Sure, you could use either DVDs or CDs to back up your files, but eventually all those discs add up. Add in the fact that backing up data using discs is time consuming and discs are easily damaged, and external hard drives become a much more appealing option. Plus, discs take up excess space and can be misplaced. Choosing the best external hard drive for your needs will depend on a few things, though.

One of the first things that you will need to consider when selecting the best external hard drive for backing up your files is the type and size of files you are saving. Some types of external drives are more portable than others, so the best external hard drive for your needs will depend on the types and amounts of files you need to store. For example, if you have tons of graphics, photos, videos, etc., you will obviously choose a drive that is less portable.

If you like being able to carry your files with you, then the best external hard drive for you may be something like a flash drive. Flash drives are great if you need to have your files handy and you do not want to carry around a larger external drive. They fit easily on your keychain or in your purse and come in different sizes from about 128 MB to up to 4 GB, so you can fit a great many files on the drive.

If you backing up all the files on your computer’s drive, then the best external hard drive for you is going to be something a little larger. You can purchase an external hard drive with tons of storage – up to a terabyte – that is approximately the size of a paperback book. So while these drives are also theoretically portable, they are considerably larger than flash drives.

One of the best things about the new generation of external hard drives is that you can pack so much more information in a smaller space, making them ultra portable. They do not even need to be plugged into an outlet and can be powered via the USB ports on your computer.

Choosing the best external hard drive is largely a matter of doing your research. If you look in the circulars in the newspaper each week, there are numerous hard drives on sale and the prices are steadily decreasing. In the end, selecting the best external hard drive will be a matter of choosing the drive with the features that work best for your storage needs.

User Reviews: 4/5 (145)

First up on the list of best sellers is a Western Digital 1TB passport. This unit is probably the most well rounded portable external hard drive. Size vs Speed Vs Reliability here is where you are going to get the most bang out of your buck. It’s ready for plug and play today and tomorrow. By being ready for future standards already! This portable device also has a continuous automatic backup, hardware encryption and password protection features.

User Reviews: 4/5 (405)

Number 2 in line is a 500GB Seagate Portable. These are another quality unit for about half the price. This unit is plug and play with no software to install. The ability to drag and drop files and built-in power management for energy efficiency.

User Reviews: 4/5(285)

Rugged and Versatile is all I can say about this. This unit was designed to be used in multiple situations and frequently transported in all conditions. The designer Neil Poulton designed this unit to also utilize Fire Wire 800 & 400 as well as a usb and transfers data as fast as 57MB/s. The unit weighing only a half pound and priced at a Western Digital My Passport price, it’s no wonder why this is the portable device of choice amongst in the field professionals.

User Reviews: 4.5/5(57)

This is a cool little unit. It measures a little over four and a half inches long, almost 3 inches wide and less than a half inch thick. (about the size of a small stack of credit cards or an ipod touch if you can’t imagine). This unit can easily be stuck in your pocket or purse for transport. The small size and priced as an average 500GB drive I can see why this is popular.

User Reviews:4/5(41)

Coming in the number 5 slot is Toshiba, this 750GB portable unit is competitively priced and mixed with a stylish look and packed with top of the line components it’s no wonder Toshiba made it into the top five