This Seagate storage device connects easily to your Mac or PC with a USB cord. You can then quickly transfer your files onto this external hard drive at speeds up to 4.8 Gbps. With 2TB of storage, this handy hard drive has the capacity to save and organize your most prized files and even has social and mobile connectivity with your iOS. Seagate (STGD2000100) Game Drive For PS4 Systems 2TB External Hard Drive Portable HDD – USB 3.0, Officially Licensed Product Maxone 500GB Ultra Slim Portable External Hard Drive HDD USB 3.0 for PC, Mac, Laptop, PS4, Xbox one - Charcoal Grey.
Last Updated on September 4, 2020 by
Nowadays, the size of data is increasing day by day. People have lots of movies, games, songs, photographs and more data to store. These are the types of data that we never want to lose and want to carry anywhere we go.
Sometimes, the data is private so you don’t want to store it in the cloud storage. External portable hard disks have become a part of our life to handle those huge amounts of data we come across daily. The external storage technology has increased to a tremendous amount by enabling us to store, transfer and manage GBs and TBs of data easily.
There are many brands that manufacture external hard disks for a good value for money, but from the customer point of view, an external hard disk has to be reliable and durable. Therefore, the requirements for a portable hard drive with 2TB storage or more arises. 2TB External Hard Disk is the best way to keep your favorite data with you.
So, we have done the research and going to provide you the list of top 10 cheapest 2tb external hard drives that are reliable and are a must-buy.
10 Best 2TB External Hard Drives
We have also written a 2TB external hard drive buying guide at the end of the article. There, we discuss some of the important factors of hard drives, you should consider before buying the hard drives.
Jump to What to Look for in an External Hard Drive before Buying
1. Seagate Backup Plus Slim
The Seagate Backup Plus Slim 2TB Portable External Hard Drive is an ultra slim and high-efficiency hard disk drive. The compatibility features are great with both USB 2.0 and the USB 3.0 connectivity, and it works well with a wide variety of operating systems like Windows, Mac OS, iOS, and Android.
Large volume files are dealt with quite smoothly with exceptional data transfer speed. This hard drive did not display any heating issues or vibrations. You can easily backup your Facebook, Flicker, and other content with a useful Seagate Mobile Backup Application. The USB cable is of average quality and getting a spare wire should take care of that.
This 2TB Portable External Hard Drive would make an apt choice if you are on the lookout for a hard disk drive with at least 2TB inbuilt storage. With all its advanced features at affordable pricing, it should be a perfect choice to buy.
Pros:
- Super Slim form factor
- Very Good Overall Read & Write Performance
- Free Two Year 200GB OneDrive Subscription
- Useful bundled software
Cons:
- Poor write performance
- Windows software was sluggish, at times
- Only Available In 1/2TB Capacities
2. Buffalo MiniStation Extreme NFC
An external hard drive you can buy at affordable pricing, Buffalo’s MiniStation Extreme NFC could be your match made in heaven. With compatibility for both Windows OS and Mac OS, the Buffalo MiniStation Extreme NFC is very flexible. This hard drive comes with a rugged case that’s dust and water resistant, along with a built-in USB 3.0 cable.
Moreover, not only is your data kept protected from knocks and drops with the rugged shell, but it also allows 256-bit AES security features and NFC (Near Field Communication) features as well. Essentially it enables you to unlock the drive to get to your files quickly by tapping the supplied NFC card onto the drive’s body.
Pros:
- Built-in USB cable
- Hardware encryption
- Mac and PC format utility
- Ruggedized and water resistant
Cons:
- NFC card is easy to lose
- Doesn’t unlock via smartphones
3. WD My Passport Ultra 2TB
The WD My Passport Ultra 2TB Portable External Hard Drive is a fantastic product with the right mix of specs and features. The hard disk is slim and lightweight that makes it easy to handle and transport. It exceeds all your expectations when it comes to data transfer speeds but doesn’t come near the top of the leaderboard.
This hard drive offers a useful 256-AES encryption feature that lets you secure it with a password. It is compatible well with both Windows and Mac OS and its backup feature is extremely smart that only allows the files which have been newly added or altered. The one small flaw it has is that the encryption feature does not compatible with Linux OS. The WD My Passport Ultra 2TB Portable External Hard Drive is a stunning product from a trustworthy brand. It should make a great choice for you.
Pros:
- Excellent large-block transfer rates
- Included WD software for local and cloud backups adds value
Cons:
- No option to exclude/include extensions.
4. Samsung T5 SSD
The Samsung T5 Portable SDD is a bit pricey, but the speed and security it comes with are worth it for those looking for durable performance. It comes in light weight (2 ounces) and small as the palm of your hand. The all-metal, shock-resistant enclosure is rugged and portable, making it safe to just stash in a bag on the go.
Moreover, it has a super fast transfer speed up to 540 MB/s that is about five times as fast as a standard HDD, making it much faster to move giant files like 4K videos and high-resolution photos. The T5 compatible with USB 3.1 Type-C and Type-A ports, and works with Windows, Mac, and Android devices.
Pros:
- Streamlined, metal enclosure
- Excellent performance
- Easy-to-use software
- Full hardware-based encryption
Cons:
- No backup software
5. Toshiba Canvio Basics
The Toshiba Canvio Basic 2TB External Hard Disk Drive is another quality device in our list. The solid build quality and sleek, compact design from Toshiba makes it a sturdy device. It is compatible with Windows OS and Mac OS. The Canvio drive can handle large volume file transfer quite smoothly.
The data transmission speed it works exceeds your expectations. You can easily connect it with Smart TV through TV USB port. Toshiba is popular name in the hard disk industry and this hard disk is unbeatable in terms of value for money and portability. This 2TB wired external hard disk drive is a great product to meet your extensive storage needs.
Pros:
- 1TB platter technology
- Pocket sized
Cons:
- The provided USB 3.0 cable is a bit short for PC use.
- Not the fastest external drive
6. Transcend StoreJet 25H3P
Transcend StoreJet 25H3P 2.5-inch 2 TB Portable External Hard Drive is what stands out the most and it gives it a sturdy and rugged look. It has superlative data transfer with 3.0 USB port. The durability of the external hard disk is also enhanced by Military-grade shock resistance with a high-tech three-stage shock protection system.
This 2TB HDD also offers a Transcend Elite Data Management Software that let you arrange and systematize your data better. This external hard disk is compatible with USB 3.0, 2.0 and supports most of the commonly used operating systems. The Transcend StoreJet external hard drive is a must-buy if durability is your biggest concern.
Pros:
- Fast transfer rates
- Three stage shock protection system
- One Touch auto backup button
- Power saving sleep mode
Cons:
- Only available in purple
- Drive does not ship with Mac software
7. Sony PSZ-HB2T/BC 2TB Pro External Hard Disk Drive
Sony PSZ-HB2T/BC 2TB Pro External Hard Disk Drive external hard disk is a perfect choice for lovers for brand Sony. The build quality is excellent, and the drive is sure to last for a long while. The attractive slim and compact design from Sony gives it an elegant look. The hard disk proves to be a steady performer with fast data transfer speed.
The hard disk offers some additional utility features such as an automatic cloud backup with preloaded Back-Up Manager software. This includes password protection security and free backup software. The drive uses AES 256-bit algorithm data encryption and password protection technologies which give complete security to your data. The Sony PSZ-HB2T/BC 2TB Pro External Hard Disk Drive is a quality product from a top brand.
Pros:
- Great performance
- AES 256-bit encryption
- additional utility features
Cons:
- More expensive per-GB
8. Lenovo F309
The Lenovo F309 2TB External Hard Disk Drive is an amazing product from a trusted brand, and its reasonable pricing makes it a true value for money gadget. The hard disk feels pretty sturdy with the solid build quality it has. The sleek and compact shape it has, give it some good portability and easy handling.
The USB 3.0 connection offers easy and quick data transmission. Its performance and speed are comparable to products from more expensive brands. No compatibility issues so you can use it with different operating systems, desktops and notebooks. It has electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection of up to 8 KV that guards it against shock.
Pros:
- Good performance
- sleek and compact shape
- ESD protection
- No compatibility issues
Cons:
- No backup software
9. ADATA HV620 2TB USB 3.0 Stylish and Sleek External Hard Drive
The Adata HV620 External Drive 2TB will suit those looking for a rugged storage device that can provide ample capacity without costing too much. Its performance is superb well and remains the only SSD we’ve seen that is IP68 rated. The solid-state drive that resides in this drive, it’s faster than external drives that use traditional spinning hard drives.
Moreover, This external drive offers great transfer speeds as well as rugged protection. Also, you don’t have to worry about missing out on storage space just because it uses an SSD – this external drive really does hit all the right notes.
Pros:
- Scratch-Prevention Design
- Sleek and Glossy
- LED Indicator Shows Transfer Status
- SuperSpeed USB 3.0
Cons:
- No free backup software
10. WD Elements 2TB Portable
The WD Elements 2TB USB 3.0 Portable Hard Disk is a perfect storage solution from Western Digital. The amazing portability on offer has to be its USP. The drive is extremely lightweight, slim and compact in design and it is an easy fit into your pocket. Its plastic body makes the product extremely durable.
The drive compatible with both USB 3.0 and 2.0 connections and offers amazing transfer speed. The USB cord is of good quality, but its short length might disappoint many users. This portable drive also includes a free trial of WD SmartWare Pro automatic backup software. It can be a great choice if you are looking for a reliable 2TB external hard disk.
Pros:
- Low price.
- Huge capacity.
- No external source needed for power.
Cons:
- No free backup software
What to Look for in an External Hard Drive before Buying
Capacity: The capacity is the most important thing, you need really depends on your lifestyle. If you’re a photographer or videographer, for instance, you’ll require something with a large capacity that can store all of your media files. In that case, you should go for 4TB and above. If, however, you’re a student who just needs to back up some term documents and smartphone photos, 1TB or 2TB should be plenty.
Transfer speed: Backing up your files takes time, depends on the size of data. If you have a lot of data to backup, you could be looking at a couple of hours at the least. If speed is your concern, buy an external hard drive with transfers speeds of at least 120MB/s for writing and 130MB/s for reading.
Portability: There are a lot of pretty hefty hard drives out there, but if you’re often on the go, portability is key. Some devices are as compact in design as a deck of cards, which make them easy to put into your bag or pocket for convenient backing up.
Recommended Articles:
Summary: Tutorial to make Mac recognize Seagate Backup Plus drive when it's not showing up on Mac. You'll know how to fix when Mac doesn't detect Seagate Backup Plus drive. If necessary, you can also recover data from the unrecognized Seagate Backup Plus drive with iBoysoft Data Recovery for Mac.
Seagate Backup Plus drives are great external hard drives for Mac and PC. And there are many options like Ultra Touch, Slim, and Portable. However, many users report that the Seagate Backup Plus for Mac is not recognized, not working, or the external hard drive is not showing up on Mac at all.
Here is an example:
I use a Seagate 2TB Backup Plus Portable HD as my Time Machine backups drive and it had been working fine. Since I upgrade to Yosemite (maybe coincidental?) the HD is no longer recognized by my MacBook Pro. I can see the light on HD so I am sure it is getting power. I searched for all day but no Seagate firmware update available (attempt to update shows it to be current) and no other help available from Seagate 'support.' Can anybody help me cuz I'm really in need of the files on this drive?
In this case, you can't see files on the external hard drive or access them at all. So, it's important to know why and how to fix when Seagate Backup Plus drive is not showing up on Mac.
- Table of contents
- 1. Why is Seagate Backup Plus drive not showing up on Mac?
- 2. Have some basic checks
- 3. Show Seagate Backup Plus drive in Finder and on Mac desktop
- 4. Check if Seagate Backup Plus drive is showing up in Disk Utility
- 5. Ways to use Seagate Backup Plus drive on Mac
Why Seagate Backup Plus drive not showing up on Mac?
Actually, it's a common issue that the Seagate Backup Plus drive is not recognized or detected. And sometimes the external hard drive even greyed out in Disk Utility. The reason for this issue is various. And here are some possible causes for this problem.
The causes for Seagate Backup Plus drive not detected issue could be:
- A recent macOS update or software update, which could cause many types of incompatibility.
- The hard drive is encrypted or password-protected, especially for Seagate Backup Plus Ultra Touch hard drive.
- Faulty connections such as the wobbly USB port and broken USB cable.
- Power supply failure, especially when MacBook is in low power mode and external hard drives requires extra power resource.
- The outdated disk driver that appears if you haven’t updated your software and hardware for a long time.
- Virus infection that comes from recently downloaded files, applications, patch, etc.
- External drive hardware errors like bad sectors.
- Other unknown reasons.
Then how can you fix the problem that Seagate Backup Plus Drive is not recognized/showing up on Mac?
First of all: Have some basic checks
Once your Seagate Backup Plus drive is not showing up on your Mac computer, you can try some routine checks first.
- Re-plug the Seagate Backup Plus drive and verify if the drive light is on. Desktop Drives typically require a power adapter.
- Try a different USB port or cable to see whether the USB port or cable is bad.
- Connect Seagate Backup Plus drive to another Mac or PC and see if it is compatible with it.
All checks seem to be OK? Then you can fix this issue with the following solutions one by one.
Show Seagate Backup Plus drive in Finder and on Mac desktop
For many Mac users, when they say Seagate Backup Plus drive is not showing up, they mean they can't find it recognized in Finder or on Mac desktop. In this case, try to show the Seagate Backup Plus drive through resetting Finder Preferences.
Step 1: Go to Finder >Preferences > Sidebar.
Step 2: Tick 'External disks' in Sidebar tab to show Seagate Backup Plus external hard drives in Finder.
Step 3: Shift to the General tab.
Step 4: Check 'External disks' under 'Show these items on the desktop' and you're your connected Seagate Backup Plus drive will appear on Mac desktop.
Check if Seagate Backup Plus drive is showing up in Disk Utility
After setting 'External disk' to show up in the Finder or on desktop, your Seagate Backup Plus drive is still not showing up on Mac? You need to check if the Seagate Backup Plus drive is detected in Disk Utility.
Scenario 1: Seagate Backup Plus drive shows up in Disk Utility
If Seagate Backup Plus drive is listed in Disk Utility, then you can have a relief because it means your drive has no serious hardware problem. And you can follow the below solutions to fix the unrecognizable Seagate Backup Plus drive.
a. Force Mount Seagate Backup Plus drive
Sometimes, external hard drives cannot be automatically mounted on Mac. But you still have a way to mount Seagate Backup Plus drive manually in Disk Utility:
Step 1: Open Disk Utility.
Step 2: Right-click the Seagate Backup Plus drive from the left sidebar and then click the Mount button.
b. Repair Seagate Backup Plus drive via First Aid
If the above method doesn't work, it might refer to some file system errors on the Seagate Backup Plus drive. You should check and verify Seagate Backup Plus drive by First Aid.
• How to repair external hard drive on Mac with First Aid?
Tips: You can also download Seagate's software like Seagate Dashboard to diagnose, manage, and repair disk drive errors.
c. Recover data and reformat the Seagate Backup Plus drive
If First Aid fails to correct errors on Seagate Backup Plus drive, the last choice is to reformat Seagate Backup Plus drive. But reformatting will erase all data stored on Seagate Backup Plus drive. If data stored on the external hard drive are important for you and you don't have any backup, you'd better recover lost data from the unrecognized Seagate Backup Plus drive at first with Mac data recovery software, like iBoysoft Data Recovery for Mac.
Step 1: Recover lost data from Seagate Backup Plus drive
iBoysoft Data Recovery for Mac is a free Mac data recovery software that can recover data from Seagate Backup Plus drive efficiently. If the Seagate external hard drive is unrecognized, formatted, inaccessible, corrupted, unmountable, or unreadable, it helps retrieve data from the drive. This data recovery tool works with macOS 10.15/10.14 /10.13/10.12 and Mac OS X 10.11/10.11/10.10/10.9/10.8/10.7. Macx iphone video converter 3 2 3.
Tutorial to recover lost data from Seagate Backup Plus drive with iBoysoft Data Recovery for Mac
1. Download and install iBoysoft Data Recovery for Mac on Mac.
2. Launch iBoysoft Data Recovery for Mac.
3. Check if your Seagate hard drive is showing up or not. If so, select the drive you want to recover lost data from and click 'Scan' button to scan for all lost data. If not, the hard drive might have some hardware problems.
4. Preview the searching results, choose files you need, and click 'Recover' to get them back.
Step 2: Reformat Seagate Backup Plus drive.
Now you've got all your files in a safe place, so that you can go ahead t format the Seagate Backup Plus hard drive to make it work on Mac again.
• How to reformat external hard drive on Mac?
Scenario 2: Seagate Backup Plus drive not showing up in Disk Utility
If Seagate Backup Plus drive is not showing up in Disk Utility, unfortunately, your Seagate Backup Plus drive may have some physical problems. In this case, you'd better send the drive to a local data recovery service and see if they could help. What's more, you can contact Seagate Backup Plus support team for disk repair and replacement service.
Bonus part: ways to use Seagate Backup Plus drives on Mac
Seagate 2tb Backup Plus Ultra Touch
Seagate Backup Plus drives are available in 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, and 5TB. And usually, the Seagate Backup Plus drive is formatted with either exFAT, FAT32 or NTFS. That's to say, you can use Seagate Backup Plus drive for different aims. For example, you can use Seagate Backup Plus drive for Time Machine Backup, or you can simply use it to free up space for Mac internal hard drive.
How to use Seagate Backup Plus drive to back up files on Mac?
Seagate 2tb Backup Slim
Different from Windows computer, you can download Seagate software like Toolkit to back up and sync files directly. On Mac computer, you can follow these steps to back up files like photos, documents, and videos on Mac.
Step 1: Plug in your Seagate Backup Plus (It could be Ultra Touch, Slim, and Portable) to your system.
Step 2: Choose Yes when Mac asks you 'Do you want to use your Backup Plus as a destination for Time Machine'.
Seagate 2tb Backup
Or you can manually open Time Machine from your Menu Bar (or from System Preferences), choose Select Backup Disk, and then select Seagate Backup Plus Drive for Backup.
Tips: If you newly bought a Seagate Backup Plus drive for your Mac which is NTFS (Read-only on Mac) formatted, you need to reformat it as HFS+ or exFAT before you use it on Mac. Or you can download an NTFS for Mac software, then you can use the NTFS external hard drive both on a Mac and PC.