Rosemary Stein
16 min readApr 19, 2024

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If you’re in the market for a new hard drive, look no further! We’ve rounded up the best 4tb hard drives that offer an impressive amount of storage space and top-notch performance. From affordable options to premium, high-capacity drives, our roundup covers it all, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your device. So sit back, relax, and get ready to expand your storage horizons!

The Top 10 Best 4tb Hard Drives

  1. Toshiba 4TB Portable Hard Drive — External — Red — Upgrade your storage with Toshiba Canvio Advance’s 4TB portable hard drive, featuring lightning-fast USB 3.0 data transfer, password protection, and automatic backup software for ultimate convenience and security.
  2. Seagate 4TB SATA 6Gb/s 3.5-inch Desktop HDD Hard Drive for Gaming Storage — Upgrade your storage with the Seagate 4TB SATA 6Gb/s Hard Drive, offering swift SATA 6GB/s interface and storing 480 HD movies, 800,000 photos, or 1,000,000 songs, backed by a secure Renewed product promise.
  3. WD My Book 4TB External Hard Drive — Fast Data Transfer & 256-bit Encryption (USB 3.0, Black) — Enjoy unlimited storage and lightning-fast data transfer with the WD My Book 4TB USB 3.0 External Hard Drive, featuring 256-bit encryption for ultimate security and compatibility with Apple Time Machine.
  4. Compact Toshiba 4TB USB 3.0 External Hard Drive — Green — Store and protect your precious files with the Toshiba DTCA40 Canvio Advance Plus, a stylish USB 3.0 4TB portable external hard drive perfect for creators on-the-go!
  5. WD 4TB My Passport Portable External Hard Drive — Slim, Trusted Storage Solution for Your Digital Journey — Protect your digital life with the stylish and versatile WD 4TB My Passport Portable External Hard Drive, equipped with password protection and hassle-free backup solutions.
  6. Seagate 4TB High-Performance Hard Drive (SkyHawk) for Reliable Video Storage — Upgrade your video system with Seagate’s 4TB SkyHawk Hard Drive, delivering reliable performance and enhanced AI analytics for your security needs.
  7. WD 4TB My Passport Portable External Hard Drive — Black — The WD 4TB My Passport Portable External Hard Drive offers automatic backup, password protection, and superspeed USB connectivity, making it an ideal choice for secure and efficient data storage.
  8. WD Red Plus 4TB High-Capacity SATA III Hard Drive — Securely store and transfer your important files and movies with the WD Red Plus 4TB SATA III 3.5" NAS hard drive, offering up to 25dB noise levels and a capacity range of 1 to 14TB with support for up to 8 bays.
  9. Toshiba 4TB Portable Hard Drive with USB 3.0 for Fast Data Transfer — Upgrade your storage on the go with the Toshiba Canvio Ready 4TB HDTP240XK3CA portable hard drive, offering blazing-fast transfer speeds and USB 3.0 connectivity to access your files anytime, anywhere.
  10. Dell 4TB SATA Hard Drive with 7.2K RPM and 6GB/s Transfer Rate — Enhance your storage capabilities with the Dell THGNN Hard Drive — a top-tier choice offering an impressive 4TB capacity, equipped with a swift 7200RPM rotational speed, and a reliable SATA-6GBPS interface, ensuring smooth and speedy data transfers!

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Reviews

Toshiba 4TB Portable Hard Drive — External — Red

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The Toshiba Canvio Advance 4TB portable hard drive has been a game-changer in my daily life. Its compact design and stylish finish make it a great addition to my laptop bag, and the vibrant red color adds a touch of sophistication. The external design is not only sleek but also durable, with the hard drive built to withstand everyday use.

One of the standout features of this hard drive is its compatibility with both Mac and PC systems, ensuring seamless integration and hassle-free storage. The USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 compatibility also allow for lightning-fast data transfer, making it perfect for my needs.

However, the password protection software, although a useful feature, only works on Windows PCs for now. This might be a downside for some users who rely on Macs exclusively. Additionally, the automatic backup software is only available for Windows PCs as well.

Despite these minor drawbacks, the Toshiba Canvio Advance has been a reliable and high-quality storage solution. Its massive 4TB capacity provides ample space for all my digital needs, and the easy plug-and-play functionality makes it a breeze to use. If you’re in the market for a versatile, stylish, and convenient portable hard drive, the Toshiba Canvio Advance could be the answer to your prayers.

Seagate 4TB SATA 6Gb/s 3.5-inch Desktop HDD Hard Drive for Gaming Storage

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I was excited to try out the Seagate 4TB Desktop HDD as I needed more storage for my work files and multimedia collection. The setup process was simple and straightforward, and the HDD fit perfectly into my desktop tower. One of the best features of this drive is its speed; with SATA 6GB/s interface, transferring files was a breeze compared to my old HDD.

However, I must admit that there were a few downsides. Firstly, the 4TB capacity didn’t leave me with enough space for all my files and photos, which was a bit disappointing. Additionally, I noticed that the drive ran a bit hot, despite the low noise levels. Lastly, I encountered problems with data corruption occasionally, which was quite concerning considering the importance of my files.

Overall, while the Seagate 4TB Desktop HDD offered some great features, I couldn’t entirely ignore the downsides. I believe this drive is ideal for everyday computing storage needs but might not be the best choice for heavy-duty workloads.

WD My Book 4TB External Hard Drive — Fast Data Transfer & 256-bit Encryption (USB 3.0, Black)

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You know, I actually had the chance to use this external hard drive recently, and let me tell you, it’s quite impressive. The compact design of this My Book 4TB USB 3.0 external hard drive belies its immense storage capacity — enough for millions of images! The speed at which it transfers data is a real game-changer, thanks to its USB 3.0 interface.

But it’s not all about style; this device offers top-notch security features as well. With 256-bit encryption, your PC is well protected against hackers and thieves. The fact that it also boasts a security lock slot is a nice touch.

However, it’s not all sunshine and roses. I did notice that it takes a little longer to wake up from its sleep mode compared to other drives I’ve used. But all things considered, it’s a solid choice for anyone in need of a reliable external hard drive.

Compact Toshiba 4TB USB 3.0 External Hard Drive — Green

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The Toshiba Canvio Advance Plus is a compact and stylish external hard drive that offers up to 4TB of storage capacity, ensuring you have ample space for your files and content. Its sleek, textured design comes in two trendy colors, green and presumably other options, making it a perfect addition to your creative endeavors. With high-speed data transfer capabilities, the drive supports both USB-A and USB-C connections, making it compatible with a wide range of devices.

An added advantage is the included auto backup and password protection software which helps to keep your files safe and secure. However, the product has received mixed reviews, with some users praising its fast performance and massive storage capacity while others have complained about issues such as shutting down in the middle of data transfers, making it a paperweight.

Overall, the Toshiba Canvio Advance Plus seems like a reliable and stylish external hard drive, with its greatest strengths being its versatility, ample storage options, and security features.

WD 4TB My Passport Portable External Hard Drive — Slim, Trusted Storage Solution for Your Digital Journey

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I recently had the opportunity to use the WD 4TB My Passport Portable External Hard Drive. This sleek and slim device is the perfect travel companion, fitting comfortably in the palm of your hand. But don’t let its size fool you; it packs a punch with 4TB of storage capacity.

One of the standout features of this hard drive is its ability to securely store all your digital files. The built-in 256-bit AES encryption ensures that your data remains locked down and safe. Additionally, the WD Backup software provides an easy-to-use interface for managing your backups.

However, I did encounter a few minor drawbacks. The user manual could have been clearer in explaining some of the features and setup process. And while the device itself is lightweight, the included USB cable could be more durable, considering the frequent use it may experience.

Overall, the WD 4TB My Passport Portable External Hard Drive offers a reliable and easy-to-use solution for storing and organizing your digital life.

Seagate 4TB High-Performance Hard Drive (SkyHawk) for Reliable Video Storage

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Ever felt the thrill of storing tons of videos or documents without worrying about space? It’s exactly like that! I was given the chance to test this Seagate ST4000VX016, a 4TB hard drive, in my daily life. Its SkyHawk labeling made me wonder about the purpose-built features it had, and boy, was I surprised!

The hard drive was like a lifesaver. It had sufficient storage for all my video files, so I could safely capture moments without the constant worry of running out of space. This feature, despite being the highlight of the product, was more like an expectation from a 4TB hard drive. However, it was a seamless experience.

As for the cons, I faced a few hiccups during my first attempt to use it. It was a challenge to get it recognized by my PC, and even after formatting, it took a few tries before it was up and running. Thankfully, I got the hang of it eventually.

The SkyHawk was a delightful surprise. It was designed for video applications, supporting up to 64 HD cameras and 32 additional AI streams while offering capacities up to 20 TB. That’s a lot of video footage, my friends!

The one aspect that stood out to me was the zero dropped frames. This function, coupled with the ImagePerfect AI, ensures the drive performs exceptionally well, providing a continuous feed of video footage, no matter how heavy the workload- perfect for security cameras or similar applications.

Not everything was perfect, though. There were operational concerns like the power consumption during read and write periods, which added up to more energy consumption than I preferred. I do, however, appreciate the enterprise-class workload rates, which contribute to its overall reliability and robustness.

In conclusion, the Seagate ST4000VX016 is a worthy investment if you’re looking for a reliable, high-storage, video-centric hard drive. Although it has a few minor flaws, they do not detract significantly from its overall performance and features.

WD 4TB My Passport Portable External Hard Drive — Black

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The WD My Passport Portable External Hard Drive offers a sleek, compact design with a range of color options to suit your personal style. With a massive 4TB storage capacity, this device ensures you have ample space for all your essential files.

Boasting 256-bit AES hardware encryption, your data remains secure, while the USB 3.2 Gen 1 connectivity ensures fast transfer speeds. Whether you’re backing up files, managing a large media library, or simply needing additional storage, this hard drive delivers reliability and convenience.

WD Red Plus 4TB High-Capacity SATA III Hard Drive

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Imagine walking into your favorite electronics store, where the walls are lined with countless rows of hard drives. In this particular instance, you’ve been drawn to one drive that stands out amongst the rest. Labeled “WD Red Plus 4TB SATA III 3.5” Internal NAS Hard Drive, “ it promises a level of storage that you’ve been itching for in your daily life.

After bringing it home, you begin the installation process, eager to test out its capabilities. You’re instantly struck by the sleek and minimalist design — a stark contrast to the muddled crescent moons of another brand’s hard drives. With its polished metal exterior and smooth curve, you half expect it to start blinking and humming as if it were alive.

Once in place, you delve into the file transfer process and can’t help but be impressed by the speed. The 150 MB/sec. transfer rate is a breath of fresh air, making the whole process feel as if it has been accelerated to lightning speed. The drive runs quietly in the background, with barely discernible hums when it springs to life to accept your data.

However, its compatibility with up to 8 bays and a workload rate of up to 180 TB/year come with a caveat. There’s a subtle hint of noise when it’s pushed to its limits, something that wasn’t as noticeable when you were merely working with smaller volumes. It’s a minor gripe, but it does serve as a reminder that not everything is perfect, even in the realm of cutting-edge technology.

Ultimately, the WD Red Plus 4TB SATA III 3.5" Internal NAS Hard Drive has brought a new level of efficiency and convenience to your daily life. Its unobtrusive yet efficient design, combined with its rapid transfer speeds and compatibility with numerous devices, makes it a valuable addition to your electronic arsenal. While there’s no denying the occasional whisper of noise, it’s a small price to pay for the sheer convenience this hard drive brings.

So, if you’re in the market for a drive that offers a seamless blend of cutting-edge technology and user-friendly design, this little gem is worthy of consideration. It might be just the tool you need to unlock new realms of productivity and storage.

Toshiba 4TB Portable Hard Drive with USB 3.0 for Fast Data Transfer

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I had the delightful opportunity to test out the Toshiba Canvio Ready Portable Hard Drive, and let me tell you — it did not disappoint. With the capacity to store a whopping 4 terabytes of data, I never worried about running low on space.

Being both a student and a photographer, I frequently encounter situations where my storage space is stretched thin with my schoolwork, photo shoots, and even my personal life. However, this device managed to accommodate my diverse and ever-changing needs. The lightning-fast transfer speed of up to 5 Gbps also played a part in my efficient workflow as it allowed me to quickly transfer files between devices.

Despite the impressive performance of this portable drive, I did face a minor inconvenience with its power source. The USB bus design meant that the device was reliant on my computer’s power supply, which could be a drawback for those who work independently and require unplugging their drive for extended periods.

Overall, the Toshiba Canvio Ready Portable External Hard Drive has become a crucial companion in my daily life. Its sleek and compact design complements its high-performance capabilities, making it an essential purchase for those who need portable, reliable storage on the go.

Dell 4TB SATA Hard Drive with 7.2K RPM and 6GB/s Transfer Rate

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The Dell THGNN hard drive, a SATA 6GBPS model with a storage capacity of 4TB, is an impressive addition to any system. Featuring a rotational speed of 7200 RPM and a rapid data transfer rate of 6GB/second, it delivers outstanding read and write performance. The drive is designed with a 3.5-inch SATA interface and comes backed by a verified smart data guarantee, ensuring the highest standards of reliability.

Although the Seagate ST4000NM0033 Dell-branded hard drive does make a bit of noise, it proves to be quite efficient in terms of performance. Users have reported a smooth installation process, and a few have even expressed satisfaction with their purchase, stating it’s worth the extra few dollars spent for enterprise-level functionality. Overall, this hard drive is a suitable investment for any user seeking superior speed and reliability in their storage devices.

Buyer’s Guide

Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make informed decisions when purchasing a 4TB hard drive. This guide covers essential features to consider, important aspects to weigh in, and general tips to ensure you get the best product for your needs.

Important Specifications

Before purchasing a 4TB hard drive, consider the following specifications: storage capacity, speed, interface type, and cache size. The 4TB storage capacity should cater to your data storage needs. The speed of the hard drive (measured in RPMs, like 5400 RPM or 7200 RPM) affects data transfer rates and overall performance. The interface type (like SATA or SAS) determines the connection to your computer, while the cache size (measured in MB) impacts the hard drive’s read and write times.

Durability

Hard drives are fragile devices, and data loss can occur suddenly. Consider a hard drive with advanced shock resistance and a durable physical construction to ensure your data is safe. Look for hard drives with additional features like vibration resistance and thermal protection to further safeguard your data.

Brand Reputation

Choose a reputable brand for your 4TB hard drive to ensure reliable performance and excellent customer support. Look for a brand that offers reasonable warranty periods and has a good track record in the market for manufacturing quality storage devices. Researching customer reviews and industry ratings can provide valuable insights into the brand’s reliability and performance.

Compatibility

Ensure the hard drive you’re purchasing is compatible with your existing storage setup. Check if the drive is compatible with your computer or server and if it meets the system requirements. Some hard drives have additional compatibility considerations, such as operating system requirements or specific motherboard compatibility. Ensure you research these aspects before making a purchase.

FAQ

What sets a 4TB hard drive apart from smaller capacity drives?

The primary distinction between a 4TB hard drive and a smaller capacity drive, such as 1TB or 2TB, is the considerable storage capacity it offers. This means that it can accommodate a broader range of files, documents, music, videos, and other data than its smaller counterparts. A 4TB drive is an excellent alternative for users with an extensive collection of media files or those who need to store large volumes of data for their work.

Moreover, a 4TB hard drive often delivers faster performance than smaller capacity drives, granting prompt access to stored data. This aspect can prove advantageous for users who work extensively with oversized files or frequently require quick access to their data. Consequently, a 4TB hard drive is a commendable choice for individuals who necessitate substantial storage space and prioritize speed and efficiency.

Which reputable brands supply high-quality 4TB hard drives?

A few noteworthy brands have established a reputation for producing reliable and durable 4TB hard drives, including Seagate, Western Digital, and Hitachi. Despite the higher cost, their 4TB hard drives are renowned for their performance and dependability. Nevertheless, researching reviews and comparing products before making a purchase is advised to ensure the product aligns with your requirements.

While well-known brands dominate the market, there are also numerous smaller brands and generic drives available at lower costs. When opting for such alternatives, it is essential to prioritize product reliability and compatibility with your devices. Consumer reviews and ratings can guide you in determining the quality and performance of various options.

What advantages does an external 4TB hard drive offer?

External 4TB hard drives present several benefits over internal drives. One of the primary benefits is their versatility, as they can be seamlessly connected to multiple devices, such as laptops, desktop computers, and gaming consoles, facilitating file storage and sharing across different platforms.

Furthermore, external hard drives are generally more portable than internal drives, particularly useful for individuals who require constant access to substantial amounts of data while working on the move. Many external hard drives also incorporate backup and synchronization features, ensuring data safety and up-to-date versions across devices.

At what price can I expect to purchase a 4TB hard drive?

The cost of a 4TB hard drive can vary significantly, depending on factors like brand, model, and supplier. Generally, you can anticipate spending anywhere from around $100 to $200 for a high-quality 4TB hard drive. However, prices may fluctuate due to sales, promotions, and availability. By comparing costs and features across various retailers, it is possible to secure the best value for your investment.

It is also worth considering purchasing a refurbished or used 4TB hard drive, provided the product meets your quality and reliability standards. Researching the product and its vendor is crucial in such scenarios to ensure the safety and functionality of any secondhand hard drives.

What are some common issues that users may face with 4TB hard drives?

Like any electronic device, 4TB hard drives can experience several issues, including performance degradation, data loss or corruption, and compatibility concerns. These problems can stem from a variety of factors, such as wear and tear, malware, or outdated drivers and firmware.

To minimize the risk of encountering such issues, it is crucial to purchase a high-quality 4TB hard drive from a reputable brand. Regularly backing up data, employing antivirus software, and keeping the hard drive up-to-date with the latest drivers and firmware can also help mitigate potential problems. If you face any difficulties with your 4TB hard drive, contact the manufacturer or retailer for assistance and support.

Can a 4TB hard drive be used for gaming purposes?

Absolutely! A 4TB hard drive can significantly enhance gaming experiences. It offers ample storage space for games, game saves, and other pertinent data, and it can potentially boost overall gaming performance. Numerous 4TB hard drives are equipped with features, such as swift data transfer rates and energy efficiency, which can be beneficial for gaming enthusiasts.

However, it is essential to note potential compatibility issues between 4TB hard drives and specific games or gaming consoles. Consulting game and console requirements before making a purchase is advisable to ensure seamless performance and compatibility. If doubtful about compatibility, a gaming-specific hard drive might be a worthwhile consideration due to its optimization for gaming devices.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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