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Since people are continuously shifting their lives away from desktops to smartphones and tablets, getting a wireless external hard disk could be a lifesaver as it allows you to connect without using a cable.
It is arguably the most convenient way to secure photos, videos, and personal data devoid of the hassle of wired connections. Finding the right wireless external hard drive requires you dig deep.
In this guide, we have designed a detailed review of some of the trending models of today.
Check them out!
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Wireless External Hard Drive
- OUR TOP PICK: Western Digital WDBCTL0040HWT-NESN
- BEST WIRELESS EXTERNAL HARD DRIVE FOR MAC: Western Digital WDBSMT0030BBK-NESN
- BEST 2TB WIRELESS EXTERNAL HARD DRIVE: Seagate Wireless Plus 2TB (STCV2000100)
Comparison of the Best Wireless External Hard Drives
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When Would I Use a Wireless External Hard Drive
Traditional hard drives require a USB port to establish a connection with your system. A wireless external hard disk, on the other hand, makes use of Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to allow you to access data stored in a range of devices. These hard drives come in handy, especially for smartphones and tablets that lack simple USB ports like laptops.
The following are some prominent reasons why you should get your hands on any of these models.
Data Transfer
With a wireless external hard disk, you can offload pictures and videos from your smartphones on the drive in a couple of minutes. You can avoid the hassle of plugging in the cable and then share the data.
Western Digital WDBCTL0040HWT-NESN
Portability
Well, if extreme portability is what you are looking for, then the extended battery life of these devices is at your rescue. With these devices, you can share the data while traveling without any disturbance. There would be no need to carry your cables along all the time. A good internet connection is all that you need.
Additional Space
The major drawback of CDs and flashes is that they offer very little space to work with when it comes to storage and backups. Wireless external hard disks provide additional storage capacity for your smartphones, iPad, and tablets. All you need is to get an efficient model to meet your demands.
Aspects of the Top Wireless External Hard Drive
The market is overflowing with tons of models manufactured by multiple brands. Although it is good to have options, it might confuse the customer at the same time. Choosing the right model can become extremely daunting; therefore, we have listed down a couple for features that guarantee the reliability of a hard disk.
Good Battery Life
The most prominent feature of any great wireless external hard disk is that it can easily last for all day long when charged properly. This is quite important if you have a thing for portability. A hard disk must be capable of running for up to 10 hours.
Data Streaming on Multiple Devices
Another essential feature to look for is the ability to stream across multiple devices. The drive should transfer data and stream videos across a number of devices seamlessly. This feature helps in fast data transfer.
Excellent Data Storage Capacity
The main purpose of owning an external hard disk is to extend the storage capacity of your device. The choice of capacity ultimately depends on your requirements. However, you must go for a model that comes with enough storage capacity and protection features in order to mark reliability.
Ease of Use
This is surely an important feature if you are going to use the device on a regular basis. Go for a model that is easy to install and comes with a user-friendly design to enhance the overall experience of the user.
Review of the Best Wireless External Hard Drives
So if you intend to purchase a reliable wireless external hard drive, you must never overlook the above-mentioned features. Now let’s move towards the most important section of this guide, which reviews the top wireless external hard drives currently available in the market.
Let’s get started!
Best Overall:
Western Digital WDBCTL0040HWT-NESN
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Customers of this product are highly satisfied with its storage capacity. They report that this hard drive is user-friendly and tends to store data with premium efficiency. It offers fast data transfer capability, and the most striking quality is that it is compatible with a range of setups, making it a versatile external hard drive.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This hard drive from Western Drive is composed of quality materials and exhibits an attractive design. It comes with 4TB storage capacity and incorporates a 3.0 USB port, which allows you to transfer data at blazing speed. Plus, it guarantees the safety of your data whenever you want.
Who Will Use This Most
It works well with Windows as well as Mac, making it a catch for customers. This external hard drive can be easily used with Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7. Additionally, it proves to be compatible with Mac OS X El Captain, Yosemite, and Mountain Lion operating systems.
Bottom Line
An extraordinary model on the list, this Western Digital hard drive is meant to serve the user with high-end service. It embodies a wonderful design and incorporates tons of features, making it the best overall product on our review. It can easily store up to 4TB data and works well with multiple operating systems.
Best Wireless External Hard Drive for Mac:
Western Digital WDBSMT0030BBK-NESN
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Users are very happy with this wireless external hard disk. They report that not only is the construction sturdy, but the design is very unique as well. The data storage capacity is appreciable, and this device allows you to share data across a number of devices seamlessly. Lastly, the 2-year warranty has enhanced the confidence of customers in this product.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This flawless hard disk from Western Digital mainly stands out to us for its remarkable 3TB data storage capacity. It works amazingly with a number of operating systems and transfers data at fast speed. Moreover, it incorporates a built-in data bank, which is useful for charging your mobile. Lastly, this device works for up to 10 hours once charged completely.
Who Will Use This Most
It is an ideal option for those who need to store a great amount of data with a higher security level. This model is very user-friendly and compatible with multiple operating systems, including Mac, Android, and even Windows. Moreover, the reliable warranty saves the user from frequent expenditures of replacement and maintenance.
Bottom Line
A great model on the list, this external hard disk is known for its quality and efficient functionality. It comes with a nice design and tends to save up to 3TB data at a time. This versatile hard disk supports 4K video files and works all day long without causing any disturbance.
Best 2tb Wireless External Hard Drive:
Seagate Wireless Plus 2TB (STCV2000100)
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Similar to other hard disks on this list, this model is known for its quality among the users. They report that it has a sleek design and features excellent data storage capacity. Moreover, it is compatible with multiple operating systems and allows you to share data across 3 devices at a time.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This external hard disk stands out from its competitors due to an impressive 2TB data storage capacity. Moreover, the design is nice and very user-friendly. You can easily stream data across 3 devices at the same time. Plus, it helps you synchronize with Google Drive and Dropbox to add on to perfection.
Who Will Use This Most
It is suitable for almost all devices, including tablets, computers, and smartphones. This hard disk can easily extend the storage capacity of your device up to 2TB, which is appreciable. Moreover, this model is easy to use and helps you share data with multiple devices in a single time.
Bottom Line
This device from Seagate is equipped with tons of features, including an excellent storage capacity of 2TB, fast data transfer, compatibility with a range of smartphones, tabs, and computers, as well as streaming HD videos at 3 devices at the same time. In short, it is highly versatile and built to last long.
4. SanDisk Connect 64GB (SDWS1-064G-A57)
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This external drive has impressed most of its customers with reliable performance. Users report that the construction quality is amazing and lasts for a longer period of time. Similarly, the storage capacity is enough, and the USB port allows you to share the data at excellent speed without any hassle.
Why it Stands Out to Us
SanDisk is well-known for providing remarkable products for long. This model is no less than other products for the company and exhibits a nice design. It comes with 64GB storage, which is enough for most of the people out there. Similarly, it works well with a range of systems and features a personal security password to increase the safety level.
Who Will Use This Most
It is an ideal choice for those who need a relatively small capacity hard disk for everyday use. This model is user-friendly and highly versatile. Compatible with a range of systems, it works well with an iPhone, iPad, Android as well as Kindle. You can easily access the data via Wi-Fi with a maximum of 8 connections at a time.
Bottom Line
A highly versatile hard disk with a user-friendly design, this model is known for its fast data transfer speed. It incorporates 64GB data storage space and ensures the security of your data, thanks to the Wi-Fi password protection. Lastly, it goes well with a lot of operating systems by merely connecting via Wi-Fi.
5. Seagate Wireless STDC500402
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This product has attracted many new customers due to its reasonable price tag. Similarly, current users have given many positive ratings to this hard disk due to its excellent storage capacity and fast data transfer across a range of devices. The most loved feature is that it does not require an internet connection for streaming the data.
Why it Stands Out to Us
A quality product from Seagate, this red hard disk easily fits your budget and exhibits a nice red design. It offers 500GB data storage capacity, and you can easily share the data without needing an internet connection. Moreover, the battery life is amazing and lasts for at least 10 hours, once fully charged.
Who Will Use This Most
The wireless streaming quality of this hard disk makes it a perfect choice for everyday use. It is genuinely a perfect choice for those who do not have internet access all the time. Moreover, it works seamlessly with tabs, systems, and even iPhones while you are traveling via air or road.
Bottom Line
In case you are looking for a well-reputed hard disk that is reasonably priced, then you should definitely get your hands on this model. The storage space is reliable, and the data transfer speed can’t be questioned. Lastly, the battery life is astonishing and allows the device to work for up to 10 hours.
6. LaCie FUEL 1TB (9000436U)
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This hard disk is quite popular among the users for its quality data storage capacity. They report that the design is quite sturdy and user-friendly. You can easily share data across Apple devices via the internet or by connecting to the device using a USB port. Lastly, you can easily share data with up to 5 devices at a time.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Equipped with a range of exceptional features, this hard disk from LaCie comes with 1TB space storage capacity. It has a nice design and features a 3.0 USB port to allow you to share your data with remarkable speed. Moreover, it extends the data capacity of your iPad without needing internet access.
Who Will Use This Most
It is a great option for Apple users who want to extend the data storage capacity of their devices. It works great with an iPad, and the most striking feature is that you don’t need internet access all the time for data transfer. This makes it highly suitable for use during air travel or road trips.
Bottom Line
A powerhouse of features, this wireless external hard disk can store data up to 1TB. Not only is the design flawless, but it works remarkably well with Apple devices. You can easily share data with 5 devices at a time without facing any interruption. Lastly, you can do all this stuff in the absence of an internet connection, which is pretty impressive.
Cautious Considerations to Keep in Mind
External hard drives have become quite popular these days for providing wireless data transfer at reliable speeds. Multiple products are being offered by manufacturers that embody their own special features. However, regardless of any model, there are some cautious considerations that you must keep in mind before making an investment.
Cost
Wireless external devices can be really heavy on your pocket. Since they are equipped with multiple advanced features, they are relatively expensive than other storage drives. If you want a reliable hard disk for the safe storage of data, you need to look beyond price and its aesthetics.
Speed
A wireless external hard disk allows you to share data across the devices with ease. However, the speed is not as great as the wired connection. Since the same bus is being shared, the speed slows down for every link.
Lifespan
External hard drives are generally easy to break and are more prone to damage. Another thing to remember is the electrostatic discharge during winters. Although the latest drives are being protected by a sturdy case, the risk of a head crash and magnetic interference remain.
Therefore, it is essential to opt for frequent maintenance in order to make the device capable of serving you for a longer period of time.
Conclusion
Having a wireless external hard drive helps you forgo the use of cables while connecting the storage drive to your system. It not only enhances the comfort level but allows you to store data from anywhere. A reliable hard disk ensures high-end services without having to pay for expensive upgrades. Hopefully, this guide has helped you enough in finding the right model for your needs and making an informed decision.
People Also Ask
Wireless external hard drives have made the transfer of information or data very easy. Although the speed is not as great as a wired connection, these devices allow a speedy and comfortable share of information. However, some customers still have a few queries about these models. Here, we have tried to answer a few of them.
Can I Make my External Hard Drive Wireless?
Yes, it is possible to make your external hard drive wireless by following some simple steps. First of all, turn off the wireless router and unplug the external hard drive. Now plug the Ethernet cable to the network-attached Storage device and the other end of the cable to the Ethernet port on the router. Finally, attach one end of the USB cable to the router and the other end to the "External" hard drive you intend to make wireless.
Can You Use a Wireless Hard Drive With an IPad?
Yes, there are multiple options available on the market that work well with an iPad. You can easily extend the storage capacity of your iPad by using a reliable wireless hard drive such as LaCie FUEL external hard drive. This model is compatible with all iOS systems and allows data transferring at high speed.
How Long Does an External Hard Drive Last?
The lifespan of any device greatly depends on the use. If handled properly, an external hard drive tends to last for almost 3 to 5 years without compromising on the performance. A device being used for backup must be replaced every few years in order to ensure the safety of your personal data.
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