Are you looking for the best hard drive to store photos and video?

With numerous brands like SanDisk, Toshiba, LaCie, and ADATA vying for attention, identifying the perfect hard drive can feel overwhelming.

I’ve handpicked the top 10 hard drives tailored specifically for photo storage.

From the ultra-fast to the ultra-rugged, you can find a hard drive for your taste.

Best Hard Drives to Store Photos & Videos

10 Best Hard Drives to Store Photos & Videos


The following is the list of the Best Hard Drive to Store Photos and Videos:

1. Crucial X6 500GB Portable SSD

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Crucial X6 500GB Portable SSD - Up...
10,045 Reviews
Crucial X6 500GB Portable SSD - Up...
  • HUGE CAPACITY: Up to 4TB, storage capacity - enough for up to 20,000 photos, 100...
  • FAST: Read speeds up to 540MB/s – that's 3.8x faster than most hard drives
  • TINY, LIGHTWEIGHT: Fits between your fingertips and weighs less than your car keys

Looking for affordable and trustworthy extra storage? The Crucial X6 500GB Portable SSD stands out as a top choice, combining reliable performance, a stylish design, and a wallet-friendly cost.

Featuring USB 3.2 technology, the Crucial X6 500GB Portable SSD delivers impressive read and write speeds of 540Mbps and 800Mbps, respectively. This is especially significant given the large size of modern games. Additionally, the ultra-compact design of this SSD is worth mentioning. Instead of a chunky device you might expect, similar to the Xbox Series X|S, the X6 sports a surprisingly slim profile, easily fitting into the palm of your hand.

Find more SSD Crucial drives: Top 7 Best SSD Drive Crucial.

2. Seagate Storage 1TB Expansion SSD Card

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Seagate Storage Expansion Card for...
16,093 Reviews
Seagate Storage Expansion Card for...
  • SEAMLESS GAMEPLAY: Designed in partnership with Xbox to seamlessly play Xbox Series...
  • HIGH CAPACITY: 1TB of storage increases the overall capacity of the Xbox Series...
  • EXCLUSIVE TO XBOX: The only available expansion card that replicates the Xbox...

Within the realm of photo and video storage solutions, the Seagate Storage Expansion Card stands out, representing unparalleled durability and top-notch quality. It’s precisely crafted to cater to the needs of content creators and multimedia enthusiasts. A distinctive feature of this Seagate card is its capability to rapidly access and run high-resolution photo and video files. This eradicates the dilemma of deciding which files to keep on-hand and which to move to other storage mediums.

Quite impressive, right? But there’s more to it. The official Seagate Storage Expansion Card does not merely store files — it ensures an uncompromised performance boost, thanks to its perfect harmony with modern hardware configurations. Essentially, it feels as though you’ve enhanced your storage system with an advanced, built-in memory unit.

3. NEWQ External Hard Drive

NEWQ Hard Drive for Phone Computer:...
71 Reviews
NEWQ Hard Drive for Phone Computer:...
  • Hard Drive for Cellphone - This NewQ phone hard drive is an external HDD designed for...
  • Upgraded 2TB Capacity - The capacity of this harddrive has been upgraded from 1TB to...
  • Compatible with phones, laptops, iPad, and Computer - Besides being used on iPhone...

The NEWQ External Hard Drive, boasting an upgraded 2TB capacity, is specifically designed for iPhone and Android users to back up their media with confidence. Moving beyond the confines of typical photo sticks, which often cap at 512 GB, the NEWQ HDD delivers a whopping 2000GB storage. This translates to approximately half a million photos or 20,000 brief videos. Its adaptability is accentuated by its cross-device compatibility, making it suitable for iPads, laptops, Macbooks, and desktop computers.

One of its most commendable features is the “one-click backup” capability. With just a single press, users can secure all of their phone’s media, bypassing the time-consuming task of manual selection and transfer. Thanks to its plug-and-play design, interacting with this hard drive is as straightforward as using an ordinary USB drive.

4. SanDisk Extreme Pro 2TB SSD – The Best Hard Drive to Store Photos & Videos

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SanDisk 2TB Extreme PRO Portable...
9,604 Reviews
SanDisk 2TB Extreme PRO Portable...
  • Save time storing and transferring data with powerful NVMe solid state performance...
  • A forged aluminum chassis acts as a heat sink to deliver higher sustained speeds in a...
  • Up to 2 meter drop protection and IP55 water and dust resistance (3), and a handy...

Designed with mobility at its core, the SanDisk Extreme Pro SSD is a blazing-fast solid-state drive ideal for storing photos and videos for professionals on the move. It’s the perfect pick for those spontaneous photography trips or impromptu videography sessions.

Boasting a compact design at 0.41 x 2.28 x 4.36 inches, this SSD is conveniently sized to slip into a pocket, backpack, or camera bag, making it an essential travel partner for media enthusiasts. Its IP55 certification assures protection against dust and water ingress, and the sturdy aluminum casing not only adds to its durability but also ensures efficient heat dissipation. However, its standout feature is its superior speed. Outfitted with the latest NVMe technology and delivering impressive read and write speeds of 2000Mbps, this SSD guarantees swift data transfers, ensuring photographers and videographers can manage extensive media files with ease.

Find the comparison between 2 famous hard drives brands: SSD BATTLE: Sandisk vs Samsung SSD.

5. Silicon Power Portable External Hard Drive Armor A60

Silicon Power 5TB USB-C USB 3.0...
6,032 Reviews
Silicon Power 5TB USB-C USB 3.0...
  • Ideal for easy data transfer between your USB based PC and Type C enabled devices
  • Military-grade shockproof and IPX4 water-resistant protection
  • Cable-carry design for simple cable carrying and storage

The Silicon Power 5TB Armor A60 stands out as a durable and portable external hard drive, engineered to endure even the toughest environments. Perfect for seamless data exchanges between USB-equipped PCs and devices with a Type-C port, this drive boasts military-standard shock resistance and IPX4-rated water defense, ensuring your data remains safe under challenging conditions.

Its innovative cable-carry feature presents a clever method for hassle-free cable storage and transportation. Thanks to its SuperSpeed USB 3.0 interface, it ensures swift data transfers, while also retaining compatibility with USB 2.0. For those using Windows, the A60 arrives pre-formatted in NTFS, ready for immediate use. Mac users, on the other hand, will need to undergo a reformatting step before getting started. With its fusion of trustworthiness and practicality, this rugged drive emerges as an excellent choice for safeguarding and housing your crucial data.

6. Adata Elite SSD 2TB

ADATA SE880 1TB - Up to 2000 MB/s-...
208 Reviews
ADATA SE880 1TB - Up to 2000 MB/s-...
  • USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C
  • Performance up to 2000MB/c with USB Gen 2x2 supported devices. For other type of...
  • Super compact. Smaller than a credit card and weight slightly more than a pen

Equipped with a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C, this drive delivers remarkable performance, potentially achieving speeds of up to 2000MB/s when paired with USB Gen 2×2 compatible devices. However, the actual speed may vary based on the host system’s capabilities and port types.

Its ultra-compact form factor ensures outstanding portability; with a size that’s less than a credit card and a weight slightly more than an average pen, it’s an ideal companion for on-the-go users. Impressively, it’s also compatible with next-generation gaming systems, extending its usability beyond conventional computer devices. The drive offers extensive compatibility, accommodating various operating systems, from Windows to Mac.

7. LaCie Rugged Thunderbolt 2 TB – The Best Hard Drive to Store Photos & Videos

LaCie 2TB Rugged Thunderbolt USB-C...
2,894 Reviews
LaCie 2TB Rugged Thunderbolt USB-C...
  • Shock and drop resistant up to 2 m in non-operating mode, conforming to military...
  • Thunderbolt and USB-C connectivity (backwards compatible with USB 3.0)
  • Automatic backup software and AES 256-bit encryption provide seamless protection of...

True to its name, the LaCie Rugged Thunderbolt stands out as our preferred choice for a durable external hard drive, combining both sturdiness and rapid performance. With its integrated Rugged Thunderbolt USB-C, it promises transfer speeds of up to 130Mbps, guaranteeing quick data transfers.

What truly distinguishes this hard drive is its toughness. Wrapped in a textured, cushioned exterior, the Thunderbolt can withstand falls, water, and dust. This makes it exceptionally resilient and ideal for those on the move.

8. Samsung T7 Touch 500 GB

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SAMSUNG T7 Touch Portable SSD 500GB...
1,249 Reviews
SAMSUNG T7 Touch Portable SSD 500GB...
  • Fingerprint Security: Ssd With Fingerprint And Password Security
  • Blazing Fast Storage: Reads Up To 1,050 Mb/S / Writes Up To 1 000 Mb/S. Transfers...
  • Led Status Indicator: The T7 Touch Features An Led Square That Illuminates To Keep...

Constructed with a prime focus on security, the Samsung T7 Touch excels in this domain. Utilizing USB 3.2 for connection, it harnesses PCIe NVMe technology to achieve lightning-fast read speeds of 1,050 megabytes per second and write speeds reaching 1,000 megabytes per second.

Its distinguishing feature, however, is its unwavering commitment to safeguarding data. The drive incorporates AES 256-bit encryption for enhanced data protection and showcases an innovative fingerprint recognition mechanism, allowing users to secure or access the drive with their fingerprint. In the event of an accidental drop, it’s comforting to know the device boasts a 2-meter drop resistance. Additionally, an integrated LED indicator provides a convenient visual signal, indicating data activity.

9. Sandisk Pro G40 Thunderbolt 1TB

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SanDisk Professional 1TB PRO-G40...
498 Reviews
SanDisk Professional 1TB PRO-G40...
  • Super-fast speeds up to 3000MB/s(1) read and 2500MB/s(1) write with Thunderbolt 3...
  • Dual-mode compatibility with both Thunderbolt 3 (40Gbps) and USB-C (10Gbps)
  • Ultra-rugged design with high-level IP68 dust/water resistance, 4000lb crush...

  • Connection: USB, Thunderbolt
  • Type:Mobile, Desktop, Gaming Console SSD
  • Disk Format: 2.5 inches

The Pro-G40 stands out as the top pick for those prioritizing unparalleled speed, holding the title as the fastest dual-bus drive we’ve evaluated so far. During our assessments, this drive consistently impressed, exhibiting stellar performance in 48GB and 450GB transfers via Thunderbolt. When connected through USB, it equaled the performance of the best 10Gbps drives.

Beyond its remarkable speed, the Pro-G40 boasts an IP68 certification, ensuring notable resilience against weather and dust. This feature makes it an ideal choice for outdoor activities, allowing users to slip it into their bags without fretting about environmental factors. While the Pro-G40, like other Thunderbolt drives, does command a higher price, the speed it offers justifies the investment for those who prioritize efficiency. Summarizing, the Pro-G40 is a stellar drive that certainly merits attention.

10. Toshiba 4TB Canvio Advance

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Toshiba Canvio Advance 4TB Portable...
  • Compact design with stylish, textured finish and color options to fit your lifestyle.
  • Automatic backup software to easily back up your content (free download, for Windows...
  • Password protection software to help prevent unauthorized access to your data (free...

The recently introduced Canvio Advance distinguishes itself as an efficient drive, delivering performance akin to many other HDDs in its category, but at a more budget-friendly price point. Even with its affordability, it doesn’t skimp on quality or functionalities: it showcases read and write speeds slightly superior to the WD MyPassport and comes with a two-year warranty.

When paired with a PC, it offers features like password protection and automatic backup, which are missing in the Basic version. Additionally, its sleek glossy finish gives it an edge in aesthetics over the Basic model’s matte exterior. Setting it up is a breeze; just connect it to your PS4 and format it as extended storage.

Read more about Toshiba external hard drive: Toshiba 4TB External Hard Drive HDD (Worth it?)

 

 

Which One is The Best Hard Drive to Store Photos & Videos?


After extensive research and evaluation, it’s evident that the world of hard drives offers vast options for every kind of photographer and videographer. When it comes to storing precious moments and crucial projects, one can’t afford to compromise. Among the myriad options, three hard drives truly stand out for their exceptional performance, reliability, and features tailored for photo and video storage:

1. SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD: Renowned for its ultra-fast transfer speeds and rugged build, this drive ensures that your high-resolution photos and videos are not only stored securely but also accessible swiftly, enhancing your workflow significantly.

3. LaCie Rugged Thunderbolt 2 TB: With its dual hard drive design and RAID configuration options, LaCie offers a blend of speed and redundancy. Its rugged design ensures protection from the elements, making it particularly suitable for outdoor photographers and videographers.

If you’re looking for a gaming hard drive as well, check out: 8 Best Hard Drive Gaming PC (Fast & Affordable)

While there are several reliable hard drives on the market, these three are at the pinnacle of storage solutions for photographers and videographers. Investing in a top-tier hard drive ensures that your valuable work remains safe, accessible, and organized, ready for the next project or trip down memory lane.

 

 

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