10 Best Backup Drives 2025 in the United States

The Seagate STEL8000100 Backup Plus Hub is an external desktop hard drive with an impressive storage capacity of 8TB, making it suitable for both business and personal use. This drive is ideal for users who need substantial storage space for data backups, media files, and essential documents. Its USB 3.0 connectivity ensures high-speed data transfers, which can be beneficial for quickly moving large files. The additional two USB 3.0 ports on the hub can be used to charge mobile devices and transfer files from other USB devices, adding to its convenience.

The drive is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems, thanks to the provided NTFS driver for Mac, which allows for seamless switching between the two systems. The included two-year limited warranty and Rescue Data Recovery Services offer peace of mind regarding data security and drive longevity. Additionally, users receive a complimentary four-month membership to Adobe Creative Cloud Photography Plan, which is a nice perk for those who work with photo and video editing applications.

It is relatively bulky and better suited for stationary use rather than on-the-go. Weighing 2.34 pounds and with dimensions of 4.65 x 1.61 x 7.8 inches, its portability is limited compared to smaller, more portable external drives. Despite these minor limitations, the Seagate Backup Plus Hub 8TB is a robust choice for those in need of large storage capacity with additional USB functionalities and solid performance.

The SanDisk 4TB Desk Drive SSD is a solid choice for those needing ample storage space, offering 4TB of capacity which is ideal for large collections of photos, videos, music, and important documents. Its solid-state drive (SSD) type ensures fast performance, with read speeds up to 1000MB/s, making it four times faster than traditional desktop hard drives (HDDs). This rapid speed significantly enhances data access and backup processes, which can be further automated using the included backup software, though it requires download and installation along with user registration.

Connectivity is versatile with USB-C and USB 3.2 Gen 2 options, ensuring broad compatibility with modern laptops and desktops. The compact design makes it suitable for any workspace, maximizing desk space efficiently. However, as a desktop drive with a 2.5-inch form factor, it lacks the portability of smaller external drives, and it requires AC power, limiting its convenience for on-the-go use. Durability is typical of SSDs, being more shock-resistant compared to HDDs, but specific ruggedness features are not highlighted.

Included data recovery services offer an added layer of security for your files. This drive is particularly suited for multimedia, personal, and business uses, providing a reliable solution for desktop storage and backups.