Technology is advancing with each passing day and so does the data. Today, the world is full of data in the form of photos, videos, files, software, and much more.
The size of data is increasing because of the latest technology allows it to be captured in a more clear and detailed format.
For instance, the size of movies is increasing with increasing quality, size of software increases with the release of every new version. This growth of data will never stop, no matter how much you have gathered.
It’s difficult to live without data too because it is precious and none of us can afford to lose it. We bet that you must have faced the same problem at some point in your life.
This is where external hard disk drives come into play. They are portable and becomes handy for those who need data on their move.
They also feature much more storage space than a regular pen drive. You can connect them to your computer using a USB cable.
In this post, we have gathered a list of 10 best 1TB hard disk drives currently available in India. We chose the 1 TB category because it is more than enough storage space for the majority of us. If you need more space, the following hard disk drives come in various storage models.
These drives are not only useful for data storage but also for data transfer and backup. Here are the Top 10 best 1TB Hard Disk Drives you can buy online in India.
Other related articles: Top 10 Best External Hard Disk In India, Top 15 Best Pen Drives in India
We Highly recommend you to read the Hard Disk Buying Guide at the end of this article to get in-depth knowledge about latest Hard Disk technologies and tips on making an informed decision about which product to buy for your needs 🙂
Top 10 Best 1TB Hard Disk in India
Although my favorite among all is Seagate Expansion but you must check all of them to make your buying decision.
1. Seagate Expansion
This simple looking drive is very easy to use. It features a single chord design to transfer your data.
Once plugged, it becomes to just drag and drop the data that needs to be backed up. The USB 3.0 connector reduces the time taken for data transfer to a great extent.
Overall, this drive is all set to win your heart with its amazing construction and superb performance.
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Cons
Related Post: Top 10 Best External Hard Disk In India
2. WD Elements 2.5 inch 1TB
If you are looking for efficient data management, this drive is perfect for you.
WD Elements 2.5 inch comes with the power of USB 3.0, portable data storage of 1TB, and sleek black design.
It connects very quickly to the computer without creating any unnecessary fuss.
The USB 3.0 connector facilitates super-speed file transfer at 5 Gbps which is much greater than data transfer speed with USB 2.0.
The slim and compact design of this drive makes it a suitable accessory for working professionals.
The WD SmartWare Pro backup software creates a backup of data and provides an option to choose DropBox or hard drive as storage. The data stored in WD Elements 2.5 inch maintains the same structure as per your computer. This feature makes it easy to locate and retrieve lost data.
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Cons
3. Seagate Backup Plus Slim
This is HDD is manufactured by Seagate, a leading industry known for their best hardware and software portable drives.
This is one of the best 1 TB hard disk drive currently available in India and our number 1 choice too. It features direct backup of your mobile photos using Lyve.
It has the highest capacity of any portable device and it comes with free 200 GB subscription to Microsoft OneDrive online storage.
This hard drive has a thickness of just 0.5 inches and this is the reason behind the name “Backup plus slim”.
Sounds cool. Right? Well, this is just the beginning. The list containing the features of this amazing HDD is very long.
The drive has aluminum casing giving it a solid body and light-weight. Out of the box, this drive is ready to be used with Windows computer because it is formatted in NTFS format. You will have download and install NTFS driver if you are using a Mac system.
This drive comes with Seagate backup dashboard for PC Backup, Mobile Backup, Social Media Backup. It continuously backups your data whenever a change is made to the data.
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Cons
4. WD My Passport 1TB
If you are looking to categorize and store a large amount of data then this will be perfect for you.
It is available in 6 different colours namely white, black, red, yellow, blue, and orange with each a matching USB cable.
The new drive has taken up a completely new design which is very different from previous My Passport models.
The design is more like a square in shape and no longer looks like a passport.
The edges and corners are pretty sharp which makes it uncomfortable to keep this device in the pocket for a long time.
The manufactured have fitted a common USB 3.0 connector instead of taking a chance with the futuristic type C connector. WD emphasized on software with the launch of this model. It comes with 3 preinstalled windows software on it. WD Drive utilities let you run a quick diagnostics check.
This tool also lets you erase the content of the drive.
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Cons
5. Toshiba Canvio Basics 1TB
If you are looking for a combination of simplicity and performance, this drive is for you. Toshiba Canvio Basics is an excellent option and its design makes it an attractive accessory to carry around.
It is known to connect instantly with your laptop or desktop. The USB 3.0 connector makes sure that data transfer happens a good rate.
However, it would be much better if the type C connector is included in this drive. Moreover, the drive doesn’t heat up even during extreme usage.
We found that the design and colour of this drive is a dust magnet. You will find it covered in lint and dust after a few minutes of unboxing.
Another feature that we loved about this drive is its size. It is very compact in size and can be easily carried around in the pocket.
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6. Transcend StoreJet 25M3 2.5 inch
Transcend is the name that rules the pen drive market. They are known for their superior build quality and unique designs.
This is something that keeps their name high in the data storage market.
The storejet 25M3 is a portable hard drive that is built to provide military-grade shock-resistance to your valuable digital data.
An important and unique addition is the one-touch backup option. Toshiba includes a push button on this drive’s end cap to simplify backing up of data.
For this work, you will need to install Transcend Elite software. This software can also be used to copy and store bookmarks from your browser.
In terms of performance, the storejet 25M3 is very fast and accurate. The data can be transferred within a few seconds. While using the protective casing also acts as a sound barrier and you won’t hear any sound coming from the device while it is connected.
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Cons
7. Lenovo 1TB
Lenovo has always been setting a benchmark for almost all kind of electronic gadgets and external hard drives are no exception to that.
This hard drive by Lenovo is one of the most reliable drives available in the market. It is made of carefully selected premium materials to give it a sturdy look.
Moreover, the compact size and beautiful design will make you carry it in your pocket or bag.
The USB 3.0 connector makes it 10 times faster than the regular connection. The added layer of security and shock-proof build is cherry on top.
The surge protection in the circuit allows data to be transferred more efficiently and in less time.
If you have a Lenovo laptop with, we recommend you to buy this drive because it syncs amazingly with Lenovo laptops. One slight glitch that we found is that this drive does not support OTG. This means you won’t be able to connect your smartphone with it.
Pros
Cons
8. Sony 1TB Wired External HDD
If you are looking for a hard disk drive associated with a big brand image, then Sony 1TB wired drive will be a top choice.
It features a shiny metallic which makes it stand out from the rest in terms of design and it catches attention too. In easy words, it has classy and elegant written all over it.
The drive comes with bundled software to help you sync data more effectively. You can copy a 100 GB in less than 15 minutes.
Moreover, it offers a password encryption for all your files and folders, that adds some extra level of security.
With all these features included in one device, you won’t regret your decision if you ever buy it.
Pros
Cons
9. HP K6A93AA
This portable hard disk drive by HP is an upgrade to HP SimpleSave drive. The new drive offers a lot more than just 1TB of storage.
With HP K6A93AA, taking backing is a no-brainer for anyone. We found that this drive may not be perfect in every sense but it is all ready to compete with any other drive in the market.
If we compare the speed of data transfer, this drive is far behind than other in spite of having a USB 3.0 connector. Moreover, the backup software is also limited in terms of feature.
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Cons
10. Adata HD650
If you are looking for a balanced mix of durability and performance, this drive should be your choice.
You might have seen a lot of drives that offers shock resistance but this is the only drive that offers a complete package designed to withstand knocks and drops. It comes with three layers of damage protection.
These additional layers make it buff a little more than the other drives. Moreover, HD650 offers USB 3.1 connector which is decent enough in terms of performance if not Type C.
No matter if this drive does not offer some benchmark speed of data transfer, it offers quite a lot in terms of durability.
Pros
Cons
Buyer's Guide: How to Purchase Hard Disk in India
The hard disk drive is one of the key components in the modern computer and also an essential accessory to store a large amount of data. It’s normal for everyone to buy or replace the hard drive every year to store more data. Now, which one is better? Which one will meet all your needs? Which one to buy?
These are few of the questions that will strike your mind during your lookout for a new hard disk drive. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We have listed some of the important features to look in a drive before picking up your favourite one.
Size and Interface
This is an easy choice because hard drives are available only in two form factors: 2.5-inch drive and 3.5-inch drive.
The hard disk drives are of 3.5-inch form factor because they consist of traditional drives which require data to be stored on spinning wheels. This means more disks are required for expanded data storage. The laptop’s HDD is 2.5 inches with a maximum capacity of 4 TB.
So it is clear if you are looking to buy an internal HDD, then 3.5 inch will be suitable for desktop and 2.5 inch will be for laptops.
Buying an external HDD is always a great move. It reduces load on your system because you can keep all the large and heavy files in drive and free up space from computer for better speed and processing.
Hard Drive Specifications and Performance
Now, you can differentiate between the two kinds of drives. It is now time to understand the kind of drives that best fit your needs. Here are few things to consider:
Price
During your lookout for the hard drive of your dream, you will see a lot of devices having similar surface. You are one who will have to prioritize the features of your choice, then only you will be able to buy the best one.
Everyone wants to get the best within their budget. Buying an HDD without cutting a hole in your pocket is now possible. Since, technology is advancing at a rapid rate, the price of electronic parts is going down and so does the price of hard disk drives.
Drives like Adata 6500 and Seagate backup plus slim are packed with all the latest features and that too with affordable price tag.
Portability
This is really an important factor if you want your data backup to be portable. An HDD should be light and compact in size, small enough to fit in pocket or bag.
We are emphasizing on this feature because one of the requirement to buy an HDD is the make data portable. A portable drive becomes your companion and carries your important files, documents, or photos wherever you go and make them available to you whenever you need it.
Moreover, you should look out for a hard disk drive that works without a power cable.
Security
If the data you want to store is very sensitive, then it will be good practice to invest a bit more for an HDD with security software. There are many drives available in the market that are available with software encryption solutions. They work pretty fine.
However, if you are looking for some next level security then you might need a drive with hardware encryption.
We recommend you to pick a drive having atleast a software encryption for files as well as folders. There are some drives available that come with extra strong casings to avoid physical tampering. Moreover, some drive manufacturers cover the internal PCB in raisin to make it very difficult to access internal memory chip.
Additional Features
There is a swarm of different hard disk drives out there and that leads to tough competition. All the above-mentioned features are worth considering before making a purchase, but there are many neat features that are available in few of the very unique drives.
Some HDDs offers WiFi connectivity for easy file transfer and access while some offer good time coverage on warranty. If you are more inclined about the reliability then buying a drive with a good warranty offer will be a smart decision.
NAS Support
If you are Tech savvy, you must have heard about NAS or know what it is exactly. If you’ve never heard about it, chances are that you will never need it. NAS stands for Network Attached Storage is a technology to access your files or photos from a hard drive over the network.
A NAS supporting drive must be connected to a router and your computer or smartphone should be connected to the same network to access your data. Non-tech savvy users will miss their plug and play feature available on other drives.
However, NAS drives offer a lot more flexibility over traditional HDDs. You can access your stored data from the computer, smartphone, tablet, or smart TV all at the same time.
Cloud Sync and Backup Software
Ever since the cloud technology is live, our way of work and play has changed a lot. Take an example of Facebook, you all post photos on Facebook and access them from anywhere and at any point in time. Facebook is a great example of Cloud storage. All our photos are live somewhere in the cloud giving us the convenience to use them anytime.
But if you want to store more sensitive data, then Facebook or Google are into options. You will need a more secured drive that can connect you to DrobBox or even your own server and continuously take your backup of data there.
Also, these drives come preloaded with software that keeps your backup data in synchronization with the original one. All this happens automatically.
Speed
This is another feature that needs to be considered while picking a hard drive. The speed of the drive and speed of its connection with a computer will determine the number of hours, you need to wait for data to be transferred. Majority of the applications do not need the highest speed, but others like video, demand it.
While transferring large files USB 2.0 will test your patience to the limits. To avoid this situation, it is better to pick up a drive with Thunderbolt or USB 3.0 connector.
Ruggedization and Colour
If you are the one who has a problem with holding things firmly, then it's better to pay attention to how rugged the device is. There is a wide range of innovations available among hard disk drives from mere plastic bumpers to the military grade shockproof casing.
One more thing to consider is the colour. This is because you will be carrying the drive all day with you and different colour makes it more appealing.
Now you know all about hard disk drives and are ready to buy a new one. Once purchased, be sure to keep it properly so as to extend its usability and reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the latest storage technology?
Storage Class Memory (SCM) or Non-Volatile Random Access Memory (NVRAM) is the latest storage technology. It can retain data even after the electrical power has been removed. Among the types of NVRAM technology, the oldest one is Static RAM or SRAM. Newer versions of non-volatile memory technologies are:
- Ferroelectric RAM (FRAM), where a ferroelectric capacitor architecture is used as the storage element.
- Magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM), which is based on the principle of the ferromagnetic material magnetic state.
- The other evolving storage technologies are, NVMe over Fabrics or NVMeOF and Intent-based storage devices.
2. What is the lifespan of a 1TB external disk drive?
The hard drive will last around 4 to 5 years. It is important to know a few basic best storage practises though:
- Storage location should not have a high level of humidity or extreme temperatures.
- When not in use for long durations, it is advisable to power-on the disk once in every six months or so. This will ensure that the mechanical parts stay tuned.
- If the stored data is important, it is advantageous to make an additional copy and keep in a separate location. This is a safeguard for your data against disasters like fire or floods.
3. Is 1TB a good size for an external hard drive?
It is estimated that a majority of data users use just 75 GB in a month. Let us take the example of videos for illustration, we assume the average OTT platform video to be 90 minutes long. This means approximately 2.5 to 3 GB per video; so, your 1TB external hard disk will be able to store over 400 videos! 1TB is more than adequate for a normal user. Essentially, a 500GB external device is also good enough for meeting the storage needs of an average user.
4. Which type of hard drive is the fastest?
SSD’s are much faster. Normal read/ write operations (when you run Windows and browse the web or open programs, sometimes referred to as small 4K read/ writes), HDD’s perform at a speed ranging from 0.1 to 1.7 megabytes per second. SSD’s on the other hand, operate at a speed of 50 to 200 megabytes per second. To further understand, for copying a movie of say 20GB, a hard drive may take around 2 minutes; SSD will do the same task in about 10 seconds.
5. Do you need both HDD and SSD?
The answer is NO. For normal usage of a computer, one drive is enough. But, sometimes both are used for catering to specific requirements. The use of SSD helps to speed up the boot and launch time significantly. Regular users of gaming and other applications, sometimes use a lower capacity SSD for faster booting and launching of games and other files. The HDD is utilised for mass storage. This is because SSD’s are more expensive.
6. What lasts longer, HDD or SSD?
SSDs’ will last longer than HDDs’. Hard drives are mechanical devices with several moving parts. The average life of an HDD is estimated between 4 to 5 years. In contrast, SSDs are estimated to have a lifespan of about 7 to 8 years. SSD’s consume much less energy to operate because of their flash drive memory technology. SSD’s, unlike HDD’s, do not have any moving (or mechanical) parts. These help in extending the life of the device.
7. What are the four types of storage devices?
A storage device is a hardware that can hold information temporarily or permanently. The four types of storage devices are:
- Primary (like RAM, ROM, and Cache): This is called the Main memory. The CPU continuously reads and executes the instructions stored in the primary devices.
- Secondary (hard disk drive): This is not directly connected to the CPU. The hard disk is the largest data storage device on a computer. This disk may be internal and external.
- Tertiary Storage: This is primarily used for storing a large amount of data which is not frequently used. Optical disk, like the Blu-ray (BD), is a common example.
- Off-line Storage: It is also known as disconnected storage. This storage device is not under the direct control of the CPU. It needs to be connected or inserted before use in the computer (USB flash drives, Memory cards).
8. What should I do if my 1TB external hard drive gets corrupted?
- Step one is doing an anti-virus scan by connecting the external disk to a PC and using a reliable malware tool to scan. If the corruption is due to a virus, it will get repaired.
- If the problem persists, run the CHKDSK (check disk utility)scan. Open the elevated command prompt window and ensure that the corrupted drive is connected to the system. Next, assign a letter to the corrupt drive using the Disk Management Tool. Wait for it to finish and then restart the system to find out if the drive is accessible now.
- If it still fails to start, look for tutorials of restoring corrupt external drives on the internet or take outside support.
9. Which is the best 1TB hard disk in India?
The Seagate Plus Slim is a BUS powered hard drive which is best suited for the Indian market. This 1TB disk has a lightweight aluminium casing, weighs 170 gm and is just 0.5 inches thick. It supports both USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 devices. It is compatible with the Windows operating system, having NTFS formatting. The drive comes with Seagate backup dashboard (Lyve app), which helps you back up the contents of this drive onto the cloud. You can easily access your cloud data from anywhere on your devices, PC or mobile.
10. Is SSD faster than HDD?
Solid-state drives (SSD) are always faster than conventional Hard disk drives (HDD).
SSD storage, being a solid-state drive, performs much faster than HDD. If we look at sequential data, a standard SSD can read it at a speed of about 550 megabytes per second (Mbps) and write the same at around 500 Mbps. An HDD, on the other hand, will carry out the sequential reading and writing at around 100 to 125 Mbps.
