9 Best hard drives for traveling in 2024 – Buyers Guide
When it comes to traveling with your important data, having a reliable and durable external hard drive is essential. In this review, we’ve compiled a list of the 9 best hard drives for traveling in 2024, based on factors such as storage capacity, transfer speeds, durability, and price. We’ve tested each of these hard drives to ensure they can withstand the rigors of travel, while still providing fast and secure storage for your data. Whether you’re a photographer, videographer, or digital nomad, we’ve got you covered with the best hard drives for traveling.
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Our Top-rated hard drives: LaCie Rugged Mini
Our top-rated hard drive for traveling in 2024 is the LaCie Rugged Mini. This external hard drive is recognized for its bright orange rubber sleeve that provides added durability and shock resistance. The Rugged Mini is available in capacities ranging from 1TB to 4TB, and features USB 3.0 connectivity for fast transfer speeds of up to 130 MB/s. It is also compact and portable, making it easy to take on the go.
9 Best hard drives for traveling in 2024 (Listed)
When putting together this guide to the best hard drives for traveling, we conducted extensive research and testing to ensure we provided our readers with accurate and useful information.
As part of this process, we tested various hard drives to determine which ones were the most versatile, durable, and functional for travelers and photographers. Throughout this article, we’ll take a closer look at the top hard drives that stood out in our testing and provide a detailed overview of each.
- Samsung T5 Portable SSD
- SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD
- WD My Passport SSD
- ADATA SD600Q External SSD
- G-Technology G-DRIVE Mobile SSD
- LaCie Rugged Mini
- Seagate Backup Plus Slim
- Toshiba Canvio Advance
- Transcend StoreJet 25M3
Why do people use external hard drives for traveling?
Traveling with an external hard drive is a practical and necessary solution for individuals who need to store, transfer and access data on the go. For instance, photographers who use cameras like the Sony A7IV and video editors who use high-performance laptops like the i7 Windows laptop require ample storage capacity to house their work files. The Samsung T5 Portable SSD and the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD are popular choices for professionals who demand high read/write speeds and large storage capacity for their digital work.
In addition to providing ample storage space, external hard drives offer enhanced protection and durability for travelers. Most modern hard drives are designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions, accidental drops and physical damages. The LaCie Rugged Mini and the G-Technology G-DRIVE Mobile SSD are examples of hard drives with a durable exterior that provide additional protection to sensitive data against physical damages while on the go.
Moreover, external hard drives offer added flexibility and accessibility for travelers who need to access their files on different devices. Most of the modern hard drives feature plug-and-play connectivity, ensuring seamless data transfer across multiple devices. For example, the WD My Passport SSD comes with built-in hardware encryption and password protection that makes it ideal for data privacy and security. With its high-speed data transfer rates and compact design, it is an excellent choice for individuals looking to secure and access their data on the go.
What are the different types of hard drives?
There are two main types of hard drives: HDD (hard disk drive) and SSD (solid-state drive). HDDs are the traditional type of hard drive, featuring spinning disks that store and retrieve data using a read/write head. They have been the go-to choice for many years due to their affordability and large storage capacity. However, they are prone to physical wear and tear over time, which can result in data loss. SSDs, on the other hand, use flash memory to store data and do not have any moving parts, making them more durable and faster than HDDs. While both types of hard drives can be used for long-term storage, SSDs are generally considered to be more reliable over time.
When it comes to reliability, both HDDs and SSDs can fail due to various factors such as physical damage, power surges, and malware attacks. However, according to some studies, SSDs are less prone to failure than HDDs, primarily due to their lack of moving parts. In terms of brand reliability, Samsung, Crucial, and Western Digital (WD) are among the most reliable SSD brands, while Seagate and Toshiba are among the most reliable HDD brands.
While both types of hard drives have their advantages, SSDs are generally faster than HDDs, particularly when it comes to read/write speeds. However, this doesn’t mean that all external hard drives are slower than SSDs. In fact, some external hard drives, such as the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD and the WD My Passport SSD, offer read/write speeds that are comparable to those of SSDs. It’s essential to check the read/write speeds when choosing an external hard drive, regardless of whether it’s an HDD or SSD.
WD’s SSDs are generally well-regarded for their performance, reliability, and value for money. When it comes to choosing between an M.2 SSD and a regular SSD, M.2 SSDs are faster and more compact than regular SSDs, making them an ideal choice for gamers and power users. However, they can be more expensive than regular SSDs. Some of the most long-lasting and value-for-money SSDs include the Samsung 970 EVO Plus and the Crucial MX500.
What is a good hard drives?
When it comes to choosing a good hard drive, there are several factors to consider, including storage capacity, speed, durability, and reliability. For travelers, a hard drive that is portable, rugged, and offers ample storage capacity is often the best choice. The LaCie Rugged Mini is a popular option among travelers due to its durable design, shock-resistant exterior, and ample storage capacity of up to 5TB.
When it comes to the lifespan of a hard drive, it depends on several factors, including the type of drive and usage. WD external hard drives, for example, can last for several years with proper care and maintenance. The lifespan of an SSD is generally longer than that of an HDD, with an average lifespan of up to 10 years or more. However, it’s important to note that the lifespan of any hard drive can be affected by factors such as temperature, usage, and physical wear and tear.
While it’s possible for a hard drive to last for 10 years or more, it’s not a guarantee. The lifespan of a hard drive depends on various factors such as the quality of the drive, usage, and maintenance. Similarly, an SSD can last for up to 20 years, but this is not a hard and fast rule. Proper care and maintenance, such as avoiding physical damage and keeping the drive in a cool, dry place, can help extend the lifespan of any hard drive. Ultimately, a good hard drive is one that meets your specific needs and offers the right balance of storage capacity, speed, durability, and reliability.
What to look for when buying a hard drive for traveling?
When buying a hard drive for traveling, it’s important to consider factors such as storage capacity, durability, speed, and portability. For travelers, a portable hard drive that can withstand harsh environmental conditions, accidental drops, and physical damages is crucial. Popular options include the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD, the LaCie Rugged Mini, and the Samsung T5 Portable SSD, all of which are designed to offer both durability and portability.
To keep your SSD healthy, it’s important to avoid physical damage and to perform regular maintenance, such as updating the firmware and running regular disk checks. It’s also important to avoid overwriting the same data on your SSD repeatedly, as this can cause wear and tear. Using a good quality SSD from a reputable brand, such as Samsung or Crucial, can help ensure that your SSD lasts for a long time.
When it comes to choosing the best hard drive for traveling, it’s important to consider both portability and durability. SSDs are generally the best choice for travelers due to their speed, durability, and small size, making them easy to pack and carry. However, if you need a larger storage capacity, an external HDD such as the WD My Passport or the Seagate Backup Plus may be a better choice.
Traveling with a hard drive is safe, as long as you take proper precautions to protect your data. It’s a good idea to use a hard drive with password protection and encryption to protect sensitive data, and to keep your hard drive in a secure location while traveling. For digital nomads, the best external hard drive will depend on their specific needs and preferences, but popular options include the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD and the LaCie Rugged Mini, both of which offer a balance of durability, speed, and portability.
When should you use a hard drives?
Hard drives are useful for a variety of applications, including storing and backing up data, transferring large files, and running applications that require fast read/write speeds. They are commonly used in desktop and laptop computers, servers, gaming consoles, and external devices such as backup drives, media players, and digital cameras.
One of the primary advantages of hard drives is their large storage capacity, which can range from a few hundred gigabytes to multiple terabytes. This makes them ideal for storing large files such as videos, photos, and music collections. HDDs are generally more affordable than SSDs, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious consumers who require large storage capacities.
Another advantage of hard drives is their reliability and durability. While they may be prone to physical wear and tear over time, modern hard drives are designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions, accidental drops, and physical damages.
What’s the Best hard drives for traveling?
| G-Technology G-DRIVE Mobile SSD | Type of Drive | Price Range | Available Capacities | Interface | Maximum Transfer Speeds |
| Samsung T5 Portable SSD | External SSD | $80-$300+ | 500GB, 1TB, 2TB | USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C | Up to 540MB/s |
| SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD | External SSD | $90-$600+ | 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, 2TB | USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C | Up to 1050MB/s |
| WD My Passport SSD | External SSD | $90-$600+ | 500GB, 1TB, 2TB | USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C | Up to 1050MB/s |
| ADATA SD600Q External SSD | External SSD | $70-$300+ | 240GB, 480GB, 960GB | USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A | Up to 440MB/s |
| G-Technology G-DRIVE Mobile SSD | External SSD | $170-$700+ | 500GB, 1TB, 2TB | Thunderbolt 3, USB-C | Up to 2800MB/s |
| LaCie Rugged Mini | External HDD | $80-$300+ | 1TB, 2TB, 4TB | USB 3.0 Type-A | Up to 130MB/s |
| Seagate Backup Plus Slim | External HDD | $50-$200+ | 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 5TB | USB 3.0 Type-A | Up to 120MB/s |
| Toshiba Canvio Advance | External HDD | $50-$200+ | 1TB, 2TB, 3TB | USB 3.0 Type-A | Up to 5Gb/s |
| Transcend StoreJet 25M3 | External HDD | $60-$150+ | 1TB, 2TB, 4TB | USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A | Up to 5Gb/s |
As you can see, the hard drives range in price and type of drive, with external SSDs generally being more expensive but offering faster transfer speeds and greater durability, while external HDDs are more affordable and offer larger storage capacities. It’s important to consider your specific needs and use case when selecting a hard drive for traveling, as a drive with a high price tag and fast transfer speeds may not be necessary for all users.
WD My Passport SSD
The WD My Passport SSD is a popular choice for photographers and travelers due to its compact size, fast transfer speeds, and durability. This external SSD is available in capacities ranging from 256GB to 2TB, making it a suitable option for storing large photo and video collections.
The WD My Passport SSD features a sleek, durable design with a shock-resistant exterior and a 256-bit AES hardware encryption for added security. With its USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C interface, the My Passport SSD offers fast transfer speeds of up to 1,050 MB/s, making it easy to transfer large files quickly and efficiently.
- Available in capacities ranging from 256GB to 2TB
- USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C interface for fast transfer speeds
- Shock-resistant exterior and 256-bit AES hardware encryption
- Compact and portable design
- Affordable price point
PROS
- Fast transfer speeds
- Durable and reliable design
- Affordable price point
CONS
- No Thunderbolt interface
- No built-in hardware encryption
- Limited color options
SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD
The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD is a popular choice for photographers and videographers who need a reliable and fast external storage solution. This rugged external SSD is available in capacities ranging from 250GB to 2TB, and features a durable, water-resistant design with a solid-state core that can withstand drops and shocks. The Extreme Portable SSD offers fast transfer speeds of up to 1,050 MB/s, making it easy to transfer large files quickly and efficiently. With its USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C interface, the Extreme Portable SSD is compatible with both Mac and Windows computers, making it a versatile option for users of all types.
- Available in capacities ranging from 250GB to 2TB
- Durable, water-resistant design
- Fast transfer speeds of up to 1,050 MB/s
- USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C interface
- Compatible with both Mac and Windows computers
PROS
- Fast transfer speeds
- Durable and rugged design
- Water-resistant and shock-resistant
CONS
- Higher price point than some other options
- Limited color options
- No Thunderbolt interface
LaCie Rugged Mini
The LaCie Rugged Mini is a recognizable external hard drive that is popular among photographers and videographers for its rugged design and reliability. The bright orange rubber sleeve around the exterior of the drive not only adds a pop of color, but also provides added shock resistance and durability, making it suitable for use in outdoor and travel environments. The Rugged Mini is available in capacities ranging from 1TB to 4TB, and features USB 3.0 connectivity for fast transfer speeds of up to 130 MB/s.
- Available in capacities ranging from 1TB to 4TB
- Shock-resistant exterior with a bright orange rubber sleeve
- Fast transfer speeds of up to 130 MB/s
- USB 3.0 connectivity
- Compact and portable design
PROS
- Durable and shock-resistant design
- Recognizable and unique color scheme
- Affordable price point
CONS
- Slower transfer speeds compared to some other options
- Limited color options
- No hardware encryption
Samsung T5 Portable SSD
The Samsung T5 Portable SSD is a popular choice among photographers and videographers due to its fast transfer speeds and compact size. Available in capacities ranging from 250GB to 2TB, the T5 Portable SSD features a sleek and durable design with a metal exterior that can withstand drops and bumps. With its USB 3.1 Type-C interface, the T5 Portable SSD offers transfer speeds of up to 540 MB/s, making it easy to transfer large files quickly and efficiently. Additionally, the T5 Portable SSD features AES 256-bit hardware encryption, ensuring that your data is safe and secure.
- Available in capacities ranging from 250GB to 2TB
- Sleek and durable design with a metal exterior
- Fast transfer speeds of up to 540 MB/s
- USB 3.1 Type-C interface
- AES 256-bit hardware encryption
PROS
- Fast transfer speeds
- Durable and reliable design
- High-quality encryption for added security
CONS
- Higher price point than some other options
- Limited color options
- May run hot during prolonged use
Other sites also recommend …
While it’s impossible for us to review every hard drives that enters the market, we’ve taken into consideration some recommendations from other reputable sources. It’s worth noting that many of these sources have also mentioned the same hard drives we’ve already covered above. Here are a few additional camera bags that have garnered praise:
