When choosing an external hard drive, it's essential to consider factors like speed, size, and price. The Western Digital Elements is a reliable option for backups, with storage options up to 20 terabytes. The Seagate Expansion is another trustworthy choice, and using drives from different brands can reduce the risk of simultaneous failure. For those who need speed, the LaCie Rugged Pro5 offers impressive read and write speeds, making it suitable for video editing and other demanding tasks. Other notable mentions include the Crucial X6, Kingston XS1000, and Samsung T7 Shield, which provide a mix of portability, speed, and affordability. Ultimately, the best external hard drive depends on individual needs, whether it's for daily backups, video editing, or storing large files.