8 Best External Hard Drives

BEST HARD DRIVE FOR XBOX

Seagate Game Drive Hub 8TB

Type: Desktop | Connection: USB 3.2 | Size: 8 TB | Dimensions (L x W x H): 7.8 x 4.65 x 1.61 in.

If you’re an Xbox gamer looking for extra storage, the Seagate is a no-brainer. Not only does it match the aesthetics of the console incredibly well, it also offers top-notch performance. I spent some time testing this model, and it sped data along so rapidly that load times were nearly nonexistent. The eight terabytes of storage are enough to hold plenty of games. I liked the convenience of the front-facing USB-C and USB-A ports that let you easily connect and power your peripherals. Best of all is the built-in LED bar that illuminates your gaming center in Xbox green.

BEST FOR LARGE STORAGE

SanDisk Professional 12TB G-DRIVE

Type: Desktop | Connection: USB 3.2 | Size: 12 TB | Dimensions (L x W x H): 7.72 x 5.06 x 1.39 in.

If you need to store massive amounts of data, this G-drive offers 12 terabytes of room. But the real standout feature of this drive is the connection speed, which taps out at an impressive 240 megabytes per second. For many users, this kind of drive might be overkill, but consider it an exercise in future-proofing your setup. The drive’s aluminum enclosure is stylish and feels rock solid.