The Seagate Ultra Touch external HDD offers a blend of style, security, and practicality, making it a solid choice for users looking for reliable storage. With up to 5TB of capacity, it provides ample space for backing up files, photos, and videos while maintaining a portable and lightweight form. It supports Windows, macOS, and Chromebook devices and comes equipped with USB-C and USB 3.0 connectivity, allowing seamless file transfers across different systems.
One of the key selling points of the Ultra Touch is its built-in AES-256 hardware encryption and password protection, offering an added layer of security that many entry-level external HDDs lack. Seagate has also included software perks, such as a six-month Dropbox Backup plan and Mylio Photos subscription, enhancing content management and cloud backup options.
However, it is slightly larger than the WD My Passport and Seagate Backup Plus, which might be a drawback for users prioritising ultra-compact storage. While not bulky by any means, its size is worth considering if you need something that fits into tighter spaces or a crowded laptop bag.
A design that blends style with practicality
Seagate has taken a refreshing approach to the design of the Ultra Touch, moving away from the standard glossy plastic finishes found on many external hard drives. Instead, the soft-textured casing, made with 30% post-consumer recycled materials, offers a premium feel while promoting sustainability. The pebble grey colour complements most setups, whether for work or personal use.
Measuring 115.3mm x 80mm x 23.1mm and weighing 267g, the Ultra Touch is compact, though, as mentioned earlier, it is slightly larger than the Seagate Backup Plus and WD My Passport. If size is a primary concern, this might not be the most compact HDD option, though it still fits easily into a backpack or desk drawer.
The drive features USB-C connectivity, ensuring fast and efficient file transfers. It comes with a 50cm USB-C cable, which is long enough for everyday use but might feel a bit restrictive if you prefer a longer cord for better reach. One slight downside is that Seagate does not include a USB-A adapter, meaning older devices without USB-C ports will require an additional purchase.
Aesthetically, the smooth edges and minimalist finish give it a premium feel compared to many other external HDDs. It strikes a good balance between functionality and appearance, making it one of the more visually appealing external storage options available.
Real-world performance for everyday use
Performance-wise, the Seagate Ultra Touch delivers solid speeds for a traditional HDD. In benchmark tests, it achieved an average of 155MB/s for both reading and writing, which is expected for a 5400 RPM HDD with a 128MB cache. These speeds are more than sufficient for backing up files, transferring documents, and storing large media collections.
In real-world usage, reading speeds are slightly faster than writing speeds. Transferring a full-length HD movie to the drive took just under three minutes, while copying it back to a computer was noticeably quicker. When dealing with thousands of small files, such as photo albums or video files, the drive remains stable, though writing speeds slow down significantly, especially when transferring large batches of individual files.
One of the standard features is its AES-256 hardware encryption and password protection, which ensures that sensitive files remain secure. Unlike software-based encryption, which can slow down performance, hardware encryption protects data without noticeable speed reductions. This makes the Ultra Touch an excellent choice for those storing confidential documents or personal data.
However, one drawback is that it operates at 5400 RPM rather than 7200 RPM, making it slower than some competing HDDs in its category. If you need a drive primarily for heavy-duty tasks like video editing or high-speed data transfers, an external SSD might be a better choice.
Compact and travel-friendly storage
Despite being larger than some competing models, the Ultra Touch remains lightweight and easy to carry, making it a suitable option for professionals, students, and travellers. Weighing just 267g, it is light enough for everyday portability without feeling overly bulky.
While SSDs are often considered more durable, the Ultra Touch’s HDD build is sturdy enough to withstand everyday handling. However, it does not feature drop protection, so users who travel frequently should consider investing in a protective case to avoid potential damage.
The drive draws power directly from the USB port, eliminating the need for an external power source. This makes it convenient for use on the go, whether in a coffee shop, airport, or shared workspace. The low power consumption also ensures that using it with a laptop won’t cause a significant drain on battery life.
While portability is a strong suit, the lack of a dedicated travel case in the box is disappointing. Given that Seagate markets this as an on-the-move drive, including even a simple fabric sleeve would have been a nice touch.
The verdict: Seagate Ultra Touch HDD
The Seagate Ultra Touch HDD stands out as a stylish and secure storage option. It offers up to 5TB of capacity, USB-C connectivity, and built-in encryption. It provides a solid balance between design, security, and everyday performance, making it well-suited for professionals, students, and casual users alike.
Its eco-conscious design, soft-textured exterior, and premium look make it one of the more attractive HDDs on the market. The included cloud backup options (Dropbox and Mylio Photos) add extra value, particularly for those managing large amounts of digital content.
However, there are some trade-offs. The Ultra Touch is larger than competing models like the WD My Passport and Seagate Backup Plus, which may be a downside for those prioritising ultra-compact storage. Additionally, its 5400 RPM speed means it’s not the fastest HDD available, and the lack of a USB-A adapter and travel case feels like an oversight given its price point.
If speed is your top priority, an SSD may be a better option. But if you’re looking for a stylish, secure, and reliable HDD with large capacity and broad compatibility, the Seagate Ultra Touch HDD remains a solid choice for everyday storage needs.
