The 5 Best External Hard Drives for Backing Up a Computer

The Western Digital 8TB Elements Desktop External Hard Drive USB is our first pick for this guide. 4.6 stars across 128,068 Amazon ratings at research time. It offers the strongest overall balance for this use case.

The UnionSine 500GB Ultra Slim Portable External Hard Drive is the lowest-priced option in this shortlist at approximately $35.49. Choose it when price matters, while checking its stated limitations before buying.

The Western Digital WD 5TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive is the highest-priced option in this comparison at approximately $214.7. It is worth considering when its features and intended use justify the additional cost.

The Western Digital 8TB Elements Desktop External Hard Drive USB is our stronger overall fit for the “best external hard drive for backing up computer” use case. The Western Digital WD 5TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive is the better alternative for shoppers comparing external hard drive. It may not suit you if the linked size, configuration, fit or compatibility requirements do not match your use case.

Start with the “best external hard drive for backing up computer” use case. We then compare Amazon.com listing and ASIN relevance, specifications that affect the stated use case, review depth and rating evidence where available, price, availability and meaningful limitations, along with the limitations that could make a product unsuitable for your needs.

The Western Digital WD 5TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive is our shortlist choice for shoppers comparing external hard drive. 4.6 stars across 128,065 Amazon ratings at research time. Skip it if the linked size, configuration, fit or compatibility requirements do not match your use case.

Consider another option if the linked size, configuration, fit or compatibility requirements do not match your use case. The other four recommendations cover different budgets, priorities and use cases.

The products in this guide currently span approximately $35.49 to $214.7. The right budget depends on the features you need, so compare the best-for and skip-if notes before paying more.

We evaluated five current options against the exact search intent, the “best external hard drive for backing up computer” use case, relevant specifications, buyer evidence, availability, price and meaningful trade-offs. Affiliate commission does not determine inclusion or position.

This guide was last reviewed on 2026-09-02. Prices, sellers, variants and availability can change, so confirm the final details with the retailer before purchasing.