The best external hard drives of 2026: Expert tested

ZDNET's editorial team, including Senior Contributing Editor Adrian Kingsley-Hughes and Staff Writer Cesar Cadenas, has released its comprehensive, expert-tested guide to the best external hard drives of 2026. The guide is based on rigorous, hands-on testing and research, with a strict editorial policy ensuring no advertiser influence. The team argues that despite the rise of cloud storage, physical drives remain essential for freeing up computer space, providing offline access, and avoiding monthly subscription fees.

After evaluating numerous products, the Lexar SL500 was crowned the best external hard drive overall. It stands out for its compact size, high speed, portability, and toughness. The guide also provides specialized recommendations, naming the Samsung T9 Portable SSD as the best for travel, the iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3 for top-tier software-based encryption, and the Toshiba Canvio Basics as the best budget option. Other notable picks include the Western Digital My Passport Ultra for Windows users and the Lexar ES5 for iPhone compatibility.

The curated list, which includes 10 top picks, is designed to help users navigate a market filled with great choices, from rugged options like the Orico Mecha O20 to high-capacity solutions like the Western Digital Elements for 'data hogs.' The guide serves as a trusted resource for professionals and consumers looking to make an informed purchase based on specific needs like security, durability, or platform compatibility.