Using an external hard disk allows you to spare the internal storage of your computer. With an external hard disk, you can store all your important files, documents, images, and everything else with ease.
When it comes to quality hard disks, Seagate is one of the top brands out there. Over the years, it has offered reliable products to users.
How Useful External Hard Disks Are?
External hard disks are nothing less than a lifesaver for a computer user. Although modern computers and laptops come with sufficient internal storage, it is never enough. Also, filling up the internal storage slows down your device. This is why using an external hard disk is the best option.
External hard disks are available with varying capacities ranging from 500GB to 2TB and more. It allows you to store as many files as you want. The best thing is they are portable, so you can carry them wherever you want. Also, you can have more than one external hard disk.
In short, you never have to worry about running out of space to store your media files and documents.
What Features to Consider While Buying any External HDD
Just like all the other computer components, there are certain important factors you need to consider while buying an external HDD. If this is the first time you are buying an external HDD, no worries, we have got your back.
If you are in hurry, jump to the feature summary for a quick overview.
These are the factors that matter when buying an external hard disk:
Capacity
8 TB / 4 TB / 2 TB / 1 TB / 1.5 TB / 500 GB
This is arguably the most important factor to consider. As you already know hard disks are available in different capacities. Before getting a hard disk, you need to determine the type of content you want to store in it. For example, if you want to back-up your operating system and heavy software set-up files, then you need an HDD of a higher capacity.
In this case, an HDD with a capacity of 1TB or 2TB will do. However, if you are looking for an HDD just to store your regular office files, documents, and media files, then anything ranging from 500GB to 1TB will work.
Size and Weight
Even the size and weight of an external hard drive matters. Usually, hard drives are compact and lightweight. They are designed to be portable so that you can carry them wherever you go.
You should look for a lightweight device if you are going to carry it often. There are hard drives that are a bit bigger. This type of HDD is suitable if you are going to use it only at home. So do check the weight and size of the HDD before buying it.
Speed and Connectivity
Speed is yet another important factor to consider. An external hard drive makes use of a magnetically charged head to write and read data. If the rotations per minute (RPM) is higher, then the speed of data transfer will also be more. Most hard drives come with a speed of 5000rpm and it goes up to 15,000rpm.
As far as HDD cache space is concerned, it doesn’t make much difference when transferring a larger file. However, when you are transferring a smaller file, it boosts the transfer speed by enhancing the efficiency of the hard drive.
Supported USB Types (USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen1, USB 3.2 Gen2, USB 3.1 Gen1, USB 3.1 Gen2 and USB 3.0)
| Type | Max. Speed |
| USB 2.0 | 480 Mbps |
| USB 3.0 | 5 Gbps |
| USB 3.1 Gen1 | 5 Gbps |
| USB 3.1 Gen2 | 10 Gbps |
| USB Type-C | 10 Gbps |
(Your device must have compatible USB port to get the best speed. For example, your external HDD supports USB 3.1 Gen2 but your device has USB 3.0 port then you’ll get the data transfer speed of USB 3.0 port.)
Another important consideration is the USB type offered by the hard disk. The USB type has a major role to play as it influences the transfer speed. Modern-day HDDs come with USB-C, USB 3.0 and USB 3.1 ports. These are the fastest USB types as they help transfer files at a high speed.
Most HDD devices nowadays come with more than one USB port. Make sure you check all these details before getting it home.
Data Security Functionalities
Since you will be storing all your important documents and files in your external hard drive, it must have some sort of security functionality. In this case, encryption is a good idea. Many HDDs are supported by software encryption solutions.
If you take data security seriously, then you would want to get an HDD with encryption. The good news is Seagate is one of the brands. They also provide HDD that comes with password protection and hardware encryption. Check out the security details before investing in a hard drive. After all, you wouldn’t want your data to be stolen or misused by anyone.
Data Backup and Restore
Automatic Backup, Restore and Data Recovery Service Plan
An external hard drive should also have the data backup and restore option. In case, anything happens to the hard drive, you don’t want to end up losing all your data. This is why it is an important factor to consider.
Most HDDs including Seagate ones are compatible with Data Recovery Software. This helps you to recover all your data in case, anything goes wrong.
Seagate also offers Rescue Data Recovery Service Plan to its users (on selected variants) along with the External HDD. You can choose from their available service plans to keep your valuable data protected under all circumstances.
Quick Overview of Features to Consider While Buying an External HDD
| Features | What to Consider? |
| Capacity | 8 TB, 4 TB, 2 TB, 1 TB, 1.5 TB, 500 GB |
| Speed | RPM, Cache Space |
| Connectivity | USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen1, USB 3.2 Gen2, USB 3.1 Gen1, USB 3.1 Gen2 and USB 3.0 |
| Data Security | Hardware Encryption, Password Protection |
| Data Backup and Restore | Automatic Backup, Restore and Data Recovery Service Plan |
| Extra Features | Supported software & utilities, Shock Resistant, Water Resistant, Complimentary Offers, Warranty |
| Budget | Up to you |
Recommended External HDDs to Buy
Seagate is one of the top brands offering the best external hard disks. They provide hard disks with varying capacities. Seagate external HDDs are designed to keep your data and files protected at all costs. From data recovery options to data security, they provide it all.
If you are looking for the best Seagate external hard disk to use, check out the products listed below. These are some of the best external HDD from the brand.
