With digital data multiplying at an unprecedented rate—thanks to high-resolution photos, 4K videos, large software packages and extensive backups—external hard drives remain one of the most reliable solutions for offline storage. While cloud services are popular, they don’t replace the speed, simplicity, and ownership that a physical drive provides. For those seeking more space without spending a fortune, external hard drives offer a cost-effective way to safeguard files, games, and system images. Choosing the right external drive depends on more than just capacity—it’s about speed, reliability, portability, and of course, price.

Prices can vary significantly depending on brand, form factor, transfer speed, and whether you opt for a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD). HDDs are more affordable and offer high capacities, making them ideal for backups and mass storage. SSDs, on the other hand, are faster and more durable, but they typically come at a higher price per gigabyte. Knowing your usage pattern is crucial—there’s no point in overpaying for speed you don’t need or settling for capacity that won’t last you the year.

Let’s start with budget-friendly options. The WD Elements Portable 1TB and Seagate Expansion 1TB are long-time favourites, typically priced between £40 and £55. They offer USB 3.0 connectivity and are plug-and-play compatible with Windows and macOS. These models don’t come with built-in backup software or encryption, but for casual users needing basic storage, they deliver exactly what’s promised. They’re also compact and lightweight, making them ideal for travel or students on the move.

To identify the best deal at any given time, many shoppers rely on platforms like https://www.daddyprice.co.uk, which offer real-time comparisons across retailers. Not only can you filter by brand, capacity or connection type, but you can also view previous price trends and discover if you’re actually getting a bargain or just a marketing push. This is particularly useful when deciding between two drives that seem similar on the surface but differ in long-term performance or customer reviews.

For those seeking a balance between capacity and speed, the Seagate Backup Plus Slim (2TB) and Toshiba Canvio Advance (2TB) are often top picks. These models usually sell for £60–£75 and come with bundled backup utilities and password protection. Seagate’s model also offers OneTouch Backup, which lets you save your files with a single press of a button. These drives are ideal for users who regularly transfer large files and want the added peace of mind of onboard encryption.

If you’re moving large video files, running games, or working in creative fields, an external SSD is worth the investment. The Samsung T7 (500GB to 2TB) is often considered the gold standard. With read/write speeds up to 1,050MB/s via USB 3.2 Gen 2, it’s incredibly fast. Its metal enclosure not only looks sleek but also offers drop protection. It typically starts at £85 for the 500GB version and scales accordingly. The speed boost is immediately noticeable, especially when transferring 4K footage or launching apps directly from the drive.

Another excellent SSD option is the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD V2. This rugged drive features IP55 water and dust resistance, making it perfect for those working outdoors or frequently on the move. With prices starting around £90 for 1TB, it provides a solid mix of speed and durability. It also includes a carabiner loop for easy attachment to backpacks, ideal for field photographers and content creators.

For those requiring larger capacities without breaking the bank, desktop external HDDs are the go-to. Models like the WD My Book (4TB–12TB) and Seagate Desktop Expansion (4TB–16TB) offer huge storage for long-term archiving. They require external power but are built for performance and endurance. These are particularly popular among small businesses, videographers, and families who store entire digital libraries.

Gaming consoles have also driven demand for external hard drives. Xbox and PlayStation users often look to 2TB–4TB models to expand game libraries without uninstalling older titles. Some brands like Seagate even offer game-themed editions preformatted for consoles. These drives usually cost £60–£100 depending on capacity and licensing extras. Performance-wise, they’re identical to standard HDDs but offer the convenience of plug-and-play installation for console ecosystems.

When comparing prices, connection types also matter. USB 3.0 is standard and sufficient for most HDDs, but SSDs benefit from USB-C or USB 3.2 Gen 2 to fully utilise their speed. Thunderbolt 3/4 models are faster still, but often come at a premium and are only necessary for professionals transferring massive files. Paying more for a Thunderbolt drive when your device only supports USB-C is a waste of money.

Warranties vary by brand, typically ranging from 2 to 5 years. Drives from Western Digital and Samsung often come with longer guarantees, adding value to your investment. If you’re storing critical data, warranty and brand reliability should factor into your purchase decision. A cheaper drive with poor support may end up costing more in the long run.

Portability is another aspect to consider. Some drives, like the LaCie Rugged series, are designed to withstand shocks, drops, and even brief water exposure. They’re pricier—starting at around £95—but offer extra protection for those working in unpredictable environments. When your data is priceless, investing in hardware-level durability is a smart move.

Software extras may not seem essential but can add significant value. Automatic backup utilities, cloud sync integrations, and encryption tools provide extra convenience. Some drives include trial subscriptions to cloud services or proprietary tools for versioning. If you’re planning to use your drive as part of a daily workflow, these features are worth considering.

Ultimately, external hard drives in 2025 offer something for everyone—whether you’re backing up family photos, storing work archives, or carrying a games library in your backpack. With smart comparison and timing your purchase right, it’s possible to save significantly without sacrificing quality. The key is identifying your real-world needs and finding a drive that meets them at the best possible price.