When you want to create a backup of data, a hard drive comes in handy. If the internal hard disk space is insufficient, you can use an external hard drive to store files you don’t access frequently or for archival use cases. By doing so, you can free a considerable amount of internal space on a PC, Laptop, or Chromebook.

Also Read: Best Streaming HDDs

SSDs are preferred over HDDs owing to their fast read/write speed. But external SSDs cost higher than HDDs. A hard drive is a better option if you can compromise a bit with the data transfer speed rates. To benefit from ample storage space, let’s look at the details of the best 20 TB hard disk drives:

20 TB hard disk drives:

Image	Product Name	Buy Now
	WD 20TB My Book Duo Desktop RAID External HDD	Check on Amazon
	WD Gold 20 TB WD201KRYZ – OEM	Check on Newegg
	Seagate IronWolf Pro 20TB (ST20000NE000)	Check on Amazon
	G-Technology 20TB G-RAID with Thunderbolt 3	Check on Amazon
	WD 20TB WDBMUT0200JWT-NESN	Check on Amazon
	Seagate Exos X20 ST20000NM007D	Check on Newegg

6. Seagate Exos X20 Model: ST20000NM007D:

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Seagate Exos X20 hard drive is a market-leading 20 TB HDD with the highest available capacity. It offers reliable performance along with enhanced caching. This aspect makes it a perfect choice for substantial scale-out data center applications and cloud data centers.

This drive is also regarded as a hyperscale SATA model. It is tuned for substantial data transfers and low latency. The PowerBalance feature optimizes Watts/TB. The helium sealed-drive design maximizes the overall cost of ownership savings. This is because this design boasts low power and weight.

The helium side-sealing weld technology offers extra handling strength and leak protection. The digital environmental sensors supervise internal drive conditions for optimal performance and operation. Seagate security features are implemented.

Features:

• This 7200 RPM drive comes with a 256 MB cache.
• The interface is SATA 6.0 Gb/s.
• The recording technology is CMR.
• The average latency is 4.16 ms.
• The form factor is 3.5 inches.

5. WD 20TB Model: Model: WDBMUT0200JWT-NESN:

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This WD hard drive presents centralized storage for your preferred files, photos, and videos from popular cloud accounts and your devices. Wherever the Internet connectivity is available, you can access your content. Moreover, you can invite others to share and collaborate on content.

Simply plug it into a Wi-Fi router at home so that you can save digital content in one place. This drive can automatically back up videos and photos on your phone. Also, you can use it to wirelessly back up and synchronize all your Mac and PCs and cloud accounts.

You can use the USB port to rapidly import videos, photos, and documents from other devices. Through ‘My Cloud Home‘ apps (compatible with web, desktop, and mobile), you can access, share and upload those photos and videos from anywhere.

Features:

• This drive is compatible with PC and Mac and iOS and Android devices.
• Two hard drives supporting Mirror Mode (RAID 1) lead to duplicating all your content saved on the second drive.
• Your contents stay secure through password protection and 256-bit AES hardware encryption. You simply need to activate password protection and set your customized password through WD Discover.
• This drive can connect to media streaming services and stream videos from compatible devices.
• Implemented connectivity technologies are Wi-Fi and USB.

4. G-Technology 20TB G-RAID with Thunderbolt 3:

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If you are looking for the fastest 20 TB hard drive, then this G-Technology drive is one of the best options. With its dual Thunderbolt 3 ports, it is accessible to daisy chain up to 5 different devices so that you can be connected to multiple drives. For most demanding creative projects, this drive is a recommended option.

It supports HD, 2K, 4K, and HDR video workflows. Through the durable all-aluminum enclosure, this drive not only performs efficiently but also appears good. When connected to a USB-C port or Thunderbolt 3 port, the transfer speeds of 4K footage and HD photos are quick. Throughout the operation, the drive stays cool. The build quality is durable.

Features:

• The connectivity technology is HDMI.
• A USB-C port (support for USB 3.1 Gen 2) and dual Thunderbolt 3 ports are included.
• Daisy chaining is supported for a maximum of 5 additional devices.
• There is support for Hardware RAID 0 (for performance), RAID 1 (for mirroring), and JBOD.

3. Seagate IronWolf Pro 20TB (Model: ST20000NE000):

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IronWolf Pro 20TB HDD is optimized for NAS. It supports a high workload and offers fast performance. The excellent capacity can support your SMB. The conventional magnetic recording technology (CMR) can store and secure crucial data and AgileArray firmware for excellent RAID reliability and NAS compatibility.

When this drive is incorporated into compatible NAS systems, the system reliability improves because of continuous monitoring and user alerts. 24×7 accessibility ensures the storage and security of your crucial data. Moreover, this IronWolf can deal with a high-data network’s vibrations and excess workload rates in a multi-bay NAS environment. 5-year limited warranty contains 3-years Rescue Data Recovery Services.

Features:

• The connectivity technology is SATA.
• The interface is SATA 6 Gb/s.
• The form factor is 3.5 inches.
• The read speed is 250 Mbp.
• The hard drive rotational speed is 7200 RPM.
• IronWolf Health Management (IHM) enhances system reliability by showing prevention, intervention, and recovery options.
• Built-in RV sensors offer higher bay NAS with slight lag or downtime.
• Built with the conventional magnetic recording (CMR), IronWolf Pro drives deliver the consistent performance you need.
• The 300 TB/year user workload rate makes sure this drive can easily undertake heavy workloads within multi-user NAS environments.

2. WD Gold 20 TB, Model: WD201KRYZ – OEM:

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Accomplish challenging workloads with this enterprise-class hard disk drive. The drive is competent to store 20 TB of content due to the OptiNAND technology. The vibration protection technology improves the performance.

TSA (Triple State Actuator) and EAMR (Energy Assisted Magnetic Recording) are implemented for high areal density and high media precision.

Features:

• The interface is SATA 6.0 Gb/s.
• The recording technology is CMR.
• The hard drive rotational speed is 7200 RPM.
• The cache size is 512 MB.
• The form factor is 3.5 inches.
• Enhanced reliability is guaranteed with MTBF up to 2.5M hours.
  Workloads up to 550TB/year are handled.
• HelioSeal technology conveys high capacities with a reduced power draw.

1. WD 20TB My Book Duo Desktop RAID External HDD:

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The most reliable 20 TB hard disk drive on the market is the WD 20 TB external HDD mentioned above. The ample storage capacity helps you to free up space on your computers. Now you can store and backup documents, photos, videos, and music files at a reliable place.

This drive can work as a quasi-docking station with the two USB 3.0 Type-A hub ports. These ports help you connect accessories like a keyboard, mouse, USB drives, card readers, etc. Being compatible with USB 3.0 and USB 3.1 Gen 1, this drive offers high-speed connectivity irrespective of the interface.

Features:

• RAID-0 mode offers super-fast performance with sequential read speeds up to 360MB/s (through a USB Type-C port).
• This drive can switch to RAID-1 configuration for data mirroring and data redundancy.
• RAID-1 mode allows the drive to function as two independent drives (JBOD) through the included WD Drive utility software.
• The USB Type-C port is universally compatible with all USB interfaces. It can support USB 3.1 Gen 1/3.0/2.0.
• RAID-optimized firmware is ideal for two-disk array systems supporting automatic management of drive operations to guarantee read/write cycle data integrity.
• It comes with 256-bit AES hardware encryption and password protection for data security.
• WD Security software secures your private content. To activate data protection and hardware encryption, you can set a personalized password.

List of the Best 18 TB hard disk drives:

Image	Product Name	Buy Now
	WD Gold 18TB Enterprise Class HDD	Check on Newegg
	Western Digital 18TB WD Purple Surveillance HDD	Check on Amazon
	SanDisk Professional 18TB G-DRIVE HDD	Check on Amazon
	Seagate Exos X18 (ST18000NM000J)	Check on Amazon
	Western Digital 18TB WD Red Pro	Check on Amazon
	WD HGST 18TB Ultra 512E SE NP	Check on Amazon
	Western Digital 18TB External Hard Drive	Check on Amazon
	Fantom Drives 18 TB (GF3B18000EU)	Check on Amazon

8. Fantom Drives 18 TB (Model: GF3B18000EU):

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This Fantom drive presents a reliable storage solution for personal, business, and multimedia uses. The chic black brushed finish and sandblasted silver color elegantly complement a desk space. The use of sturdy aluminum makes the drive durable—moreover, the aluminum doubles as a heat sink that allows this drive to operate cool and quietly.

Features:

• The connectivity technologies are USB and ESATA.
• The form factor is 3.5 inches.
• Compatible devices are desktops, laptops, cameras, and gaming consoles.
• USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) interface provides transfer rates up to 10 times more than that of USB 2.0. This interface is compatible with USB 3.0 ports and is backward compatible with USB 2.0.
• Compatible operating systems are Windows 7 or newer and Mac OS X or newer.
• Xbox one (up to 16 TB) and Playstation 4 (up to 8 TB) are compatible with this drive.
• This drive can be stored vertically or horizontally with the included stand to optimize and perfectly fit your workspace.

7. Western Digital 18TB External Hard Drive:

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This 18 TB external hard drive provides high-capacity, reliable add-on storage. The entire operation is quiet.

Features:

• USB universal compatibility can work with USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 devices.
• It is plug & play ready for Windows PCs.
• WD quality is implemented inside and outside.

6. WD HGST 18TB Ultra 512E SE NP:

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Rotational Vibration Safeguard (RVS) system in this 512E drive upkeeps drive performance in multi-drive systems and high rotational vibration environments. 18 TB storage space offers 29% more capacity than 14 TB helium-filled drives.

The drive, as mentioned above, is the industry’s first HDD with the Energy-Assisted Magnetic Recording technology. This technology enhances writability and areal density. Specifically, this drive offers improved performance and data integrity in multi-drive environments.

Features:

• The connectivity technology is SATA.
• The hard disk form factor is 3.5 inches.
• HelioSeal design contributes to maximum possible power efficiency.
• 512 MB of cache buffer enhances data management and response time.
• Triple Stage Actuator and the Two-Dimensional Magnetic Recording (TDMR) technology leads to more precise head positioning. It also boosts areal density and performance.
• Dual Safe, RSA-signed firmware holds on to preceding firmware versions for secure firmware updates. It is verified through an RSA signature.
• Media Cache Plus architecture improves random write performance.
• The maximum MTBF is 2.5M hours.
• 0.35% AFR unsurpassed reliability rating decreases chances of failures.

5. Western Digital 18TB WD Red Pro:

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Passed with extended drive testing, Western Digital ensures that this drive is tested for reliable long-term operation. It is a perfect solution for sharing and archiving your content. Also, it is ideal for RAID array rebuilding on extensive operating systems like ZFS or other file systems. For personal, business, and multimedia usage, this drive is perfect.

This drive adds value to your business by facilitating employees to share files and backup folders rapidly in your NAS solution.

Features:

• The connectivity technology is SATA.
• The form factor is 3.5 inches.
• The read speed is up to 272 Mbps.
• There is support for up to 24 bays.
• The maximum workload rate is 300 TB/year.
• The maximum MTBF is 1M hours.
• The reliability is excellent with 3D Active Balance Plus technology as well as error recovery controls with the NASware 3.0 technology
• 3D Active Balance Plus makes sure your data stays protected against extreme noise and vibration in a RAID or NAS environment. It is this dual-plane balance control that decreases the damage of your drive over time.
• Built-in multi-axis shock sensor automatically senses slight shock events.
• The dynamic fly height technology adapts every read-write function to protect the data.
• The combination of dynamic fly height technology and multi-shock sensor protects the drives in 1 to 24 bay NAS environments. Also, it enhances rugged drive reliability.
• With the reduction in power consumption, the working temperature of your NAS remains cool…

4. Seagate Exos X18 (Model: ST18000NM000J):

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 This Seagate 18 TB drive is uniquely designed for presenting the highest rack-space efficiency and maximum storage capacity. With the 18 TB storage capacity and being protected with the Seagate Secure™ technology, this drive is perfectly tuned for low latency and substantial data transfers. You can rely on this drive to benefit from the highest storage densities and high efficiency.

Being scalable, it can execute large applications to fulfill hyperscale demands. You would observe consistent performance with repeatable response times and low latency with enhanced caching. The lowest cost per terabyte suggests that this drive is cost-effective.

Features:

• This enterprise HDD has a cache size of 256 MB.
• The hard drive rotational speed is 7200 RPM.
• The form factor is 3.5 inches.
• Maximum MTBF is 2.5M hours.
• The reliability rating is 0.35% AFR.
• This drive supports data analytics capabilities and other dense architectures to provide the highest possible rack-space efficiency.

3. SanDisk Professional 18TB G-DRIVE HDD:

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This enterprise-class HDD from SanDisk quickly backs up or add additional storage to your computer. Therefore, it can support all your music, HD photos, videos, and other file transfers at fast speed through the USB-C (5 Gbps) port. It is a perfect storage solution for personal, business, and multimedia usage.

Through the quality anodized aluminum enclosure, this drive perfectly pairs with your high-end computer as well as ensures durability.

Features:

• The maximum read speed is 260MB/s, and the maximum write speed is 260MB/s.
• The USB-C port supports up to 45W of USB Power Delivery. It enables you to charge your compatible MacBook Pro or MacBook without using a separate charger.
• This drive is Apple Time Machine ready.
• It comes with a plug-and-play interface on Mac and is easily reformatted for Windows.
• The form factor is 3.5 inches.

2. Western Digital 18TB WD Purple Surveillance HDD:

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Different chipset and chassis manufacturers can use this 18 TB HDD due to its broad compatibility. It can be seamlessly integrated into a new or prevailing video surveillance system. It is a perfect solution for 24/7, always-on, high-definition security systems. In such scenarios, it ensures quality video playback and reliability.

Features:

• The cache size is 512 MB.
• The form factor is 3.5 inches.
• The maximum workload rate is 180 TB/year.
• With the mentioned workload rate and up to 64 cameras, this drive is optimized for surveillance systems.
• The support for up to 64 surveillance cameras for each hard drive makes sure this drive offers you the flexibility to upgrade and extend your security system in the future.
• AllFrame technology allows this drive to improve video capturing ability. Also, it contributes to a reduction in errors, pixelation, and video interruptions, which can occur in a video recorder system.
• Write operations are prioritized for maximized surveillance performance. The drive is tuned for low-bit-rate, high stream-count applications.
• The drive comes with TLER & ATA streaming support.

1. WD Gold 18TB Enterprise Class HDD:

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The WD Gold SATA HDD is exclusively designed for storage systems and enterprise-class data centers. It delivers world-class performance that contributes to a boost in your overall system performance. Moreover, it provides 20 TB storage space on a 9 disk CMR drive with the capacity-enabling features from OptiNAND™ technology.

There is the inclusion of sophisticated monitoring electronics which correct rotational and linear vibrations in real-time. This is accomplished through advanced vibration protection technology for outstanding performance in high-vibration environments. Especially for challenging workloads, this drive is a perfect solution.

Features:

• The cache size is 512 MB.
• The MTBF up to 2.5M hours offers enhanced reliability.
• The vibration protection technology boosts the performance.
• HelioSeal technology conveys high capacities with reduced power consumption.
• TSA (Triple State Actuator) and EAMR (Energy Assisted Magnetic Recording) offer improved areal density and high media precision.
• The triple-stage actuator (TSA) improves the precision of head-positioning and offers better data integrity to amplify areal density.
• The list of compatible operating systems is Windows, Windows Server, and Linux.

Concluding Note:

In addition to providing high storage capacity, these hard disk drives are well-known for fast data transfer speed. They are helpful for personal, business, and multimedia applications.

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