Editing video requires a lot of storage space, fast read/write speeds, and durability to handle the demands of video and image files. While most computers come with an internal hard drive, they can quickly fill up with video projects, software, and other files. A high-quality hard drive is essential for a smooth editing process. In this article, we’ll review some of the best external hard drives for video editing on the market. Whether you’re a professional video editor or a hobbyist, I’ve got you covered with the best external hard drives for video editing to help make your editing process faster, easier, and more efficient.
| Ashleigh's Pick  | Runner Up  | Budget Choice  |
| 5.0 | 4.8 | 4.5 |
| $159.99 | $489.99 | $129.99 |
Types of Hard Drives
There are three main types of hard drives: solid-state drives (SSDs), hard disk drives (HDDs), and hybrid drives (also known as SSHDs).
Solid-State Drives (SSDs):
SSDs use flash memory to store data, which makes them faster than traditional hard drives. They also have no moving parts, making them less prone to mechanical failure. SSDs are ideal for those who need fast read/write speeds, such as video editors and gamers. They’re more expensive than HDDs, but the price has decreased recently.
Hard Disk Drives (HDDs):
HDDs are the most common type of hard drive. They use spinning disks to store data and have been around for decades. They’re slower than SSDs but are more affordable and have higher storage capacities. HDDs are an excellent option for those who need a lot of storage space but don’t require the speed of an SSD.
Hybrid Drives (SSHDs):
SSHDs combine the speed of an SSD with the storage capacity of an HDD. They use a small amount of flash memory as a cache to store frequently accessed files, which speeds up performance. SSHDs are a good compromise between an SSD and HDD, but they’re slower than a dedicated SSD and not as affordable as an HDD.
When choosing an external hard drive for video editing, it’s essential to consider the read/write speeds, storage capacity, durability, and price. SSDs are faster than traditional hard drives but are more expensive, while HDDs offer more storage space but are slower. If you’re working on a budget, a conventional HDD may be a good option, but if speed is a top priority, an SSD is the way to go. Regardless of your external hard drive, backup your files regularly to avoid losing your work in case of a hard drive failure.
What to Look For in Hard Drives
Having the best external hard drive for video editing can make all the difference in the speed and performance of your system. There are a few key factors to consider when looking for an editing hard drive:
Storage Capacity:
The first thing to consider is your needed storage capacity. Editing requires a lot of space, especially for high-resolution video and image files. Look for hard drives with at least 500GB of storage, although 1TB or more is preferable for most editing needs.
Read/Write Speeds:
Editing also requires fast read/write speeds to transfer large files quickly. Look for hard drives with read/write speeds of at least 500MB/s or higher. SSDs tend to have faster read/write speeds than traditional HDDs, so consider investing in an SSD if speed is a top priority.
Durability:
Editing often involves working on location or in different environments, so durability is also important. Look for hard drives that are shock-resistant and sturdy to withstand bumps and drops. Some hard drives are also water-resistant and dust-proof, which can be helpful for outdoor shoots.
Connectivity:
Make sure the hard drive you choose is compatible with your computer’s ports. Most modern hard drives use USB 3.0 or 3.1, which offer fast transfer speeds. Some hard drives also come with Thunderbolt ports, which are even quicker but may require an adapter for some computers.
Price:
Consider your budget when looking for an editing hard drive. Depending on the capacity and features, hard drives can range from less than $100 to over $500. While it can be tempting to go for the cheapest option, investing in a high-quality hard drive can save you time and frustration in the long run.
After narrowing down your preferred video editing hard drive, read more about the best headphones to pair with your edit workflow!
My Top External Hard Drives for Video Editing (Ranked)
Enough of all the descriptions! Let’s dive into the best external hard drives for video editing.
1. G-Technology G-Drive Mobile SSD (Ashleigh’s Pick)
The G-Technology G-Drive Mobile SSD is another high-speed external SSD with read/write speeds up to 1,050 MB/s. It’s available in capacities ranging from 500GB to 4TB and has a durable design with a shock-resistant aluminum core.
The G-Drive Mobile SSD also includes a USB-C to USB-A cable for easy connectivity. After losing many hard drives, I swear by my G-Drives. Especially as someone who travels a lot, this drive holds up in the roughest of conditions.
Pros
- Durable Design: The G-DRIVE mobile SSD features IP67 water and dust resistance, has been 3M drop tested, and has a crush resistance of up to 1000 pounds, making it a highly durable and rugged storage solution.
- Fast Transfer Rates: The G-DRIVE mobile SSD offers super-fast transfer rates of up to 560 MB/s, enabling users to quickly transfer large files and data.
- Wide Compatibility: The G-DRIVE mobile SSD is equipped with the latest generation USB-C connectivity (USB 3.1 Gen 2), making it compatible with a wide range of devices, including laptops.
Cons
- Limited Storage Capacity: While the G-DRIVE mobile SSD offers durability and fast transfer rates, its maximum available storage capacity is 1TB, which may not be sufficient for users with extensive storage needs.
Mobile SSD Durable Portable External Storage - USB-C (USB 3.1), Up to 560 MB/s - 0G06053-1, black
2. LaCie Rugged SSD Pro
The LaCie Rugged SSD Pro is a rugged external SSD with read/write speeds of up to 2,800 MB/s. It has a durable design with a shock-resistant aluminum shell and is water-resistant for added protection. The Rugged SSD Pro is available from 1TB to 2TB and includes a USB-C to USB-C cable for fast connectivity.
Pros
- High-Speed Performance: The LaCie Rugged SSD Pro harnesses the power of Thunderbolt 3 technology and a 2TB Seagate FireCuda NVMe SSD to achieve playback/recording speeds of up to 2800 MB/s, making it ideal for handling 6K, 8K, and other high-resolution video formats.
- Extreme Durability: The LaCie Rugged SSD Pro features an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance, three-meter drop tolerance, two-ton car crush resistance, and dust resistance, all in a compact, palm-sized form factor. This level of durability makes it suitable for use in challenging environments.
- Comprehensive Protection Plan: The LaCie Rugged SSD Pro comes with a five-year limited product protection plan that includes Rescue Data Recovery services, providing users with long-term peace of mind and protection for their valuable data.
Cons
- Higher Cost: The LaCie Rugged SSD Pro, with its advanced features and durable design, comes with a higher price point compared to some other external SSDs on the market. This may be a consideration for budget-conscious consumers.
USB-C Thunderbolt 3, Drop Shock Dust Water Resistant, for Mac and PC Computer Desktop Laptop.
3. Crucial X8 SSD
The Crucial 2TB X8 External USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C Solid-State Drive is a high-speed external solid-state drive designed for performance and portability. It has read/write speeds of up to 1,050 MB/s, making it a fast and reliable option for video editing projects. The X8 is available in capacities ranging from 500GB to 2TB and has a compact design with a durable metal casing.
It’s also drop-proof up to 7.5 feet and water-resistant, providing added durability and protection for your data. The X8 includes built-in hardware encryption for added security and is compatible with Mac and PC. With its fast speeds, durable design, and security features, the Crucial 2TB X8 External USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C Solid-State Drive is an excellent choice for video editors.
Pros
- High Performance: The Crucial X8 2TB Portable SSD offers incredible performance with read speeds of up to 1050 MB/s, allowing for fast data transfer and quick access to files
- Wide Compatibility: This portable SSD is compatible with a variety of devices, including Windows and Mac computers, iPad Pro, Chromebook, Android devices, Linux systems, PS4, and Xbox One. It includes USB-C 3.1 Gen2 and USB-A connectors for versatile connectivity option.
- Durability: The Crucial X8 2TB Portable SSD is designed to be durable, with an anodized aluminum core and drop-proof construction up to 7.5 feet. It is also extreme-temperature, shock, and vibration-proof, ensuring the safety of stored data in various conditions.
Cons
- Price: Although the product is currently available at a discounted price, the list price of $219.99 may be considered relatively high for some users, especially compared to other options available on the market.
Crucial X9 USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C Portable External SSD 2TB
4. Samsung T7 Portable SSD
The Samsung T7 Portable SSD is a high-speed external solid-state drive designed to meet the demands of video editing and other resource-intensive tasks. It has read/write speeds of up to 1,050 MB/s, making it one of the fastest portable SSDs on the market. The T7 Portable SSD is available in capacities ranging from 500GB to 2TB and has a durable metal casing that’s shock-resistant and drop-resistant up to 2 meters. It also features a built-in fingerprint reader for added security, ensuring your video editing projects and files are safe and secure. With its speed, durability, and safety, the Samsung T7 Portable SSD is an excellent choice for video editors on the go.
Pros
- High-Speed Data Transfer: The Samsung T7 Portable SSD features USB 3.2 Gen 2 technology and an embedded PCIe NVMe interface, allowing for sequential read/write speeds of up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s. This enables users to transfer massive files within seconds.
- Compact and Portable Design: The Samsung T7 Portable SSD comes in a slim and compact form factor, making it easy to carry and store. This portability makes it an excellent choice for users who require fast and efficient data storage on the go.
- Broad Compatibility: The Samsung T7 Portable SSD is compatible with a wide range of devices, including smartphones, laptops, and desktop computers. The USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface ensures that users can connect the drive to various devices without compatibility issues.
Cons
- Broad Compatibility: The Samsung T7 Portable SSD is compatible with a wide range of devices, including smartphones, laptops, and desktop computers. The USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface ensures that users can connect the drive to various devices without compatibility issues.
Samsung T7 1TB USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C Portable External SSD, Titan Gray.
5. SanDisk Extreme PRO Portable SSD
The SanDisk Extreme PRO Portable SSD is a high-performance external solid-state drive designed for demanding workflows such as video editing. It offers read and write speeds of up to 2,000 MB/s and 2,000 MB/s, respectively, making it one of the fastest portable SSDs available. It features a durable aluminum chassis with a silicone bumper for added protection against drops, vibration, and extreme temperatures. It is also water- and dust-resistant, providing further protection against environmental factors. With its exceptional speed and durability, the SanDisk Extreme PRO Portable SSD is an excellent choice for video editors who require fast and reliable storage for their projects.
Pros
- High-Speed Performance: The SSD offers powerful NVMe solid state performance with read and write speeds of up to 2000MB/s, providing fast data storage and transfer capabilities.
- Durability: The SSD features a forged aluminum chassis that acts as a heat sink for higher sustained speeds. Additionally, it offers up to 2-meter drop protection and IP55 water and dust resistance, making it suitable for outdoor adventures.
- Security: The SSD includes password protection with 256-bit AES hardware encryption to help keep private content secure and private.
Cons
- Compatibility Requirements: Achieving the maximum read and write speeds of up to 2000MB/s requires compatible devices that are capable of reaching such speed. Performance may be lower depending on the host device, interface, and usage conditions
SanDisk Extreme Portable 2TB USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C External SSD V2, Black, Bundle with HD-2 Drive Case.
See how my review stacks up with B & H’s top picks for the best external hard drives for video editing.
If you’re looking for the next step in your editing journey, check out this video about creating a post-production workflow with your new external hard drive.
BONUS – If you’re looking for quick color grading tips, check this article by my creative partner, Courtney Birk!
FAQs About Hard Drives for Video Editing
To further enhance your understanding of external hard drives for video editing and guide you in making the right choice, I’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions. In this section, we’ll address common concerns and provide insightful answers that cover essential topics, such as storage capacity, HDDs vs. SSDs, data transfer speed etc.
How much storage capacity do I need for video editing?
The storage capacity needed for video editing depends on the size and format of the files you’ll be working with. For most users, a 2TB to 4TB drive should suffice, but professional video editors may require 8TB or more.
What are the differences between HDDs and SSDs in terms of video editing?
HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) use spinning disks and are generally slower and more susceptible to mechanical failure. SSDs (Solid State Drives) have no moving parts and offer faster data transfer speeds and better reliability, making them preferable for video editing.
Why is data transfer speed important for video editing?
Data transfer speed is important for video editing as it affects how quickly you can access, transfer, and save your files. Faster speeds mean less waiting time and improved overall efficiency when working with large video files.
How do I choose the right file system for my external hard drive when working with video files?
The file system you choose depends on your operating system and the size of your files. For Mac, HFS+ or APFS are recommended, while Windows users should use NTFS. For cross-platform compatibility, exFAT is a good choice.
What is RAID and how does it benefit video editors using external hard drives?
RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) is a storage technology that combines multiple hard drives to improve performance or provide redundancy. Video editors may benefit from RAID configurations that offer faster data transfer speeds or data protection in case of drive failure.
And The Best External Hard Drive is..
Because of the ruggedness and durability of the G-Drives, my recommendation is the G-Technology 1TB G-DRIVE as it is (in my humble opinion) the best external ssd for video editing and is what I use all the time which always worked for me.
Having the right external hard drive can make all the difference in your video editing workflow. You can find a high-quality external hard drive that meets your storage and speed needs with all these options. Whether you prefer an SSD or an HDD, a compact or rugged design, you have an external hard drive. When deciding, remember to consider the read/write speeds, storage capacity, durability, and price. Investing in a reliable external hard drive is a small price for peace of mind, improved workflow efficiency, and saved frustration.
Which hard drive do you prefer? Let me know in the comments. Thanks for reading, and happy editing!
Additional Gear to Use
Now that you have your hard drive set up and purchased, have a look at the following resources as they may help you with your video editing journey.
G-Technology 1TB G-DRIVE
Featuring IP67 water-and dust-resistance, 3-meter drop protection*, and a 1000 lb crushproof rating, the G-DRIVE mobile SSD provides durable storage you can trust.
Product SKU: 0G06053-1
Product Brand: G-Technology
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