Powering Your Plex: The Best External Hard Drives For Plex Server

Setting up a Plex Media Server is a fantastic way to organize and stream your personal media collection. But as your library grows, you’ll quickly realize the need for substantial, reliable storage. An external hard drive for Plex server acts as the backbone of your entertainment hub, holding all your movies, TV shows, music, and photos.

Choosing the right drive isn’t just about capacity. You need a device that offers consistent performance, durability, and a good balance of features for your specific Plex setup. From budget-friendly options to premium, high-speed solutions, there’s a perfect fit for every user.

This curated list explores top external hard drive for Plex server choices available today. We’ve considered a variety of factors, including storage size, transfer speeds, reliability, and overall value. Whether you’re building your first Plex server or upgrading an existing one, you’ll find excellent options here.

Our goal is to help you find the best external hard drive for Plex server that aligns with your needs and budget. We’ve included a range of styles, from single-bay desktop drives to multi-bay enclosures, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Get ready to expand your Plex universe with confidence.

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Our Top Picks for External Hard Drives for Plex Server

#### 1. Western Digital Elements Desktop Hard Drive

The Western Digital Elements Desktop Hard Drive is a perennial favorite for good reason. It offers massive storage capacities at a very competitive price point, making it an excellent budget-friendly choice for any Plex server. It’s known for its straightforward plug-and-play operation.

This drive is perfect for users seeking a simple, high-capacity solution without extra frills. Its USB 3.0 connectivity ensures decent transfer speeds for loading your media library. It’s a reliable workhorse that delivers consistent performance for streaming.

If you’re looking for the best external hard drive for Plex server that focuses purely on storage value, this is a top contender. It’s available in capacities up to 22 terabytes, providing ample room for even the most extensive media collections. This is a great choice for new Plex users.

#### 2. Seagate Expansion Desktop Hard Drive

Similar to its WD counterpart, the Seagate Expansion Desktop Hard Drive provides another strong option for affordable, high-capacity storage. It’s a reliable drive that consistently performs well in a Plex server environment. Its simple setup makes it very user-friendly.

This drive is ideal for those who need a lot of space without breaking the bank. The USB 3.0 interface ensures quick data transfers when initially populating your server. It’s a solid, no-nonsense external hard drive for Plex server use.

Users often praise its quiet operation, which is a significant plus if your Plex server is located in a living area. It offers capacities up to 20 terabytes, giving you plenty of room to grow your media library. It’s a fantastic value pick.

#### 3. Western Digital My Book Desktop Hard Drive

The Western Digital My Book series offers robust storage with added features, often including backup software for Windows and Mac. While Plex manages media, the included software can be useful for other data. It presents a sleek design that fits well in most setups.

This drive is perfect for users who appreciate the blend of reliability and potential extra utility. Its USB 3.0 connection ensures efficient data handling, crucial for a smooth Plex experience. It’s a mid-range option with a premium feel.

The My Book is a great choice for those who want a reputable brand name and consistent performance. It comes with capacities up to 22 terabytes, making it an excellent external hard drive for Plex server. Many users find it to be a very dependable option.

#### 4. Seagate Backup Plus Hub Desktop Hard Drive

The Seagate Backup Plus Hub stands out by offering more than just storage. It includes two integrated USB 3.0 ports on the front, transforming it into a convenient charging station or hub for other devices. This feature can be incredibly useful for managing peripherals.

This drive is ideal for users with limited USB ports on their Plex server device. It combines high-capacity storage with practical connectivity, making it a versatile mid-range solution. The USB 3.0 ensures fast media transfers.

It’s a perfect choice for those who need both ample storage and a bit of extra desktop utility. Available in capacities up to 16 terabytes, it provides plenty of space for your media. This is a top external hard drive for Plex server for its added convenience.

#### 5. LaCie d2 Professional Desktop Hard Drive

For those demanding professional-grade performance and durability, the LaCie d2 Professional is an excellent premium external hard drive for Plex server. It features a robust aluminum unibody enclosure that helps dissipate heat and provides excellent protection. Its design is both elegant and functional.

This drive is ideal for serious media enthusiasts or professionals who prioritize speed and reliability. It often comes with Thunderbolt 3 and USB 3.1 ports, offering incredibly fast transfer speeds. This ensures your media can be loaded quickly.

It’s perfect for users running a high-demand Plex server or those who frequently move large media files. With capacities up to 20 terabytes, it offers substantial storage. The LaCie d2 Professional represents a top-tier investment in your Plex infrastructure.

#### 6. G-Technology G-DRIVE Desktop Hard Drive

The G-Technology G-DRIVE is another premium offering known for its professional-grade reliability and performance. Often featuring enterprise-class drives inside, it delivers consistent operation crucial for a Plex server that runs 24/7. Its sleek, industrial design is also a plus.

This drive is perfect for users who value data integrity and sustained performance above all else. It typically offers USB-C (USB 3.1 Gen 1 or Gen 2) connectivity, providing rapid data transfers. This makes adding new media a breeze.

It’s a great choice for users who want a robust and dependable external hard drive for Plex server. Available in capacities up to 22 terabytes, it can handle vast media libraries. The G-DRIVE is a testament to quality engineering for demanding tasks.

#### 7. TerraMaster D5-300C 5-Bay USB 3.1 (Gen1) Type C External Hard Drive Enclosure

If you’re looking for scalability and redundancy, the TerraMaster D5-300C enclosure is a fantastic mid-range solution. This unit allows you to install up to five of your own 3.5-inch or 2.5-inch SATA hard drives, letting you customize your storage capacity and RAID configuration. Drives are sold separately.

It’s ideal for users who want to build a larger, more flexible Plex storage solution over time. The enclosure supports various RAID modes (RAID 0, 1, 5, 10, JBOD, Single) for data protection or performance. Its USB 3.1 Type C connection ensures good transfer speeds.

This is perfect for growing Plex libraries that need room to expand. You can start with a couple of drives and add more later. As an external hard drive for Plex server, this enclosure offers significant potential for future growth.

#### 8. OWC Mercury Elite Pro Quad External Drive Enclosure

The OWC Mercury Elite Pro Quad is a high-quality, professional-grade external enclosure designed for serious data storage. It accommodates up to four 3.5-inch or 2.5-inch SATA drives, offering versatile RAID options for performance or data redundancy. This makes it a robust solution.

This enclosure is perfect for users building a high-capacity, reliable Plex server with excellent data protection. It often features multiple interfaces, including USB 3.2 Gen 2 and sometimes Thunderbolt, for maximum compatibility and speed. This ensures quick access to your media.

It’s a great choice for those who demand top-tier performance and flexibility. You supply your own drives, allowing for complete customization of storage capacity. The OWC Mercury Elite Pro Quad is a premium external hard drive for Plex server power users.

#### 9. Western Digital My Cloud EX2 Ultra (Network Attached Storage)

While technically a Network Attached Storage (NAS) device, the WD My Cloud EX2 Ultra functions exceptionally well as a dedicated external hard drive for Plex server. It comes pre-configured with WD Red Plus drives and offers excellent reliability. It can stream media directly over your network.

This solution is ideal for users who want a centralized storage hub accessible from anywhere, not just directly connected to their server. It supports RAID 1 for data mirroring, providing peace of mind. Its dual-core processor can handle Plex tasks efficiently.

It’s perfect for those seeking a more advanced, network-centric Plex storage solution. You can choose capacities up to 28 terabytes, ensuring vast media storage. The My Cloud EX2 Ultra offers a robust, easy-to-manage external hard drive for Plex server experience.

#### 10. Synology DiskStation DS223j (2-Bay NAS)

Similar to the WD My Cloud, the Synology DiskStation DS223j is a popular 2-bay NAS that integrates seamlessly with Plex. While you provide your own drives, Synology’s user-friendly operating system (DSM) makes setup and management straightforward. It’s a mid-range option.

This device is ideal for users who want a dedicated, powerful, and expandable Plex server storage solution. Its network capabilities allow for flexible access to your media from various devices. It offers robust data protection with RAID 1 support.

It’s a great choice for those ready to step up from a simple direct-attached drive to a more versatile network storage system. The DS223j provides excellent performance for streaming your media library. It’s a highly recommended external hard drive for Plex server enthusiasts.

#### 11. Buffalo DriveStation Quad USB 3.0 External Hard Drive

The Buffalo DriveStation Quad offers a straightforward multi-bay solution for direct-attached storage. It houses four hard drives, allowing for massive capacities and various RAID configurations (RAID 0, 1, 5, 10, JBOD). This provides both speed and data protection.

This unit is ideal for users who need significant storage capacity and redundancy but prefer a direct connection rather than a network setup. Its USB 3.0 interface ensures fast data transfers to and from your Plex server. It’s a mid-range option.

It’s perfect for those with very large media libraries that require robust backup capabilities. You supply your own drives, offering flexibility in capacity. The Buffalo DriveStation Quad is a solid external hard drive for Plex server demanding high-volume storage.

#### 12. Seagate One Touch Hub Desktop Hard Drive

The Seagate One Touch Hub combines generous storage with added functionality, much like its predecessor, the Backup Plus Hub. It features a USB-C and USB 3.0 port on the front, allowing you to connect and charge other devices. This adds convenience to your desktop.

This drive is ideal for users who appreciate extra utility alongside their storage solution. Its high capacity makes it suitable for growing Plex libraries. The USB 3.0 connectivity ensures efficient media transfers.

It’s a perfect choice for those with limited ports on their main Plex server machine. This mid-range option offers capacities up to 16 terabytes. The One Touch Hub is a versatile external hard drive for Plex server, blending storage and connectivity.

#### 13. Glyph Blackbox Pro External Hard Drive

The Glyph Blackbox Pro is built for durability and performance, catering to professionals but equally suitable for a robust Plex server. Its rugged, impact-resistant design provides peace of mind, especially if your server setup moves. It features fast USB-C (USB 3.1 Gen 2) connectivity.

This premium drive is ideal for users who prioritize extreme reliability and fast access to their media. The high-speed interface ensures quick loading of large files. It’s designed to withstand demanding environments.

It’s a great choice for those who want an external hard drive for Plex server that can handle anything. With capacities up to 18 terabytes, it offers substantial space. The Blackbox Pro is an excellent investment for a highly dependable Plex media library.

#### 14. Fantom Drives G-Force 3 Desktop Hard Drive

The Fantom Drives G-Force 3 offers a reliable and reasonably priced high-capacity storage solution. Its aluminum enclosure helps with heat dissipation, which is crucial for a drive running continuously for a Plex server. It’s a solid mid-range choice.

This drive is perfect for users looking for a dependable external hard drive for Plex server without extravagant features. Its USB 3.0 interface provides standard fast transfer speeds. It’s a straightforward option that gets the job done.

It’s a great choice for expanding your Plex library with consistent performance. Available in various capacities, up to 18 terabytes, it offers plenty of room. The Fantom Drives G-Force 3 is a well-regarded option for its balance of price and quality.

#### 15. Silicon Power Stream S06 External Hard Drive

The Silicon Power Stream S06 offers a budget-friendly entry into high-capacity external storage. It provides a simple, plug-and-play solution for expanding your Plex server’s storage without a large investment. It’s a good value option for basic needs.

This drive is ideal for new Plex users or those with smaller media libraries who need reliable, inexpensive storage. Its USB 3.0 interface allows for efficient data transfer. It’s designed for ease of use.

It’s perfect for anyone seeking an external hard drive for Plex server that focuses on core functionality and affordability. With capacities up to 8 terabytes, it offers a good starting point. The Stream S06 is a practical choice for budget-conscious users.

#### 16. Toshiba Canvio Desktop External Hard Drive

The Toshiba Canvio Desktop offers reliable, high-capacity storage from a trusted brand. It’s designed for straightforward use, making it an excellent plug-and-play option for expanding your Plex media server. Its simple aesthetic blends into any setup.

This drive is ideal for users seeking a dependable, no-frills external hard drive for Plex server. Its USB 3.0 connectivity ensures quick data transfers, which is important when adding new content. It provides consistent performance for streaming.

It’s a great choice for those who value simplicity and a good price-to-capacity ratio. Available in capacities up to 16 terabytes, it offers ample space for extensive media collections. The Canvio Desktop is a solid, mid-range contender.

#### 17. Samsung Portable SSD T7 Shield (Portable SSD)

While not a traditional hard drive, the Samsung Portable SSD T7 Shield offers blazing fast speeds and rugged durability. This portable solid-state drive is a premium choice, best for specific Plex server applications. It excels with high-bitrate 4K content or active libraries.

It’s ideal for users who prioritize speed and compact size, perhaps for a portable Plex server setup. Its USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface delivers incredible read/write speeds, ensuring smooth playback even of demanding files. The rugged design protects against drops.

This is perfect for a smaller, highly active Plex library where speed is paramount. While capacities are lower than HDDs (up to 4 terabytes), its performance is unmatched. If you want the best external hard drive for Plex server that offers raw speed, consider this SSD.

#### 18. Sabrent USB 3.0 to SATA External Hard Drive Enclosure for 3.5-inch Drives

For the ultimate in flexibility and budget control, a Sabrent USB 3.0 enclosure allows you to repurpose or choose your own 3.5-inch SATA hard drive. This entry-level enclosure transforms an internal drive into an external one. It’s a very cost-effective solution.

This option is ideal for users who already have spare internal hard drives or want to select a specific internal drive for their Plex server. It provides standard USB 3.0 connectivity for decent transfer speeds. It’s a very budget-friendly approach.

It’s perfect for DIY enthusiasts or anyone looking to maximize value by supplying their own storage. This allows for full control over the internal drive’s capacity and brand. The Sabrent enclosure is a practical external hard drive for Plex server for custom builds.

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Final Thoughts on Choosing Your Plex Server Storage

Finding the best external hard drive for Plex server truly depends on your individual needs. We’ve explored a wide array of options, from high-capacity, budget-friendly desktop drives to scalable multi-bay enclosures and even ultra-fast portable SSDs. Each product offers unique features and benefits.

Consider the size of your current media library and how much you anticipate it will grow. Think about whether you prioritize sheer capacity, blazing fast speeds, or robust data protection. Your budget will also play a significant role in your final decision.

Remember that an external hard drive for Plex server is an investment in your entertainment experience. Any of the products on this list will serve you well, offering reliable storage for your cherished media. Take a moment to assess your requirements.

We encourage you to check current prices and availability on Amazon to find the best deals. By carefully considering your options, you’ll be well on your way to building or upgrading a powerful and efficient Plex Media Server. Happy streaming!