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Having your files stored in one location would save you time and give you a sense of peace of mind. PIX1861 / Pixabay

It is difficult and time consuming to search for files when they are saved in different locations -- some may be in your computer at the office, some on a thumb drive tucked away somewhere, while others may be stored in the cloud.

You may have different reasons for storing your data in separate locations. However, having them in one place is extremely convenient. This is when external drives come in handy. The best part about these drives is that you have the option of carrying them with you.

Here are some best drives that have specific features to suit your needs. We have selected 1TB drives for this list, as unless you are someone who deals with heavy graphics, it is a perfect size to accommodate a lifetime of files.

1. SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable External SSD
(photo from amazon.com)

One of the reasons you may find it inconvenient to save your documents on an external drive is the time you have to spend to do it. If this is the case, the SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable External SSD is perfect for you, as it allows for high-speed transfers -- up to 550MB/s. You will be able to copy your files from your device almost as fast as just transferring them to a folder on your desktop.

2. Toshiba (HDTB410XK3AA) Canvio Basics
(photo from amazon.com)

The Toshiba (HDTB410XK3AA) Canvio Basics is a sleek choice with its matte and smudge-resistance finish. But what is great about it is that it is just like using a thumb drive -- you simply plug and use, without having to install any drives. It also uses the USB 3.0 -- compatible with USB 2.0 as well -- and can therefore perform faster.

3. WD 1TB My Passport Portable External Hard Drive
(photo from amazon.com)

If you are someone who is concerned about security and you fear the convenience of having all your data exposed in one click, the WD 1TB My Passport Portable External Hard Drive would be great for you. It allows for a password setup and has a 256-bit AES hardware encryption.

4. LaCie Rugged USB-C 1TB External Hard Drive
(photo from amazon.com)

The LaCie Rugged USB-C 1TB External Hard Drive is what we recommend for people who are always on the go. This device features drop shock, dust and rain resistance and even comes with a two-year limited warranty protection plan and Rescue Data Recovery Services.

5. Samsung (MU-PA1T0B/AM) T5 Portable SSD
(photo from amazon.com)

From a popular brand in electronics, the Samsung (MU-PA1T0B/AM) T5 Portable SSD is a great choice. With a transfer capacity of 540MB/s, it is faster than a lot of external hard drives. It also allows secure encryption for your files. A bonus feature is its great connectivity as it includes USB Type C to C and USB Type C to A cables so you could easily connect it not only to computers, but also directly to smartphones and other devices.