External Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) are usually used for backing up essential data, expansion of inbuilt storage and for transportation of a large number of files. Whatever the use case might be, slow transfers can be an impediment and impact your workflow. While regular external HDDs are usually based on the USB 3.0 interface which is capped at 5 GBps of transfer speeds, here are some options available on Amazon that are based on USB 3.1 – which doubles their theoretical speed up to 10 GBps. All these 2 TB external HDDs have been chosen based on their specifications and features.
The ADATA HD650 is a rugged looking, well-built HDD that in a faux carbon fibre weave finish and a black silicon bumper. It is relatively small at 9.65 x 2.57 x 13.21cm, which makes it easy to slip into a pocket, but the hefty 390g weight means that it’s better off in your bag instead. The entire unit is built to take some amount of abuse, with the triple-layer construction aiming to provide a high degree of protection from drops and scratches. A bright LED is present on the body itself to let you know the status of your transfers while 256 bit AES encryption helps keep your data safe. It also comes with a three-year manufacturer’s warranty to provide some peace of mind against any defects. If you’re looking for a heavy-duty external storage device, the ADATA HD650 is a great option.
With game install sizes becoming larger and larger, expanding your storage ensures that several games can be installed on your system at once. The ASUS FX External Hard Drive promises to deliver on just that, with the added icing of having Aura Sync RGB lighting to integrate with your gaming rig’s lighting better. The USB 3.1 connection is vital here to prevent any latency in rendering your game files, which helps keep your load times low. Automatic software-based backups as well as 256 bit AES encryption let you breathe easy, safe in the knowledge that your data is backed up and secure in the background. It takes up very little desk space, coming in only at 8 x 12.8 x 1.63cm and the futuristic, edgy design makes it a cool addition to your PC setup. If you want an HDD to integrate with your RGB Gaming setup, the Aura FX External is a good choice.
The nature of portable storage makes it a potential threat to data security. In case the external storage media is misplaced or stolen, the data stored on it is no longer confidential or secure – the reason why the Verbatim Store ‘n’ Go places a lot of emphasis on addressing security concerns. The HDD enclosure has a full-size number pad baked into it and requires you to physically input a password to access the data within the disk drive. The understated and professional looking chassis features LEDs near the keypad to let you use it in the dark. It also comes with the latest USB C type connector which offers high amounts of bandwidth for transferring data as well as a USB C to A adaptor for connecting to a wide range of devices. If you are looking for an external HDD to transport confidential data, the Verbatim Store ‘n’ Go is worth a look.
The Transcend StoreJet is a data backup focussed hard drive that creates a safe copy of your data with a single push of the physical button that is present on the chassis. No more worrying about having manually back up your files – this HDD makes it simple and easy. Featuring a robust, silicone-based build, the StoreJet can take its share of drops and accidents without it impacting your data. The hard drive also comes with Transcend Elite backup software to give you more granular control as well as RecoverRx to let you try to restore any mistakenly deleted files. There is also a quick reconnect option that enables you to get the disk drive up and running again quickly after a disconnect without having to unplug and replug the drive. If backing up data is the primary purpose for your external HDD, the Transcend StoreJet makes for a compelling choice.