10 Best Gaming Hard Drives (November 2026)

Game installs now run from tens of gigabytes to well over 100 GB each, and a console's built-in storage fills after a handful of them. The usual mistake is buying the wrong type of drive: an internal 3.5-inch drive that cannot connect to a console, a PS4-only drive for a newer machine, or an external hard drive expected to run current-generation games directly. The Best Gaming Hard Drives depend on the system they plug into, how many games you keep installed, and whether you want to carry the drive or leave it in place.

The short answer: the Avolusion HD250U3 for Xbox suits Xbox owners who want a pre-formatted 1TB archive for their library, the Seagate FireCuda Gaming Hub 8TB suits desktop PC players who want the most space and front-facing ports, and the WD_BLACK P10 5TB suits anyone who moves between a console and a PC. The rest of the list covers a smaller PS5 and Xbox portable, two internal PC drives for game libraries, a PS4 drive swap, a PS4 external, a generic portable drive, and a 10TB bulk-storage option.

TL;DR: top picks at a glance

• Best overall: the Avolusion HD250U3 for Xbox, a pre-formatted 1TB USB 3.0 drive that weighs 0.625 lb and runs on bus power.
• Best for desktop PC libraries: Seagate FireCuda Gaming Hub 8TB, 8TB of capacity over USB 3.2 with front-facing USB-C and USB-A ports.
• Best for console and PC portability: WD_BLACK P10 5TB, 5TB in a 0.51 lb body with a 3-year limited warranty.
• Best for a PC drive bay: Seagate BarraCuda 2TB, a 7200 RPM SATA drive with a 256MB cache.

Best Gaming Hard Drives Comparison (November 2026)

#	Product	Best for	Capacity	Interface	Type
1	Avolusion HD250U3 for Xbox	Xbox storage	1TB	USB 3.0	External
2	Seagate FireCuda Gaming Hub 8TB	Desktop game library	8TB	USB 3.2	External desktop
3	WD_BLACK P10 5TB	Console and PC	5TB	Not listed	External portable
4	Seagate BarraCuda 2TB	PC drive bay	2TB	SATA 6Gb/s	Internal 3.5-inch
5	Toshiba Canvio Gaming 1TB	PS5 and Xbox	1TB	USB 3.0	External portable
6	WD_BLACK 10TB Internal	Performance desktops	10TB	SATA 6 Gb/s	Internal 3.5-inch
7	MaxDigitalData 1TB 2.5-inch	PS4 drive swap	1TB	SATA 6.0Gb/s	Internal 2.5-inch
8	Avolusion HD250U3 for PS4	PS4 expansion	1TB	USB 3.0	External
9	Generic 1TB Blue Portable Drive	Laptop backup	1TB	USB 3.0	External portable
10	WD Blue 10TB Internal	Bulk desktop storage	10TB	SATA 6 Gb/s	Internal 3.5-inch

1. Avolusion HD250U3 for Xbox: Best Pre-Formatted 1TB Gaming Hard Drive for Xbox Libraries

• Capacity: 1TB
• Interface: USB 3.0, bus powered (no AC adapter)
• Console support: Xbox One S, Xbox One X, original Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S
• Size and weight: 5 x 3 x 0.5 inches, 0.625 lb
• Warranty: Not listed

Pros:

• It arrives pre-formatted for Xbox, so it can store games straight after it is plugged in.
• USB bus power means there is no separate AC adapter to find a socket for.
• The aluminum chassis is 0.5 inches thick and weighs 0.625 lb, so it sits beside a console without taking over the shelf.
• Xbox One games can run directly from the drive, which frees space on the console's internal storage.

Cons:

• Xbox Series X|S games cannot be played from it and must be copied back to the internal SSD first.
• At 1TB it holds far fewer installs than the 5TB WD_BLACK P10.
• Transfer speed and warranty length are not listed.

Best for: Xbox owners who want a simple, pre-formatted archive for Series X|S titles and a play-from-drive shelf for Xbox One games.

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The Avolusion HD250U3 for Xbox earns the top spot by doing one job without fuss. Series X|S games have to run from the console's internal SSD, so this drive works as a parking space: a game copied back from it arrives much faster than a fresh download. Xbox One titles are different, because they play directly from USB storage, which makes this drive a real expansion for backward-compatible libraries.

That distinction defines who should buy it. If you mostly play current Series X|S releases and want to keep many of them on hand, the drive is a convenient archive but not extra playable space. Xbox owners who want a larger archive should look at the WD_BLACK P10 5TB, which stores Series X|S games in the same way with five times the room.

It is the wrong choice for PlayStation owners, since the pre-formatting targets Xbox. PS4 owners should take the Avolusion HD250U3 for PS4, which is the same chassis format prepared for that console. PC players who want more capacity should look at the Seagate FireCuda Gaming Hub 8TB.

2. Seagate FireCuda Gaming Hub 8TB: Best High-Capacity RGB Gaming Hard Drive for Desktop PCs

• Capacity: 8TB (available capacity may vary)
• Interface: USB 3.2
• Ports: Dual front-facing USB-C and USB-A for peripherals
• Lighting: Customizable RGB LED
• Warranty: 1-year limited, with Rescue Data Recovery Services

Pros:

• The 8TB capacity holds a large library without forcing you to uninstall older titles.
• Front-facing USB-C and USB-A ports let you charge or connect peripherals without reaching behind the PC.
• Customizable RGB lighting lets the drive match a lit-up desk setup.
• Rescue Data Recovery Services come with the 1-year limited warranty, which adds a safety net for a drive holding a whole library.

Cons:

• At roughly 2.74 lb and 8.07 x 5 x 1.89 inches, it is a desk drive, not something to carry around.
• Console compatibility is not specified, so it is a PC-first choice.
• Power requirements are not listed.

Best for: PC players who want the largest single library drive on this list, with a front-panel hub on the desk.

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The Seagate FireCuda Gaming Hub 8TB is the only drive here built around a desk. It combines 8TB of storage with two front-facing ports, and the RGB lighting is customizable. The extra ports are the practical draw: a headset dongle, a controller or a phone can plug into the front without a hub of their own.

Pairing it with a gaming desktop that has limited internal bays is the obvious use, since USB 3.2 adds storage without opening the case. The trade-off against the internal Seagate BarraCuda 2TB is convenience versus tidiness: the FireCuda sits on the desk and takes a USB port, while an internal drive disappears into the case.

Skip it if you need to carry your library. The WD_BLACK P10 5TB weighs 0.51 lb against this drive's roughly 2.74 lb and is a better match for moving between a console and a laptop. The 10TB internal drives also offer more space for people comfortable with a drive bay.

3. WD_BLACK P10 5TB: Best Portable 5TB Game Drive for PS5, Xbox and PC

• Capacity: 5TB (the P10 line goes up to 6TB)
• Speed: Up to 130MB/s
• Compatibility: Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 and PC
• Size and weight: 4.65 x 3.46 x 0.82 inches, 0.51 lb
• Warranty: 3-year limited

Pros:

• It covers PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC with one drive, so a household with mixed systems can share it.
• Speeds of up to 130MB/s are enough for moving archived games back to an internal SSD.
• At 0.51 lb with a metal top covering, it is easy to carry and feels solid.
• The 3-year limited warranty is the longest on the list for an external drive.

Cons:

• PS5 games are archived rather than played from it, and only PS4 games run directly.
• The same applies to Xbox, where Xbox One games play from the drive and Series X|S games are archived.
• The interface is not listed.

Best for: Console and PC players who want a large, portable, longer-warranty game drive.

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The WD_BLACK P10 5TB is the most flexible portable drive in the group. WD rates the line for up to 150 games at its 6TB maximum, and the 5TB version sits just below that. The drive handles PS4 games directly on PlayStation 5 and Xbox One games directly on Xbox Series X|S, with newer titles stored for later.

Against the Toshiba Canvio Gaming 1TB, the P10 offers five times the capacity with a metal top and a longer warranty (3 years against 2). The Toshiba is lighter at 0.33 lb and better suited to someone who only needs a small console expansion.

It is the wrong choice if your main goal is running current-generation games without copying them back, since no hard drive here does that. For a desk-bound PC library at much greater capacity, the Seagate FireCuda Gaming Hub 8TB is the better fit.

4. Seagate BarraCuda 2TB: Best 7200 RPM 3.5-Inch Internal Gaming Hard Drive for PC Libraries

• Capacity: 2TB
• Speed: 7200 RPM, 256MB cache
• Interface: SATA 6Gb/s
• Form factor: 3.5-inch internal
• Weight: 0.99 lb

Pros:

• A 7200 RPM spindle and 256MB cache suit a PC game library better than slower drive classes.
• The SATA 6Gb/s connection works with the standard bays and cables found in most desktops.
• Seagate's free DiscWizard software helps clone data from an older drive.
• Its 5.75 x 3.98 x 0.79 inch body is a standard internal size and lightweight at 0.99 lb.

Cons:

• It is an internal drive only and cannot connect to a console without an enclosure.
• At 2TB it holds less than the 10TB internal options.
• Warranty length is not listed.

Best for: Desktop builders who need a proven, mid-capacity SATA drive for bulk game storage.

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The Seagate BarraCuda 2TB is the plain, sensible option for a PC with a spare 3.5-inch bay. It pairs 7200 RPM with a 256MB cache, which gives a hard drive its best chance of keeping up with large game installs. The bundled cloning tool is useful if you are migrating from an older drive and do not want to reinstall.

It is a better match for most desktops than the MaxDigitalData 1TB 2.5-inch, which is a 5400 RPM notebook-size drive aimed at consoles. The 2TB BarraCuda gives double the capacity and the faster spindle in a form factor desktop cases are built for.

Choose a different drive if you want a console expansion, because it needs a SATA bay and power connector. The Toshiba Canvio Gaming 1TB or the WD_BLACK P10 5TB are the ones to consider there.

5. Toshiba Canvio Gaming 1TB: Best Compact 1TB Portable Gaming Hard Drive for PS5 and Xbox

• Capacity: 1TB (about 25 games at 36 GB each)
• Interface: USB 3.0
• Compatibility: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC and Mac
• Size and weight: 4.3 x 3.1 x 0.8 inches, 0.33 lb
• Warranty: 2-year limited

Pros:

• It is the lightest drive in the list at 0.33 lb.
• A firmware-customized "Always-On" mode aims at a responsive experience when the system wakes.
• It works with PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC and Mac, so it is not tied to one platform.
• The 2-year limited warranty is a step up from several other small drives here.

Cons:

• 1TB fills quickly, at around 25 games assuming 36 GB each.
• Newer titles on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S are stored rather than played from the drive.
• Transfer speed is not listed.

Best for: Console players who want a pocketable, multi-platform expansion drive.

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The Toshiba Canvio Gaming 1TB is the compact all-rounder of the group. It supports both current-generation consoles plus PC and Mac, so it can move between systems. Its estimate of about 25 games at 36 GB each is a useful reality check on what 1TB holds in 2026.

It beats the Avolusion HD250U3 for Xbox on platform range, since the Avolusion is built around Xbox formatting. The Avolusion has the edge only if you want the pre-formatted setup with no thought required.

If you hold a large library, 1TB is the wrong size. Step up to the WD_BLACK P10 5TB for a portable drive with five times the room.

6. WD_BLACK 10TB Internal: Best 10TB Performance Internal Gaming Hard Drive for Desktops

• Capacity: 10TB
• Speed: 7200 RPM, 512MB cache
• Interface: SATA 6 Gb/s
• Form factor: 3.5-inch internal
• Weight: 1.47 lb

Pros:

• A 10TB capacity can hold a very large installed library alongside media and project files.
• The 512MB cache is double that of the Seagate BarraCuda 2TB.
• StableTrac and Dynamic Cache Technology are WD features aimed at reliability and performance.
• It is positioned for gamers, system builders and creative professionals, so it suits mixed use.

Cons:

• It is internal only, so it needs a free 3.5-inch bay and SATA connections.
• It is a premium-priced class of drive for the capacity, and a lot of data sits on one spindle.
• Warranty length is not listed.

Best for: Desktop owners who want one very large drive for games, footage and files.

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The WD_BLACK 10TB Internal is the performance-focused large drive. Its 7200 RPM spin speed and 512MB cache match the WD Blue 10TB on paper, but the WD_BLACK line is the one WD positions for gaming and creative work. For a system with a single large bay, it is the choice to make if you want the gaming-oriented model.

Compared with the Seagate FireCuda Gaming Hub 8TB, it offers more space and fits inside the case, but it gives up the front-facing ports and the RGB styling. Because it is bare, you also need to be comfortable installing a drive.

It is the wrong choice for a console or a laptop. Those buyers should look at the WD_BLACK P10 5TB or the Toshiba Canvio Gaming 1TB.

7. MaxDigitalData 1TB 2.5-Inch: Best 7mm Internal Gaming Hard Drive for PS4 Drive Swaps

• Capacity: 1TB (up to about 80 games at 25 GB each)
• Speed: 5400 RPM, 64MB cache
• Interface: SATA 6.0Gb/s
• Form factor: 2.5-inch, 7mm
• Warranty: 2 years from the reseller

Pros:

• The 7mm height fits the console bay on PS3 and PS4 models.
• It is specified for PS4 Original, PS4 Slim and PS4 Pro as well as PS3.
• 1TB can hold roughly 80 games at 25 GB each.
• A 2-year warranty comes from the reseller.

Cons:

• It replaces the console's internal drive, so installation means opening the system.
• At 5400 RPM it is slower than the 7200 RPM desktop drives here.
• PS5 compatibility is not specified.

Best for: PS3 and PS4 owners who want to upgrade internal storage in place.

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The MaxDigitalData 1TB 2.5-inch is an old-school upgrade: remove the console's original drive, fit this one, and the console has more room. It makes sense for a PS4 that you plan to keep for years, because the capacity sits inside the machine and there is no cable.

The alternative is the Avolusion HD250U3 for PS4, which adds the same 1TB without opening the console. That is easier but leaves a drive on the shelf. The MaxDigitalData is better if you prefer an internal fit and a clean setup.

It is the wrong choice for PS5 or PC, where the Toshiba Canvio Gaming 1TB or the Seagate BarraCuda 2TB are more suitable.

8. Avolusion HD250U3 for PS4: Best Plug-In 1TB Gaming Hard Drive for PS4 Expansion

• Capacity: 1TB
• Interface: USB 3.0
• Console support: PS4 Original, Slim and Pro
• Size: 5 x 3 x 0.5 inches
• Weight: Not listed

Pros:

• It is pre-formatted for PS4 and installs without opening the console.
• The durable aluminum chassis is 0.5 inches thick, which keeps it compact.
• It covers the PS4 Original, Slim and Pro models.
• A 1TB capacity roughly matches the MaxDigitalData internal drive.

Cons:

• PS5 compatibility is not specified.
• Weight and warranty are not listed.
• Its USB 3.0 interface limits it to the console's external storage.

Best for: PS4 owners who want extra space without disassembling the console.

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The Avolusion HD250U3 for PS4 is the easy path for a PS4 that is running out of space. It shares the same 5 x 3 x 0.5 inch aluminum body as the Xbox version, with black styling and pre-formatting for PlayStation.

Compared with the MaxDigitalData 1TB 2.5-inch, it takes less effort to install and can move to another console. It does leave a drive on the shelf, though.

If you own a PS5, choose the Toshiba Canvio Gaming 1TB or the WD_BLACK P10 5TB, both of which list PS5 support.

9. Generic 1TB Blue Portable Drive: Best Lightweight 2.5-Inch Portable Hard Drive for Laptop Backup

• Capacity: 1TB
• Interface: USB 3.0
• Form factor: 2.5-inch portable
• Weight: About 0.53 lb
• Console support: Gaming consoles mentioned generally, specific models Not listed

Pros:

• The aluminium housing is aimed at durability and heat resistance.
• A built-in LED shows power and data activity.
• It is plug and play, so no drivers or software are needed.
• At about 0.53 lb it is easy to carry in a bag.

Cons:

• Specific console models and formatting are not stated.
• The brand is generic, with no model number or warranty details.
• Speed is not listed.

Best for: Buyers who mostly need laptop and PC backup and want occasional game storage.

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The Generic 1TB Blue Portable Drive is a general-purpose backup drive that happens to mention gaming consoles. It targets photos, videos, documents and media, and any gaming use is secondary.

Against the Toshiba Canvio Gaming 1TB, the missing specifics matter: Toshiba states which consoles it supports, how many games it holds and its warranty length. If you know the drive must work with a PS5 or Xbox Series X|S, the Toshiba is the safer match.

It makes sense as a secondary backup for a PC or laptop, but console owners should look at a drive with explicit platform support, such as the WD_BLACK P10 5TB.

10. WD Blue 10TB Internal: Best 10TB Everyday Internal Hard Drive for Bulk Desktop Storage

• Capacity: 10TB (line goes up to 12TB)
• Speed: 7200 RPM, 512MB cache
• Interface: SATA 6 Gb/s
• Form factor: 3.5-inch internal
• Weight: 1.65 lb

Pros:

• A 10TB capacity gives a desktop vast room for games and media.
• A 7200 RPM spindle and 512MB cache put it in the same class as the WD_BLACK 10TB.
• Free Acronis True Image WD Edition cloning software helps with migration.
• The line extends to 12TB for those who need still more.

Cons:

• It is described as an everyday computing drive and not a gaming-specific model.
• It is internal only and unsuited to consoles without an enclosure.
• Warranty length is not listed.

Best for: Desktop owners who want maximum capacity for games, media and backups.

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The WD Blue 10TB Internal is the general-purpose counterpart to the WD_BLACK 10TB Internal. The headline specs match: 10TB, 7200 RPM, 512MB cache, SATA 6 Gb/s. The difference is positioning, as the Blue is described around everyday computing and the Black around gaming and creative work.

For a library drive where games sit alongside videos and backups, that distinction matters less than it sounds. If you want the gaming-oriented model, pick the WD_BLACK 10TB Internal. If capacity and cloning software matter most, the Blue is a sensible choice.

It is the wrong drive for a console or a laptop. Those buyers should pick the Toshiba Canvio Gaming 1TB or the WD_BLACK P10 5TB.

Buyer's Guide: How to Choose the Right Gaming Hard Drive

The core trade-off is between convenience and capacity. Portable external drives plug in and move between machines, but they are limited in size and, on current consoles, cannot run new-generation games directly. Internal drives deliver far more space per bay, but they need a PC or an older console that can take one.

Before choosing, check these project details:

• Platform: Confirm whether you need PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S or PC support.
• Drive type: Decide between a portable external, a desktop external and an internal drive.
• Capacity: Estimate how many games you keep installed at once.
• Speed class: Note the RPM, cache and interface, which matter most for PC use.
• Warranty: Check the stated warranty length, since some drives here do not list one.

Console Compatibility

Console support is the first filter, because it eliminates most of the list. The Avolusion HD250U3 for Xbox and the Avolusion HD250U3 for PS4 are built for a single platform and arrive pre-formatted. The Toshiba Canvio Gaming 1TB and WD_BLACK P10 5TB cover both PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, with PC support as well.

Current-generation rules apply to all of them. PS5 and Xbox Series X|S systems run their own games from internal storage, so an external hard drive archives those titles and plays only the previous generation directly. Copying a game back from a drive is quicker than downloading it again, which is the real benefit, and a gaming router mainly helps the downloads you cannot avoid.

Internal Versus External Drives

External drives are the simpler route. The WD_BLACK P10 5TB and Toshiba Canvio Gaming 1TB work with a USB connection, and the Seagate FireCuda Gaming Hub 8TB adds ports and lighting for a desk. Internal drives such as the Seagate BarraCuda 2TB and the WD Blue 10TB Internal need a bay and SATA connections.

For PC players the internal route offers the most capacity, and if you are still choosing the machine itself, a gaming desktop with two or more 3.5-inch bays gives the room to grow. For consoles, the MaxDigitalData 1TB 2.5-inch is the internal option, though only for PS3 and PS4 models.

Capacity and Game Library Size

Capacity should follow the size of your library. The Toshiba Canvio Gaming 1TB estimates about 25 games at 36 GB each, while the MaxDigitalData 1TB 2.5-inch suggests about 80 games at 25 GB each, and the gap shows how much install size matters. Modern titles lean toward the larger figure.

If you keep many titles installed, step up. The WD_BLACK P10 5TB suits consoles, the Seagate FireCuda Gaming Hub 8TB suits a PC desk, and the 10TB internal WD drives suit a desktop with a spare bay.

Spin Speed, Cache and Interface

For PC use, spin speed and cache matter. The Seagate BarraCuda 2TB runs at 7200 RPM with a 256MB cache, and both 10TB WD drives pair 7200 RPM with 512MB. The MaxDigitalData 1TB 2.5-inch runs at 5400 RPM with a 64MB cache, which is typical for notebook-size console drives.

For external drives, the interface matters more. USB 3.0 on the Avolusion and Toshiba models and USB 3.2 on the Seagate FireCuda Gaming Hub 8TB set the ceiling. Many gaming PCs pair a small SSD for the operating system with a hard drive for bulk storage, and that split is where these 3.5-inch drives fit best.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gaming Hard Drives

Can You Play PS5 Games From an External Hard Drive?

No, PS5 games need to run from the console's internal storage. An external hard drive such as the WD_BLACK P10 5TB or Toshiba Canvio Gaming 1TB can store PS5 games and play PS4 games directly. Archiving is still useful because copying a game back is faster than downloading it again.

Do Xbox Series X|S Games Run From an External Hard Drive?

Xbox Series X|S games have to run from the internal SSD, so a drive like the Avolusion HD250U3 for Xbox works as a storage buffer. Xbox One games can play directly from the drive, which frees up internal space. Copying a Series X|S game back from it is quicker than re-downloading.

Is an Internal or External Gaming Hard Drive Better?

It depends on the system. External drives such as the Toshiba Canvio Gaming 1TB work with consoles and need no installation. Internal drives such as the Seagate BarraCuda 2TB offer more capacity for desktops but need a free bay.

How Much Storage Do I Need for a Gaming Library?

Count your installs and multiply by their size. The Toshiba Canvio Gaming 1TB estimates 25 games at 36 GB each, and the MaxDigitalData 1TB 2.5-inch suggests 80 games at 25 GB each. For a bigger library, the WD_BLACK P10 5TB or the Seagate FireCuda Gaming Hub 8TB give more room.

Does 7200 RPM Matter for Gaming?

For a PC, the faster spin generally helps a hard drive keep up with large installs. The Seagate BarraCuda 2TB and both 10TB WD drives run at 7200 RPM, while the MaxDigitalData 1TB 2.5-inch runs at 5400 RPM. On a console, the USB connection and the system's own limits matter at least as much.

Can I Use the Generic 1TB Blue Portable Drive With a Console?

It mentions gaming consoles, but specific models and formatting are not stated. That makes it a riskier choice than the Toshiba Canvio Gaming 1TB, which lists PS5 and Xbox Series X|S support. If console use is the goal, choose a drive with explicit compatibility.

Final Verdict: Which Gaming Hard Drive Should You Buy?

Best Gaming Hard Drives for most Xbox owners start with Avolusion HD250U3 for Xbox: a 1TB, USB 3.0, bus-powered drive weighing 0.625 lb and arriving pre-formatted for Xbox One and Series X|S. Its main weakness is that Series X|S games cannot be played from it, so it works as an archive for those titles and as direct storage only for Xbox One games.

For other uses, the alternatives are clear. The WD_BLACK P10 5TB is the pick for a portable drive across PS5, Xbox and PC, with a 3-year warranty and five times the Avolusion's capacity. The Toshiba Canvio Gaming 1TB is the lighter, smaller option at 0.33 lb. PC players with a desk should choose the Seagate FireCuda Gaming Hub 8TB for its 8TB capacity and front-facing ports, and anyone with a free bay can fit the Seagate BarraCuda 2TB.

The specialist picks cover narrower cases. The WD_BLACK 10TB Internal and WD Blue 10TB Internal offer very large capacity for desktops, the MaxDigitalData 1TB 2.5-inch replaces the internal drive in a PS3 or PS4, and the Avolusion HD250U3 for PS4 adds space without opening the console. The Generic 1TB Blue Portable Drive is best treated as a backup drive. If you are still undecided, match the platform first, then pick the largest capacity that suits it.