Which is the Best Desktop Hard Drive? Top 12 Desktop HDD Reviews and Comparison

Making a choice when buying hard drives is hard. There are a lot to choose from.. I hope this list of top 12 desktop external hard drives will help you choose the best.

With WD My Book, you can keep all your files in a safe place at home or in the office. You do not need to pay any monthly subscription fees and the possibilities are endless! Save all photos, videos, music and important documents to a safe place on your home network. In addition, you have access to your files from anywhere: with free apps, WD always has your personal cloud easily accessible from PC, Mac or Smartphone

Flexible backup options

Back up everything. PC users can use WD SmartWare Pro to back up the data and Mac Users can all the features of Apple Time Machine backup software to protect their data. In addition, you can easily make backup copies of the files on the PC and Mac computers.

More Storage

With WD SmartWare Pro, you can transfer files easily between Dropbox and other public cloud accounts. Just connect a compatible USB 3.0 hard drive directly to the USB port on the WD My Cloud Drive and you instantly get more storage.

Extra security

Your information is always safe and completely under your own management. Protect your personal cloud from unauthorized access with password protection available to each user.

Easy to set up

WD's rich Web-based user interface for seamless web configuration everything is ready in a moment. WD's software automatically detects your drive.

Pros

• Features USB 3.0 for fast transfer.
• Keep all your files, with automatic backups.
• Maintain your privacy with password protection WD Security.

Cons

• None

The Seagate Backup Plus Desktop is a 3.5-inch external hard drive with a storage capacity of 4 TB. With Seagate Dashboard, Seagate's included software, you can simply make backup your files. Or make a backup of your Smartphone or Tablet with the free Mobile Backup app.

Pros

• Easily backup with the Seagate Dashboard software.
• Uses a fast USB 3.0 connection.
• Back up your smartphone / tablet with Seagate Mobile Backup app.

Cons

• For use with Mac, drive must be reformatted.

The Western Digital My Book Thunderbolt Duo storage is more apt to video editors and other digital media professionals. They can do more in less time with the groundbreaking transfer speeds of Thunderbolt ports on the My Book Thunderbolt Duo drive. It is undoubtedly the fastest way to copy files. The high storage capacity of 6TB will be more than enough for all your work.

RAID can be configured for speed and security

You can select the RAID mode that suits you. Choose RAID 0 (striping) for the performance you need when designing or editing heavy graphic media files. When the disk is set to RAID 1 (mirroring), it offers double-safe data protection by automatically backing up a second copy of your data. Set the disk to JBOD (Just a Bunch Of Disks) to use two separate disks and choose between HFS+ or ExFAT per disk. Ideal for running on Windows or Mac OS.

You want to upgrade the drive? Open the case and replace the existing drive. You will not need any screwdriver.

Pros

• High speed multitasking
• High capacity storage
• Time Machine back up compatibility
• Dual Thunderbolt technology
• Interchangeable RAID functionality
• JBOD functionality
• Windows and Mac compatible

Cons

• None

The WD My Book Studio is formatted for Mac and has a storage capacity of 3 TB. The disc is enclosed with metal. The aluminum housing enables the heat transfer and make the hard drive cool. The hard drive features WD security. Your information is encrypted and is protected with a password. To automatically back up your essential files, The My Book Studio works seamlessly with Apple Time Machine.

Pros

• Uses USB 3.0 for fast data transfer.
• Formatted for Mac. Compatible with Apple Time Machine.
• Password protection with hardware encryption.

Cons

• For use with Windows, drive must be reformatted.

The Seagate Expansion Desktop is a 3.5-inch external hard drive with a storage capacity of 3 TB. With the Seagate Expansion Desktop plug-and-play, you don’t need to install any software for this external hard drive. The USB 3.0 interface enables read and write files with high speed. Since USB 3.0 is compatible with USB 2.0 , the Seagate Expansion Desktop works with virtually every computers and laptops. With USB 2.0, the speed is little lower as with every 2.0 interface.

Pros

• The USB 3.0 -connection provides a maximum transfer rate of 5 Gbps.
• The built-in power management turns off the hard drive when not in use.
• Plug-and-play, no installation required.
• Noiseless

Cons

• Has an AC adapter. Gets no power from the USB 3.0 port.
• Does not have an on / off button.

The LaCie d2 Quadra v3 offers 4TB of storage for all your photos, movies, music and other large files.This desktop hard drive comes with four interfaces. Hence the name Quadra. USB 3.0 is the fastest connection up to 5Gb/s. USB 3.0 is compatible with the USB 2.0 also. When you connect the hard drive via USB 2.0 is the maximum speed is obviously lower. The eSATA interface processes files with 3 Gb / s, and two FireWire 800 connectors have a speed of 800 Mb / s. FireWire is mostly on Macs. Because of the many ways to connect the LaCie d2 Quadra, it fits virtually on any Mac, PC or laptop.

Pros
Various connection options for the best compatibility.
USB 3.0 for blazing fast file transfer.
Aluminum design for quiet operation. Has no cooling fans.
Elegant design

Cons
Does not work without AC adapter.

The LaCie 2big Thunderbolt is an external hard drive with a storage capacity of 8 TB that uses the high-speed Thunderbolt technology. Because there are two (replaceable) 7200 RPM drives are in this 2big enclosure, there are two possible RAID configurations: RAID 0 and RAID 1. Of course you can set the disks as JBOD set to utilize the full capacity. The thunderbolt connection provides much faster data transfer.

Pros

• Thunderbolt : cutting-edge technology developed by Intel and Apple.
• Extreme speed up to 10 Gb / s with Thunderbolt and 7200 RPM drives.
• RAID 0 - or RAID 1 configuration possible.
• Advanced backup software included (Intego Backup Manager Pro).
• A Thunderbolt cable included.
• Solid aluminum casing ensures silent fan less heat dissipation.

Cons

• Price

The Buffalo DriveStation HD-DDR GD3.0U3 is an external hard drive that allows super fast file transfer. When you connect the Buffalo DriveStation to a USB 3.0 port, you can reach speeds up to 5 Gb /s. Compatible with USB 2.0. If your computer is not equipped with a USB 3.0 port, fear not. The Buffalo DriveStation is also compatible with a USB 2.0 port.

Horizontal or vertical installation.The Buffalo DriveStation has a beautiful, glossy cover that can be placed in two positions on your desk, horizontal or vertical to save space.

Main Features

• Easy to use
• Energy efficient
• Plug and play set up
• Automatic backup of your files with Buffalo Backup Utility
• Compatible with Apple Time Machine
• Automatic On and off functionality to save energy
• Power Saving Mode
• Easy to install
• Compatible with Mac and PC

Professional External Hard Drive G-Technology 8TB of storage. Equipped with two FireWire 800 ports and a USB 3.0 connection.

The G-Raid with 8TB storage is designed to store data in a professional manner and has USB 3.0 and FireWire 800 connectivity. It supports simultaneous playback of multiple layers of HDV, DVCPRO HD and ProRes 422 HQ media with the leading image editing programs such as Final Cut Pro, Avid Media Composer and Adobe Premiere. G-Raid delivers transfer speeds up to 250MB / s with USB 3.0 interface, while the thermo-regulated smart fan keeps the unit cool.

Main Features

• USB 3.0 and FireWire ports for flexible high-speed data
• RAID 0 for maximum performance
• Supports multi-stream HDV, DVCPro HD, XDCAM HD, ProRes 422 workflows
• "Plug and play" configuration on Mac OS X
• 7200RPM SATA III hard drives
• Solid all-aluminum housing for excellent durability
• Smart cooling fan technology for a cold, quiet operation
• Compatible with USB 2.0 interfaces
• Transfer rates up to 250MB / s with USB 3.0

The G-Drive Hard Drive from G-Technology is an excellent choice for projects such as digital photography, audio and video editing and high-speed data backup. This is all possible because the USB 3.0 and FireWire interfaces can handle large data at a higher speed. Plug-and-play set up for Mac OS X and Time Machine compatibility makes G Drive, the perfect desktop hard drive foe any professionals. The G-Drive remains cool and quiet with its aluminum housing with integrated heat sink.

Main Features

• USB 3.0 and FireWire ports for flexible high-speed data
• Heat sink for heat dissipation and near-silent operation
• Solid aluminum cover that stands for durability and stylish looks
• Ample storage (4TB) for digital video, music and photo files
• All cables are included
• Direct fit for Time Machine, plug-and-play setting on Mac OS X

The LaCie Porsche Design P'9230 is a robust 4 TB external hard drive in a nice jacket. The aluminum housing gives the LaCie P'9230 a solid appearance and protects hard drive from shocks. Porsche design gives the hard disk a modern look. The USB 3.0 provides faster data transfer and it is also compatible with USB 2.0. The LaCie P'9230 also features a handy LED light that indicates if the hard drive is in operation or not.

Pros

• Porsche design.
• USB 3.0 interface for fast file transfer.
• Robust aluminum housing for protection of your files.

Cons

• Price

In the box

• LaCie Porsche Design P'9230
• USB 3.0 cable
• Quick Start Guide
• Software-CD

The STOR.E Canvio desktop is a smart and fast way to secure all your data. The USB 3.0 connection is fast and compatible with USB 2.0 also. The pre-loaded NTIA ® Backup Now EZA Software is a complete and secure backup solution for all your files. And with the password encryption, you data are safe and secure from theft.

Stor.E The Canvio Toshiba has a storage capacity of 3TB. The 3.5 inch USB hard drive is equipped with a Micro-USB 3.0 interface.