External drives are portable hard drives and solid-state drives for backing up files, carrying large libraries and adding storage to laptops, desktops and consoles. Our range includes models from Western Digital, Silicon Power, Intenso and Verbatim, alongside a few items from networking and accessory brands.
How to choose an external drive
Drive type. A hard drive (HDD) gives more storage for the money and suits backups and archives that sit untouched for long periods. A solid-state drive (SSD) is much faster and has no moving parts, so it copes better with being carried around and suits working files, video projects and game libraries.
Capacity. Work out what you need to store now, then allow room to grow. For a laptop backup, aim for at least twice the space your files currently take up. Photo and video collections fill a drive far faster than documents do.
Connection and speed. Most external drives connect over USB, and the version matters. A drive on USB 3.0 or newer moves large files many times faster than one limited to USB 2.0. Check that your computer has a matching port, or that the cable supplied suits USB-C or the older rectangular USB-A socket.
Durability and portability. If the drive travels in a bag, an SSD or a rugged hard drive with a shock-resistant casing is the safer option. A standard hard drive is fine on a desk, but a knock while it is spinning can damage it.
Compatibility. Drives are often formatted for Windows (NTFS), which Macs can read but not write to by default. The exFAT format works on Windows, macOS and most consoles, so reformatting to it is worth considering if you use more than one system.
External drive brands we carry
- Western Digital: one of the best-known hard drive makers, with a long-running line of portable drives for everyday backup.
- Silicon Power: a Taiwanese memory and storage specialist, known for portable drives with shock-resistant casings.
- Intenso: a German brand covering USB sticks, memory cards and external drives, popular for simple plug-and-play storage.
- Verbatim: a long-established storage media brand, originally known for optical discs and now also for portable drives.
- Transcend: known for rugged portable drives built to withstand drops and rough handling.
- MediaRange: a maker of storage media and computer accessories, including discs and flash storage.
- EDIMAX, TP-LINK and LEVEL ONE: best known for networking equipment, so check the product title to confirm whether an item is a drive, an enclosure or a network-related accessory.
Also in our range: INCA.
External drives FAQ
Is an SSD or a hard drive better for external storage?
An SSD is better for speed and durability, while a hard drive is better for capacity per rand spent. Choose an SSD if you edit video, run programs from the drive or carry it often. Choose a hard drive for large backups that stay mostly on a shelf.
How much capacity do I need in an external drive?
Pick a capacity at least double the size of the data you want to back up. That leaves room for several versions of your files and for future growth. Large photo, video and game libraries call for considerably more space than document-based backups.
Will an external drive work with my laptop or console?
Most external drives work with any device that has a matching USB port, but the file format must also be supported. Windows PCs read NTFS, while exFAT works across Windows, macOS and many consoles. Check the port type on your device and the cable supplied with the drive before buying.
Does USB 3.0 make a real difference?
Yes, USB 3.0 and newer versions transfer large files much faster than USB 2.0. The difference is most noticeable when copying big folders or video files. To get the full speed, both the drive and the port on your computer need to support the faster standard.
