Any internal storage device can run out of space in little to no time and can jam the fastest processors, resulting in sluggish performance and a longer boot time. However, all of your storage problems can go away once and for all with 2 TB external hard disks. By just plugging in a USB cable, you can have up to 2 TB of storage capacity! However, buying an external hard disk isn’t as simple as picking up the most expensive one in the market. If you want to buy an external hard disk, make sure that the drive capacity matches your needs. In addition to this, also ensure that the hard disk has a rugged design and is durable enough to be carried around. To assist you in buying the ideal 2 TB hard disk, we scoured through hundreds of options in online marketplaces and came up with a list of the ten best ones. Here is a rundown of the ten best 2 TB external hard disks.

Key factors that you must consider while buying the 2TB hard disk

Understand the storage size you need:Hard drives are available from 250GB to several TBs of storage. Even if you don't require heavy storage for professional work, you must at least consider a 1TB hard drive.

Compatibility with the operating system: Research and ensure that the hard drive you have shortlisted is compatible with your operating system.

Don't forget about portability:Some external hard drives are compact and travel-friendly whereas others are heavy and large. Depending upon their specifications, both these types are equally purchased by people. Look for a smaller and lighter hard drive that doesn't restrict your access to your data when you are away from home.

Speed of your external hard drive also matters: If you go for a faster hard drive, the downloading speed gets quicker but faster models are usually more expensive. Generally, a hard drive with 5,400 RPM of speed is fine if you are on a budget.

Best 2TB external HDD in India

1. Best overall: Seagate Expansion 2TB External HDD

Hard Disk Interface: USB 1.1 | Form Factor: 2.5 Inches | Compatible Devices: Personal Computer, Laptop | Colour: Black

The Seagate Backup Plus Slim External HDD protects your most valuable asset – your data! Powered by a 3-year Rescue Data Recovery software, it offers you peace of mind that your data would always be recoverable, even in the case of accidental data loss. The storage device enables on-demand backup, like any other external HDD. The feature that sets it apart is its automatic hourly, daily, weekly, and monthly backup. This means your data would get saved on its own without the need for manual intervention!

Since it has an easy plug-and-play mechanism, you can easily transfer your files without any hassle. In terms of design, this Seagate HDD features a chic, polished aluminium enclosure.

What do users say?
Customers like the weight, storage capacity, and ease of use of the computer drive. They said that it's light weight, reliable for digital storage, and easy to set up.

Why should you buy this?

• The drive is small and lightweight
• It supports both Windows as well as macOS operating system
• It support USB 3.0 connectivity for fast data transfer

Pros:

• Feature password protection software
• 3-year warranty
• Easily portable

Cons:

• There is no such cons, however, a user has complained that the drive lags sometimes while copying data

2. Best in safety: Western Digital 2Tb

Hard Disk Interface: USB 1.1 | Form Factor: 2.5 Inches | Compatible Devices: Personal Computer, Laptop | Colour: Black

The best part about WD Passport External Hard Drive is its stellar protection and security. It can keep all of your digital content safe with password protection and built-in 256-bit AES hardware encryption. Moreover, since it comes equipped with WD Backup software, it can be used to schedule backups automatically. To make it travel-friendly, the device features a slim and ergonomic design.

Apart from these features, its WD Discovery software lets you connect to popular social media and cloud storage services. This allows you to seamlessly import, organise, and share data to your hard disk, enabling easy backup of your online social life.

What do users say?
Customers like the speed, quality and size of the computer drive. They mention that its good for data transfer, it fits easily in the palm and that it is well designed for the purpose. They also appreciate appearance and storage capacity.

Why should you buy this?

• The drive is easily portable
• It offers a transfer rate from SSD internal drive write speed at 115MBPS
• Internal security software of works well

Pros:

• Sleek design
• Fast transfer speed
• Automatic backup

Cons:

• There are no such cons, however, some may find it a bit expensive

3. Best in design: LaCie Rugged Mini 2TB External Hard Drive Portable HDD

Hard Disk Interface: USB 1.1 | Form Factor: 2.5 Inches | Compatible Devices: Personal Computer, Laptop | Colour: Black

If you are looking for a high storage capacity drive for commercial purposes, the LaCie external HDD is sure to impress you. Compatible with Windows as well as Mac, this portable hard drive comes with a one-month membership to Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps plan. This drive connects via USB 3.0 for fast data transfers and works interchangeably between Windows and Mac, without formatting.

What do users say?
Customers like the performance of the computer drive or storage. They say it's a great product with reliable quality.

Why should you buy this?

• Perfect for photographers, travelers, and anyone who needs a reliable drive for outdoor use
• It offers ample space for storing large files like photos, videos, and documents.
• It comes with a one-month complimentary membership to Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps Plan

Pros:

• Windows and macOS compatible
• A reliable backup solution
• Shockproof design

Cons:
The USB connecting cable is slightly loosely attached to the drive

4. Most expensive: Transcend Storejet 2Tb Portable Hard Disk Drive

Hard Disk Interface: USB 1.1 | Form Factor: 2.5 Inches | Compatible Devices: Personal Computer, Laptop | Colour: Black

The Transcend StoreJet Portable External Hard Drive works on a USB 3.1 Gen-1 interface, providing lightning-fast transfer rates of up to 5 Gbps. This translates to quick and efficient data transfers! It comes with a three-stage shock protection system that meets US military drop-test standards to protect the data stored on your drive fully. The three layers are a silicone rubber case, an internal shock-absorbing suspension damper, and a reinforced hard casing.

It also has a high-utility, one-touch, auto-backup button that can instantly back up your data with just one press. The button also enables you to reconnect the hard drive to your PC without the need to unplug and reinsert it. All in all, it ensures a seamless user experience! It also has data recovery software that allows you to search deep within a storage device for traces of erased files, including digital photos, documents, music, and videos.

What do users say?
Customers like the quality, value, and weight of the computer drive. They mention it's a tough build, lasts for long, and is value for money.

Why should you buy this?

• The drive is equipped with a one touch auto-backup button
• The drive is built to withstand drops, shocks, and vibrations
• The drive support USB 3.1 connectivity for fast data transfer

Pros:

• Long lasting
• 3-year warranty
• Impressive transfer speed

Cons:

• Some buyers may find it expensive

5. Best in durability: ADATA HD710M Pro 2TB HDD

Hard Disk Interface: USB 1.1 | Form Factor: 2.5 Inches | Compatible Devices: Personal Computer, Laptop | Colour: Black

The Adata HD710 Pro Military-Grade Hard Disk is waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof, meeting military specifications for extreme mobile data protection. Moreover, since it has passed the stringent Military MIL-STD-810G 516.6 drop test, rest assured the hard disk is capable of handling the toughest conditions while delivering swift transfer speeds. With up to 2TB capacity, HD710 Pro is your best companion for keeping digital content safe.

Its USB cable can easily tuck into a wrap-around exterior slot in the drive casing, providing an elegant storage solution. It also features a bright cold-blue LED indicator that shines through the enclosure to indicate power and data transfer status. Overall, it is amongst the most rugged external hard disks available in the market!

What do users say?
Customers like the quality, sturdiness, speed, protection and appearance of the computer drive. They mention that it has a military grade design, it looks very much durable and there's no danger of damage or breaking.

Why should you buy this?

• It’s highly durable and resistant to shock, water, and dust
• It a convenient option for travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, or everyone
• It offers good value for money compared to other HDDs in its class

Pros:

• Compatible with a wide range of devices
• Comes with shock sensors
• IP68 dust and water resistance

Cons:

• Higher cost per gigabyte

6. Vlaue for money: TOSHIBA Canvio Basics 2TB Portable External HDD

Hard Disk Interface: USB 1.1 | Form Factor: 2.5 Inches | Compatible Devices: Personal Computer, Laptop | Colour: Black

The Toshiba Canvio Basics Hard Disk is compatible with both USB 3.0 and USB 2.0, making sure quick transfers can occur without any problems. It features a seamless plug-and-play mechanism, and all you need to do to add 2 TB of space to your device is plug the hard disk into it, and that’s all! No pre-installation of software is needed! In terms of build, it comes equipped with a sleek profile design with a matte, smudge-resistance finish.

In addition to these features, the Toshiba Canvio Basics Hard Disk also incorporates an LED indicator, which indicates whether the device is transferring files or not and whether it is working or not.

What do users say?
Customers like the ease of use, portability, value, and size of the computer drive. For example, they mention it's easy to connect with their laptop, very useful when travelling, and has an optimal cost/performance ratio.

Why should you buy this?

• The 2TB capacity offers ample storage space for a variety of files
• Offers easy portability
• It's ready to use with no software installation required

Pros:

• Compatible with Windows and macOS
• Compact and lightweight
• Travel friendly

Cons:

• Users have said that there’s no such cons, however, you may find it bit slow compare to any other expensive drives.

FAQs:
1. Which is the most affordable brand for the best external hard drive 1TB?
If you are looking for the best external hard drive 2TB under a budget, Toshiba is a good choice.

2. Is it better to leave the external hard drive on all the time?
If you want to use your external hard drive as an extra storage unit, you can leave it plugged in all the time but if you want to use it for backups, it is better to leave it unplugged to keep your data secure.

3. What is the lifespan of an external hard drive?
You can keep your data secured in an external hard drive for approximately three to five years, however, it depends on how you maintain it. To keep your data safe for the long term, it is better to replace your hard drive model from time to time so that you don't miss out on the latest technology.