Are you tired of running out of storage space on your computer? Look no further than the 10 Best External Hard Drive USB C for 2023. As technology continues to advance, the need for reliable external storage devices becomes increasingly crucial. Whether you're a student, professional, or simply an individual with a passion for multimedia, having a high-quality external hard drive with USB C compatibility can significantly enhance your storage capabilities. In this article, we will explore the top 10 external hard drives that will be dominating the market in 2023, ensuring you never have to worry about limited storage again.
Overall Score: 8.5/10
The Toshiba Canvio Flex 2TB External Hard Drive offers a versatile storage solution for PC, Mac, and Tablet users. With its USB-C and USB 3.0 compatibility, it provides high-speed data transfer and cross-device compatibility. The sleek silver design adds a touch of elegance to your setup. This hard drive is formatted exFAT, allowing easy file sharing across devices. It comes with both USB-C and USB-A cables for added convenience. With a customer rating of 4.6/5, users appreciate its plug-and-play functionality and compatibility with Time Machine on Mac. The Toshiba Canvio Flex 2TB is a reliable and efficient storage solution for all your digital content.
Key Features
- Designed for PC, Mac, and Tablet (check compatibility at Toshiba's Consumer HDD website)
- Formatted ex FAT for cross-device compatibility
- USB-C ready, USB 3.0 compatible
- Includes USB-C and USB-A cables
- 2TB storage capacity
Specifications
- Color: Silver
- Dimension: 4.37Lx3.15Wx0.53H
- Size: 2TB
Pros
- Easy setup and compatibility with Time Machine on Mac
- High-speed data transfer
- Sleek silver design
- Versatile connectivity options
Cons
- May not accept a standard USB plug
- Transfer speed may be slower on certain devices
The Toshiba Canvio Flex 2TB Portable External Hard Drive is a reliable and versatile storage solution for PC, Mac, and Tablet users. Its USB-C compatibility and high-speed data transfer make it a convenient choice for fast and efficient file storage and sharing. While it may have some limitations regarding the acceptance of standard USB plugs and slower transfer speeds on certain devices, overall, it provides excellent performance and ease of use. The sleek silver design adds a touch of elegance to any setup. With its large storage capacity and compatibility with Time Machine on Mac, the Toshiba Canvio Flex is a great choice for users seeking reliable and efficient external storage for their digital content.
Overall Score: 8.5/10
The Caraele 500GB Portable External Hard Drive is a versatile and high-performance storage solution for your PC, Mac, laptop, gaming consoles, and more. With its USB-C and USB 3.1 ports, this HDD offers ultra-fast transfer speeds and is built to last with its shock-resistant solid-state core. It requires no external power source and is compatible with various operating systems and devices. With a sleek and compact design, it is easy to carry around. The package includes a USB-C to USB-A cable, and it comes with a 1-year warranty and free technical support. Overall, the Caraele 500GB Portable External Hard Drive provides reliable and efficient storage for your data needs.
Key Features
- Super Fast Type-C/USB3.1 HDD with USB-C and USB-A ports
- Impressive performance with USB 3.1 Super speed 10Gbps transfer rate
- System compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, Chromebook, and gaming consoles
- Plug and play without the need for external power supply or software installation
- Package includes a USB-C to USB-A cable and comes with a 1-year warranty
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimension: 4.76Lx3.03Wx0.47H
- Size: 500GB
Pros
- Fast transfer speeds
- Durable and shock-resistant
- Compatible with various devices
- Easy plug and play setup
- Comes with a 1-year warranty
Cons
- Transfer speeds may not reach advertised rates
The Caraele 500GB Portable External Hard Drive offers impressive performance and reliability for users in need of extra storage space. With its USB-C and USB 3.1 connectivity, it provides fast transfer speeds and wide compatibility with different devices and operating systems. The durable and shock-resistant design ensures the safety of your data, while the plug and play setup makes it user-friendly. Although transfer speeds may not always reach the advertised rates, the overall performance and value make this hard drive a great option. Whether you need additional storage for your PC, Mac, gaming console, or other devices, the Caraele 500GB Portable External Hard Drive is a reliable choice.
Overall Score: 8/10
The LaCie Rugged USB-C 2TB External Hard Drive is designed to withstand shocks, drops, dust, and water, making it a reliable option for all-terrain use. It offers a fast transfer speed with USB 3.0, which is up to 4 times faster than USB 2.0. The hard drive is password-protected, ensuring the security of your data. Additionally, it comes with a 1-month complimentary membership to Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps Plan. The orange color adds a rugged and stylish look to the hard drive. However, Mac users will need to reformat the hard drive for compatibility. Some users have reported compatibility issues with Windows. Overall, the LaCie Rugged USB-C 2TB External Hard Drive is a durable and efficient storage solution for both Mac and PC users.
Key Features
- Shock, drops up to 4 feet, dust and water resistant
- Requires reformatting for Mac compatibility
- Password protection built-in
- USB 3.0 compatible (up to 4 times faster)
- Includes 1-month complimentary membership to Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps Plan
Specifications
- Color: Orange
- Dimension: 0.74Lx5.32Wx3.39H
- Size: 2TB
Pros
- Rugged and all-terrain design
- Fast transfer speed with USB 3.0
- Includes password protection
- Comes with 1-month Adobe Creative Cloud membership
Cons
- Requires reformatting for Mac compatibility
- No USB-C to USB-A cable included
- Not compatible with Windows in some cases
The LaCie Rugged USB-C 2TB External Hard Drive offers impressive durability and fast transfer speeds. It is a reliable option for users who require a rugged storage solution for their Mac or PC. The built-in password protection ensures data security, and the complimentary Adobe Creative Cloud membership adds value to the product. However, Mac users should note that reformatting is required for compatibility. The lack of a USB-C to USB-A cable included in the package is a downside for some users. Despite these minor issues, the LaCie Rugged USB-C 2TB External Hard Drive is a solid choice for those who need a rugged and dependable portable hard drive.
Overall Score: 9/10
The SUNGUY Micro B to USB C Hard Drive Cable is a 1FT cable that supports up to 5Gbps data transfer speed. It connects a computer/PC/laptop with a USB Type C port to an external hard drive, smartphone, or tablet for data and charging. The cable features gold-plated connectors, aluminum alloy shells, and a nylon braided jacket for durability. It is compatible with various external hard drives, smartphones, and cameras. SUNGUY offers a 24-month worry-free replacement warranty for all cables.
Key Features
- 10Gbps High Fast Speed Transfer
- USB 3.1 Micro B to USB C Cable
- High Quality with Gold-Plated Connectors
- Universal Compatibility
- 24-Month Warranty
Specifications
- Color: Grey
Pros
- Fast data transfer speed
- Durable cable with gold-plated connectors
- Compatible with a wide range of devices
- Includes a warranty
Cons
- Limited length of 1FT
- Limited color option
The SUNGUY Micro B to USB C Hard Drive Cable is a reliable and durable cable for connecting external hard drives, smartphones, and tablets to USB Type C devices. With its fast data transfer speed, gold-plated connectors, and universal compatibility, it is a convenient solution for transferring files and charging devices. The 24-month warranty offers peace of mind for customers. The only drawbacks are the limited length of the cable and the availability of only one color option. Overall, it is a highly recommended product for those in need of a reliable USB C to Micro B cable.
Overall Score: 9/10
The SanDisk Professional 2TB G-Drive ArmorATD is a rugged and durable portable external hard drive that provides quick file backup and storage. It features USB-C, USB 3.0, and Thunderbolt 3 compatibility, with transfer rates of up to 130MB/s for fast data transfer. The premium anodized aluminum enclosure ensures strength and durability, while the easy-grip bumper adds an extra layer of protection. With a 2TB capacity, this hard drive is perfect for storing large amounts of data. Whether you need a reliable backup solution or extra storage space, the SanDisk Professional 2TB G-Drive ArmorATD is a great choice.
Key Features
- USB-C (5Gbps) drive for quick file backup and storage
- USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt 3 compatible
- Transfer rates of up to 130MB/s read
- Premium, anodized aluminum enclosure
- Built tough with an easy-grip bumper
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimension: 5.12Lx3.43Wx0.93H
- Size: 2TB
Pros
- Fast data transfer
- Durable and rugged design
- Portable and easy to use
- Compatibility with multiple devices
- Large storage capacity
Cons
- Some compatibility issues with certain devices
- May be larger in size compared to other portable hard drives
The SanDisk Professional 2TB G-Drive ArmorATD is a reliable and robust external hard drive that offers fast data transfer, durability, and a large storage capacity. It is suitable for backup purposes or as additional storage space, making it a great choice for professionals and casual users alike. Despite some compatibility issues with certain devices and its larger size, the overall performance and build quality of the G-Drive ArmorATD make it a worthwhile investment. If you’re in need of a dependable and rugged external hard drive, the SanDisk Professional 2TB G-Drive ArmorATD is definitely worth considering.
Overall Score: 8/10
The Silicon Power 4TB USB-C USB 3.0 Rugged Portable External Hard Drive Armor A60 is a reliable and durable storage solution for easy data transfer between your USB-based PC and Type C enabled devices. With military-grade shockproof and IPX4 water-resistant protection, this external hard drive ensures your data remains safe and secure even in harsh conditions. The SuperSpeed USB 3.0 interface allows for fast data transfer speeds, and it is backward compatible with USB 2.0. The A60 is pre-formatted as NTFS for Windows users, but reformatting is required for Mac operating systems. Compact and easy to carry, this external hard drive is a great choice for those who need robust storage on the go.
Key Features
- 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
- Super Speed USB 3.0 interface, backward compatible with USB 2.0
- Must Read [For Windows User] The A60 is pre-formatted as NTFS, so you could use it directly on Windows. [For Mac Users] Reformatting will be required for Mac operating systems
Specifications
- Color: Black-Green
- Dimension: 5.47Lx0.91Wx3.39H
- Size: 4TB – Type C
Pros
- Solid and rugged construction
- Lightweight and portable
- Fast data transfer speeds
- Great value for money
- Easy to use
Cons
- Reformatting required for Mac users
- Some reviews mention durability concerns
The Silicon Power 4TB USB-C USB 3.0 Rugged Portable External Hard Drive Armor A60 offers a reliable and secure storage solution for those in need of on-the-go data transfer and robust protection. With its military-grade shockproof and water-resistant design, this external hard drive ensures your files remain safe even in challenging environments. The SuperSpeed USB 3.0 interface provides fast data transfer speeds, while the compact and lightweight design enhances portability. Users appreciate its compatibility with USB-based PC and Type C devices, although Mac users need to reformat the drive. Overall, this external hard drive offers great value for money and is highly recommended for its performance and durability.
Overall Score: 8/10
The CLEEFUN USB C to Micro B Cable is a high-speed cable designed to transfer files and sync data quickly and efficiently. With a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, this cable allows for fast file transfers from external hard drives, cameras, smartphones, and tablets. It features a reversible design, allowing for easy connection to any Type-C enabled device. The cable is also equipped with an internal earth wire and plated with silver foil to ensure stable and reliable transmission. The longer SR anti-break design enhances durability, and the gold-plated connector provides corrosion resistance. With its nylon braided construction, this cable is not only functional but also durable and long-lasting.
Key Features
- USB C 3.1 to Micro B Cable supports quick file transfer and data sync
- 10Gbps transfer speed for fast file transfers
- Stable and reliable transmission with internal earth wire and silver foil
- Reversible design for easy connection
- Anti-break connector for enhanced durability
Specifications
- Color: Grey
- Size: 1ft
Pros
- Fast transfer speed
- Stable and reliable transmission
- Durable and long-lasting construction
Cons
- Limited to 5Gbps data speed with traditional hard drives
The CLEEFUN USB C to Micro B Cable is a reliable and high-performance cable for transferring files and syncing data. With its fast transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, stable transmission, and durable construction, it is a great choice for connecting external hard drives, cameras, smartphones, and tablets. The reversible design and anti-break connector add convenience and durability to the cable. The only downside is that the data speed is limited to 5Gbps when working with traditional hard drives. Overall, the CLEEFUN USB C to Micro B Cable offers excellent performance and value for money.
Overall Score: 9/10
The Toshiba Canvio Gaming 2TB Portable External Hard Drive is a must-have for gamers. It is designed for gaming consoles and PCs, offering a responsive gaming experience with its firmware-customized 'Always-On' mode. With the ability to store up to 50 games, you can expand your game library and have all your favorite titles at your fingertips. This hard drive is compatible with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The Canvio Flex 2TB Portable External Hard Drive is designed for PC, Mac, and tablets, offering cross-device compatibility with its exFAT formatting. Its versatile design includes both USB-C and USB-A cables. Get ready to enhance your gaming or storage experience with these powerful hard drives from Toshiba.
Key Features
- Designed for gaming consoles and PCs
- Responsive gaming experience with 'Always-On' mode
- Store up to 50 games
- Compatible with Play Station 5 and Xbox Series X|S
- Cross-device compatibility with ex FAT formatting
- Versatile design with USB-C and USB-A cables
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Size: 2TB
Pros
- Customized for gaming with 'Always-On' mode
- Ample storage for up to 50 games
- Compatible with Play Station 5 and Xbox Series X|S
- Cross-device compatibility with USB-C and USB-A cables
Cons
The Toshiba Canvio Gaming and Canvio Flex 2TB Portable External Hard Drives are reliable and high-performing storage solutions. Gamers will appreciate the ‘Always-On’ mode that enhances their gaming experience. With ample storage space, they can store a large library of games. Compatibility with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S ensures seamless usage. Additionally, the Canvio Flex is versatile and works well with PCs, Macs, and tablets, making it a convenient choice for multi-device users. The inclusion of both USB-C and USB-A cables offers flexibility and ease of use. These hard drives are a reliable investment for gamers and users who require portable and efficient storage solutions.
Overall Score: 8.5/10
The Avyxm USB C Hard Drive Cable is a high-quality and reliable cable that allows for speedy file transfer between a computer and an external hard drive. With its Super Speed USB 3.0 data transfer rate of up to 5 Gbps, it is 10 times faster than USB 2.0, ensuring fast and efficient data transmission. The cable features a nylon braided jacket and corrosion-resistant gold-plated connectors, providing superior durability and performance. It is compatible with various external hard drives such as Seagate, Toshiba, and WD. The 1.5ft length is perfect for home office use and comes with a 36-month warranty. Overall, the Avyxm USB C Hard Drive Cable is a reliable and efficient solution for connecting your external hard drive to your computer.
Key Features
- External Hard Drive to USB C Cable
- Super Speed Data Transfer
- Nylon Braided & Aluminum Shell
- Widely Compatibility
- What You Get
Specifications
- Size: 1.5ft
Pros
- High-quality tinned copper for fast charging and data transfer
- Durable nylon braided cable with aluminum shell
- Compatible with popular external hard drive brands
Cons
- May not be compatible with DJI RS 2 camera
- Some users experienced performance issues
The Avyxm USB C Hard Drive Cable is a reliable and efficient solution for connecting your external hard drive to your computer. Its high-speed data transfer rate, durable construction, and compatibility with popular brands make it a great choice. However, it may not work with certain cameras, so compatibility should be double-checked. Overall, it provides a convenient and hassle-free experience for transferring files and is backed by a 36-month warranty, ensuring customer satisfaction.
Overall Score: 9/10
The Western Digital 5TB My Passport for Mac is a portable external hard drive designed for macOS. It comes with backup software and password protection to keep your data secure. With its 256-bit AES hardware encryption and 3-year limited warranty, you can rely on this drive to protect your important files. The drive is compatible with macOS 11+ and can be used with Windows 10+ by downloading the HFS+ driver. Its SuperSpeed USB port offers fast data transfer, and it is also USB 2.0 compatible. The drive comes in a stylish navy color and has a sleek design. It offers a massive 5TB storage capacity, making it perfect for business and personal use. Overall, the Western Digital 5TB My Passport for Mac is a reliable and secure external hard drive that provides ample storage space.
Key Features
- Compatibility with mac OS 11+ and Windows 10+
- Backup software and password protection
- 256-bit AES hardware encryption
- Super Speed USB port
- 3-year limited warranty
Specifications
- Color: Navy
- Dimension: 4.22Lx2.95Wx0.75H
- Size: 5TB
Pros
- Reliable and stylish design
- Easy plug and play setup
- Fast data transfer and quiet operation
- Great backup unit with password protection
Cons
- Discontinued WD App
- Slower compared to SSD
The Western Digital 5TB My Passport for Mac is a top choice for anyone in need of a reliable and secure external hard drive. Its compatibility with both macOS and Windows, along with its backup software and password protection, make it a versatile and convenient storage solution. The drive’s stylish design, fast data transfer, and quiet operation make it a pleasure to use. However, the discontinued WD App and its slower speed compared to SSD drives are minor drawbacks. With its massive 5TB storage capacity and reliable performance, this drive is well-suited for both business and personal use. Overall, the Western Digital 5TB My Passport for Mac offers great value for its price.
Buyer's Guide: External Hard Drive USB-C
Overview
An external hard drive with USB-C connectivity is an essential accessory for individuals who need to expand their storage capacity or transfer data quickly and effortlessly. Whether you're a student, professional, or just someone who wants to keep their personal files securely backed up, an external hard drive with USB-C can be the perfect solution. The USB-C interface offers faster data transfer speeds, universal compatibility, and an easy plug-and-play setup. In this buyer's guide, we will explore the key factors to consider when purchasing an external hard drive with USB-C.
Key Factors to Consider
When shopping for an external hard drive with USB-C, keep the following factors in mind to make an informed decision:
- Storage Capacity:
- Determine your storage needs based on the files you plan to store.
- Consider future requirements, as it is always better to have extra space than to run out of it.
- Look for drives with various storage options to choose from.
- Data Transfer Speed:
- USB-C offers faster data transfer speeds than previous USB generations.
- Check if the drive has USB 3.1 Gen 2 or Thunderbolt 3 support for the fastest speeds.
- Consider the type of files you will be transferring regularly to ensure smooth operations.
- Connectivity Options:
- Verify if the drive supports USB-C and whether it is backward compatible with older USB standards.
- Ensure it is compatible with your device's operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, etc.).
- Look for additional connectivity options like USB-A or Thunderbolt for more flexibility.
- Portability:
- Evaluate the physical size and weight of the external hard drive.
- Consider the need for a drive that can fit in your pocket, backpack, or laptop bag.
- Look for durable and shock-resistant drives if you plan to carry them frequently.
- Security Features:
- Check if the drive offers built-in encryption or password protection to safeguard your data.
- Look for hardware encryption for better security.
- Consider additional security features like fingerprint recognition or automatic data backup.
- Price and Value:
- Compare prices of drives with similar specifications from different brands.
- Consider the warranty, customer support, and reputation of the manufacturer.
- Read reviews and ratings from trusted sources to ensure value for your money.
Frequently Asked Questions about 10 Best External Hard Drive USB C For 2023
Yes, you can use an external hard drive with USB-C on devices without USB-C ports by either utilizing an adapter or a dock that converts USB-C to the required port type.
No, USB-C and Thunderbolt are not the same. USB-C is a type of connector, while Thunderbolt is a high-speed interface that uses a USB-C connector. Not all USB-C ports support Thunderbolt, so make sure to check the specifications of the drive and your device.
Yes, you can use an external hard drive with USB-C for gaming. It is particularly beneficial for gaming laptops or consoles that have USB-C ports, as it provides faster data access and loading times.
There are very few disadvantages to using an external hard drive with USB-C. However, one potential drawback is the need for adapters or cables to connect to devices without USB-C ports. Additionally, the higher data transfer speeds may require compatible hardware to fully utilize the drive’s capabilities.
Yes, you can use an external hard drive with USB-C on both Mac and PC. USB-C is a universal standard, and most modern operating systems support it. Just ensure the drive is formatted in a file system compatible with both platforms, such as exFAT or FAT32.