The 10 best internal drive to external for 2022

Finding the best internal drive to external suitable for your needs isnt easy. With hundreds of choices can distract you. Knowing whats bad and whats good can be something of a minefield. In this article, weve done the hard work for you.

Product Features Editor's score Go to site
Inateck Universal USB 3.0 to IDE/SATA Converter Hard Drive Adapter with Power Switch fit 2.5 Inateck Universal USB 3.0 to IDE/SATA Converter Hard Drive Adapter with Power Switch fit 2.5"/3.5"SATA HDD/SSD and IDE HDD Drives Optical Drive, Support 6TB, Include 12V 2A Power Adapter and USB 3.0 Cable(UA2001)
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StarTech USB 2.0 to SATA IDE Adapter (USB2SATAIDE) StarTech USB 2.0 to SATA IDE Adapter (USB2SATAIDE)
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Bipra USB 2.0 to SATA/IDE Adapter Kit with Power Adapter for 2.5/3.5/5.25 Inch SATA or IDE Drive Bipra USB 2.0 to SATA/IDE Adapter Kit with Power Adapter for 2.5/3.5/5.25 Inch SATA or IDE Drive
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Inateck USB 3.0 HDD SATA External Hard Drive Disk Enclosure Case fit 9.5mm 7mm 2.5 Inch SATA HDD and SSD (FE2004) Inateck USB 3.0 HDD SATA External Hard Drive Disk Enclosure Case fit 9.5mm 7mm 2.5 Inch SATA HDD and SSD (FE2004)
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Inateck USB 3.0 to SATA Adapter Cable fit 2.5 Inateck USB 3.0 to SATA Adapter Cable fit 2.5" SSD/HDD Drives - SATA to USB 3.0 External Converter and Cable(UA1002)
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Sabrent USB 3.0 to SSD/SATA / IDE 2.5/3.5/5.25-INCH Hard Drive Converter with UL Power Supply & LED Activity Lights [10TB Support] (USB-DS12) Sabrent USB 3.0 to SSD/SATA / IDE 2.5/3.5/5.25-INCH Hard Drive Converter with UL Power Supply & LED Activity Lights [10TB Support] (USB-DS12)
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SATA/IDE to USB 3.0 Adapter, UNITEK IDE Hard Drive Adapter for Universal 2.5 SATA/IDE to USB 3.0 Adapter, UNITEK IDE Hard Drive Adapter for Universal 2.5"/3.5" Inch IDE and SATA External HDD/SSD with 12V 2A Power Adapter, Support 10TB
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UNITEK USB 3.0 to IDE & SATA Converter External Hard Drive Adapter Kit for Universal 2.5/3.5 HDD/SSD Hard Drive Disk, One Touch Backup Function and Restore Software, Included 12V/2A Power Adapter UNITEK USB 3.0 to IDE & SATA Converter External Hard Drive Adapter Kit for Universal 2.5/3.5 HDD/SSD Hard Drive Disk, One Touch Backup Function and Restore Software, Included 12V/2A Power Adapter
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SANOXY A12940 SATA/PATA/IDE Drive to USB 2.0 Adapter Converter Cable SANOXY A12940 SATA/PATA/IDE Drive to USB 2.0 Adapter Converter Cable
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BSHTU USB 3.0 to 7+6 13Pin Slimline SATA Cable Adapter for Laptop CD DVD Rom Optical Drive BSHTU USB 3.0 to 7+6 13Pin Slimline SATA Cable Adapter for Laptop CD DVD Rom Optical Drive
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1. Inateck Universal USB 3.0 to IDE/SATA Converter Hard Drive Adapter with Power Switch fit 2.5"/3.5"SATA HDD/SSD and IDE HDD Drives Optical Drive, Support 6TB, Include 12V 2A Power Adapter and USB 3.0 Cable(UA2001)

Feature

Compact design, versatile functions, enables access to three drives simultaneously; All-new, improved upgrade solution; additional power switch, blue LED for indication of operation and power status
The converter can support up to three drives simultaneously, it is compatible with 2.5"/3.5" IDE/SATA hard drives and 5.25" IDE/SATA CD/DVD drives
Compatible Systems: Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10(32bit and 64bit); Mac OS 10.X (OTB mode isn't applicable for W8 and Mac)
SuperSpeed USB 3.0 supports transfer rates of up to 5Gbps - The actual transmission speed is limited by the setting of the device connected; Downwards compatible with USB 1.1/2.0
Simple, reliable and stable; Plug and play, hot swap; One Touch Backup function; On/Off Switch for HDD protection

Description

Specification Product Name: Universal USB 3.0 to IDE/SATA converter with power switch Supported Drives: 2.5"/3.5" SATA HDD/SSD; 2.5"/3.5" IDE HDD; DVD-ROM, CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD-RW, DVD+RW Compatible Systems: Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10 (32bit and 64bit); Mac OS 10.X (OTB mode isn't applicable for Windows 8 and Mac) Product Features - Dual-Head IDE Connector (40pin and 44pin) plus one SATA II Connector - Includes PC Clone Ex Lite backup and restore software, and features a button for one touch backup - One-click backup feature to effectively secure precious data; convenient, simple and practical data access and storage conversion solution for a wide range of users of both mobile and stationary PCs - Supports drives with a capacity of up to 6 TB, LED activity indicator, Plug & Play, simple, reliable and stable - On/Off Switch for HDD protection, can be switched off when not in use, easy and simple operation, efficiently enhances lifespan of your devices - Supports most models of DVD/CD drives comprising of an IDE or SATA interface on the market, burning ROM disks, system boot or installation supported Package Include - 1 x USB 3.0 to IDE+SATA Adapter - 1 x USB 3.0 CABLE - 1 x 4PIN Power Cable - 1 x Power Adapter - 1 x CD Driver Notice 1. One Touch Backup function can only be used on USB connection under Windows system (except Windows8). 2. Please connect the power supply while using the converter to ensure the stable power.

2. StarTech USB 2.0 to SATA IDE Adapter (USB2SATAIDE)

Feature

Supports both 2.5in and 3.5in SATA/IDE hard drives in a single, compact unit
Backed by a StarTech 2-year warranty and free lifetime technical support
Built in connectors for both 2.5in and 3.5in SATA and IDE hard drives
LED indicators provide status and activity updates
High Speed USB 2.0 host interface, with support for transfer rates up to 480 Mbps
Compact, portable form factor

Description

This USB 2.0 to IDE/SATA Adapter Cable connects any standard 2.5in or 3.5in SATA or IDE hard drive to a computer through USB 2.0. The adapter lets you connect a bare drive with no enclosure, saving time and hassle. The USB 2.0 SATA/IDE Adapter features LED indicators that allow you to easily monitor status and activity updates, and is designed for durability and reliability.

3. Bipra USB 2.0 to SATA/IDE Adapter Kit with Power Adapter for 2.5/3.5/5.25 Inch SATA or IDE Drive

Feature

Compatible with any 2.5", 3.5", 5.25" IDE or SATA drive!
Dual Output Switch with LED Power ON Indicators
Hot swappable and Plug and Play
High Speed USB 2.0 up to 480Mbps Transfer Speed (Backwards compatible with USB 1.1)
2A AC USA power adapter to ensure enough power for the most power-consuming drives

Description

The BIPRA USB 2.0 to SATA/IDE Adapter allows you to connect any SATA or IDE drive to your computer's USB port. This is the perfect tool to duplicate, copy, backup, or transfer large amount of data from one drive to another. Easy to take to any location and universal enough to work with any system.

The package contains everything you need to connect an IDE or SATA hard disk, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, CD-RW, COMBO, or DVD-RW to your computer. It includes all cables, instructions and external power adapter for larger devices.

Features
- Compatible with any 2.5", 3.5", 5.25" IDE or SATA drive!
- Dual Output Switch with LED Power ON Indicators
- Hot swappable and Plug and Play
- No driver needed
- Supports IDE & Enhanced IDE 3.5" Hard Disk
- Supports ATA/ATAPI-6 Specification 1.0
- Supports SATA I and SATA II
- SATA 7 pin male type connector
- 3.5" IDE 40 pin female connector
- 2.5" IDE 44 pin female connector

Specifications
- Chipset: JMicron JM20337
- High-Speed USB 2.0 (up to 480Mbps) data transfer rate and backward compatibility USB 1.1.
- 2.0 Amp AC Power Adapter to ensure enough power for the most power-consuming drives
- AC Power Adapter Input: 100 - 240V, 50/60Hz
- AC Power Adapter Output: 12V/2A, 5V/2A
- CE Approved

Package Contents
- USB 2.0 to SATA/IDE Adapter
- 2.0 Amp AC Power Adapter
- USA Mains Cable
- User Manual

System Requirements
- Hardware Requirements: PC, Laptop or Mac system with free USB port
- Supported Operating Systems: Windows ME/2000/XP/Vista/7, Mac OS 8.6 and above

4. Inateck USB 3.0 HDD SATA External Hard Drive Disk Enclosure Case fit 9.5mm 7mm 2.5 Inch SATA HDD and SSD (FE2004)

Feature

Great Compatibility: Works great with Windows 2000/Windows Me/Windows 98/XP/Vista/7/8/10, Mac OS 9.1/10.8.4 above
SuperSpeed USB 3.0: Supports transfer rates up to 5 Gbps. Up to ten times faster than USB 2.0. Backward compatible with USB 2.0/1.1 connections
Plug and Play: Just plug in and go! Also supports hot swap. LED light indicates Power and Activity status
Easy to Install: Tool free, no reboot or additional drivers needed, easy to set up and disassemble
Tested ABS Protection: Built-in foam pad, tested ABS plastic material, contemporary and reliable design for the best protection

Description

Overview

Support 1pc 2.5" SATA HDD SSD Hard Drive connection to your computer through an available USB 3.0 port on your desktop or laptop. This sleek case uses ABS plastic material, opens and closes without screws, and is incredibly easy to assembly. Aside from the included USB 3.0 cable there are no additional accessories required to assemble or operate this device. Reverse compatible with USB 2.0 and 1.1.

Features

Built-in foam pad to protect your small-size hard disks effectively(For 7 mm thickness hard disks, please stick this foam pad to the upper cover for preventing vibration before you close the lid.)

Blue power supply/HDD LED activity indicator.

Suitable for 9.5mm and below thickness 2.5" SATA HDD SSD.

Compatible Operating Systems: Windows 2000/Windows Me/Windows 98/ XP /Vista/ 7/ 8/ 10, Mac OS 9.1/10.8.4 above.

Tool - Free design allow to mount Hard Drive in three second without Tools and Mounting Screws, Allow to accessing multi Hard Drives Externally and Easily.

Application

Perfect for laptop PC memory expansion; film, image and media processing, For data exchange and backup in business, education, and personal use.

Packing Content

1x Inateck USB 3.0 HDD External Enclosure

1x USB3.0 data cable

5. Inateck USB 3.0 to SATA Adapter Cable fit 2.5" SSD/HDD Drives - SATA to USB 3.0 External Converter and Cable(UA1002)

Feature

Compatible with USB3.0/USB2.0/USB1.0, supports 2.5" SATA hard drive/solid state drive.
Support hot swapping, powered directly from the USB port.
Compact and lightweight make it is easy to collect and carry.
Fair price with high quality provides you excellent experience.
Weight: 33g; Main material: ABS; Length of the USB cable: 30cm; Port: SATA2/USB3.0

Description

Powered Directly From the USB Port
The cable lets you connect a 2.5" SATA hard disk drive or solid state drive to your computer through an available USB port - which is the easiest way to upgrade the hard drive in your laptop by adding an external SSD via USB 3.0.

Lightweight & Compact
Its lightweight, compact design allows it to be tucked easily into a laptop bag or carrying case.

Package
1* Inateck USB 3.0 to SATA adapter cable UA1002

6. Sabrent USB 3.0 to SSD/SATA / IDE 2.5/3.5/5.25-INCH Hard Drive Converter with UL Power Supply & LED Activity Lights [10TB Support] (USB-DS12)

Feature

Use your 2.5" / 3.5" IDE hard drive or SATA hard disk as an additional external hard drive
Connect your SATA / IDE device to your computer through a USB port
Super-Speed USB 3.0 interface
Compatible Windows PC or Mac with Available USB 3.0 /2.0/1.1 Port
Plug and Play without Rebooting

Description

The USB 3.0 to SATA/IDE Hard Drive adapter enables you to transfer files up to 5 Gbps! Connect any 2.5" and 3.5" SATA/IDE hard drives and 5.25" SATA/IDE CD/DVD-RW drives. Power switch to easily connect and disconnect your hard drive.This Adapter is a perfect solution for data transfers or data backup!

Features:

Supports 2.5" and 3.5" SATA/IDE hard drives

Supports 5.25" SATA/IDE CD/DVD-RW drives

Super-Speed USB 3.0 interface

Plug & Play, Hot-Swappable

LED indicator light

System requirements:

Windows

Mac OS

Package contents:

USB 3.0 to SATA/IDE adapter

Power Adapter

Power Cord

User Manual

7. SATA/IDE to USB 3.0 Adapter, UNITEK IDE Hard Drive Adapter for Universal 2.5"/3.5" Inch IDE and SATA External HDD/SSD with 12V 2A Power Adapter, Support 10TB

Feature

[Universal IDE Hard Drive Adapter] Dual-Head IDE Connector (40pin and 44pin) plus one SATA II Connector. Support SATA 2.5"/3.5" HDD up to 10 TB, IDE 2.5"/3.5" HDD, DVD-ROM, CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD-RW, DVD + RW Optical Drive. Allowed to operate three hard disk drives simultaneously.
[Stable Power Supply] Included 12V 2A power cable is for providing stable electricity supply. 4PIN Power Cable is designed for 3.5'' IDE drive.
[Superspeed USB 3.0] Data transfer rates up to 5 Gbps, backward compatible with USB 2.0/1.1. Support Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10 and Mac OS.
[Driver Free] Plug and play. Automatic Sleep Mode after 30 minutes of inactivity. Support Hot Swapping. On/Off Switch for HDD protection. LED light shows Power and Activity status.
[What We Offer] SATA/IDE to USB 3.0 Adapter Hard Drive Cable x1, 12V 2A Power Adapter x1, 4PIN Power Cable x1; 2-year warranty quality guarantee, 24h-friendly customer service and email support.

Description

Unitek USB 3.0 TO IDE/SATA Adapter enables you to connect 2.5"/3.5" IDE and SATA hard drives to your computer via USB 2.0/3.0 Port.

4 IN 1 Design
The 4 IN 1 Design is ideal to extend storage. It offers 3 connectors for SATA I/II HDD 2.5" / 3.5", IDE HDD 2.5" / 3.5".

Questions & Answers
Q: What operating system does it support?
A: It works on Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10 and Mac OS.

Q: What's the max of TB does it read?
A: It support 2.5 "/3.5" SATA HDD and SSD, 2.5 "/3.5" IDE up to 6TB max and operate at USB 3.0 speed.

Q: How to use the hard drive converter?
A: - Plug hard drive in and flip the power on.
- The drive shows up as a hard drive in Explorer.
You will find it includes a 12V 2A power cable, 4PIN Power Cable for IDE drive.

Q: Can I read it 2 IDE drives simultaneously?
A: No. The SATA and IDE Converter does not support 2 IDE HDDs and only for one IDE and one SATA HDD Simultaneously.

Specifications
Interface: 2 IDE connectors (40pin and 44pin) + 1 SATA II connector
Cable Length: 4.9 ft (150cm)
Features: Automatic sleep mode after 30 minutes of inactivity; LED light shows Power and Activity status.

Warranty
-2 year Ocean Technology LLC warranty
-24h customer email support

8. UNITEK USB 3.0 to IDE & SATA Converter External Hard Drive Adapter Kit for Universal 2.5/3.5 HDD/SSD Hard Drive Disk, One Touch Backup Function and Restore Software, Included 12V/2A Power Adapter

Feature

Support 2.5 "/3.5" SATA HDD and SSD; 2.5 "/3.5" IDE HDD; DVD-ROM, CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD-RW, DVD + RW Optical Drive. Dual-Head IDE Connector (40pin and 44pin) plus one SATA II Connector.
Allow to operate three HDDs Simultaneously. Data transfer rates up to 5 Gbps, backward compatible with USB 2.0/1.1.
Included 12V 2A power cable is for providing stable electricity supply. 4PIN Power Cable is designed for 3.5'' IDE drive.
Plug and play; Hot Swap; One Touch Backup function; On/Off Switch for HDD protection. LED light shows power and activity status.
What we offer: USB 3.0 to IDE+SATA Adapter, USB 3.0 Cable, 4PIN Power Cable, Power Adapter, CD Driver, 2-years Ocean Technology LLC warranty, 24h customer email support.

Description

Unitek Adapter USB 3.0 to IDE / SATA external power

Specifications
- Two IDE connectors (40pin and 44pin) + a SATA II connector
- Support: 2.5 "/3.5" SATA HDD and SSD; 2.5 "/3.5" IDE HDD; DVD-ROM, CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD-RW, DVD + RW
- Operating system: Windows XP / Vista / 7; Mac OS 10.X and win8 (do not support OTB )

Function
- One-click backup feature to effectively secure precious data; convenient, simple and practical data access and storage conversion solution for a wide range of users of both mobile and stationary PCs
- Supports drives with a capacity of up to 4 TB, LED activity indicator, Plug & Play, simple, reliable and stable
- On/Off Switch for HDD protection, can be switched off when not in use, easy and simple operation, efficiently enhances lifespan of your devices

Packaging
- 1 x USB 3.0 to IDE+SATA Adapter
- 1 x USB data cable 3.0
- 1 x 4PIN power cable
- 1 x AC
- 1 x CD Driver

Notice
1. The CD driver is installed only for the One touch Backup and it could NOT used Windows 10 or higher, Mac OS.
2. Please connect the power supply while using the converter to ensure the stable power.
3. The SATA and IDE Converter does not support 2 IDE HDDs and only for one IDE and one SATA HDD Simultaneously.

Warranty
-2 year Ocean Technology LLC warranty
-24h customer email support

9. SANOXY A12940 SATA/PATA/IDE Drive to USB 2.0 Adapter Converter Cable

Feature

Use your 2.5" / 3.5" IDE hard drive or SATA hard disc as an additional external hard drive. Connect your SATA / IDE device to your computer through a USB port. Compliant with USB 1.1 and 2.0 standards. Usb 2.0 interface for 480 MB/s high speed data transfer. Package includes USB to IDE / SATA cable adapter, SATA data cable, AC adapter, AC to IDE power converter, IDE to SATA and power cable
Use your 2.5" / 3.5" IDE hard drive or SATA hard disc as an external hard drive
480 MB/s high speed transfer rate, 52x CD-ROM supported
SANOXY SATA/IDE to USB 2.0 Adapter Supports 2.5-Inch, 3.5-Inch, 5.25-Inch Optical Hard Disk Drives

Description

Use your 2.5" / 3.5" IDE hard drive or SATA hard disk as an additional external hard drive. Connect your SATA / IDE device to your computer through a USB port. Compliant with USB 1.1 and 2.0 standards. USB 2.0 interface for 480 Mbps high speed data transfer. Supports SATA Hard drive, 2.5" laptop hard drives, 3.5" desktop hard drives, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD-RW Combo devices. Plug-n-play. AC power can be used world widely with input voltage AC 100v-240v. Supports Windows ME/2000/XP/Vista and Mac OS. Package includes: USB to IDE / SATA cable adapter. SATA Data cable. AC adapter. AC to IDE power converter. IDE to SATA power cable. Suggested Applications: 2.5" IDE Hard Disk / 3.5" IDE Hard Disk / SATA Hard Disk / CD/CD-RW ROM / DVD/DVD-RW ROM, etc.

10. BSHTU USB 3.0 to 7+6 13Pin Slimline SATA Cable Adapter for Laptop CD DVD Rom Optical Drive

Feature

USB 3.0 to 7+6 13pin Slimline Sata Cable to be used for small Cd DVD Rom Optical drives(internal, laptop), Blu ray optical drive ect.to be taken externally.
Interface:USB3.0 to 7+6 13pin Slimline Sata plug, connect internal SATA optical drive externally, convert your slim DVD drive to portable USB drive instantly. Plug and play , Easy to install.
No external power required, No driver needed in XP/windows 7 and Mac OSX or more hight,Boot from external drive capability
The usb to sata adapter support: SATA DVD drive from laptops and 2nd hard drive caddy
Note: The slimline sata cable only fits SLIMLINE SATA 13 PINs drive from laptops, NOT fit the optical drive from desktop PC. The drive is not included.

Description

USB 3.0 to 7+6 13 Pin Slim SATA Cable for Laptop DVD CD ODD Optical Bay for 2nd HDD Caddy

This USB 3.0 to 13Pin Female Adapter is the latest third generation product, smaller, lighter and firmer. It's so practical, powerful and convenient for working normally.

USB3.0 to SATA Specifications :
1.Input ports:1x USB 3.0
2.Output ports: 1x 7+6pin Slimline SATA
3.Dimensions : 12.7mm x 9.5mm
4. Length: 23cm (Approx.)

SATA Features:
- Connect 7+6pin Slimline SATA optical drive to computer via USB port for easy test and data transfe;
- Support any Slimline SATA CD/DVD optical drive
- USB 3.0 interface, support plug and play and Hot-swapping
- Support USB 3.0 super speed
- Compliant with serial ATA specification revision 2.0 and 1.0
- One USB 3.0 type, a male and one 7+6pin SATA female connectors available
- USB bus power mode, no external power required
- No driver required for any OS
- Small size, light weight, very convenient to carry, easy to install
- Good Safety: Off-line data protection, good safety
- Good Compatible: Can be used in multi plate data exchange
- Hardware Requirement: PC with USB port
- Simple Operation: No need power supply
- Operating System: Win XP/Vista/Win7
- Color: Black

Package:
1 x USB 3.0 to 13 Pin SATA Adapter Cable

Conclusion

By our suggestions above, we hope that you can found the best internal drive to external for you. Please don't forget to share your experience by comment in this post. Thank you!

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