An external hard drive is a valuable gadget that each technophile should have, whether it’s to transfer enormous files or to keep files that don’t fit on your computer anymore. Some higher-end hard drives come with a slew of extra capabilities that improve technical versatility.
Prices for external hard drives vary greatly based on storage capacity and characteristics. We’re here to help you through the process of purchasing an external hard drive and all of the features that come with it. We’ve also included a list of our top five hard drive suggestions for today. After reading this, we hope you’ll discover the finest HDD for your PC, console, or mobile device!
Buying Guide in Choosing an External Hard Drive
Here are some key points to consider:
- Select a hard disk with sufficient storage for your requirements.
- To guarantee smooth functioning, check the OS compatibility.
- To access data from many devices, use an HDD with NAS.
- Choose the transfer speed that best suits your needs.
- For a portable solution, consider wireless external HDDs.
- Look for extra features that will add value and security to your purchase.
Select a hard disk with sufficient storage for your requirements.
Because you’re purchasing a backup storage device for your computer, be sure it has enough space for your needs. Experts recommend getting a hard disk with at least three times the storage capacity of your computer. If your computer has roughly 500 GB of storage, for example, a 2TB hard drive could be the best option.
Make sure the hard disk has adequate capacity if you want to use it continually, such as in a security system. A 1TB hard disk can hold around 100 hours of full high definition (FHD) footage in the instance of a CCTV camera. This indicates that if you don’t wish to wipe the hard drive every 100 hours, it will be automatically cleaned. It is preferable to choose a larger model.
To guarantee smooth functioning, check the OS compatibility.
Make sure the external hard drive you choose is compatible with your computer’s operating system. If you have a Mac and the external HDD you bought is solely for Windows PCs, for example, the device will be limited in its capabilities. It’s important to double-check the label or contact the vendor directly if your hard disk may be used.
Furthermore, the majority of external hard drives on the market are now compatible with the latest Windows operating systems, such as Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11. Because Macs are a little more difficult to pair, it’s vital to acquire a hard drive manufactured exclusively for Macs if you’re using an earlier OS version. Before you buy anything, whether you use Mac or Windows, be sure it’s compatible.
To access data from many devices, use an HDD with NAS.
Choose an external hard drive with Network Attached Storage (NAS) if you wish to access your files from numerous devices in your home. You may use this function to access files and media from your computer, mobile, and other connected and compatible devices.
This function is useful for large, technologically inclined families who like sharing material. It’s also beneficial for folks who work from home since it allows them to access their files without having to leave their workplace. This function is quite useful, but it may come at a large cost, so consider twice before purchasing a hard disk with it.
Choose the transfer speed that best suits your needs.
The amount of data that can be transferred from one device to another in a given amount of time is referred to as transfer speed. This is crucial to verify when purchasing a hard disk, especially if you need to transfer big volumes of data at high rates.
If you deal with huge files like high-definition films often throughout the day, greater rates of up to 5 Gbps may be preferable. If you are a casual user who simply needs to transfer or back up a few files at home on a regular basis, hard drives with average speeds of approximately 100 MBps will suffice.
For a portable solution, consider wireless external HDDs.
If you’re often on the road yet need to access your information, a portable external hard disk is a good investment. These devices don’t require a power cable to connect to your computer. Large file transfers are conceivable with these convenient devices, and technology has made portable hard drives as powerful as plug-in hard disks.
However, these gadgets, particularly the cheaper variants, aren’t the most robust. A corrupted hard disk might cause you to lose all of your data and make recovery difficult. This can also happen if you unplug your HDD carelessly, so make sure you remove it safely to avoid any harm.
Look for extra features that will add value and security to your purchase.
Some of the more costly external hard drives come with capabilities that might be useful and valuable to customers. Some hard drives may be used as a Wi-Fi hotspot, which is beneficial for those who need to share their internet access with others or as a backup online connection for people who have sluggish or inconsistent internet connections.
External hard drives that can be used as a power bank are also available, which is useful for individuals who frequently charge their phones or other gadgets. There are other hard drives that may be password encrypted for further protection. Finally, if you’re often on the go, certain hard drives come with shockproof covers to protect them from damage.
Now that you have the tips for buying an external hard drive, selecting the proper hard drive for you will be no sweat, let’s go to Singapore’s finest external hard drive.
The Best Brands of External Hard Drives in Singapore
| Specifications | Features |
|---|---|
| Capacity: 1TB, 2TB, 5TB Interface: USB 3.0 Dimensions: 7.62 x 11.43 x 1.9cm Weight: 0.58lbs (265g) | Affordable and portable Available in several colors Wide compatibility |
For the same price as four TB of storage in a small device that fits in your pocket and can be used across multiple platforms, Seagate now provides five TB of storage in a small device that fits in your pocket. It’s 7.62cm by 11.43cm, 1.9cm thick (3 x 4.5 x 0.75 inches), and weighs just over 200 grams (about half a pound).
Product Review: This 5TB hard drive delivers excellent value for the price.
| Specifications | Features |
|---|---|
| Capacity: 3TB, 4TB, 6TB, 8TB, 10TB, 12TB, 14TB, 18TB Interface: USB 3.0 Dimensions: 4.80 x 13.49 x 16.58cm Weight: 1.92lb (0.87kg) | Large capacity Most storage for the buck Vertical format saves desk space Great air flow |
The Elements drives from WD have a stylish vertically standing chassis. This seemingly insignificant detail saves not only desk space but also keeps the drive’s internals cool. It has vent openings on the top and bottom.
Product review: Best price per terabyte.
| Specifications | Features |
|---|---|
| Capacity: 4TB, 6TB, 12TB, 18TB Interface: USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 (x1) Thunderbolt 3 (USB-powered) Dimensions: 13 x 21 x 4.55cm Weight: 2.6lb (1.18kg) | Five-year warranty Daisy chains up to six units using ThunderBolt Fast 7200 RPM drive AC-powered or USB-powered Formatted for Mac |
You may make an excellent external hard drive by putting an enterprise hard drive within a robust aluminium casing with a portable, beautiful design. However, if you add one USB-C connector capable of 5 GBps and two Thunderbolt ports and pre-formatting the drive to be macOS ready, you’ve got yourself the best Mac external hard drive.
The G-Drive Pro accomplishes this by incorporating a fast 7200 RPM class Ultrastar HDD with a transfer rate of up to 195 MB/s into its beautiful aluminium casing. The 18TB drive is the largest in a line of high-capacity drives that start at 4TB. With its two Thunderbolt connections, you may connect up to six devices with a single cable to a Mac.
Product Review: Best for Mac: Fast external storage that can be daisy-chained.
| Specifications | Features |
|---|---|
| Capacity: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 5TB Interface: USB 3.0 Dimensions: 9.6 x 13.21 x 2.56cm Weight: 0.86lb (0.39kg) | Speedy Very rugged silicone case Good cable management |
Hard disk drives are delicate due to their small moving parts. A single mishap might render all of your data unavailable in a matter of seconds. The majority of the failures may be traced back to physical shocks such as being hit, falling over, or being dropped. Sudden shocks might cause the head to crash or damage the platter, especially while in use. Simply exposing it to the elements can cause your data and day to be ruined. As a result, if you utilize external drives outside, a typical external hard disk becomes a dangerous idea.
Product Review: Best for Outdoors.
| Specifications | Features |
|---|---|
| Capacity: 2TB, 4TB, 5TB Interface: USB 3.0 Dimensions: 11.81 x 8.79 x 2.08cm Weight: 0.51lb (250g) | Ample storage Compatible with all game consoles Pre-formatted as ExFAT |
It’s not a shipping container, but it has the appearance of one, with its black rectangle and ribbed edges, as well as hex screws. The familiar little activity LED found on many external disks is included. It has a USB 3.2 Gen-1 5Gbps interface attached to the backside via a USB Micro-B connector. Also included is an 18-inch (45.7 cm) A-to-Micro-B converter.
Product Review: Best for gaming: truly plug-and-play.
Before purchasing an external hard drive, think about your demands and budget. You’ll have a storage device that will last you days, weeks, or even years if you do it right. We hope our shopping guide and top 5 list helps you choose the finest hard drive for your needs.
Perhaps you are looking for power banks as well? Check out our best power banks in Singapore.
