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10 Best External Hard Drives in the Philippines 2022 | Seagate, Transcend, and More

10 Best External Hard Drives in the Philippines 2022 | Seagate, Transcend, and More

Whether it's to transfer large files or keep files that don't fit on your computer anymore, an external hard drive has plenty of uses that make it necessary for any technophile. Good hard drives even offer plenty of additional features that bring better technological flexibility.

We're here to guide you through buying an external hard drive and all the features that can come with it. We're also listing our top 10 recommendations for hard drives you can buy online today. We hope that after reading this, you'll find the best HDD for your PC, consoles, or mobile devices!

Last updated: 01-06-2022

Table of Contents

How to Choose an External Hard Drive – Buying Guide

External hard drives aren't the cheapest accessories, so choosing the best model for your needs is the only way to get the most out of your money. With that in mind, let’s check out the important factors when it comes to choosing the best external HDD for you.

Check for Compatibility With Your OS and NAS

External hard disks with Network Attached Storage (NAS) features allow users to share data with different devices. Additionally, ensure that the device supports the operating system (OS) of connected devices to make full use of its features.

Check OS Compatibility

Ensure that the chosen external hard disk is compatible with your computer’s OS. For example, if you have a Mac and the external HDD you bought is only for Windows PCs, the device will have limited functionality. It's best to carefully check the label or ask the seller directly to make sure you can use your hard drive.

Also, most external hard disks on the market are now compatible with recent Windows OSes, namely 7, 8, and 10. Macs are slightly more complicated to pair, so it's important to get a hard drive specifically made for a Mac if you use older OS versions, whether Mac or Windows, always research the compatibility first before purchasing.

Check for NAS to Access Files From Different Devices

If you want to access your data across multiple devices in your home, choose an external hard disk with Network Attached Storage or NAS. This feature lets you access different files and media from your computer, smartphones, and other connected and compatible devices.

This feature is handy for large, technophile families who love to share media amongst themselves. It's also useful for people who work from home, as they can access their files without being stuck in their home office. This feature is incredibly handy but comes at a great cost, so think carefully before deciding to buy a hard drive with it.

Consider Portable External HDDs

If you're always on-the-go, but need to access your files anywhere you go, you should invest in a portable external hard disk. These compact models connect to your computer without a power cord. These handy devices make large file transfers possible, and technology has made some portable hard disks as powerful as plug-in ones.

These devices aren't the most durable, though, especially the cheaper models. A corrupted hard drive can make you lose all your data and make it impossible to recover. This can also happen if you disconnect your HDD haphazardly, so make sure you practice safe removal to avoid damages.

Choose a Hard Drive With Ample Storage

Since you're buying a back-up storage device for your computer, it's best to get one with tons of space. Experts say that you should get a hard drive with at least 3 times the storage of your computer. For example, if your computer has around 500 GB of storage, then it might be best to invest in a 2 TB hard drive.

If you plan to use the hard drive continuously, like in a security system, make sure it has enough space. In the case of a CCTV camera, a 1TB drive can store about 100 hours of full high definition (FHD) video. This means that if you don't want to keep cleaning the hard disk every 100 hours, it would be best to invest in a bigger model.

10 Best External Hard Drives to Buy Online

Once you've decided the features you want on your external hard drive, it's time to buy one and change the way you handle your data for good. Look through our top 10 picks and pick one that fits your needs, budget, and style.

lazada.com.ph

Western DigitalMy Cloud EX2 Ultra

From ₱58,221

Let the Whole Network Share Files

A traditional external hard disk connects to your computer for storage, but you connect this model to your router. In doing so, you can let other devices on the same network to share and use the files across the network and in the hard drive itself.

Though the high price point is an investment, if you're in a home full of technophiles or a fast-paced business, then it's more than worth it. The instant access to different files, plus the compact design and enhanced security system, make it a storage solution that trumps all others. Definitely worth splurging for.

Capacity	4 TB (12TB Cloud Storage)
Features	NAS

seagate.com

SeagateBackup Plus Desktop Hub

From ₱6,499

Upgrade Your Storage and Your Desktop

Connecting an external storage drive to your computer generally means sacrificing a port. However, this device lets you have two extra USB ports when you use it with your Windows PC or Mac to bring flexibility to its list of benefits.

It’s not a portable model, but this external HDD is slightly more compact than its other desktop-type counterparts despite the large storage space. As a result, it can fit your desk even if your desk has limited space. This device is great for users who like to connect plenty of peripherals to their computers.

Capacity	4TB, 6TB, 8TB, 10TB, 12TB, 14TB
Features	Desktop hub, Extra USB ports

shopee.ph

TranscendStoreJet 25M3

From ₱2,825

Backup With a Touch of a Button

Once you install the Transcend Elite software on your device, this external hard drive backs up all data required in the blink of an eye. With its USB 3.1interface, it offers lightning-quick transfer speeds up to 5Gbps. It is also compatible with Sony and Microsoft gaming consoles.

The outer casing has a military-grade drop-proofing for that added durability. The one-button transfer and hard-case shell make it a good choice for those constantly on-the-move, both in their daily lives and data. All these features come at a modest price, which reviewers raved about.

Capacity	1TB
Features	Shock-resistant, one-button backup

lazada.com.ph

LaCieRugged Portable External Hard Drive

From ₱7,400

Ultimate On-the-Go Storage

There's no telling what could happen to you when you're on-the-go. Rain, dirt, and dust could ruin your devices. This LaCie hard drive takes care of that problem with its IP-67 rated drop, rain, dust, and crush resistance. It's also a compact size, perfect for bringing around anywhere.

The USB-C connector also allows it to connect to mobile devices with that port, making it even handier while you're on the move. It's guaranteed to be compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems. Enjoy 5Gbps transfer speeds anywhere you go.

Capacity	1TB, 2TB, 4TB
Features	Multi-terrain resistance, USB-C connection

storage.toshiba.com

ToshibaCanvio Advance

From ₱2,599

A Sleek and Slim Way to Store Data

Aside from 5Gbps transfer speeds and high data capacities, this external hard drive has a sleek and smooth design. This is Toshiba's smallest and most portable hard drive to date but offers the brand's well-known functionality.

For added security, the drive also has an auto-backup feature whenever you connect it to a computer, so you don’t have to worry if you forget to do that particular task. It also has security in the form of password protection, ensuring safety in a slim package.

Capacity	1TB, 2TB, 4TB
Features	Auto back-up, password protection

lazada.com.ph

Western DigitalMy Passport

From ₱2,850

Security and Convenience in One Drive

WD has proven itself a powerhouse in the storage game, and their small external hard drives pack as much punch as their colossal counterparts. The 256-bit AES hardware encryption and password protection make it a really safe storage device despite its simple style.

It offers a bit more flexibility in terms of capacity than the other models of the same size. However, reviewers have stated that the design is a little clunkier than other small external hard drive. In terms of performance, however, it passes with flying colors.

Capacity	1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 5TB
Features	Password protection, social friendly

shop.westerndigital.com

SSKElements Desktop

From ₱15,856

View product on Lazada

Add Tons of Storage Instantly

WD's third entry on the list is another desktop storage unit made for handling lots of data. With up to 18TB capacity, this device is best for hardcore technophiles with plenty of movies, music, software, and data that need to be stored in a safe location.

Even with its giant capacity, it's can still be elegantly displayed on the desktop with its compact design. It also has a plug-and-play feature that allows you to instantaneously use it right out of the box. This niche product might be too hardcore for some but perfect for people who need the amazing storage capabilities.

Capacity	3TB, 4TB, 6TB, 8TB, 10TB, 12TB, 14TB, 16TB, 18TB
Features	Plug-and-play

shopee.ph

SeagateBackup Plus Slim

From ₱2,990

Hard Drive for the Busy Man On-the-Move

Another slim and sleek entry, this device is Seagate's second entry on the list. It offers okay transfer speeds and storage capacities in a small package that also works on your mobile phones.

Plenty of external hard disks on the market prioritize giving additional storage and backup solutions to computers. Thankfully, this model lets you back up the files from your smartphone. You can use the Mobile Backup feature to store all your smartphone’s data to the cloud and this device.

Capacity	1TB, 2TB
Features	USB-C connection

shopee.ph

TranscendStoreJet Rugged Compact

From ₱2,749

A Tough Drive With Plenty of Features

This Transcend hard drive adds a layer of protection with its 3-stage shock protection rubber casing. The drop protection is military-grade, which makes this hard drive ideal for anyone who's clumsy and drops their devices often. It also has 256-bit AES file & folder encryption, so your files are protected as well.

It might be the heaviest and biggest drive on the list, but that's the price that comes with protection. The transfer speeds are decent, and it has Transcend's one-button backup capabilities. Reviewers like the protection it offers for a relatively affordable price.

Capacity	1TB, 2TB, 4TB
Features	Shock-resistant, one-button backup

lazada.com.ph

ADATAHD330 Rugged and Shockproof

From ₱2,420

Keep Your Data Safe From the Inside Out

The silicone casing of this hard drive makes it practically impervious to bumps and drops. The physical security is on-point, but it also has AES-certified encryption to protect it from digital dangers. This drive is second-to-none in safety.

Aside from the safety capabilities, it has decent transfer speeds and is Windows and Mac compatible, making it great in any scenario. Due to its silicon casing, the drive is clunky and a little hard to bring around, but it's great as a stationary backup drive at home.

Capacity	1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 5TB
Features	Shockproof

Compare the Best External Hard Drives

Image	1 Western Digital	2 Seagate	3 Transcend	4 LaCie	5 Toshiba	6 Western Digital	7 SSK	8 Seagate	9 Transcend	10 ADATA
Name	My Cloud EX2 Ultra	Backup Plus Desktop Hub	StoreJet 25M3	Rugged Portable External Hard Drive	Canvio Advance	My Passport	Elements Desktop	Backup Plus Slim	StoreJet Rugged Compact	HD330 Rugged and Shockproof
Features	Let the Whole Network Share Files	Upgrade Your Storage and Your Desktop	Backup With a Touch of a Button	Ultimate On-the-Go Storage	A Sleek and Slim Way to Store Data	Security and Convenience in One Drive	Add Tons of Storage Instantly	Hard Drive for the Busy Man On-the-Move	A Tough Drive With Plenty of Features	Keep Your Data Safe From the Inside Out
Price Starts at	₱58,221	₱6,499	₱2,825	₱7,400	₱2,599	₱2,850	₱15,856	₱2,990	₱2,749	₱2,420
Capacity	4 TB (12TB Cloud Storage)	4TB, 6TB, 8TB, 10TB, 12TB, 14TB	1TB	1TB, 2TB, 4TB	1TB, 2TB, 4TB	1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 5TB	3TB, 4TB, 6TB, 8TB, 10TB, 12TB, 14TB, 16TB, 18TB	1TB, 2TB	1TB, 2TB, 4TB	1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 5TB
Features	NAS	Desktop hub, Extra USB ports	Shock-resistant, one-button backup	Multi-terrain resistance, USB-C connection	Auto back-up, password protection	Password protection, social friendly	Plug-and-play	USB-C connection	Shock-resistant, one-button backup	Shockproof
Link	View Lazada View Shopee	View Lazada View Shopee	View Lazada View Shopee	View Lazada View Shopee	View Lazada View Shopee	View Lazada View Shopee	View Lazada	View Lazada View Shopee	View Lazada View Shopee	View Lazada View Shopee

How to Organize Your Data

If you have plenty of files in your new hard drive, it might be best to organize them so you can sift through your data quickly when you need to. A messy drive might make you double up on existing files or lose important data, which is what you're trying to prevent with an external hard drive anyway.

The University of Cambridge has created a guide for data organization, and here are a few of the most important tips for your personal data handling:

Use folders and name them conveniently to pool together important files and access them conveniently.
Be consistent with your file naming, and make sure to keep track of revisions by using naming conventions like "version 2", etc.
Separate ongoing and completed work to make sure you can work efficiently.
Back up your data into your hard drive regularly and keep a backup schedule to ensure all of your files are safe.
Always review all your data, clearing all the files you will never need anymore, and keeping track of your most important assets.

Get Gadgets for On-the-Go Accessibility

A hard drive isn't the only portable device that can make life easier for you. An affordable laptop is a great buy, so you can work from anywhere. A portable printer is a trendy piece of tech that helps you work everywhere as well. Powerbanks are handy for keeping your phone alive throughout the whole day.

Here are our picks for the best laptops under PHP 30,000, the best portable printers, and the best 20,000 mAh power banks on the market:

10 Best Laptops Under PHP 30k in the Philippines 2022 | Buying Guide Reviewed by IT Specialist

10 Best Portable Printers in the Philippines 2022 | Canon, Fujifilm, HP, and More

10 Best 20,000 mAh Power Banks in the Philippines 2022

Summary

Always consider your needs and budget before buying an external HDD. When you do, then you’ll get a storage device that’ll serve you for days, weeks, and perhaps even years to come. We hope that our buying guide and top ten have helped you decide on the hard drive for you.

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