard Drive will be perfect for you.

The maximum storage capacity is 1TB and compatible with laptops. Specially designed to work with Windows or Mac computers.

This USB drive also provides an 18 inch USB 3.0 cable. The Interface speed is 5.0 Gbps (USB 3.0) and 480 Mbps (USB 2.0).

We recommend you to try this product. This SSD drive is one if the best portable drives to transfer data.

Pros

  • Easy setup
  • Reasonable price
  • No need extra software
  • Good read/write speed
  • Enough space
  • Compact design
  • Automatic recognition
  • No security feature

Cons

  • No backup software
  • Limited warranty

8. G-Technology G-DRIVE USB-C Hard Drive

G-Technology G-DRIVE The USB-C Hard Drive

G-Technology G-DRIVE The USB-C Hard Drive is a stylish and reliable hard drive.

It is considered the best external hard drive for photos. It ciphers all data automatically, and you need a password to access it.

Dimensions 7.72 × 5.06 × 1.39 inches and weight 36.6 oz. The maximum transfer speed is 250 MB/s.

The most important thing, the product is rated as the best external hard drive by Mac users.

Pros

  • USB 3.1 Gen 1 interface, and USB-C connector
  • High capacity
  • Apple Time Machine ready
  • Ideal for Mac and Windows
  • Shiny aluminum body
  • Easily reformatted (Windows)
  • Sleek & durable

Cons

  • High price
  • No rubber feet
  • Transfer speed needs improvement

9. ADATA SD700 1TB SSD

ADATA SD700 1TB SSD

ADATA SD700 1TB SSD is one of the cheapest external hard drives. Besides, it has many advantages.

The read and write speed is 440 Megabytes Per Second. Compatible with Windows, Mac OS, Android.

It is a great choice for the people who are looking for the best quality product at a reasonable price.

So undoubtedly, the ADATA SD700 1TB SSD is a perfect external hard drive for you.

Pros

  • Military-grade shockproof
  • IP68 dust and waterproof
  • Beautiful color
  • Interface: USB 3.2 Gen1
  • Great storage
  • Small and Easy to carry
  • 3D NAND Ruggedized Portable SSD
  • Low price
  • Compact design

Cons

  • A type C connector needs improvement
  • Outdated backup software
  • Lower transfer rate

10. Fantom Drives External Hard Drive

Fantom Drives External Hard Drive

The Fantom Drives G-Force 3 Series is specially made for hard-core users. For example, Photographers, Videographers, and Gamers.

Because they need a great deal of extra storage. In this regard, Fantom Drives performs well and completes huge tasks.

The drive has a high capacity of up to 16 TB. The highest Transfer Speed is 260 MB/s.

Moreover, it’s hard aluminum body offers great protection for drives and keeps the temperature cool.

Pros

  • Supports Mac, Windows, XBOX, PS4
  • No software needed
  • High transfer speed
  • Perfect for audio and video professionals
  • Great capacity
  • Hard aluminum body
  • Quality design

Cons

  • Quite heavy (38.4 oz)
  • Difficult to wake up from sleep mode

Final Words

It is time to wrap up our talk about the best external hard drives. These are like secret treasure chests for your photos, keeping them safe and sound.

Remember, finding the right one is like picking the perfect hiding spot for your favorite toys. It should be strong, big enough, and easy to use.

So, when you’re out snapping pictures of your adventures, know that your photos will be safe and ready to show off whenever you want.

Keep on clicking, keep on exploring, and keep those memories safe with your trusty external hard drive!

That’s all for now, kiddos. Happy picture-taking!