5.0 out of 5 stars Compact, works well and stores a huge amount of data

Z. · 16 December 2022

(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } I must say I'm very pleased with this excellent little unit. It's small, USB powered, fast, stores a huge amount of data and is made by Toshiba (a make I trust).I got it for storing and consolidating sound samples for music making from various flash drives I have dotted around the house. Although flash drives are generally reliable (especially the SanDisk ones I normally use -- please see my separate reviews) I still like to have back ups so it was time to back up everything and have it all handily in one place, and this Toshiba Canvio Partner 4TB Portable 2.5" External HDD is perfect for the job. I absolutely couldn't be happier with my purchase.Speed-wise it's great for what I need it for. It's fast; very fast, and is the fastest drive I own (with file transfer speeds often reaching 130 MB/s [about 1.30 minutes to copy about 10 GB of data]). However, different files, quantities and sizes tend to copy at different speeds, which seems to be how Windows operates, rather than the device itself. Some of my files whizz onto the drive while others take a little longer, but the time factor isn't an issue with me as I just leave the copying process running while I do other things on my computer. This doesn't affect the copying so I'm happy to leave it running for as long as it needs. Maybe alternative models will transfer a little faster and maybe they won't, but as far as I'm concerned the speed of this one is more than adequate. To put a figure on it to give an idea of averages, a folder full of sound samples can copy between 70 MB/s to 110 MB/s, but a good folder of more even files can copy at a steady 110 MB/s to 120 MB/s. Please note the word 'copy' in the above as this is the function I use the drive for, and as such I haven't tried moving files (which may transfer faster).I invariably copy from USB 3.0 devices and as this is USB 3.2 the process is quick, but even on slower drives and SD cards it still isn't much of a bother. As above, I just set it up and leave it, as what's an extra bit of time here and there?Once the bulk of the copying is done all I need to do is back up newer files as I create or acquire them, which is a breeze. The smaller size (10.9 x 1.95 x 7.8 cm -- probably little more than an average laptop touchpad) and USB connection are great because now I can keep the drive in a little cupboard next to where I work so can quickly and without fuss hook it up to the computer whenever I need it, and then disconnect it and put it away just as quickly. Not having to plug it into the mains like my old external hard drives is definitely a plus.Copying couldn't be easier either as it works straight out of the box (bar formatting it to NTFS, which is seconds with the Windows Quick Format command) and is drag and drop. Straight out of the box means there's no drivers to install (certainly not on Windows 10 as I use). As such, it's a case of plug it in and then within seconds it's ready to use (and you can't get quicker than that!).The only downside (which isn't really a downside, but merely common sense when using a mechanical drive) is that it probably shouldn't be moved while copying. Saying that, I have had to move mine a couple of times, but have done so with utmost care and it seems to be okay.Regarding storage, it's plentiful to say the least. I have thousands of samples of varying lengths and qualities (of which a total I couldn't possible guess at, but it has to be well over 100,000, and probably considerably more -- probably a good few 100,000) but they've all gone onto the drive, as well as plenty of associated files, software back ups and all the music I've created. And according to the drive, I haven't even reached 2TB, so with 4TB capacity there's more than enough left over for any amount of adding to. 2TB is massive storage, and 4TB doubles it, so it'll take some filling unless one really crams it with massive files.I can't comment on reliability as I've only recently bought the drive, but Toshiba is usually fairly reliable and seems to have a good name for itself. I'm sure it'll last. Saying that, the drive is used on a near daily basis and works perfectly every time.Please be aware that no matter what capacity a drive is, when plugged into Windows the operating system invariably shows it as having less capacity than advertised, which seems to be just how Windows measures capacity compared to the manufacturer. It isn't indicative of a faulty drive or false advertising, and seems to be the same with any drive plugged into Windows.Please note too that no software comes with the drive, and that the instructions are in .pdf format on the drive itself.Also, as with most connected storage devices, it's highly recommended that instead of just plugging them out when finished, Windows' Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media feature is used instead to save data being corrupted if the drive is still being written too. This can normally be found in the taskbar beside the notification area. There may be a small delay until Windows indicates it's safe to remove the drive, but its usually not too long. This drive follows that convention too.So, an all round excellent purchase which I'm delighted with, and at a good price too. There's simply nothing negative I can say about this drive, and can safely say from my own experiences with it that it's entirely positive. As such, due to its many advantages I highly recommend it.UPDATE (Mar 2024) -- Still going strongI ordered this back in Dec 2022 and have used it nearly every day since for backing-up my ever-increasing collection of samples, installation files and music projects, sometimes three, four or more times a day, and it's still going as strong as ever. Also, it still copies much faster than any of my flash drives. Considering I'm constantly taking it out of the cupboard next to me and putting it away again, and having it balanced upon the arm of my chair while copying, it's proven to be remarkably reliable, and I've still got plenty of space left on it. It's been very much a worthwhile purchase.

5.0 out of 5 stars Works great

K.S. · 10 June 2025

Had absolutely no problems with this. I waited a while before reviewing because I wanted to give it a proper workout. Worth the price. Reliable and fast.

4.0 out of 5 stars Not a bad little drive.

S. · 23 April 2025

I was pleased with the drive. It's small, light and very easy to set up. Basically plug and play. I formatted the drive according to my OS and I was away. Transfer speeds are reasonable, but not mega fast. The drive connects via a usb A cable at one end and a proprietary connection at the other. This was disappointing, but I can appreciate that this might be to avoid a separate power cable. A usb c cable would have been nice though. Overall, I'm happy with the device.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great company,

D.A. · 24 June 2025

Functionality:GreatFit:BrilliantReliability:ExcellentSize:GoodPower source:N\APower consumption:N\AWhy did you choose this product over others?:Trusted Brand

5.0 out of 5 stars Good product

S. · 16 June 2025

Fast data transfer & very quiet. Very pleased with this.

5.0 out of 5 stars Very satisfied with Toshiba Canvio Ready 1TB External Hard Drive

A. · 4 October 2024

This hard drive has exceeded all my expectations regarding performance, portability, and ease of use.The setup was incredibly straightforward. I just plugged it in, and it was ready to go. The USB 3.2 connectivity ensures blazing-fast data transfer speeds, which is perfect for quickly backing up large files or transferring data between devices. I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly I could move my photos, videos, and documents.The compact and lightweight design makes it extremely portable, fitting easily into my bag without adding any significant weight. This makes it perfect for travelling or working on the go. Despite its small size, the 1TB storage capacity is more than enough for my needs, providing ample space for all my important files.I am very happy with this purchase. It offers fantastic value for money, combining high-speed performance, large storage capacity, and portability. I highly recommend it to anyone who needs an efficient external hard drive.

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Value External Drive.

M.I.M. · 21 May 2025

Nice Unit. So easy to install and use.

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant working hard drive!

r. · 30 June 2025

This Toshiba hard drive has worked perfectly right!?but since I’ve ordered Sonnics has failed which didn’t seem to be compatible to my future proof Panasonic which the old Sonnics only just died after around 7 years! For some reason & bought another Sonnic which i thought i can trust for another 7 years more but sadly didnt work too!??maybe a small electronics device might have given up a ghost? But i decided to opt for the Toshiba ones & they’re happily working as they should do! So im going to stick by Toshiba from now until my other smart tv has sonnics too! & tv are LG ! Working a treat for now if sonnics breaks? You may probably guess what I’m going to buy!? Yes it’s Toshiba! Is exactly what im going to do! oh well see how we go!? Take care what you’re buying & be happy Toshiba got to be a winner! Enjoy recording!

Excelente

A.G.H.R. · 10 June 2025

(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } Va super rapido y es muy confiable

Excelente disco duro externo para copias y para todo

F. · 28 May 2025

Excelente disco ruro externo. Recomiendo este disco porque viene formaeado con fichero ExFAT es compatile con todo tablet, moviles. Excelente producto de Toshiba.

Good product

Z. · 22 October 2024

It’s exactly like the picture and it’s the cheapest external disk I ever found with good quality. It helped me a lot with storage issues in my computer.

Good

V.M. · 16 September 2024

Good

Pratique.

M.Z. · 25 June 2025

Pratique et facile d’utilisation.