For editing video, good external hard drives are a must. You need somewhere to keep all of that raw footage, which absolutely eats up data space, particularly in high resolutions like 4K and 8K. Working off an external drive also means that you're not working off your computer's internal memory, which should keep your software running nice and smoothly.
The good nes is that you don't have to spend a fortune. We've focused on solid-state drives for this guide, as they provide the level of speed required for editing video directly, but there are still plenty of high-capacity options that are reasonably affordable. You can load up your files in Photoshop, Resolve or your other editing software of choice, and edit to your heart’s content.
Many external drives are also portable enough that they can be packed up and taken anywhere with you — perfect if you do your editing on a laptop like a MacBook Pro. So, here is a selection of the best high-speed, high-capacity external hard drives for editing.
Our top picks
Pros:
- Brilliant value for money
- Durable, shock-resistant design
- Stays cool even at top speeds
Cons:
- Expensive (but worth it)
- Gen 2x2 is needed for top performance
Also available in 2TB and 4TB.
Compact, lightweight, and affordable, the Lexar Armour AR700 is a reliable portable SSD, ideal for those who need efficient storage for editing. Its high-speed data transfers make it suitable for handling video and photo editing workflows, ensuring smooth performance even with large files. The AR700 also features excellent security measures, offering 256-bit AES encryption to keep your data safe.
With storage options of up to 4TB, the AR700 series offers space and professional performance for large media libraries and projects. As for its construction; its slim, shock-resistant metal design makes it durable and entirely travel-friendly, making it perfect for editing on the go or in tough environments where reliability is crucial.
Pros:
- Brilliant value for money
- Secure data encryption system
- Fast read/write speeds
Cons:
- Max 2TB
Also available in 2TB and in Grey
Small, light and affordable, this is realistically the hard drive we would recommend to the majority of people who want something to use for editing. The Samsung T7 boasts fast enough data transfers to handle most editing workflows, and it’s also highly secure both inside and out. Inside, because it boasts state-of-the-art encryption and password protection, meaning that your files are secure from prying eyes. And outside, because it’s housed in a rugged metal casing that can absorb the impact from drops and falls.
As it’s a solid-state drive, the Samsung T7 doesn’t reach the same capacity highs as HDDs, and the maximum storage configuration is 2TB, with 1TB and 500GB variants also available. Its slimline dimensions mean you can carry it pretty much anywhere with you, making it an ideal choice for editing on the go.
Pros:
- Capacity options from 1TB to 8TB
- Thunderbolt 3 transfer speeds
- Tough, shock-resistant constructions
Cons:
- Not compatible with standard USB-C
- Not formatted for Windows
Also available in 2TB, 4TB and 8TB capacities.
A pro option for 4K and 8K video workflows, the Glyph Atom PRO Thunderbolt 3 Portable NVMe SSD is not a cheap external hard drive, but its blistering transfer speeds and broad range of capacity options (all the way up to 8TB!) mean it's mroe than capable of standing up to the rigours of professional video editng use.
The Glyph Atom PRO is powered by Thunderbolt 3 and formatted for use with Mac computers; it can be used with Windows, but requires reformatting to do so, and given the fact that it only works with Thunderbolt, not USB-C, it isn't the most auspicious choice for PC-using editors. The physical construction of the drive is also premium, with a rugged design that's resistant to impacts and dust, as well as a fanless aluminium housing that acts as a heatsink for efficient cooling. If you need a top-tier drive for serious editing, this will fit the bill nicely.
Pros:
- Supercharged speeds support real-time editing
- IP55 water-resistance
- Carabiner loop for easy transportation
Cons:
- Max 2TB
Also available in 1TB and 2TB
The SanDisk Extreme E61 Portable SSD V2, available in three capacity options, is the ideal choice of external drive for the video editor on the go. Not only is it relatively lightweight, but it also has a nifty carabiner attachment that means it can be easily clipped onto a bag strap or belt loop, and its construction is IP55 rated, meaning it can shake off water splashes and rainfall without issue. You also get the option of password protection with 256-bit AES encryption, keeping your footage safe from prying eyes if you happen to misplace the drive.
The NVME solid-state performance of this drive ensures it can keep up with serious video workflows, with 1,050MB/s read speeds and 1000MB/s write speeds. It features a USB-C connection and weighs just 52g.
Pros:
- Super-high capacity options
- iPad compatibility
- Super-fast speeds
Cons:
- Bulky and heavy
- Professional price
Also available in 16TB, 28TB and 36TB.
With enormous storage capacity (up to 40TB!), USB 3.2 Gen 2 connectivity and CFExpress-compatible card slots, the LaCie 2big Dock v2 is a beast for those who need every last byte. It can transfer huge files in a matter of seconds, and offers fast enough speeds to support an editing workflow, even when working with high-resolution 8K content or ultra-large RAW files.
While it’s not the most portable of drives, it is compatible with iPad editing workflows, so it is an option for on-the-go editing providing you don’t mind hefting a bit of a bulky drive around with you. It also offers different RAID configurations, meaning you can optimise its storage space for performance, or instruct it to duplicate data as an extra backup. Also, the drives can be swapped out and upgraded, so that’s an option if you find yourself bumping up against the upper limits of its capacity.
Pros:
- Powerful enough for 8K editing
- Very large capacity options
Cons:
- Gets expensive at higher capacities
Also available in 3840GB and 7680GB
If you’re going to be working in high data-demand formats like 8K, 360-degree or VR video, you’re going to need a drive that can keep up. The G-Technology G-DRIVE Pro SSD is just the thing, having been specifically optimised to handle editing workflows in these formats. Available in a wide range of storage capacities, going as high as 7.68TB, the G-Technology G-DRIVE Pro SSD boasts two Thunderbolt 3 ports (though only comes with one cable), and can transfer a full terabyte of content in as little as seven minutes. The drive is compatible with both MacOS and Windows
Able to robustly support 8K workflows, this is a supreme solid-state drive for video professionals. For anyone else, it’s likely to be overkill, particularly the large-capacity options, which incur a significant price jump.
FAQs
What size external hard drive do I need for video editing?
The size of the external hard drive you need depends on the quality and length of your videos. For HD projects, 1TB to 2TB is generally enough, but if you're working with 4K footage or larger projects, you may want 4TB or more for storage. It's always best to have more space than you think you'll need to avoid running out of room during your editing process.
Is SSD or HDD better for video editing?
For video editing, an SSD is better than an HDD due to its faster read and write speeds, which make editing smoother, especially with large video files. SSDs also reduce lag when rendering or moving footage. However, HDDs are more affordable if you need a large amount of storage, though they may slow down performance compared to SSDs.
What is the best connection type for an external hard drive for editing?
The best connection type for an external hard drive for editing is usually Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C. These provide the fastest data transfer speeds, which is crucial for handling large video files efficiently. Older connections like USB 3.0 will still work but might slow down the editing process, especially with high-resolution footage.
Can I edit videos directly from an external hard drive?
Yes, you can edit videos directly from an external hard drive, but you need one with fast read and write speeds, like an SSD, to avoid performance issues. A fast connection type, such as Thunderbolt or USB-C, is also essential to ensure the editing process runs smoothly without lag or long loading times.
How long do external hard drives last for video editing?
Manufacturers suggest that external hard drives will typically last between 3 to 5 years with regular use. SSDs tend to last longer than HDDs because they have no moving parts, which makes them more durable. However, the lifespan can vary depending on your usage, so it's wise to back up important projects regularly to prevent data loss.
How do we decide?
Our in-house photography specialists, store staff, and industry partners work together to review our buying guides and advice articles. We also monitor emerging trends and listen closely to customer feedback, ensuring our recommendations stay current and relevant to what photographers and filmmakers are actually looking for.
By carefully curating the products we recommend, our guides are designed to offer clear, trustworthy advice that helps customers choose the right kit with confidence.
If you would like further advice, our contact centre team are here to help. You can also reach us via email or social media. And remember, if you purchase based on our recommendations, your order is covered by our full returns policy.
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