ZDNET Updates 2026 Hard Drive Guide, Adds WD 6TB My Passport and Seagate 2TB Favorites
Updated
Updated · ZDNet · May 16
ZDNET Updates 2026 Hard Drive Guide, Adds WD 6TB My Passport and Seagate 2TB Favorites
5 articles · Updated · ZDNet · May 16
May 2026’s refresh of ZDNET’s external hard drive guide added WD’s 6TB My Passport and Seagate’s Portable 2TB as alternative favorites after a new review of the lineup.
Lexar’s SL500 still leads the rankings as ZDNET’s top overall pick, highlighted for portability, speed, durability and 256-bit AES encryption, with prices starting at $180.
The updated guide spans drives from Toshiba’s $95 Canvio Basics to WD Elements models reaching 24TB, reflecting a split between lower-cost high-capacity HDDs and faster, pricier SSDs.
ZDNET frames external drives as an offline backup option that avoids cloud subscription fees, with most models expected to last about five to seven years under proper use.
ZDNET crowned 2026's best external drive, but is any single device truly safe from sophisticated modern cyber threats?
Is 2026's top-rated SSD fast enough for the extreme data demands of AI and next-generation content creation?
With memory chip prices set to skyrocket, is now the last chance to affordably secure your digital life offline?