According to user reviews and ratings, the best and most reliable external hard drive for the money is the Seagate ST305004EXA. It features 500GB of storage with a USB 2.0 interface. It runs very quietly and doesn’t heat up much like some external hard drives can. This high performance 7200 RPM external hard drive is the perfect choice for backing up large files like movies, music, pictures and documents. It’s also energy efficient with built-in power management features to ensure efficient operation. It’s compatible with both PC and Mac which makes it perfect for anyone. It is a 3.5” desktop style external hard drive though, which means you will need an external power supply (which is included) to use it.
If you need a more portable option you may want to consider the Eagle Tech ET-CS2500. This is a pocket sized hard drive that operates using a laptop sized hard drive which makes this drive closer to the size of a smart phone than a standard hard drive and measures only 0.4 inches thin. The best part about this drive is the built-in USB cable. You will never have to wonder where your cable is when you need to access your data. The metal case helps provide strong protection for your valuable information and the Western Digital hard drive inside is one of the most reliable on the market.
If you need a portable, rugged drive then the ADATA ASH93-500GU 500GB external hard drive is for you. It features a water & shock proof shell that makes it great for anyone who likes to take their computer outdoors. This drive is the first ever waterproof external hard drive and has military grade shock resistance to protect your data. It also features a built-in wrap around style USB cable allowing quick access to your information on the go. It also features vibrant color choices and a modern design that any techy could appreciate.