In 2025, losing important files is more than just an inconvenience — it can be a financial and emotional setback. Whether it’s family photos, business documents, or creative projects, your data deserves secure storage.
The good news? You don’t have to spend a fortune. From budget external hard drives to affordable SSDs, there are plenty of reliable, low-cost storage options available in Nigeria and globally.
This guide reveals 15 of the best cheap external drives, their pros and cons, prices, and the criteria you should consider before buying.
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| Top 15 Cheap External Hard Drives & SSDs for Data Storage in 2025 |
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Top 15 Cheap External Hard Drives & SSDs
1. WD My Passport (HDD)
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| WD My Passport (HDD) |
This portable HDD is one of WD’s most popular products. It’s sleek, compact, and fits easily in a backpack or pocket. With built-in backup software and password protection, it’s great for personal files, photos, and work data, offering reliability without a high price tag.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Portable
- Includes backup software
- Password protection.
Cons:
- Slower than SSDs
- Uses Micro-B connector.
Price: ₦46,957.68
2. Seagate Expansion Portable (HDD)
Designed for quick, no-fuss storage, the Seagate Expansion Portable offers large capacities perfect for movies, games, and backups. It requires no setup—just plug it in and start using it. Its simple design makes it a dependable choice for people who value ease of use.
Pros: Large capacity, budget-friendly, plug-and-play.
Cons: Lacks encryption, basic casing.
Price: ₦150,000
3. Samsung T7 Portable SSD
A favorite among professionals, the Samsung T7 offers incredible speeds of up to 1050MB/s, making file transfers lightning fast. It’s shock-resistant, fits in your pocket, and includes password protection with AES 256-bit encryption for maximum security. Perfect for photographers, video editors, and heavy data users.
Pros: Super-fast, rugged, encrypted.
Cons: More expensive than HDDs, can get warm under load.
Price: $249.99 (~₦390,000)
4. SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD
Built for adventure, the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD is water- and dust-resistant (IP55 rated), making it perfect for outdoor professionals. It’s small enough to clip to your bag, yet powerful enough to handle large 4K video files at speeds up to 1050MB/s.
Pros:
- Rugged
- Weather-resistant
- Fast performance.
Cons:
- Pricier than regular HDDs
- Small body can be misplaced.
Price: $269.99 (~₦421,000)
5. Transcend StoreJet 25M3 (HDD)
This shock-resistant HDD is a lifesaver for people who move their drives around often. With a triple-layer protective case, it can survive accidental drops while still offering high storage capacity at a low price. Ideal for students and travelers on a budget.
Pros:
- Shockproof design
- Affordable
- Good for travel.
Cons:
- Bulkier than slim drives
- Slower than SSDs.
Price: ₦20,990
6. Crucial X9 Pro (SSD)
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| Crucial X9 Pro (SSD) |
The Crucial X9 Pro combines professional-grade speed with IP55 water and dust resistance. With read/write speeds up to 1050MB/s, it’s ideal for creative professionals working on the go. Its sleek design and solid build make it a premium yet affordable SSD choice.
Pros:
- Fast 10Gbps speeds
- Rugged
- Stylish.
Cons:
- More expensive than HDDs
- Limited color options.
Price: ₦140,000 (est.)
7. Crucial X6 Portable SSD
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| Crucial X6 Portable SSD |
If you’re looking for an affordable entry into SSD storage, the Crucial X6 is a solid pick. It’s light, compact, and faster than any HDD, making it great for quick file transfers and everyday storage without breaking the bank.
Pros:
- Compact
- Budget SSD
- Good speeds.
Cons:
- No rugged protection
- Not the fastest SSD.
Price: ₦120,000 (est.)
8. SK Hynix Tube T31 (USB SSD Stick)
This is an SSD disguised as a thumb drive—tiny, portable, and capable of SSD-level speeds. Perfect for people who want the speed of an SSD without carrying a bulky enclosure. Ideal for quick backups and transferring large files between devices.
Pros:
- Ultra-portable
- SSD speeds
- No cables needed.
Cons:
- Easy to misplace
- Limited to smaller capacities.
Price: ₦135,000 (est.)
9. Lexar SL600 (SSD)
The Lexar SL600 is a stylish, high-speed external SSD with USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 support for up to 20Gbps transfer rates. Its aluminum body adds durability while keeping it lightweight. Ideal for large media libraries, 4K videos, and professional workflows.
Pros:
- Super-fast
- Sleek design
- Sturdy build.
Cons:
- Needs USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 for full speed
- Pricier than HDDs.
Price: ₦260,000 (est.)
10. Teamgroup M200 (SSD)
Designed with a rugged military-style casing, the Teamgroup M200 offers 20Gbps speeds and shock resistance at an affordable price. Great for gamers, creatives, and anyone needing high speed without paying a fortune for premium brands.
Pros:
- Rugged
- High-speed
- Budget-friendly SSD.
Cons:
- Limited availability
- Design may be bulky for some.
Price: ₦100,000 (est.)
11. Adata SE920 (USB4 SSD)
This beast of an SSD supports USB4, delivering speeds up to 40Gbps—perfect for 8K video editing, massive backups, and ultra-fast workflows. It’s future-proof and powerful, though best suited for users with USB4-compatible devices.
Pros:
- Extreme speed
- USB4 support
- Future-ready.
Cons:
- Expensive
- Requires latest hardware to reach full potential.
Price: ₦180,000 (est.)
12. SanDisk Desk Drive (SSD)
Made for desktop use, the SanDisk Desk Drive offers large SSD storage in a stationary form. It’s perfect for keeping all your files in one secure, fast-access location, especially for backups and large creative projects.
Pros:
- Large capacity
- High speed
- Desktop-friendly design
Cons:
- Not portable
- Requires external power.
Price: ₦280,000 (est.)
13. WD My Passport USB-C (HDD)
An updated version of the classic My Passport, this model comes with USB-C for better compatibility and faster transfers than older Micro-B versions. With up to 6TB capacity, it’s perfect for storing years’ worth of files affordably.
Pros:
- High capacity
- Modern USB-C
- Affordable.
Cons:
- Still slower than SSDs
- Not rugged.
Price: ₦180,000 (est.)
14. Seagate Expansion Desktop (HDD)
If you need massive storage at the lowest price per TB, the Seagate Expansion Desktop is hard to beat. With up to 16TB capacity, it’s perfect for archiving, media storage, or game libraries. Just plug it into your desktop and go.
Pros:
- Huge capacity
- Great value per TB
- Easy setup.
Cons:
- Not portable
- Tequires power supply.
Price: ₦320,000 (est.)
15. Toshiba Canvio Basics (HDD)
The Toshiba Canvio Basics is a no-frills, budget-friendly external HDD. It’s light, portable, and perfect for students or anyone needing extra space without paying for extra features. Simply plug in and start transferring files.
Pros:
- Very cheap
- Simple to use
- Portable.
Cons:
- No extra features
- Slower speeds.
Price: ₦19,990
How to Get the Most from Your External Drive
Even a budget drive will last longer and perform better if you follow a few simple practices:
- Avoid Drops & Shocks – Especially for HDDs, as moving parts are sensitive.
- Don’t Fill to 100% – Leave at least 10–15% space free to maintain performance.
- Safely Eject – Always eject before unplugging to prevent file corruption.
- Use a Backup Plan – Keep two copies: one on your drive, one in the cloud or another drive.
How to Choose the Right Budget External Drive
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When shopping for a cost-friendly storage device, keep these in mind:
- Price per TB – Look for drives offering more space for less money.
- Speed – HDDs average 100–150MB/s, SSDs can exceed 1000MB/s.
- Durability – Rugged, shock-resistant, and weatherproof designs last longer.
- Compatibility – Ensure the drive works with your operating system.
- Security Features – Encryption and password protection for sensitive files.
- Brand Reliability – Trusted brands with warranties give better peace of mind.
Conclusion
Whether you need a cheap portable hard drive for everyday files or a budget SSD for lightning-fast transfers, the list above covers it all.
Remember always keep at least two backups of important data. Drives can fail, but smart storage habits will protect you in the long run.