$179
Portable Hard Drives
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$309
+ Delivery from $3
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$299
+ Delivery from $3
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$275
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$279
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$275
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$1049
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$1899
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$549
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$1999
+ Delivery from $3
Online Only
$1049
+ Delivery from $3
Online Only
$1999
+ Delivery from $3
Get Your Portable Hard Drives Now
An external hard drive stores files outside your computer, so you can back up a full system, free up space on your device, or move large files between machines. There are two types to choose from, and the right one comes down to what you need it for.
An External Hard Disk Drive (HDD) gives you the most storage for your money. It suits massive backups, photo and video archives, and anything where capacity matters more than speed. A Portable Solid State Drive (SSD) transfers files much faster and stands up better to being carried around, so it suits editing video or moving large folders on the go.
Choose an HDD if you want maximum storage capacity and the drive will mostly sit on a desk. Choose an SSD if transfer speed and durability matter more than raw capacity. The Good Guys stocks both, including External HDDs and Portable SSDs from Western Digital and Samsung.
Which is better, SSD or HDD?
Neither type wins outright. An HDD gives you more storage per dollar, an SSD gives you faster transfers and better durability. The table below sets out which suits which job.
Drive type | Best for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
External HDD | Large system backups, archiving photos and videos, high-capacity bulk storage | Slower transfers, so it suits set-and-forget backups rather than repeated file moves |
Portable SSD | 4K video editing, moving large folders quickly, travel and rough handling | Less storage for the same spend |
High-Capacity External HDDs
Best for large system backups, archiving photos, and high-capacity bulk storage. External HDDs pack in a lot of storage for the price, which makes them the practical choice if you are backing up an entire computer, archiving years of photos and videos, or you just need a lot of space without spending a lot of money. The trade-off is speed. They are not built for fast, repeated file transfers, so they suit set-and-forget backups rather than everyday active use. Western Digital makes drives well suited to this kind of no-fuss bulk storage.
Blazing-Fast Portable SSDs
Best for video editing, moving massive files quickly, and rugged travel durability. Portable SSDs have no moving parts, so they transfer files noticeably faster. The Samsung T7 hits speeds up to 1000MB/s, which makes a real difference if you are editing 4K video or moving large folders regularly. Portable SSDs are also more compact and better able to handle knocks and drops, so they are the better pick if you work on the go or throw your drive in a bag.
Why Choose Portable Hard Drives?
Portable hard drives are a reliable, high-capacity storage solution for backing up files, photos and videos. They plug straight into a USB port, and they are compact and lightweight enough to carry with you. For everyday use, they give you the best balance of price and space. Explore Western Digital storage options for a dependable choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
An external hard drive typically lasts around 3 to 5 years, depending on usage, handling and storage conditions. Heavy use, physical shocks, and exposure to heat or humidity all shorten a drive's lifespan. Careful handling and cool, dry storage help it last closer to the upper end of that range.
It depends on what you are storing. A USB flash drive is more convenient for quickly transferring a handful of files. An external hard drive offers far more capacity, so it is the better option for backing up an entire device or storing a large media collection.
External hard drives (HDDs) remain a solid choice for backups, media libraries and any storage job where capacity matters more than speed. For faster transfers and better durability, see our range of Portable SSDs.
Portable SSDs are significantly more expensive than HDDs but offer much faster file transfer speeds and better physical durability.
A 1TB portable HDD typically costs less than the SSD equivalent, though exact pricing depends on brand and current stock.
Choose an HDD if long-term storage capacity matters more than speed, or an SSD if you frequently move large files or work directly off the external drive.
Keep an external hard drive in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures, ideally in a padded case or sleeve if it is not permanently connected. Avoid humid areas and store it on a stable surface to reduce the risk of accidental drops or impacts.
Portable external hard drive prices vary by storage capacity, data transfer speed, and brand. Check each product's price on its own page, or ask a team member in one of our stores.
Most portable hard drives we stock, including models from Samsung and Western Digital, are compatible with both Windows and macOS. Some drives are pre-formatted for Windows (NTFS) and may require a simple reformatting to work with Mac Time Machine. We also stock specific "For Mac" portable drives that are pre-formatted in HFS+ or APFS for immediate use with Apple devices.
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