Do You Know? A traditional hard disk drive can still be a practical choice for large, infrequently accessed backups, while solid-state drives offer faster performance and greater portability.
WIRED’s September 2026 roundup of external storage drives covers several common backup scenarios, including desktop computer backups, phone storage, travel, gaming, rugged use, NAS systems and do-it-yourself drive enclosures. The guide is based on the author’s testing of dozens of drives with multiple devices and operating systems.
What changed in the latest guide
The September update adds a SanDisk SSD intended for NAS systems and a Satechi drive enclosure. It also removes some sold-out drives and updates prices and links. WIRED warns that memory pricing is volatile and says prices for drives in the guide had risen sharply over the previous six months, which the article attributes to demand from artificial-intelligence data centers.
WIRED’s highlighted drives
| Use case | Highlighted product | Key details from the guide |
|---|---|---|
| Desktop backups | Western Digital Elements Desktop Hard Drive | Available in capacities from 1 TB to 26 TB, uses USB-C 3.2 and requires external power. WIRED recorded 120 MB/s for sequential writes on Windows. |
| Phone backups | Crucial X9 Pro SSD | A compact 2-TB SSD tested with iOS, Android, macOS, Windows and Linux. WIRED recorded read speeds up to 1,110 MB/s and write speeds up to 1,100 MB/s. |
| Travel backups | Western Digital My Passport Ultra | A portable HDD using USB-C, with capacities up to 6 TB and 256-bit AES encryption. WIRED measured 121 MB/s read and 115 MB/s write performance. |
| Rugged spinning drive | SanDisk G-Drive ArmorATD | A semi-rugged HDD with a removable rubberized sleeve. It supports HFS+ out of the box and can be reformatted for Windows or Linux. |
SSD speed versus HDD capacity
WIRED recommends choosing an SSD when possible because the technology is fast and durable. The guide’s testing of the Crucial X9 Pro found performance above the product’s claimed 1,050 MB/s read and write speeds. The faster Crucial X10 Pro is also mentioned, with a tested speed of up to 2,050 MB/s, but the guide says the X9 Pro should be sufficient for most people.
For large desktop backups, the guide favors the Western Digital Elements Desktop Hard Drive. The HDD requires external power and is not designed for top-tier transfer speeds, but its larger capacities and lower cost make it suitable for data that does not need to be accessed frequently.
Options for backing up while traveling
The Western Digital My Passport Ultra is presented as a road-friendly option. Its USB-C connection avoids the older Micro-B connector still found on some portable HDDs, while its rounded corners and compact design make it easier to carry. WIRED cautions that it is still a spinning drive without a rugged enclosure, so it should not be treated as drop-proof.
The guide also lists the Seagate Portable External Hard Drive and Western Digital Elements Portable HDD as alternatives. WIRED describes the Seagate model as slightly thinner, while the Elements model is less expensive but felt flimsier in testing.
Why this matters
External storage gives people a local way to preserve photos, computer files and other data. The article notes that local backups can be faster and offer more privacy than cloud-based backups, while multiple backups can reduce the risk of losing data if one drive fails.
Buyers should also account for compatibility. The reviewed drives were tested across combinations of Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android, but some models may need to be reformatted for a particular operating system. The My Passport Ultra, for example, is offered in versions formatted for Windows or macOS, although it can be reformatted for another system.
FAQ
Should you buy an SSD or HDD?
WIRED recommends SSDs for speed and durability when possible. HDDs remain useful for cheaper, high-capacity backups that are not accessed often.
Which drive did WIRED highlight for phone backups?
The guide highlights the Crucial X9 Pro SSD, which WIRED tested with iOS, Android, macOS, Windows and Linux.
Are portable hard drives rugged?
Not necessarily. The My Passport Ultra is described as solid enough for a bag but lacks a rugged enclosure. The SanDisk G-Drive ArmorATD adds a removable rubberized sleeve for more protection.
Can these drives work with different operating systems?
Many can, but reformatting may be required. WIRED tested various models with Windows, macOS and Linux, and tested the Crucial X9 Pro with iOS and Android as well.
Bottom Line
WIRED’s 2026 selection shows that the best external drive depends on the backup job. SSDs suit fast phone and portable backups, while desktop HDDs offer more capacity for less frequently accessed data. Prices remain volatile, so buyers should check current pricing and capacity options before purchasing.
Source
This report is based on information published by WIRED.
