Whether you’re backing up precious memories, transferring work files, or expanding your storage on the go, a portable hard drive is still one of the most practical tech tools you can own. Reliable, affordable, and easy to carry. These drives are a must-have for students, professionals, gamers, and photographers alike.
We’ve rounded up the best hard drives (portable) in 2025 for speed, durability, and value all available from trusted retailers in Australia.
1. WD Elements Portable HDD 2TB
💰 Approx. $136 AUD
🔗 Shop on Amazon AU
- Type: HDD (Hard Disk Drive)
- Capacity: 2TB
- Connection: USB 3.0
- Best for: Everyday backups, personal storage
Simple, plug-and-play, and works with Windows and Mac. A consistent bestseller for its performance and price.
2. Seagate One Touch Portable HDD 4TB
💰 Approx. $198 AUD
🔗 Buy on Amazon AU
- Type: HDD
- Capacity: 4TB
- Connection: USB 3.0
- Extras: Includes backup software + password protection
- Best for: Large media libraries and long-term storage
Great value for users who want high-capacity storage without going SSD.
3. Samsung T7 Portable SSD – 1TB
💰 Approx. $179 AUD
🔗 View on Amazon AU
- Type: SSD (Solid State Drive)
- Capacity: 1TB
- Connection: USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C)
- Speed: Up to 1,050MB/s read
- Best for: Creators, gamers, fast backups
Sleek, secure, and shock-resistant. Much faster than traditional HDDs.
4. SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD – 1TB
💰 Approx. $182 AUD
🔗 Find on Amazon AU
- Type: SSD
- Capacity: 1TB
- Durability: Water and dust resistant (IP55)
- Speed: Up to 1,050MB/s
- Best for: Photographers, travellers, outdoor use
Rugged and lightweight with excellent speed. A great pick for fieldwork and mobile creators.
5. Toshiba Canvio Basics – 4TB
💰 Approx. $190 AUD
🔗 Buy on Amazon AU
- Type: HDD
- Capacity: 4TB
- Connection: USB 3.0
- Best for: Budget users needing big storage
A no-fuss portable hard drive with reliable performance.
Portable HDD vs SSD: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | HDD | SSD |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Slower (100–150MB/s) | Much faster (500MB/s – 1,000MB/s) |
| Cost | Cheaper per TB | Higher cost per TB |
| Durability | Less shock-resistant | Very durable (no moving parts) |
| Capacity | Higher capacity for price | Typically 1–2TB in budget range |
💡 Go HDD for storage size, SSD for speed.
Bonus Accessories to Consider
- 📦 Protective cases for portable hard drives
- 🔌 USB-C to USB-A adapters
- 🎒 Travel pouches or cable organisers
- 🧹 Hard drive cleaning kits
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for a basic backup solution or high-speed on-the-go editing, there’s a portable hard drive for every use case. These 2025 picks are trusted, well-reviewed, and ready to plug in and go.
Need help choosing the right drive or setting it up? Ballarat Tech Help offers friendly, local advice and setup support.
📞 Contact us today to get your storage sorted.
