For individuals who work on large projects and need to save them safely, the best Thunderbolt external hard drives will be useful. You can simply transfer files between devices and store them on external hard drives.
In this article, you will find a list of the top 5 Thunderbolt external hard drives for professionals.
Top 5 Thunderbolt External Hard Drives for Professionals
1. G-Technology 4TB G-DRIVE
This thunderbolt 3 external hard drive boasts a substantial capacity of 4 TB and features dual Thunderbolt 3 ports, USB-C, USB 3.0, and USB 2.0 interfaces.
The G-Technology 4TB G-DRIVE allows for seamless storage of your files with its 4 TB capacity. It supports 5 simultaneous connections and offers the convenience of dual Thunderbolt 3 ports and a USB-C port that supports first-generation USB 3.1. The aluminum casing adds a stylish touch to the device.
You may expect many years of trouble-free operation because of the superior build. It particularly benefits Mac users working with large files, providing top-tier performance, high transfer speeds (7200 rpm), and consistent reliability.
Pros:
- High transfer speeds
- Durable construction
- Stylish design
- Compatibility with macOS and Windows
Cons:
- Expensive
2. Samsung X5 Portable SSD
High-Performance Thunderbolt External Hard Drive for Mac This Thunderbolt external hard drive is tailored for Mac users and comes with a capacity of 500 GB, utilizing the Thunderbolt 3 and NVMe interfaces.
The Samsung X5 Portable SSD stands out with its 500 GB storage capacity and unique design. Its robust construction enables it to withstand drops of up to 2 meters, and the anti-slip surface adds extra grip.
This Thunderbolt external SSD boasts impressive transfer speeds of up to 40Gbps, thanks to its NVMe interface, making it ideal for handling heavy data loads. However, it is best suited for Thunderbolt 3-enabled Macs and may have limited compatibility with Thunderbolt 3 Windows computers.
Pros:
- Durable and stylish design
- Drop-resistant up to 2 meters
- Exceptional productivity
- Utilizes NVMe interface for faster data processing
Cons:
- Anti-slip surface
- Expensive
3. Seagate Firecuda
Easy-to-use Thunderbolt External Hard Drive With a 4 TB capacity, the Seagate Firecuda impresses with its minimalist design and customizable LED lighting, adding a vibrant touch to your workspace. This Thunderbolt external hard drive comes equipped with a Thunderbolt 3 port and USB 3.0 interface.
The Seagate Firecuda, with its generous capacity, is a great fit for video gamers and creative professionals dealing with large files. Its range of ports makes it a versatile choice for various tasks.
Pros:
- Custom LED lighting
- User-friendly software
- Ideal for gamers
- Silent fans
Cons:
- Expensive
4. LaCie Mobile Drive
Apple Thunderbolt External Hard Drive with 2TB Capacity An affordable external hard drive for Apple users, the LaCie Mobile Drive offers a storage capacity of 2 TB and supports USB-C, USB 3.0, and USB 2.0 connections.
The LaCie Mobile Drive provides an economical storage solution for Apple enthusiasts, delivering 2 TB of space and ensuring reliable performance with its sturdy aluminum casing. While its design is relatively minimalistic, it appeals to those who prioritize style and simplicity. Note that this drive does not support Thunderbolt technology.
Pros:
- High transfer speeds
- Reasonably-priced
- 2 TB storage capacity
- Includes LaCie Toolkit software
Cons:
- Doesn’t support Thunderbolt technology
5. G-Technology 2TB G-DRIVE
Budget-friendly Thunderbolt External HDD A cost-effective option, the G-Technology 2TB G-DRIVE offers a storage capacity of 2 TB and features USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt 3 interfaces.
This Thunderbolt external hard drive provides outstanding value with a price tag around $100 and 2 TB of storage space. It boasts impressive data transfer speeds of up to 140MB/s and supports USB C-type drives. While it operates at 7200 RPM for faster data handling compared to 5400 RPM drives, it may not match the speeds of solid-state drives (SSDs). The well-crafted design makes it suitable for both home use and travel purposes.
Pros:
- Excellent performance
- Supports USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt 3
- Attractive metal design
- Compatible with both Mac and Windows computers
- Affordable pricing
Cons:
- May encounter issues with staying mounted
How to Choose the Best Thunderbolt External Hard Drive?
Thunderbolt 3 external hard drives come in two types:
- Hard disk drives (HDD)
- Solid-state drives (SSD)
SSDs offer advantages such as being lighter, faster, and more power-efficient, while HDDs are more affordable but slower in operation.
Capacity is a crucial consideration when choosing among the best Thunderbolt external hard drives. The recommended option is 500 GB, but models with higher capacities, like 2 TB or 4 TB, are ideal for storing video content and games. There are also options with a substantial 16 TB capacity, catering to the needs of videographers.
Price is a crucial factor to consider, and Thunderbolt external hard drives generally range from $200 to $300 for decent models. Budget-friendly options with lower capacity can be found for around $100, while those seeking a 16 TB storage option should expect to spend up to $600.
The Thunderbolt connection far outperforms USB 3.0 with its 10 Gbps transfer rates, making it up to 20 times faster than USB 2.0 and up to 12 times faster than FireWire 800. Though USB 3.0 has decent speeds at 5 Gbps (640MBps), Thunderbolt technology offers significantly improved performance.
FAQ
• Is investing in a Thunderbolt external hard drive worthwhile?
Thunderbolt is a niche interface rather than a mainstream port, so hard drives with Thunderbolt technology are typically more expensive than those with USB 3 connections. However, the improved performance and faster speeds offered by Thunderbolt make it a worthy investment for some users.
• What is the lifespan of external hard drives?
The lifespan of external hard drives typically ranges from 3 to 5 years, depending on the model, manufacturer, and usage conditions. Regular maintenance and careful handling can extend their longevity.
• What distinguishes USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt connections?
While USB 3.0 provides transfer rates of 5Gbps (640MBps), making it 10 times faster than USB 2.0, Thunderbolt far surpasses it with transfer rates of 10Gbps, offering speeds up to 20 times faster than USB 2.0.
• Is SSD more durable than HDD?
SSDs are generally more robust than HDDs, particularly in harsh environments, as they lack moving parts like actuator arms. They can better withstand drops, shocks, vibrations, high temperatures, and magnetic fields compared to traditional HDDs.
