Best USB hard drives for sharing local storage on TP-Link Archer C7 AC1750 Wi-Fi router

By Cale Hunt
last updated

TP-Link's Archer C7 router, a popular budget pick for reliable Wi-Fi, has two USB-A 2.0 ports on the back that, when used with an external hard drive, allow for local sharing. If you don't have an extra drive lying around to handle this job, we've put together a list of the best USB hard drives out there right now.

Image (opens in new tab)

Western Digital My Passport (opens in new tab)

Colorful storage

With storage up to 4TB and a USB-A 3.0 connection (compatible with USB-A 2.0), the My Passport is a great pick for the Archer C7. It's available in eight different colors, it doesn't require an external source of power, and it has a great rating on Amazon with thousands of reviews.

View Deal (opens in new tab)
Image (opens in new tab)

Seagate Backup Plus Slim (opens in new tab)

Compact storage

If size is an issue, this drive from Seagate is lighter and smaller than most yet still manages to pack up to 5TB of storage inside. Choose from four different colors and don't worry about an extra external power supply. It uses USB-A 3.0 to connect, but it's compatible with USB-A 2.0.

View Deal (opens in new tab)
Image (opens in new tab)

Western Digital My Book (opens in new tab)

Huge capacity

Space not an issue? This desktop drive offers storage up to 10TB of storage (up to 20TB with a dual drive setup) for a relatively low price. It connects with USB-A 3.0 (compatible with USB-A 2.0) and it does require an external source of power.

View Deal (opens in new tab)
Image (opens in new tab)

Samsung T5 (opens in new tab)

Portable SSD

Your hard drive might not always sit next to your Archer C7, so if you need storage elsewhere when not sharing on your network, why not grab a speedy solid-state drive (SSD)? This option includes adapters for USB-C to USB-A, it's capable of speeds up to 540 MB/s under the right circumstances, and it's small enough to fit in your pocket.

View Deal (opens in new tab)
Image (opens in new tab)

Western Digital My Passport SSD (opens in new tab)

Lighter SSD

This SSD is best in a situation where you need the drive to work elsewhere than just with your Archer C7, due to transfer speeds up to 540 MB/s. It will work with the router thanks to an included USB-C to USB-A adapter, and you'll get maximum speeds when connected to a PC with USB-C. It's thinner and lighter than the Samsung T5, making it ideal for carrying around with you.

View Deal (opens in new tab)

If we have to make a pick

Why you can trust Windows Central Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

If you're adding storage to your Archer C7 and want the most bang for your buck, the Western Digital My Book (opens in new tab), with relatively cheap storage from 3TB up to 20TB, is no doubt your best bet. It does require an external source of power, though, and it's not very portable or the fastest when used with other devices, which is why we've included a few worthwhile alternatives.

Cale Hunt
Cale Hunt
Senior Editor, Laptop Reviews

Cale Hunt is formerly a Senior Editor at Windows Central. He focuses mainly on laptop reviews, news, and accessory coverage. He's been reviewing laptops and accessories full-time since 2016, with hundreds of reviews published for Windows Central. He is an avid PC gamer and multi-platform user, and spends most of his time either tinkering with or writing about tech.