What’s the best portable external hard drive with 2TB external hard drives. An external hard drive is a data-holding storage device that plugs into your computer.
Not only is it an efficient way to hold much more space for your computer or gaming system, but it’s also fantastic for physically transferring storage data to different locations. External hard drives are an outstanding way to backup files, as well.
Each terabyte of storage is 1000 gigabytes. Therefore, each 2TB external hard drive carries 1000 gigabytes of data. In most cases, 2TB of storage is enough space to efficiently hold a fair amount of high-quality videos, pictures, backup files, audio files, etc.
Unfortunately, not all external hard drives were made equal. Some can be very slow at file transfers, break easily which can result in loss of files, compatibility with different software, and overpriced.
After extensive research, testing, and reviews; We formulated a list of the 8 best portable external hard drives with 2 terabytes of storage. Each one of these is very reliable and provides the best value.
In Short, Here are The Best External Hard Drives With 2 Terabytes Of Storage
- SP Silicon Power
- LaCie LAC9000298
- WDBYVG0020BBK-WESN
- Seagate STHN2000400
- Toshiba (HDTC920XW3AA)
- Seagate Expansion
- WDBU6Y0020BBK
- Seagate STEA2000403 (Xbox One)
- Toshiba (HDTB420XK3AA)
- Seagate STGX2000400
1. SP Silicon Power
Designed for Mac, PC, PS4, and Xbox; The SP Silicon Power is an excellent portable external hard drive. It too provides a durable construction with IPX4 water resistance and shockproof capabilities. With a 3-year warranty, you’ll enjoy peace of mind.
This hard drive is has a stylish design with a scratch-resistant surface. With impressive transfer speed, it saves a lot of your time, as well. Overall, this hard drive is a fantastic choice that won’t let you down. It’s compact, portable, has great build quality with silicone construction, and very dependable for gaming or PC. Be sure to check out the reviews below!
Users Say: “The pictures of this look pretty good, but in person, this thing is really slick. It works well and I haven’t had any problems with it in 6 months. The price for this should make it clear that it is a disk drive, not a solid-state. I really wish that they would make one in this style with a solid-state drive. This is my second SiliconPower drive, the first I have been using for many years (still do) and haven’t experienced any issues at all.”
Tech Specs & Reviews
- Compatible with USB 3.0
- 2 Terabytes of storage
- Shockproof
- 2 color options
- Portable
- 3-year manufacturer warranty
- Pre-formatted for Windows
2. LaCie LAC9000298
Next up, the LaCie LAC9000298 is an exceptional 2TB portable external hard drive. Coming with the purchase, it includes a 2-year limited warranty. One of its essential attributes is its quick 130MB/s speed. You’ll also appreciate the 1-month complimentary Adobe creative cloud membership.
The primary downside with this external drive is it’s a bit faulty. Many people complain about it prematurely breaking or their compatible computer doesn’t recognize it. However, a far greater amount of users are extremely happy with it. Be sure to check out the reviews below.
Users Say: “Used to increase storage of new Mac Mini with only 256GB of its own. While performing programming duties, its response seems on a par with the Mac’s own SSD. As I do not use the Mac for any higher performance tasks, I cannot comment on how it might perform if I did, The durability rating I gave was simply based on not having had any problems in the one month of ownership, but cannot address long-term what might become apparent.”
Tech Specs & Reviews
- Compatible with USB 2.0 and USB 3.0
- Portable
- 2 Terabytes of space
- Max Speed: 130MB/s
- 2 year limited warranty
- Compatible with Laptop and PC
3. WDBYVG0020BBK-WESN
Coming in either black, red, or blue; The WDBYVG0020BBK-WESN is another superb 2TB external hard drive for the money. The primary upgrade this hard drive offers is its +256 bit AES hardware encryption for security. In other words, if your planning on adding sensitive information to your hard drive and need added security, this one’s an excellent choice. You must initiate password protection for it to work.
Aside from its essential security capabilities, it comes with an impressive 3-year limited warranty, as well. You’ll also appreciate its automatic backup. The primary downside with this hard drive is it’s only compatible with PC. Unfortunately, Mac users must look elsewhere. Aside from that, it’s an amazing choice for PC users who need a portable 2TB external hard drive with AES encryption, backup, and storage!
Users Say: “Super small. Perfect for storage extension for my PS4. Literally took zero effort to set up other than just plugging it in. Haven’t had any problems even with a few times where I’ve had an interrupted connection or power outage. Always recovers and works fast (which considering the price difference between this and an SSD, I strongly considered an SSD but I haven’t had a problem with speed and such).”
Tech Specs & Reviews
- 2 Terabytes of storage
- + 256 bit AES hardware encryption
- Auto backup
- 3 color options
- 3-year manufacturer’s limited warranty
- Portable
4. Seagate STHN2000400
Just recently, the Seagate STHN2000400 had a significant price cut. Although we’re unsure if this discount is permanent or temporary, we believe it’s either way, an outstanding value. You can get this 2 Terabyte hard drive in either black, light blue, or red.
With the purchase, you get a 2-year limited warranty. On top of that, it also comes with a 60-day complimentary membership to Adobe Creative Cloud Photography Plan and a 1-year free subscription to Mylio Create.
Primarily made of aluminum with a minuscule amount of brushed metal enclosure, it’s made of stylish but robust material. It’s compatible with both Windows and Mac for either PC or laptop. Amongst users, it’s very popular with incredible ratings. You’ll also appreciate the fast 120MB/s max speed. Overall, this hard drive is a dependable choice for any application. It’s well priced and very portable!
Users Say: “So far so good. Bought this to replace a unit that was making noises and giving the impression it was going bad. Having previously lost data due to not paying attention to these little signals, I purchased this Seagate and quickly transferred everything to this new unit. The transfer time was quick – – much quicker than two other units I currently use for backing up data. At a minimum, there’s peace of mind when your data may be transferred quickly and reliably to a new unit made by a well-known company like Seagate. Love the red color, too!”
Tech Specs & Reviews
- Compatible with Mac or Windows
- 2 Terabytes of storage
- Aluminum enclosure
- USB 3.0
- Portable
- Auto back-up
- 120 MB/s
- 3 color options
- 2 year limited warranty
5. Toshiba (HDTC920XW3AA)
The Toshiba (HDTC920XW3AA) is an exceptional 2TB external hard drive. You get a 2-year limited warranty with the purchase. Along with that, you also get Toshiba’s downloadable storage security software which makes it easier to back up your files. It’s compatible with both USB 3.0 and USB 2.0, as well. Overall, it’s an excellent choice and we highly recommend it!
Users Say: “I received this yesterday and immediately formatted it for use with my Macbook. It was very quick and easy to format. There were no instructions on how to do it so I did have to find instructions but quickly found them on YouTube. I have already transferred a few files. There is an option to use the external drive as a backup disk but that’s not what I wanted it for. I want to use it as a second hard drive since I have filled my Macbook but it’s still in great shape. I am a little apprehensive to depend on the drive because of the reviews, so I am planning to back up my important documents and pictures to a separate disk to be safe. I will update this review if the disk fails quickly.”
Tech Specs & Reviews
- Compatible with USB 3.0
- 2 Terabytes of storage
- Portable
- 2 year limited warranty
- Downloadable Backup Software
6. Seagate Expansion
Next in line, the Seagate Expansion is another wildly popular 2TB external hard drive with great customer reviews. Coming with the purchase is an 18-inch USB 3.0 cable and peace of mind with a 1-year limited warranty. Upon connection to your Windows software, the hard drive is automatically recognizable. With a 4.61 length and 3.15 width, it’s easy to travel with. Overall, it’s an excellent choice for windows!
Users Say: “Bought this as a X-mas present to myself to increase my PS4 storage and give my console some longevity. I buy 95% of my games digital, and this thing is barely half full, with my collection pushing 50 games. The speed is good, I don’t notice any lag, and it was easy to install – PS4 detects it immediately and formats it for you. Very satisfied. The only thing is to make sure your console is somewhere the USB connection won’t get bumped. It’s very sensitive to movement and will automatically shut down the console if accidentally disconnected. Also, make sure you’ve got a surge protector between the wall and your console because a surge or brown-out will mess with this thing.”
Tech Specs & Reviews
- Dimensions: 4.61 x 3.15
- 2 Terabytes of storage space
- Portable
- Compatible with USB 3.0
7. WDBU6Y0020BBK
For many reasons, the WDBU6Y0020BBK is the most famous 2TB hard drive on the market with near-flawless reviews. To make things better, it’s currently on a hefty 54% discount, as well. This external hard drive is compatible with both USB 2.0 and USB 3.0. You’ll also be very impressed with the amount of storage its compact design is able to handle. With a 4.35-inch length, 3.23-inch width, and weighing only half of a pound, you’ll have no issues fitting in a pocket or purse.
Another tremendous benefit is its 2-year manufacturer’s limited warranty providing peace of mind. It’s compatible with both Mac and Windows. Whether you’re gaming or need it for PC storage, it’s a fantastic bang for the buck portable external hard drive. Be sure to check out the reviews below!
Users Say: “Needed another backup for my husband’s new computer and I’ve had one for myself for about 5 years. Works great, but if you have Macs like us, you need to format it and that’s easy to do. There is an online page that walks you through it. So, it’s not plugged and play for Mac users.”
Tech Specs & Reviews
- Portable
- Formatted NTFS for Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7
- 2 Terabytes of storage
- Compatible with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0
- 2-year manufacturer’s limited warranty
8. Seagate STEA2000403 (Xbox One)
Explicitly designed for Xbox One, this 2TB external hard drive is a phenomenal choice. With the Seagate STEA2000403, you’re able to store over 50 titles. Another beneficial attribute is it’s little to no lag time. Considering it was customized for Xbox, you won’t have a delay opening your games. Overall, if you’re primarily looking for an external hard drive for Xbox, this is the one to get!
Users Say: “2TB is nice, due to cost was within top-end of budget wanted the 4GB. That’s the only Con. Now I’ve had this for less than 24hrs. However, I connected to xbox1, formatted it with no issues n transferred 1.1TB of files took bout 1hr. No issues, it’s small n compact can carry n pocket (prob uncomfortable but small enough to fit). Comes with usb3.0 USB, and The 1 free month was a nice extra. Would def recommend it to anyone needing more space!”
Tech Specs & Reviews
- 2 terabytes of storage space
- Portable
- Optimized for Xbox
- Unformatted
- 140MB/s Max Speed
9. Toshiba (HDTB420XK3AA)
Running under $50, the Toshiba (HDTB420XK3AA) is an affordable but high-quality 2TB external hard drive. Not only is it formatted NTFS for Windows or Macintosh, but it comes with a 1-year limited warranty, as well. It’s also compatible with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0. You’ll love the professional matte finish design, as well.
This hard drive is very popular with amazing user reviews. With a 4.3 inch length and 3.1-inch width, it’s very comfortable to travel with. Overall, it’s a fantastic external hard drive!
Users Say: “This was so easy to use! I was able to just plug it in and start using it right away. I had a problem with my HP laptop and even though my husband and I were able to fix it, I became a little paranoid about only having one backup (and that was Internet-based). So I decided to purchase a portable HD as he used at work to ensure I had a second backup that was not Internet-based. This was perfect! I backed up my entire laptop in a matter of 45 minutes (yes, I have a LOT of files). I read lots of reviews and truly thought about the size I needed before purchasing this particular HD. I am very pleased and would highly recommend this brand and drive.”
Tech Specs & Reviews
- Compatible with USB 2.0 or USB 3.0
- 1 year limited warranty
- Portable
- 1 Terabyte of storage space
10. Seagate STGX2000400
Here is yet another one of the most popular 2TB external hard drives on the market. While it’s not as famous as WD, the Seagate STGX2000400 is a phenomenal choice for Xbox, PS4. You’ll love how it’s already preformatted for Windows and PC, as well.
There are a plethora of reasons why we love it. For one, it’s remarkably dependable. If you want a hard drive with the highest customer satisfaction and the lowest amount of issues among users, this hard drive might be the one for you. The moment you attach it to your Mac or Windows, it automatically recognizes the device and makes it effortless to drag and drop storage.
Of all the hard drives on this list, this is actually the brand I decided to keep and stick with. In my experience, I’ve never had a single issue with this hard drive since I got it 5 years ago. It provides a relatively quick 120 MB/s max speed, as well. Overall, it’s a very reliable choice and provides superb value for your money!
Users Say: “Wanted to save some money instead of investing in a NAS or having a portable harddrive Purchased this hard drive to hook up to my Netgear router via USB and use ReadyShare app, by Netgear, to access files remotely or on the home network. Needed a hard drive with no built-in NAS ability or software. The hard drive is quiet where I have it. Works great for storing files. It is only one hard drive so there is no RAID setup, but I am good with that.”
Tech Specs & Reviews
- 1 Year limited warranty
- Compatible with Windows or Mac
- 2 color options
- USB 3.0 for PS4, Xbox, PC, and Mac
- Portable
- 2 Terabytes of storage
What’s an external hard drive?
An external hard drive is basically a drive that provides storage space. While a computer’s internal hard drive delivers storage within the computer, an external hard drive is portable and comes in various amounts of storage space.
How much does an external hard drive cost?
While it primarily depends upon the provided space, $47 all the way up to $850. However, most popular external hard drives run between $47 to $200’s.
How many terabytes of storage do external hard drives offer?
External hard drives come in various storage space amounts any from 1 terabyte all the way up to 24 terabytes and almost everything between.
What does an external hard drive do?
An external hard drive provides storage space within a square-like portable object.
Quick Recap
Here are The Best 2TB External Hard Drives
- SP Silicon Power
- LaCie LAC9000298
- WDBYVG0020BBK-WESN
- Seagate STHN2000400
- Toshiba (HDTC920XW3AA)
- Seagate Expansion
- WDBU6Y0020BBK
- Seagate STEA2000403 (Xbox One)
- Toshiba (HDTB420XK3AA)
- Seagate STGX2000400
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