An external hard drive is a portable storage device that sits outside your computer, offering extra space for your data. Unlike an internal hard drive, it's easily transportable and can be connected to any computer via USB. But what exactly is a 16TB external hard drive? Have you ever used one? Read on to find out more in this article.

16 TB External Hard Drive

What is a 16TB external hard drive?

In the age of big data, external hard drives may not be as crucial as they once were, thanks to the rise of solid-state drives (SSDs) and their replacement of hard disk drives (HDDs). However, modern external HDDs have become more durable and stylish to maintain their relevance, offering extra storage space for your computer or PC with just a USB cable. Among the many excellent contemporary external hard drives, a 16TB external hard drive stands out as a high-capacity, high-performance new-generation device. As its name suggests, this external HDD adds a whopping 16 terabytes of storage to your computer, alleviating the burden on your internal drive and addressing the issue of slow computer performance.

Do we really need 16-terabyte external hard drives?

It depends on individual needs. If you have a vast collection of photos, movies, and videos that have consumed your internal storage space, then a 16TB external hard drive might be necessary to keep your valuable data safe. Conversely, if your storage needs are met and it doesn't hinder your device's speed or performance, purchasing a 16TB external drive might not be necessary. We will also briefly discuss factors to consider before buying one.

How to Choose an External 16TB Hard Drive

There's a lot to consider when choosing one, but picking an external hard drive isn't just about price. You should also consider the following:

    • Compatibility: It's crucial to know which devices your external hard drive is compatible with. Some work well with laptops, while others are better suited for desktops. Of course, there are 16 TB external hard drives that cater to both.
    • Hardware Interface: There are various interfaces like USB 2.0, 3.0, and Type C. Choose the appropriate hardware interface for your computer because connecting with adapters can be inconvenient.
    • Product Weight: The weight of the product will determine its portability and ease of transfer. The lighter it is, the more convenient it will be to move and transport.

There are plenty of 16TB options out there, but which one is the best? The following section will detail three powerful 16TB external hard drives, from compatible devices to buying prices, to help you choose the right option for you.

Recommendations for 16 TB External Hard Drives

Before we dive in, here are our top three external hard drive picks, tested and recommended:

Here, we've gathered detailed information about three 16TB external hard drives, including specifications and pros and cons. Read on for the basics you should know before buying an external hard drive.

WD 16TB Elements Desktop External Hard Drive

WD Elements desktop hard drive delivers high-capacity, fast data transfer rates, and universal connectivity in a reliable, high-performance external storage solution. It's ready to use out of the box with Windows PCs – just plug it in and expand your storage immediately. And its sleek design adds quality and reliability to your desktop.

Specification Description

  • Compatible Devices: Desktop
  • Hardware Interface: SuperSpeed USB 3.0/2.0
  • Capacity: 16TB
  • Price: $317
  • Dimensions (LxWxH): 5.31 x 1.89 x 6.53 inches
  • Weight: 1.24 pounds
  • Hard Drive RPM:
Pros Cons
  • WD Elements Desktop is compatible with Windows 10 and above, and can be reformatted for Mac compatibility.
  • It features high data transfer speeds.

 

  • May produce disturbing noise after extended use.

Buy Link: https://amzn.to/3M83Qo1

I've been using it for a year with no issues. Plug and play. I frequently transfer movies and photos to this drive. The speed is amazing, a 35GB file transfers in less than 6 minutes. — By PAtty on Amazon.

Seagate Expansion 16TB External Hard Drive

The Seagate Expansion 16TB External Hard Drive is a storage solution designed for office, home, and bedroom use. Apart from its large capacity, it supports drag-and-drop functionality for easy file backup and transfer, requiring only a simple connection to your computer for setup without any additional software. Furthermore, formatting this external hard drive to be compatible with Mac computers is a straightforward process.

Specification Sheet

    - Compatible Devices: Laptops, Desktops - Hardware Interface: USB 3.0 - Capacity: 16TB - Price: $339.99 - Dimensions (LxWxH): 6.93 x 4.75 x 1.44 inches - Weight: 2.09 pounds
Advantages Disadvantages
  • It offers substantial desktop storage space for photos, movies, music, and other files.
  • The drive is easy to set up and can be connected to a computer for automatic recognition.
  • It has relatively poor durability compared to other drives.

Buy Link: https://amzn.to/3pEm7l5

I run a small studio that stores clients' videos over the years. This reliable drive doesn't need power from my computer, and it keeps their files safe. – From Amazon.

LaCie 2big RAID 16TB External Hard Drive

The LaCie 2big RAID 16TB External Hard Drive is an excellent solution for photographers, videographers, and YouTube users. It offers a massive 16TB of storage and is compatible with USB C and USB 3.0 computers. With a user-friendly step-by-step wizard, you can easily set up RAID 0/1 to optimize your system's performance or redundancy.

Specification Description

    - Compatible Devices: Desktop - Hardware Interface: USB 2.0, USB Type C, USB 3.0 - Capacity: 16TB - Price: $699 - Dimensions (LxWxH): 4.65 x 3.67 x 8.54 inches - Weight: 4.65 pounds
Advantages Disadvantages
  • Delivers a robust speed of up to 440 MB/s.
  • Comes with hot-swappable IronWolf Pro for ultimate reliability and performance.
  • Twice the price of its competitors.

Purchase link: https://amzn.to/3O5Kqmc

I have migrated the contents of 12 old external drives and my iMac backup to this. Yet, 90% of the space is still unoccupied! Great value for money. - Posted by Amazon user Jam.

After reviewing the specifications and pros and cons of the three 16 TB hard drives, if you're still unsure which one to get, check out the video below for our top picks for different needs.

Editor's Pick:
The best choice varies depending on your budget and needs. For price, the WD 16TB Elements Desktop External Hard Drive stands out due to its lower cost compared to other 16 TB external hard drives. However, if reliability and transfer speed are top priorities, the LaCie 2 big RAID 16TB External Hard Drive is worth considering. If you're looking for an easy setup with fast speeds, the Seagate Expansion Drive might pleasantly surprise you.

Conclusions

This article will provide you with comprehensive information about 16TB external hard drives, including what they are and whether or not you need one. In the final section, we've also handpicked three top 16TB options after rigorous testing. Each of these external hard drives has its pros and cons, so you can choose one based on your needs after comparing the 16TB drives above. We hope this article helps you better understand 16TB external hard drives.