12 Best External Hard Drives: Where to Buy in the UK (2025)

In a world overflowing with digital files, from precious family photos and high-resolution videos to critical work documents, running out of storage space is a modern-day nightmare. Finding one of the best external hard drives is no longer just about gaining extra gigabytes; it’s about securing your digital life and gaining peace of mind. But with countless brands, models, and technical specifications flooding the market, how do you confidently choose the right one for your specific needs? This comprehensive guide cuts through the confusion, offering a clear path to your perfect storage solution.

We have meticulously researched and analysed the top options available, going beyond basic specifications to provide real-world insights. This resource is designed to help everyone, from everyday consumers needing to back up their laptops to tech enthusiasts requiring high-speed performance for large media files. We’ll break down the key differences between traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) and Solid-State Drives (SSDs), discuss critical factors like capacity, transfer speed, and durability, and identify the ideal use case for each drive we feature.

Our reviews are built on detailed analysis, providing pros, cons, and practical performance considerations for each recommendation. When you find the right drive for your needs, using our affiliate links to make a purchase supports our work at Humble Reviewer. It's a simple, no-cost way for you to get a great deal on a top-tier product while helping us continue to create honest, in-depth tech guides. Let’s dive in and find the perfect safe home for your valuable data.

1. Amazon UK

When starting your search for the best external hard drives, Amazon UK is an unparalleled first stop. Its sheer scale means you'll find an exhaustive selection from every major manufacturer, including Seagate, Western Digital, LaCie, and Samsung. This variety allows you to compare different models, storage capacities, and form factors side-by-side. The platform excels at providing a comprehensive overview of the market in one place, and by using our affiliate link, you ensure you're getting access to the latest deals while supporting our research.

The primary advantage of using Amazon UK is its competitive pricing and frequent deals, especially during sales events like Prime Day and Black Friday. The user-generated reviews system offers real-world insights into a drive's performance and reliability. For a streamlined shopping experience that also helps us continue our work, we highly recommend you explore the latest tech deals on Amazon UK through our link and find the perfect drive for your needs.

Key Considerations for Shoppers

• Product Selection: The range is immense. Use the powerful filtering tools to narrow your search by brand, capacity, interface (e.g., USB-C, Thunderbolt), and customer rating.
• Pricing and Delivery: Prices are highly competitive. A Prime membership gives you next-day or even same-day delivery on many items, a significant advantage if you need storage urgently.
• Third-Party Sellers: While Amazon's own service is reliable, be mindful of third-party sellers. Always check their ratings and reviews before purchasing to ensure a smooth transaction and genuine products.

Our Take: For its unmatched selection, competitive pricing, and invaluable customer feedback system, Amazon UK is the most practical and efficient starting point for almost any consumer. Using our affiliate link to purchase makes it a win-win.

2. Currys

For shoppers who value a hands-on experience before committing, Currys presents a compelling alternative. As a leading UK electronics specialist, Currys offers a well-curated selection of external hard drives from trusted brands like WD, Seagate, and SanDisk. This hybrid approach allows you to see the product and ask for expert advice in-person, which is invaluable when choosing between models. When you're ready to buy, using our link ensures you get a great deal and supports our content creation.

The key benefit of choosing Currys is its Price Match Promise, which ensures you get a competitive price. They vow to match any UK retailer's price, giving you confidence to purchase without fear of missing out. The availability of flexible payment options and extended warranties also provides extra peace of mind. For a seamless blend of in-store expertise and online convenience, we recommend you check out the external hard drive range at Currys via our affiliate link to find a reliable solution.

Key Considerations for Shoppers

• Product Selection: The selection is more curated than on larger marketplaces, focusing on popular and reliable models. This can simplify the decision-making process for those who find excessive choice overwhelming.
• Pricing and Delivery: While prices are competitive thanks to their Price Match Promise, always check online for special promotions. Currys offers click-and-collect services, often allowing you to pick up your drive on the same day.
• In-Store Experience: Use their physical stores to your advantage. You can speak directly with staff for recommendations on the best external hard drives for your specific use case, whether for gaming, professional work, or simple backups.

Our Take: Currys is ideal for consumers who want the assurance of a physical store and expert advice. It combines competitive pricing with the benefit of seeing products first-hand. Purchasing through our link makes it a confident and supportive choice.

3. Argos

For shoppers who prioritise speed and convenience, Argos is an excellent choice. Its curated selection simplifies the decision-making process, focusing on popular, consumer-grade models from trusted brands like Seagate, WD, and Toshiba. The primary appeal lies in its unique fulfilment model, blending online browsing with immediate physical access. When you make your quick purchase, please consider using our affiliate link to support the work we do.

The standout feature is Argos's Click & Collect service. You can reserve a drive online and often pick it up within minutes. For ultimate convenience, its same-day Fast Track delivery can get a new drive to your door in hours—a lifesaver in a storage crisis. If you need a drive right now, we encourage you to check the stock at your local Argos through our link and solve your storage problem today.

Key Considerations for Shoppers

• Product Selection: The range is geared towards mainstream users, featuring dependable portable HDDs and a growing selection of SSDs. You won't find many niche or ultra-high-performance professional drives here.
• Pricing and Delivery: While prices are competitive, the real value is in the speed. Same-day collection is free, and Fast Track home delivery is available for a small fee, making it one of the fastest ways to buy a new drive.
• Convenience: The ability to check local stock online before visiting is a significant advantage. The website and app are user-friendly, streamlining the process from browsing to purchase.

Our Take: Argos excels for its unparalleled convenience. If you need a reliable external hard drive immediately, its Click & Collect and same-day delivery services are unmatched. Using our link to buy is a great way to show your appreciation.

4. Scan Computers

For tech enthusiasts and professionals who demand detailed information, Scan Computers is a specialist hardware retailer that excels. The platform provides an exceptional level of technical detail for its curated selection of the best external hard drives, making it ideal for users who know exactly what they need. This focus on quality and performance ensures you are buying reliable hardware. We'd be grateful if you used our affiliate links when you decide to purchase from their expert selection.

Scan's main strength lies in its expertise. Unlike broader e-commerce sites, its product pages are packed with in-depth specifications, from IOPS performance to specific controller details, which is invaluable for making an informed decision. This focus on expertise is why we often point our readers to related guides, such as how to learn more about choosing the right hardware for your setup. Clicking through helps support our detailed guides.

Key Considerations for Shoppers

• Product Selection: The range is more curated than on massive marketplaces, focusing on high-quality, performance-oriented drives. This is ideal for professional use cases like creative work, gaming, or business archiving.
• Pricing and Delivery: While prices can sometimes be higher than on Amazon, Scan frequently offers competitive deals and bundles. Their delivery services are known for being efficient and reliable.
• Expert Support: Scan's customer support team possesses deep technical knowledge. If you're unsure about compatibility or performance metrics, their expert advice is a significant advantage.

Our Take: If you are a power user, gamer, or creative professional who values detailed specifications and expert support, Scan Computers is the go-to destination. Purchasing via our affiliate links ensures we can keep providing this specialised advice.

5. Ebuyer

For tech-savvy shoppers and businesses, Ebuyer is a strong contender, offering a comprehensive selection of external hard drives with competitive pricing that challenges even the largest marketplaces. The site is well-regarded for its clear categorisation and detailed product specifications, making it easy to find a drive that meets specific technical requirements. By choosing to buy through our link, you help us continue to find these great deals for you.

What sets Ebuyer apart are its daily deals and business-focused services. Regular discounts provide excellent opportunities to secure a top drive at a lower price. The platform's price match promise also gives you confidence that you're getting a great deal. To find a drive that perfectly balances performance and cost, we strongly encourage you to check out the latest storage deals on Ebuyer using our affiliate link and take advantage of their expertise.

Key Considerations for Shoppers

• Product Selection: The range is extensive, with a strong focus on computing components. Use the filters to sort by capacity, form factor, brand, and interface to quickly identify suitable options.
• Pricing and Deals: Ebuyer is known for its competitive pricing and frequent promotions. Keep an eye on the "Daily Deals" section for time-sensitive offers on popular external hard drives.
• Customer Support: While Ebuyer offers reliable delivery, be aware that customer service response times can sometimes vary. However, the platform provides options for extended warranties, adding an extra layer of protection.

Our Take: Ebuyer is an excellent choice for consumers and businesses who want a specialist electronics retailer with competitive pricing. Its daily deals make it a go-to destination for finding great value, and using our link makes your purchase even more impactful.

6. Overclockers UK

For the enthusiast, gamer, or professional seeking high-performance storage, Overclockers UK is a premier destination. Their selection of external hard drives is carefully curated for speed and reliability, ensuring you're looking at products built to perform under pressure. When you're ready to invest in a high-performance drive, using our affiliate link is a fantastic way to support our mission of providing enthusiast-grade content.

The key differentiator for Overclockers UK is its deep-rooted expertise and community engagement. The platform offers expert technical support from staff who genuinely understand the hardware they sell. This is invaluable when you need advice on the best drive for a high-end PC build. To see their specialised range, we invite you to shop for performance storage at Overclockers UK through our link and invest in a drive that matches your high standards.

Key Considerations for Shoppers

• Product Selection: The range is focused on high-performance and gaming-oriented hardware. Expect to find premium NVMe-based external SSDs and fast desktop HDDs rather than budget options.
• Pricing and Delivery: As a specialist retailer, prices can be at a premium compared to general marketplaces. However, they frequently run promotions and offer various delivery options across the UK.
• Expertise and Support: This is where Overclockers excels. Take advantage of their knowledgeable staff via customer service and browse the community forums for insights you won't find elsewhere.

Our Take: If your storage needs go beyond simple backups and you demand top-tier performance, Overclockers UK is the best place to shop. Their curated selection and expert support remove the guesswork, and buying through our link helps us greatly.

7. Box.co.uk

For shoppers who prioritise strong customer support and competitive pricing, Box.co.uk stands out. It offers a well-curated selection of the best external hard drives from leading brands, catering to both everyday users and professionals. The platform is known for its strong focus on customer satisfaction, providing services that build confidence. We encourage you to use our affiliate link when you shop, as it helps us continue our work at no cost to you.

What truly sets Box.co.uk apart is its commitment to value. The company's price match promise ensures you are getting a competitive deal, while flexible payment options make high-capacity drives more accessible. To find a great deal backed by excellent service, please browse the range of storage solutions at Box.co.uk through our link and secure your next drive with confidence and the knowledge that you're supporting our channel.

Key Considerations for Shoppers

• Product Selection: The range covers all key needs, from portable SSDs for on-the-go professionals to large desktop HDDs for home backup systems. Filtering options allow you to sort by capacity, brand, and price.
• Pricing and Support: Look out for regular sales and promotions. The option to purchase extended warranties provides extra peace of mind for valuable data storage, a key benefit for professional users.
• User Experience: The website is clean, user-friendly, and easy to navigate. This straightforward interface makes finding and comparing the best external hard drives a simple and efficient task.

Our Take: Box.co.uk is an excellent choice for consumers who value a combination of competitive pricing, a solid product range, and robust customer-centric policies. It offers a trustworthy alternative, and buying via our link is much appreciated.

8. Novatech

For tech enthusiasts and professionals who value specialist knowledge, Novatech offers a curated and expert-driven alternative. As a dedicated UK-based hardware specialist, their selection of external hard drives is chosen for quality and performance. Their expertise in PC components translates into a well-vetted product range, and we'd be grateful if you used our affiliate links when you decide to buy from them.

The primary advantage of shopping with Novatech is the assurance of quality and access to genuine technical support. Their focus is purely on computer hardware, ensuring knowledgeable staff can assist with compatibility questions. For a shopping experience backed by deep industry insight, we recommend you browse the external storage options at Novatech using our affiliate link and invest in a drive recommended by experts.

Key Considerations for Shoppers

• Product Selection: The range is more focused than giant retailers, prioritising performance and reliability. This is ideal if you want to avoid analysis paralysis and choose from a pre-vetted list.
• Pricing and Delivery: Prices are competitive, and they offer efficient next-day delivery options across the UK, which is excellent if you need a drive urgently for a project or replacement.
• Expert Support: Novatech's background in custom PC building means their customer service team possesses genuine technical expertise, a significant benefit if you have specific performance requirements.

Our Take: Novatech is the perfect choice for buyers who prioritise expert curation and technical support. It’s a trusted specialist, and supporting our work by purchasing through our link ensures we can continue pointing you to them.

9. Laptops Direct

While its name suggests a narrow focus, Laptops Direct is a surprisingly robust destination for computer peripherals, including some of the best external hard drives. The platform serves consumers looking for value, offering a solid selection from well-known brands. It stands out by combining competitive pricing with a strong commitment to customer satisfaction. Using our affiliate link to make your purchase is a great way to help us out.

One of the most compelling reasons to shop here is the Price Match Promise, ensuring you get a competitive deal without extensive searching. Coupled with frequent sales and flexible payment options, Laptops Direct makes upgrading your storage both affordable and convenient. To find a great deal, we highly recommend you check out the latest offers at Laptops Direct through our link and secure the storage you need without breaking the bank.

Key Considerations for Shoppers

• Product Selection: The range is geared towards mainstream consumer needs. You'll easily find standard portable HDDs and desktop drives, though the selection of high-performance SSDs may be less extensive.
• Pricing and Promotions: Laptops Direct is highly competitive on price. Always check for promotional codes or bundle deals, especially if you're purchasing multiple items, like those needed when choosing the right laptop for your setup.
• Customer Assurance: The platform offers extended warranties and a clear returns policy. The presence of customer reviews on product pages provides valuable real-world feedback on drive performance and reliability.

Our Take: Laptops Direct is an excellent choice for UK consumers prioritising value and straightforward service. Its Price Match Promise removes financial barriers, and purchasing via our link makes it a fantastic deal for everyone.

10. John Lewis & Partners

For those who prioritise quality assurance and exceptional customer service, John Lewis & Partners is a stellar choice. The retailer offers a carefully curated selection of the best external hard drives from trusted brands. Every product is chosen for its reliability and performance, giving you confidence in your purchase. Making that confident purchase through our affiliate link is a wonderful way to support our independent reviews.

The standout feature of shopping with John Lewis is the included two-year guarantee on most electronics, extending beyond the standard manufacturer's warranty. This, combined with their Price Match promise, ensures you get both value and peace of mind. For a shopping experience built on trust, we invite you to browse external storage solutions at John Lewis & Partners via our affiliate link and invest in a drive that's backed by a top-tier service promise.

Key Considerations for Shoppers

• Product Selection: The range is more curated than exhaustive. Expect to find popular and highly-rated models from major manufacturers, but fewer niche or budget options.
• Pricing and Delivery: Prices can be slightly higher, but this is often justified by the extended warranty and customer service. They offer reliable delivery services, including Click & Collect options.
• Customer Service: This is where John Lewis truly excels. Access to expert advice in-store and a straightforward returns policy provide a premium, hassle-free shopping experience for your tech needs.

Our Take: John Lewis & Partners is the ideal retailer for buyers who value long-term reliability and excellent customer support. If you're willing to pay a small premium for an extended guarantee, it's an unmatched destination, and using our link helps us immensely.

11. PC World Business

For businesses, freelancers, or educational institutions, PC World Business (now part of Currys Business) is an essential destination. It specialises in business-grade hardware, offering external hard drives designed for relentless daily use and enhanced security. Their catalogue features leading brands like WD, Seagate, and LaCie. When making these crucial business investments, using our affiliate link helps support our professional-focused content.

The primary advantage here is the specialised service model. PC World Business provides dedicated account managers, expert advice, and flexible payment options. This is invaluable for organisations needing to deploy multiple drives. If you're looking to make a smart investment in your company's data management, we encourage you to explore the business-focused solutions at PC World Business through our link and secure your professional assets.

Key Considerations for Shoppers

• Business-Centric Services: Take advantage of their bulk purchasing discounts and business account benefits. This is ideal for equipping an entire team or upgrading office-wide backup systems.
• Product Suitability: While the selection is excellent for professional use, individual home users might find the range less focused on consumer-grade portable drives. It's tailored for professional applications.
• Expert Consultation: Don't hesitate to use their expert advice service. They can help you identify the best external hard drives for specific needs like video editing, server backups, or secure archiving.

Our Take: For any professional or organisation, PC World Business provides a superior service. Its focus on business-grade reliability and support makes it the top choice for serious storage needs. Using our link to buy is a great way to back our research.

12. Maplin

Maplin has re-established itself as a trusted online retailer, offering a curated selection of some of the best external hard drives with a focus on quality and value. The platform stands out by blending competitive pricing with strong customer support. For a great deal from a reliable name, we'd appreciate it if you clicked through our affiliate link when you shop with them.

A key advantage of shopping with Maplin is the added peace of mind that comes with its service. The availability of extended warranties and flexible payment options makes acquiring essential tech more accessible and secure. For a straightforward shopping journey backed by helpful support, please browse the range of storage solutions at Maplin via our link and find a drive that fits both your budget and your technical requirements.

Key Considerations for Shoppers

• Product Selection: The range is more selective than larger marketplaces, focusing on proven and popular models. This is ideal for buyers who want to avoid being overwhelmed by too many choices.
• Pricing and Support: Look out for regular sales and promotional offers. The availability of expert advice can be particularly useful if you are unsure which type of drive best suits your needs.
• Warranties and Payments: Consider the extended warranty options for long-term protection on your investment. Flexible payment plans can also help spread the cost of higher-capacity drives.

Our Take: Maplin is an excellent choice for consumers who value a curated selection, competitive pricing, and strong customer-centric services. It’s a reliable platform, and using our affiliate link for your purchase is a fantastic way to support us.

Top 12 External Hard Drives Retailer Comparison

Your Next Step to Secure, Reliable Data Storage

Navigating the crowded market for the best external hard drives can feel overwhelming. Throughout this guide, we've journeyed through the diverse offerings of the UK's top retailers, from the vast digital shelves of Amazon UK and Currys to the specialised, performance-focused inventories of Scan Computers and Overclockers UK. Our goal has been to demystify the process, equipping you with the insights needed to move beyond marketing jargon and make a truly informed decision.

We've seen that the "best" drive is not a one-size-fits-all solution. For the creative professional handling massive 4K video files, the lightning-fast transfer speeds of an NVMe SSD, perhaps sourced from a specialist like Scan, is paramount. Conversely, a student or family simply looking to back up precious photos and documents will find excellent value and capacious storage in a traditional HDD from a reliable retailer like Argos or John Lewis & Partners. The key takeaway is to align your specific requirements with the right technology and the right supplier.

A Quick Recap: Matching Your Need to the Right Retailer

Making the final choice requires a clear-eyed assessment of your priorities. Let's crystallise the decision-making process:

• For Unbeatable Choice and Competitive Pricing: Retail giants like Amazon UK and Ebuyer offer an unparalleled selection and are often the first stop for deal-hunting. Their user reviews provide a valuable layer of social proof, but remember to cross-reference with professional benchmarks.
• For Specialist Advice and High-Performance Gear: If you're a gamer, content creator, or tech enthusiast, retailers like Scan Computers, Overclockers UK, and Novatech are your havens. Their staff possess deep product knowledge, and they stock the high-throughput SSDs and rugged drives that power-users demand.
• For Convenience and Trusted Service: High street mainstays such as Currys, John Lewis & Partners, and Argos offer the benefit of click-and-collect services and dependable customer support. This is ideal for those who value peace of mind and the ability to handle a product before buying.
• For Business and Bulk Purchases: If you're outfitting an office, PC World Business and Laptops Direct provide business-centric services, including bulk discounts and tailored IT solutions that go beyond a simple one-off purchase.

Key Considerations Before You Click 'Buy'

Before finalising your purchase, run through this final checklist. It’s the last step in ensuring the external hard drive you choose serves you well for years to come.

1. Re-evaluate Your Capacity Needs: Think not just about what you need to store today, but what you will accumulate over the next two to three years. It is often more cost-effective to buy a slightly larger capacity now than to need a second drive later.
2. Confirm Connectivity: Double-check the ports on your computer. Is it USB-A, USB-C, or Thunderbolt? Buying a drive with a matching or adaptable connection will save you the headache and potential performance bottleneck of using dongles.
3. Factor in the Warranty: A longer warranty period, especially from brands like Seagate and Western Digital, is a strong indicator of the manufacturer's confidence in their product's longevity. This is your safety net against premature failure.

Your data represents your work, your memories, and your digital life. Investing in one of the best external hard drives from a reputable source isn’t just another tech purchase; it’s an essential act of digital preservation. We have laid out the landscape, analysed the key players, and provided honest, practical guidance. The next step is yours.

At Humble Reviewer, we are committed to this level of in-depth, unbiased analysis. To continue funding our detailed testing and research, we encourage you to use the affiliate links provided throughout this article when you make your purchase. It comes at no extra cost to you but provides us with the vital support needed to remain independent and keep producing the content you trust. Thank you for supporting our mission.

For more in-depth reviews and guides on the tech that matters to you, visit Humble Reviewer. We are dedicated to providing clear, unbiased analysis to help you make smarter purchasing decisions, from external storage to the latest gadgets. Explore our resources at Humble Reviewer to stay informed.