Recommended external hard drives for backing up PC files?

Seconding the recommendation above! Honestly, the most important thing is just getting that first backup done so you can breathe easier. I had a moment to think about this and if longevity is ur main goal, you gotta weigh the pros and cons of moving parts vs flash storage.

Since you have a $150 budget for 2TB, you actually have some GREAT options that skip the mechanical issues of old-school HDDs. Here is my take:

1. **External SSD (Best for Durability):** Since there are no spinning disks, these wont die if you accidentally bump them while theyre plugged in. I highly recommend the Samsung T7 Portable SSD 2TB. It is super fast and fits easily in a pocket.
2. **Rugged HDD (Best Value):** If you want to stick with a traditional drive but want extra protection, the LaCie Rugged Mini 2TB External Hard Drive is basically the industry standard for physical durability. It is a bit bulkier tho.
3. **Middle Ground:** The Crucial X9 Pro 2TB Portable SSD is also a solid choice that is usually cheaper than the Samsung but still way faster than any HDD.

IMO, go for an SSD. It is worth the extra $30-40 because they basically last forever if youre just using them for weekly mirrors. Good luck!!

Seconding the recommendation above. Honestly, if you're just doing a weekly mirror backup, you don't really need to blow your whole budget on an expensive SSD. I've been super happy with the Toshiba Canvio Basics 2TB Portable External Hard Drive for a few years now.

It's usually around $65-$75, so it's WAY under your $150 limit, and it doesn't need a power brick either. Ngl, it's not as fast as an SSD, but since you're just plugging it in once a week, it works well enough and has been really reliable for my stuff.

A few things to keep in mind:
* It's a traditional HDD, so basically just don't drop it while it's spinning.
* The cable is a bit short, but it's fine for a laptop or front PC port.
* It's basically plug-and-play, so no annoying bloatware to deal with.

Since you're worried about longevity, you could actually buy TWO of these for the price of one high-end drive and have a redundant backup. Just my two cents tho, gl!

Regarding what #5 said about "Bookmarked, thanks!"

• I really wish I could say these drives are all built the same, but unfortunately, my experience has been pretty frustrating lately. I have been disappointed with the failure rates on some of the mainstream consumer models after only a year or two of light use. I definitely agree with #4 that an SSD is overkill for a weekly mirror, but the quality of the enclosures on basic drives is getting worse and they dont seem to last like they used to. If you are looking for real longevity, you need something with better vibration dampening and solid internal components. I suggest looking at:
• SanDisk Professional 2TB G-DRIVE ArmorATD
• Silicon Power 2TB Armor A60 The G-Drive is a bit more expensive but the aluminum housing and internal bracing are far superior to the standard plastic models. I have had issues with cheaper drives failing because the USB port literally snaps off the internal board, but the ArmorATD is built much better than expected for the price. The Silicon Power model is also a great alternative because the rubber housing actually protects the mechanical parts from the micro-vibrations that eventually kill HDDs. It stays well under your $150 limit and hasnt failed me yet tho it is a bit bulky. These are just much more reliable for a serious backup routine than the cheap plastic stuff.

Quick question—are you planning to keep this plugged in all the time or literally just for the weekly mirror?? I’ve had issues with portable drives failing early because of heat build-up when left on 24/7. Not sure if it’s just my bad luck, but basically, if safety is your main goal, the usage pattern matters a lot. Also, do you need hardware encryption? Some brands I've used were super buggy with that.

Wow ok that changes things. Gonna have to rethink my approach now.

Oh man, I totally feel you on the data anxiety!! Seriously, there is nothing worse than that sudden panic when you think ur drive might be failing. I’ve been building PCs and managing data for over 15 years now, and honestly, the best advice I can give is to not overthink the tech too much for simple backups.

Sooo, for your situation, I would suggest sticking with a traditional HDD from Western Digital. In my experience, you basically can’t go wrong with their portable line! I have like four of their drives that I’ve used for years to store old photography projects and gaming clips, and they are literally still running like champs. They’re super reliable, don't need a separate power brick, and fit right in your budget. Plus, for $150, you could probably get a 4TB or 5TB drive instead of just 2TB, which gives you plenty of room to grow.

I know SSDs are the shiny new thing because they're fast, but for a weekly mirror backup? An HDD is totally fine and honestly might even be better for long-term storage if it’s just sitting in a drawer most of the time. Just get any portable drive from Western Digital and you'll be set. Also, pro tip: if you have extra cash, maybe buy two! Having a backup of your backup is a total lifesaver, trust me... I learned that one the hard way lol. Good luck with the setup! 👍

Bookmarked, thanks!