The best external hard drives in March 2024

Our three best external hard drives, in a row on a pine-green background.
(Image credit: Future)

If you're looking to protect you data, you'll need one of the best external hard drives or the best solid state drives. It can be difficult to find the right hard drive, as there are loads on the market, and they all have different qualities and features, that's why we've put together this guide to help you.

In our selection, we have looked at a range of hard drives, from ones offering rugged travel protection to those delivering the best home-based backups. And where we haven't actually had our hands on these devices for review, we've combed the internet for trusted reviews, so you can be sure you've found the best external hard drive for you, at the best possible price.

Remember you can also back up files with the best cloud storage. And if you're looking for more accessories, you might want to take a look at our pick of the best power banks and the best internal hard drives.

Best external hard drives and best external SSDs 

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Beren Neale
Ecom Editor

Beren has worked on creative titles at Future Publishing for over 13 years. Cutting his teeth as Staff Writer on the digital art magazine ImagineFX, he moved on to edit several creative titles, and is currently the Ecommerce Editor on the most effective creative website in the world. When he's not testing and reviewing the best ergonomic office chairs, phones, laptops, TVs, monitors and various types of storage, he can be found finding and comparing the best deals on the tech that creatives value the most.