If you find yourself running out of storage space on your laptop or need a place to back up all those home videos you’re going to edit one day (I am, I swear), an external hard drive can be your saviour. But with hundreds of options available, which is the right one for you?

After testing dozens across operating systems and different use cases, we recommend the Western Digital Elements hard drive for backups. These big, reliable drives are some of the cheapest on the market, though they do require external power and can be a bit slow compared to newer SSD options.

For those who value portability and don’t mind a premium, the Western Digital My Passport Ultra series offers a solid backup option with decent speeds. It’s not the thinnest drive around but is durable enough for travel, although it should be carried gently as it houses a spinning drive.

The LaCie Rugged Pro5 stands out for its speed thanks to Thunderbolt 5 technology, though at a higher price point. It offers real-time editing capabilities for high-resolution footage, making it ideal for professionals but not the best value for most users.

In conclusion, an external hard drive is more than just another tech gadget; it’s a crucial tool for protecting and managing your digital life. With these recommendations, you can ensure your data stays safe and accessible.