Group test: what's the best portable hard drive?

5. Freecom Mobile Drive Sq

• Reviewed on: 6 December 11
• RRP: £85 inc VAT = 500GB
• Rating:

The slimline design of the Sq drive is certainly attractive, and it’s quite reasonably priced.

4. Iomega Prestige

• Reviewed on: 2 December 11
• RRP: £113 inc. VAT
• Rating:

Prestige is neatly designed, affordable, and includes a useful set of software.

3. Buffalo MiniStation Extreme

• Reviewed on: 6 December 11
• RRP: £113 inc. VAT
• Rating:

Bufallo gets all the basics right with the MiniStation Extreme.

2. Western Digital My Passport Studio 1TB

• Reviewed on: 13 October 11
• RRP: £110 inc VAT
• Rating:

We’re almost inclined to excuse the 2011 WD My Passport Studio’s continuing omission of Thunderbolt. This sturdy example of high-tech engineering may stretch the pocket in more way than one, but it’s worth every pound and gramme of it. Formidable FireWire performance and finally some worthy software all underline the whole tidy package. The WD My Passport Studio sets a new high benchmark for such pocket drives.

1. Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex Desk External Drive

• Reviewed on: 5 December 11
• RRP: £143.32 inc VAT
• Rating:

Seagate's FreeAgent GoFlex Desk External Drive is a good-value USB external hard drive. Its 192bit encryption and 3TB capacity make it ideal for those seeking serious storage and data security.