Top 12 Best External Hard Drive For Creatives 2023 Reviews

Here is all the Best External Hard Drive For Creatives From basic external drives for backing up work data to ones with plenty of extra storage for huge projects. As a result, when choosing one, you’ll want to think about a few things to ensure you receive the greatest one. Users need a few things from an External Hard Disc when it comes to graphic design.

You might want a disc to keep your information on, but speed isn’t the most important factor. Similarly, some people like to have a hard disc that is fast enough to work with. The best storage devices for graphic designers ought to be able to meet your needs.

External Hard Drives For Graphic Design provide additional storage for PCs with limited memory, as well as the ability to transfer files between computers. They’re also often tiny and light, making them easy to transport in a laptop bag or backpack.

External Hard Disc For Designers using conventional hard disc technology for efficient file access or modern Solid-State drives for quicker transfers are both available. Many external hard drives have secure passwords, while others have recovery and backup software built-in.

The Samsung T5 is an older model than the Samsung T7 Touch, as implied by the name, and as a result, its transfer speeds are roughly half as fast, and it needs the fingerprint scanner. Nevertheless, it would be worthwhile to consider if you can find one for a considerably lower cost.

This is because you continue to receive high build quality, dependability, AES 256-bit encryption, and password security. Furthermore, it is even more compact and lightweight (at 5.7 x 1 x 7.4 cm and 51g). Since you value every inch of luggage space, this may also be a factor if you need to transport an external SSD.

[amazon table=”20041″]

Our Recommendations

List Of Top 12 Best External Hard Drive For Creatives 2023

Following are the Top 12 Best External Hard Drive For Creatives 2023:

Our Top Pick Hard Drive For Creatives – WD 2TB Elements Portable HDD

We consider this WD product the most significant external drive available today for most people because of its blazing-fast transfer speeds, enormous capacity, and reasonable price. It is backward compatible with USB 2.0 devices and the most recent USB 3.0 devices.

It offers lightning-fast data transfer rates of up to 6GBps when attached to a USB 3.0 connector. It is continually dependable in operation, and depending on the price, the capacity can reach a staggering 18TB. Although it can get pricey, it still provides outstanding value when compared to the cost per TB.

Although the hard disk is already formatted for Windows, Mac users can easily reformat it. Although it doesn’t have many creative features, it accomplishes the job incredibly well and at a very affordable price. However, take note that this disk does not come with backup software. So if you require that, you could pick the following choice on our list.

Personal Review

Work was done by this HHD. It performed flawlessly. It aids in file backup for me. It should cost half as much in 2023 as it did in 2021 or 2022 since newer models that had been in storage are now available. However, at the time, it was a viable choice. If you plan to purchase in 2023, consider a standard SSD unless you only need to boost storage capacity.

Runner Up Pick Best SSD For Graphic Designers – WD 4TB My Book Desktop External

The Elements model, which is Western Digital’s top-ranked external hard drive, and the My Book model are comparable. Both provide quick transfer rates and support USB 3.0. (in this case, up to 5GBps). Both come in a wide variety of sizes, up to 18TB. And both provide fantastic value in general.

The main advantage of choosing My Book is that you also get several helpful features. The built-in backup software (WD Auto Backup) and password protection with 256-bit AES hardware encryption are the two most significant of them.

Personal Review

If you don’t care about these, the WD Elements drive will likely offer you more megabytes for your money. But if you prioritize security and regular backups, the My Book will likely offer superior value overall.

Best External Hard Drive For Designers – ADATA HD710 Pro 1TB USB 3.1 IP68

You’ll need something tough enough to withstand the trip if you’re taking your hard drive outside, such as on a photographic shoot. This is especially true if the weather could be more cooperative. In that situation, we’d suggest the ADATA HD710 Pro.

It can withstand falls from as high as 1.5 meters thanks to three layers of military-grade anti-shock technology. It is waterproof to the extent that it can resist 60 minutes underwater at a depth of 2 meters and is protected against dust and sand thanks to its IP68 rating.

Along with shock sensors, it also has a waterproof cover. A red LED will light up to alert you, and the device will automatically activate internal protective features to secure your data if strong vibrations are detected during data transfer. It is also very quick, with capacities of up to 5TB and transfer rates of up to 5GBps. Although the camouflage appearance may not be for everyone, there is nothing more rugged.

Personal Review

I got a 4 and a 2 TB. I use it for my Macbook Pro, and if you want to format and split it, it’s straightforward. I STRONGLY advise purchasing this item! The package was safe, and the shipping was quick.

Best Hard Drives For Graphic Designers – SanDisk Professional 12TB G-DRIVE

Want to utilize a hard drive with your Mac but want to avoid reformatting it? You may format this SanDisk hard drive to function with any PC and format it to work with Macs. Beyond that, you may choose from capacities up to a full 20TB, which is staggering.

There is a beautiful, simple aluminum design. You also get two Thunderbolt ports in addition to USB-C. This is a beautiful choice for digital creatives if you’re seeking a large external hard drive for work.

However, the G-Disk Pro differs from what you want if you want a small, compact, cute hard drive. The large metal casing is a beast whether you choose the 4TB or the 18TB model. The fact that you can daisy-chain up to six units together indicates that this product is intended for professionals who do a lot of digital work.

With the Thunderbolt ports, you can power up via the provided mains plug or directly connect to your Mac or computer. This does allow for some portability, but it could be more precisely a grab-and-go choice.

Personal Review

I liked the inputs that allow daisy-chaining other drives with Thunderbolt 3 devices. When I purchased a 12 T Raid drive, these drives were substantially more expensive. Before I could transfer all of my data, that old one died on me. We won’t allow that to occur once more.

Best External Hard Drive For Graphic Designers – Seagate Backup Plus 4TB Desktop

The Seagate Backup Plus is ideal if you want a dependable backup solution to set up and leave alone. It comes with backup software and can be configured to save data securely from nearly all your devices. So, in addition to moving files from your PC, it can also, at your request, take information from your phone, cloud storage, and social media accounts.

With a tremendous slim metal style that is both nice and portable, you have a wide selection of storage capacities from 1TB to 5TB at a reasonable price. If you use a Mac, keep in mind that it is PC-formatted; however, if you install the Mac NTFS driver, you can use it on both platforms without having to reformat it.

Personal Review

It works flawlessly with the Time Machine backup on my new iMac. Put it into a USB 3.0 port (there is also a power adapter/plug), choose Time Machine Backup from the prompts, and choose how frequently and what to back up. It operates quietly in the background as it completes its tasks.

In contrast to prior models, this Seagate type turns on and shuts off when necessary for hourly scheduled backups or when you instruct it to backup immediately. Very discrete. Moreover, I paid less for 4TB than I did for 2TB two years ago! Outstanding!

Customer Pick Hard Drive For Designer : SAMSUNG T5 Portable 

Even for Graphic Designers, an External SSD Drive can be the ideal storage solution. Unless you need to store a lot of data, a 500GB SSD should be plenty for your needs right now. An SSD’s performance and simplicity are only two of the numerous benefits you’ll get from using one. For starters, the speeds you’ll get will be unmatched by anything on an HDD.

The Samsung T5 has a transfer rate of up to 540 MB/s, which is impressive. In addition, this device works with Windows, Mac, and Android devices; for as long as they aren’t too old. Use one of these three operating systems at the very least: Mac OS X 10.9.4, Android 4.4.4, or Windows 7. This is, obviously, no longer a concern.

The fact that the SSD arrives with two cables is also a plus. In the box you’ll get two USB cables: one is type C and the other is type C to type A. In other words, you can use your SSD with any device you want. It is also quite long-lasting.

Because it should, the T5 SSD is housed in a complete metal enclosure that’s about the size of a person’s palm. When not in use, you can store it in your pocket and avoid having your files accessed by others.

Finally, consider portability. There isn’t a quicker or more compact external drive on the market. This may be the greatest option for someone who is constantly on the go. SSDs provide hardware encryption for data access security. AES 256-bit encryption can be used to encrypt the device with a password.

This should assist keep your files safer while also giving you peace of mind knowing that no one will be able to easily take your hard work. There are four different color options for the SSD. However, the grey or black color scheme is always a safe bet. With the same read/write speeds, you can obtain as much storage as you want up to 2TB.

However, the price per GB is high compared to the majority of external SSDs. It’s therefore advisable to weigh the benefits of a large storage capacity drive vs. one that is only a little bit speedier. Alternatively, if you’re on a budget, the 500GB model might be sufficient for you.

It’s also worth noting that the SSD is USB 3.1 Gen2-compatible. Consequently, on more recent systems, you’ll get a lot out of it. However, it lacks a Thunderbolt 3 port, making it less expensive than the more expensive option.

Except for a small percentage of users, this isn’t a big deal. Is it possible to find SSDs for a lower price? Yes. Are there SSDs that are quicker than this? Sure. However, if you’re a graphics designer, rapid read/write rates aren’t a need. Even if you only use the SSD as a backup, speeds of over 500 MB/s are more than sufficient.

Personal Review

Because it has no weak parts and is extremely small and portable, it can withstand being in a backpack far better than a typical HDD external drive.  Mine doesn’t become warm when I use it for my use case.

Editor Choice Hard Drive For Creatives : Seagate Portable 2TB 

Upon first glance, this Seagate Foldable External Hard Drive doesn’t appear to be all that impressive. If you’re a graphic designer on a low budget and looking for something simple, even light in terms of storage, this is a great option. Even if you’re looking at a 2TB or 4TB external hard disc, the costs are well within reach.

Another plus is how thin the device is in comparison to others of its kind. This reduces the drive’s long-term durability, but it keeps it quiet & cool enough even when under a lot of strain. For those who use both Windows and Mac computers and are on a budget, there aren’t many choices.

Back up all your gadgets with the Seagate STGX2000400. It’s also possible to carry your presentations with you, connect the Seagate to any laptop, and start impressing your clients right away. Seagate promised a light and fast 7oz portable hard drive and delivered on that promise with flying colors.

In addition, it succeeded in the promise of shrinking the disc to the size of an SSD rather than a traditional hard drive. In terms of measurements, it’s 4.65 inches wide by 3.15 inches high by 0.58 inches thick. This places it squarely in the slim category, which comes in handy if you need to take your backup files with you when you travel.

The device’s overall durability, on the other hand, is mediocre. Although the build quality is lower than that of more expensive models, that doesn’t imply it can’t take a beating. This machine can stand up to a lot of abuse, but it’s still suggested that you look after it.

It’s not as durable as, say, a solid metal SSD or an external hard drive in a casing. Not to mention, you have the option of ordering it in either softcover or hardback format. As a result, the empty drive will be more vulnerable than the rest of your system.

The hard drive comes with a USB 3.0 port and an 18 cable, so you can view or save your files on any Windows or Mac computer. Both systems’ initial software setup is fully automated and completed in a matter of seconds.

Personal Review

As a result, I strongly advise using this drive for mass storage. The best quality/price ratio for this kind of storage, if not the best. And as I’ve said throughout this incredibly long review, using a contemporary MacBook is fine as long as you purchase a little attachment in addition to between 4 and 8 euros.

Best Seller External Hard Drive : WD 4TB My Passport 

Before any other consideration, the WD My Passport external hard drive offers great value for the money. Smaller files and batches may be sent quickly because of the SSD’s read/write speed and transfer rates, which range from 1TB to 4 TB. The WD Discovery program is included with the hard disc, as is the case with all great WD gear.

Using this software, you’ll be able to better control your automatic backups. Depending on your needs, you can set the frequency and time of day for updates as well as specific files. The 4TB WD My Passport Black is the finest option for storage needs. Toss in personal files and presentations and you’ve got a lot of storage capacity.

You may also use this as a workplace storage device by using the WD Security software. You can utilize the 256-bit AES encryption provided by the software to guard against typical intrusions aimed at gaining access to private files without authorization. In terms of carrying it around, you have two choices: a carry case, or an external hard drive enclosure.

In the event you’re constantly on the road, the carry case is probably the greatest selection for you. It’s not designed to provide high-end impact protection, but rather to keep dust, scratches, and the odd accidental spill at bay. When combined with the overall sleek and subdued design, a black model will stand out as the most professional option.

It’s also possible to choose from a wide range of eye-catching and eye-catching color combinations. Additionally, the drive comes pre-installed with the WD Discovery software suite. You won’t have to download anything or worry about your laptop or PC lacking an optical drive.

Plugging the WD My Panorama into an available USB 3.0 port and letting the automatic setup wizard take its course are the only requirements for getting started. This hard disc works best with Windows-based PCs, as well. If you’re a Mac user, you may not be able to take advantage of the fast connectivity to its best potential. To put it another way, the WD suite of applications isn’t compatible with the Mac operating system.

Personal Review

I won’t be using my large-capacity Passport for Mac. It makes it highly practical and excellent as a backup.

• Transportable and portable.
• USB 3.0, which speeds up the transfer.
• I used a USB cable to link it to an Apple Airport. There was no need for configuration, and it automatically read the hard drive.

Customer Pick External Hard Drive For Designer : Seagate STEL8000100 

Seagate is a well-known manufacturer of high-capacity portable hard drives. If you’re a graphic artist who needs a lot of storage space, the Seagate Backup Plus Hub can provide you with up to 10TB of space.

Two USB 3.0 ports are included on this external HDD, making it ideal for multitasking. Files can be transferred between two devices at the same time, such as a thumb drive, a camera, or even your own computer. Another plus is that this HDD is totally suitable for both Windows and Mac. A Mac NTFS driver must first be manually installed.

A Mac or Linux system is required otherwise the device will not work. However, for some customers, having up to 10TB of storage is a major selling point. Everything from sketching to animations and 4K films can be done with that much memory. Everything you need to work on or save in a secure location where you have complete control.

In addition, the Backup Plus Hub has blazing-fast transfer rates. When it comes to moving large folders and files up to 20GB, it’s hard to beat this program. Does it, on the other hand, have the fastest overall read/write speeds? That’s not entirely correct.

There’s a two-month Adobe Creative Cloud Photography Plan membership included with each HDD, which is a fascinating bonus. A wide range of Adobe photo editing applications will be made available to you. This is not a lifelong subscription, but two months free is a decent deal to test the waters and determine whether it’s right for you.

To refresh your memory, here’s what the Adobe plan includes if you’re unfamiliar. Adobe Photoshop and the Lightroom photo storage service are included in the purchase price of the software. Graphic designers are familiar with the first, so the second, an online photo organizer, could be useful.

It’s a remote photo editing, storage, and sharing service. As well as Adobe Spark, you’ll also get access to other lesser-known apps. Now that you have a huge external hard drive, you may require this software bundle if you’re generating bespoke graphics, short videos, or web pages. You may also use the hard drive as a power bank to charge your smartphone when you don’t have access to any other connectors.

That being said, this isn’t the most portable external HDD you’ll ever own. It weighs about 2.34 pounds and has dimensions of 4.65 x 1.61 x 7.8. It’s not huge or hefty, but it’s not the lightest or most portable thing you’ll ever use. In the office or at home, it’s recommended to keep this gadget in one location because of the external 18W power supply.

Personal Review

Due to its higher density, sequential writing is fast (the head needs to be moved less). Here, the word “sequential” is crucial. Because of their huge capacity and ability to swiftly record sequential information (backup), these disks are perfect for backing up, which is why they have the word “Backup” in their name.

It has more storage space on the same disk type as other technologies. It is less costly per TB than alternative technologies. Some people might even be shocked to learn that this 8 TB disk costs less than other 5 TB caseless Seagate with PMR technology, but the rationale was previously mentioned.

Best Hard Drive For Graphic Designer : SanDisk 2TB Extreme

SanDisk is a well-known company with high-quality goods. It’s the same with this external SSD. Because it’s so small and light, this SSD hard drive can go almost anywhere with you. It’s dust, shock, and water-resistant, so you can use it on the road without worrying about it breaking down.

An extra benefit is a warranty, which lasts for three years. This disc has plenty of space for all of your images. For even the most productive photographer, 2 TB is more than enough storage. And if money is an issue, the 500 MB version is a good compromise. Furthermore, this device has lightning-fast data transfer rates, so there will be no stuttering.

Personal Review

This hard disk is a little (smaller than my iPhone!) and really fast. Using the Lightroom library that is also stored on the hard drive, I can edit photographs quickly by leaving them on the HDD. Additionally, it has 1TB of storage space (and not 9xx Giga, as can be the case when you buy other hard drives).

Best External Hard Drive For Creatives : Seagate Barracuda 

It’s possible to get the Seagate Barracuda SSD disc in 3 distinct capabilities: 500 GB, 1 TB, or 2 TB. Even though it has a simple, square shape, this item is rather enormous when compared to the others on this list.

However, despite this, it constantly delivers good performance and quick transfer rates The Seagate Barracuda has the added benefit of including backup software. Backup and file syncing can be configured in this feature to meet your specific needs. Any photographer will appreciate this feature.

Personal Review

This drive is excellent for the price. I would purchase a few more and store them in the closet until I needed them if it weren’t for how swiftly technology advances. Great way to store things!

Top External SSD For Designers : SAMSUNG T7 Touch

Consistently excellent evaluations have been written about Samsung’s T7 portable SSD. Graphic designers and photographers will like the hard drive’s large storage capacity and fast writing speeds.

Fingerprint/password security is also a convenient feature. Shock resistance is another benefit of this little SSD disc. Even from a height of two meters, it’ll hold up. It’s made of solid aluminum and doesn’t have any moving components, so it’s extra strong. These safety features provide you with additional peace of mind because accidents do happen.

Now that you know your files are protected, you can take it easy. The Samsung T7 is fully compatible with a wide range of gadgets. Because it has USB-C as well as USB-A ports, you won’t have to be concerned about compatibility issues.

Personal Review

Works perfectly after everything is set up. With Windows 10, a fingerprint scanner functions well. When locked, all you need is your fingerprint; a password or password and fingerprint are not required. The backup to the fingerprint scanner is a password.

Product Comparison

You may require more storage than the majority of the finest external hard drives can offer if you frequently work with 4K or 8K video or large 3D scenarios. A device like the WD My Book Duo, which offers storage options up to an astounding 36TB, might be what you need. There’s a compelling reason you might select this over smaller external drives, even though that could seem overkill for any

one.

You can configure the My Book Duo’s drives as a RAID 1 backup, meaning your data is mirrored between two drives rather than typically using all the storage space. This implies that everything is still secure on the other driver even if one of them fails. This makes it the best option for anyone who wants to avoid taking any chances when protecting their files.

The G-Technology ArmorATD portable hard drive (HDD, not SSD) is made to be tough; it has three levels of shock resistance, internal shock mounts, an aluminum shell, and a removable rubber bumper for added drop protection. It is also resistant to rain, dust, and crushing (up to 1,000 pounds).

The 2TB and 4TB variants have small, portable sizes and come with a USB Type-A adaptor to use with their USB Type-C interfaces, so they should be compatible with almost all computers. Although the 2TB is rated for somewhat faster speeds, neither of the sizes we tested 2TB or 4TB was very quick, and the drive doesn’t come with file management software. But if you consider the cost, one of these drives can be a sensible option if you and your data enter an uncharted area.

The SanDisk Extreme Pro Portable SSD meets your needs for the most significant external hard drive. Despite not getting lost in your pocket or bag, it is small and lightweight enough to fit in your hand. Nice looks? Its soft-touch back, rounded corners, black-and-red color scheme, and gently pockmarked front give it a look and feel that is thoroughly contemporary and pleasantly traditional.

How about speed, then? The Extreme Pro Portable SSD’s USB 3.1 version has a sequential read speed rating of 1,050MBps, and in our performance testing, it consistently placed near the top of the list. Additionally, global encryption is applied by the SanDisk Secure Access program.

Product Testing

To reduce performance differences, we connected every external hard drive to a Dell XPS 17 laptop of the most recent generation utilizing the best connection interface that the drive could provide.

The drives were then subjected to the same set of simulated and actual tests in the same order, ensuring that each drive performed as similarly as possible. Blackmagic Disk Speed Test 3.2.1 (5GB stress loads) and CrystalDiskMark 7.0.0 were included in our test suite (8GB workloads, single-thread sequential read and write, queue depths of 1 and 8)

• Data Drive Benchmark for PCMark 10
• Test of Future File Transfer (25GB)

To fully understand what the drives offer, we also examine their technology, features, aesthetics, cables and adapters, and other qualities. Whenever necessary, we conduct additional testing on the distinctive features of the drives to see how well they performed in actual use and whether they are likely to be advantageous to you.

Best External Hard Drive For Creatives Buyer’s Guide

When looking for an External Hard Drive For Creatives, there are a few factors to keep in mind. As an overview, here are the key features to keep an eye out for:

Hard Drive Types Available

A photographer or a graphic designer may require one of three types of hard drives: portable, external, and desktop. Take a look at the list and decide which choice best suits your needs! This is a must-have item for trip photographers or anyone who will be shooting on location for an extended period. You don’t want to squander your trip by losing all of your photos.

Compact, light, and durable with minimal power consumption should be the key design features. Photographers and graphic designers alike require a backup disc to keep a copy of all their work in case something goes wrong. The ideal backup disc will be both large and affordable. Here, size doesn’t matter as much.

Photographers and graphic designers should consider an internal hard drive extension as an additional storage option. Wi-Fi and USB are the two ways an extended hard drive can be used. Huge photo libraries and other large files can be stored in this way without causing performance issues on your computer. Take note of speed and performance if you choose this route.

Durability

While traveling, you’ll want a smartphone that can withstand the elements. Be on the lookout for items that are resistant to water, dust, and bumps. Even for home use, some hard discs lack the durability required for travel.

Speed/Performance

Another important element to keep an eye on is the speed at which data is transferred. Consider models with high read and transfer rates if you care about efficiency.

Size

Compact hard drives are available; some are small enough to fit in a pocket. These compact cameras are ideal for people who are constantly on the move, such as street photographers or vacationers. Larger capacity backup drives do tend to be heavier. You have a choice based on your requirements and where you plan to use it!

Capacity

To store all your photographs, you’ll require a drive with plenty of space. A storage capacity of 500 GB should be plenty for the majority of shooters. A 4-terabyte external hard drive is available if you need more room (with the expected higher price). However, if money is an issue, you can start with a smaller drive and then improve it later.

Connectivity

If you buy a hard disc, be sure it is compatible with all of your devices. USB ports are used by the majority of external drives. However, you should check to see if your computer is equipped with USB-C or USB-A connections.

If it’s not compatible with the hard drive you’ve selected, do a second check. In addition to Bluetooth, certain models include Wi-Fi built-in. To do this, you’ll need a fast internet connection to move your data.

Budget

Hard drives are available at a wide range of prices and functionalities. If money is an issue, you may have to choose a model of a lower size. After that, you’ll be able to upgrade as your finances permit.

Conclusion

Finally, here is my list of the Best External Hard Drive For Creatives. You’ll find the appropriate model here, whether you’re searching for a Travel Hard Drive or a backup drive. There’s something for everyone’s financial situation. Efficiency, speed, and durability are all included in these tried-and-true hard drives.

You’ll be surprised at how much a good External Hard Drive For a Designer can help your workflow. Another significant advantage is the increased peace of mind. So go ahead and get yourself one of these high qualities SSD drives right now!

,

Frequently Asked Questions