The 30 best external storage brands in 2026
Western Digital, Seagate and Toshiba lead our ranking of 30 external storage brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
External Storage brands, ranked
TSCentral is reader-supported: we may earn a commission when you shop through links on this page. It does not affect the ranking.
-
1
Western Digital
Western Digital is a prominent provider of data storage with brands, knowledge, and advanced technology that enable people to share and archive moments from their lives in previously impractical ways. They sell their goods to consumers in more than 160 countries through the HGST, SanDisk, G-Technology, and WD brands. The business has a lengthy history in the computing sector and has clients and assets worldwide. A leading global provider of storage solutions, Western Digital develops groundbreaking storage products that let users create, share, and protect their priceless digital assets.
Website: blog.westerndigital.com |Brands like Western Digital
Popularity 10.0/10
-
2
Seagate
Seagate is a brand that lives by the words of the company slogan. Integrity, Innovation, Inclusion is the three principles that they live by. It is important to note that the brand is dedicated to its work because of its deep understanding of its workings. They aspire to be the best of the best and work for it. The curated group of employees is passionate about their job. They believe in making a difference and aim to make one as a group.
Website: seagate.com |Brands like Seagate
Popularity 6.9/10
-
3
Toshiba
Toshiba's journey started in 1875 and was based on a factory started by Hisashige Tanaka. Tanaka was famous for creating mechanical dolls and perpetual clocks, and his passion for mechanics influenced Toshiba's ventures. The brand provides its customers with world-class technology and electrical products and has made a name. Today, not only can it go toe-to-toe with the biggest names in the high-end technology industry, it is one of its global leaders.
Website: toshiba.com |Brands like Toshiba
Popularity 5.0/10
-
4
-
5
Maxone
Maxone is created by coaches to help coaches navigate the increasingly digital world of athletics. Gone are the days of physical spreadsheets and handouts. With Maxone, coaches can avail the latest developments in scheduling, communications, and training. Smart coaches are encouraged to schedule programs for training athletes in the off-season and keep a systematic database of athletes using digital technology to ensure smooth performance.
Website: maxone.ai |Brands like Maxone
Popularity 2.4/10
-
6
OWC
OWC is the industry leader in providing creators with dependable, best-performing storage solutions. OWC provides perfectly designed workflow solutions for any creative project, from production-grade solid-state and external hard drives to extension products and enterprise storage. OWC should be your first stop if you seek the ideal storage solution for your digital life. They have a large selection of items to suit any budget or need. They have tools to increase your productivity and computer performance, whether you're a professional video editor, graphic artist, or photographer. They provide perfectly designed workflow solutions for any creative project, from production-grade SSDs and external hard drives to extension devices and enterprise storage.
Website: owcdigital.com |Brands like OWC
Popularity 2.4/10
-
7
LaCie
Seagate Technology plc's premium brand is LaCie. They maintain in-house research centers, product-line production, and technical support to understand better and service their clients' demands. They distinguish themselves by emphasizing design, unrivaled technological excellence, and long-term dependability. Their offerings are external hard drives, USB flash drives, docking stations, cloud storage solutions, etc. They provide reliable storage options for you if you are a professional photographer, filmmaker, and audio engineer.
Website: lacie.com |Brands like LaCie
Popularity 2.1/10
-
8
ACASIS
ACASIS manufactures backup devices for PC/smartphones. This brand is highly passionate about creating and designing products that are advanced and inventive. All of their products are exceedingly efficient and of exceptionally high quality. ACASIS products are available in multiple sizes and interfaces to fit your specific requirements perfectly. They have sharp and simplistic designs with minimal setup required, which ensures the convenience of their customers.
Website: acasis.com |Brands like ACASIS
Popularity 2.1/10
-
9
Verbatim
Verbatim has been leading the data storage technology industry since its founding in 1969. From Floppy Disks to USB Drives, it has witnessed and participated in the evolution of technology. Even today, over 48 years later, it maintains its recognizability,...
Website: verbatim.com |Brands like Verbatim
Popularity 2.0/10
-
10
Drobo
Drobo provides storage solutions to ensure that your information is always protected and in safe keeping. Whether you are a creative professional or a student, Drobo has different options for different needs. The Drobo B810n (NAS) is the first sixty-four...
Website: drobo.com |Brands like Drobo
Popularity 1.9/10
-
11
Buffalo Technology
Buffalo Technology is one of the leading data storage solutions providers in the United States. The solutions are user-friendly, dependable, and secure, enhancing customers' trust. The company is dedicated to building high-quality data storage, networking, and multiple technology-related solutions that...
Website: buffalotech.com |Brands like Buffalo Technology
Popularity 1.4/10
-
12
Integral
Integral is Japan's largest independent memory solution provider. They specialize in DRAM, Flash Memory, and other information technology goods. Their products are utilized in various applications such as mobile phones, digital cameras, automotive electronics, networking equipment, and industrial machinery. They...
Website: integralmemory.com |Brands like Integral
Popularity 1.4/10
-
13
Apricorn
Keeping your data secure just became easier with Apricorn. It offers 256-bit hardware-based external storage products. These products are beneficial for all those organizations and companies who need high-level protection for their data. It provides various encrypted portable devices, encrypted...
Website: apricorn.com |Brands like Apricorn
Popularity 1.3/10
-
14
Sonnet
Established in California in 1987, Sonnet is a technological company that aces in the manufacturing of world-class PCIe cards, GPU cards, and expansion cards for advanced users as well as gamers. It also provides solutions for audio, video, media, and...
Website: sonnettech.com |Brands like Sonnet
Popularity 1.3/10
-
15
Buffalo
Buffalo Americas is a leading provider of information technology solutions, focusing on storage management and backup systems, mobile devices, networking and data center infrastructure, video surveillance, workplace mobility, and cloud computing. Their products are simple to use and dependable, giving...
Website: buffalotech.com |Brands like Buffalo
Popularity 1.2/10
-
16
ORICO
Orico is a leading consumer electronics manufacturer primarily dealing with USB storage and charging products. Their solutions can be used on both mobile devices and PCs. The brand's charging and storage solutions are very efficient and technologically advanced, making work...
Website: orico.shop |Brands like ORICO
Popularity 1.2/10
-
17
SUMVISION
Sumvision has been manufacturing PC components and entertainment devices for over ten years. They provide product storage, power products, peripheral products, Pysc audio products, and entertainment products. These products are primarily directed toward gamers. It's easy to use, budget-friendly and...
Website: sumvision.com |Brands like SUMVISION
Popularity 1.2/10
-
18
Memorex
In the United States, Memorex is a significant maker of consumer electronics and information technology products. They specialize in producing and selling goods such as CD-R/RW & DVD recording media, audio speakers and accessories, MP3 players, and other consumer electronics...
Website: memorex.com |Brands like Memorex
Popularity 1.0/10
-
19
Mitsumi
Japan is already well known for its technological advancement. Mitsumi is the brand carrying the legacy forward. It has an intelligent community that strives hard to give out products that can deal with the current changes in technology and fulfill...
Website: mitsumi.co.jp |Brands like Mitsumi
Popularity 1.0/10
-
20
Macally
Your life will be made more accessible with Macally's elevated iPad, iPhone, and iPod accessories. Thanks to its distinctive style, elegant appearance, and functional features, you get all you need in one device. Macally has you covered everything from PC...
Website: macally-europe.com |Brands like Macally
Popularity 0.8/10
-
21
Lexar
Lexar offers a full range of memory cards, card readers, USB flash drives, and portable SSDs to let you capture, transport, and enjoy your favorite photographs and movies. From significant occasions to everyday life, their products provide outstanding quality and...
Website: lexar.com |Brands like Lexar
Popularity 0.8/10
-
22
Oyen Digital
Don't let insufficient storage get in the way of your activities with storage devices from Oyen Digital. They create innovative mass storage products suitable for photographic and gaming equipment using their substantial expertise and experience. Their product line also includes...
Website: oyendigital.com |Brands like Oyen Digital
Popularity 0.8/10
-
23
Picture Keeper
Picture Keeper is a brand that sells USBs for backup that helps you clear space and preserve photos, videos, and contacts that are important to you. These devices are simple to use and do not need any technical expertise, subscription...
Website: picturekeeper.com |Brands like Picture Keeper
Popularity 0.8/10
-
24
Linksys
For more than 30 years, Linksys has been developing wired and wireless networking technology. It is considered a networking pioneer. They focus on making it simple for customers to link their gadgets to the internet without fuss. The company is...
Website: linksys.com |Brands like Linksys
Popularity 0.6/10
-
25
Micron
Micron is the world's largest supplier of memory modules, solid-state storage, and server equipment. Their award-winning solutions serve various clients, including PC makers, data centers, cloud service providers, Internet behemoths, and scientific research organizations. Micron is dedicated to aiding customers...
Website: micron.com |Brands like Micron
Popularity 0.6/10
-
26
I/OMagic
In today's day and age, we are surrounded by intelligent gadgets and devices that help and accompany us in multiple ways. I/O Magic is an online store specializing in electronic accessories and tools that help real-life problems without a hitch....
Website: iomagic.com |Brands like I/OMagic
Popularity 0.6/10
-
27
QNAP
QNAP is an award-winning network-attached storage (NAS) and IP surveillance solutions provider. QNAP has emerged as one of the leaders in Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices. Their products are built to last and deliver exceptional performance, reliability, and ease of...
Website: qnap.com |Brands like QNAP
Popularity 0.6/10
-
28
Antec
Antec Mobile Products (AMP) is a multinational consumer electronics firm that gives customers access to innovative mobile technologies. AMP designed and produced premium-quality hardware with a performance focus for the Android operating system. They are dedicated to providing top-notch support...
Website: support.antecmobileproducts.com |Brands like Antec
Popularity 0.6/10
-
29
Silicon Power
A leading supplier of state-of-the-art memory, flash, and storage solutions, Silicon Power aims to be. They commit to providing all varieties of memory products with unrivaled quality, performance, and affordability. They are here to give you a superb option that...
Website: silicon-power.com |Brands like Silicon Power
Popularity 0.6/10
-
30
Transcend
Transcend is a world leader in the production of storage, multimedia, and industrial solutions. Its award-winning products are known for their quality, dependability, and performance. It is headquartered in Taiwan and has manufacturing plants all around the globe. Its purpose...
Website: transcend-info.com |Brands like Transcend
Popularity 0.6/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Digital | blog.westerndigital.com | /WesternDigitalCorporation | – | @westerndigital | Western Digital Corporation |
| Seagate | seagate.com | /seagate | seagate | – | SeagateTechnology |
| Toshiba | toshiba.com | /ToshibaAmerica | – | @ToshibaAmerica | toshibainnovation |
| Maxtor | maxtor.seagate.com | – | – | – | – |
| Maxone | maxone.ai | – | – | – | – |
| OWC | owcdigital.com | /PoweredbyOWC | poweredbyOWC | @poweredbyOWC | – |
| LaCie | lacie.com | /lacieworldwide | lacie_tech | @lacietech | – |
| ACASIS | acasis.com | – | – | – | – |
| Verbatim | verbatim.com | – | – | – | – |
| Drobo | drobo.com | /Drobo | drobostorage | @drobo | DroboTV |
External Storage Buying Guide
Whether you are a professional, a student or a gamer, chances are that you will need external storage at some point. External hard drives have become increasingly popular due to their affordability, portability, and capacity. In this guide, we will discuss the different types of external storage you can choose from, their specifications, and what to consider before making a purchase.
Types of External Storage
There are several types of external storage that you can choose from, depending on the type of data you want to store, your budget, and your storage needs. Below are some of the most common types of external storage.
Hard Disk Drives (HDDs)
HDDs are the most common types of external storage devices. They are affordable, have large capacity, and are widely available. HDDs use spinning platters to store data and have moving parts, which makes them susceptible to mechanical failure if dropped or mishandled. However, they are still a reliable and affordable option for everyday users who need to store documents, photos, and music.
Solid State Drives (SSDs)
SSDs are a newer type of external storage device that use flash memory to store data. They are faster than HDDs, have no moving parts, and are more durable. However, they are more expensive than HDDs, and have a smaller capacity. SSDs are a good choice for users who need high-speed access to their data, such as gamers, professionals or photographers.
USB Flash Drives
A USB flash drive is a small, portable storage device that connects to a computer's USB port. They are small, inexpensive, and easy to use. However, they have a limited capacity and are easy to lose. USB flash drives are an excellent choice for users who need to transfer small files, store documents or photos on-the-go.
Memory Cards
Memory cards are small, removable storage devices that are commonly used in digital cameras, smartphones, and other devices. They are affordable, portable, and have varying capacities. However, they have a limited lifespan, and can be easily lost or damaged. Memory cards are a good choice for users who need to store photos or videos from their digital cameras or smartphones.
Specifications to Consider
Before making a purchase, it is important to consider the following specifications to ensure that the external storage device you choose meets your needs.
Capacity
The capacity of an external hard drive is the amount of data that can be stored on it. Capacities can range from 32GB to over 10TB, depending on the type of storage device. It is important to choose a capacity that meets your needs, as a hard drive that is too small will quickly fill up, while one that is too large will be an unnecessary expense.
Speed
The speed of an external storage device is an important consideration, especially for users who need to transfer large files or work with high-resolution images or videos. Hard drives and SSDs have different speeds, which can affect their performance. HDDs have a lower speed, which means they take longer to transfer data, while SSDs have a faster speed, which makes them ideal for high-speed transfer.
Connectivity
The connectivity of an external storage device refers to the way it connects to your computer. The most common connectivity options are USB, Thunderbolt, and FireWire. It is important to choose a connectivity option that is compatible with your computer, as well as fast enough for your needs.
Durability
Durability is an important consideration, especially if you plan on using your external storage device on-the-go. SSDs are more durable than HDDs, as they have no moving parts. However, all external storage devices are susceptible to damage if dropped or mishandled. It is important to choose an external storage device that is durable enough for your needs.
What to Consider Before Making a Purchase
Before making a purchase, there are several things to consider to ensure that you choose an external storage device that meets your needs.
Budget
External storage devices can range from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars, depending on their capacity, speed, and features. It is important to set a budget before making a purchase, and to choose a device that meets your needs without breaking the bank.
Storage Needs
The type of external storage device you choose will depend on your storage needs. If you need to store large files, such as videos or high-resolution images, then an SSD may be the best option. However, if you only need to store documents or music, then an HDD or flash drive may be sufficient.
Portability
If you plan on using your external storage device on-the-go, then portability is an important consideration. A USB flash drive or memory card is the most portable option, as they can fit in your pocket or purse. However, if you need more storage capacity, then an HDD or SSD may be more suitable, as they can store more data.
Compatibility
Compatibility is an important consideration when choosing an external storage device. It is important to make sure that the device you choose is compatible with your computer or device. Most external storage devices are compatible with both PC and Mac, but it is important to check before making a purchase.
Conclusion
External storage devices are a convenient and affordable way to store data, whether you are a professional, a student, or a gamer. When choosing an external storage device, it is important to consider the type of storage, its specifications, and what you need it for. By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose an external storage device that meets your needs and fits your budget.
