ADATA HV620S 1TB External Hard Drive Review: The Ultra-Slim Contender for Your Digital Life

We’ve all been there. That dreaded “Storage Almost Full” notification flashes across your screen at the worst possible moment. You’re trying to save a critical work project, download the latest game, or back up a year’s worth of precious family photos, and your computer simply says “no.” In an instant, creativity halts, productivity grinds to a stop, and a wave of digital anxiety washes over you. I remember editing a large video project when my laptop’s internal drive finally gave up the ghost. The scramble to delete old files, offload what I could to cloud services, and pray I didn’t lose my work was a stressful lesson in the critical importance of having ample, reliable external storage. In today’s data-heavy world, not having a dependable external drive is like trying to navigate a long road trip without a spare tire—you might be fine for a while, but you’re risking a major breakdown when you can least afford it.

What to Consider Before Buying an External Hard Drive

An external hard drive is more than just a peripheral; it’s a key solution for digital freedom and peace of mind. It acts as a digital vault for your most important files, a library for your media collections, and an essential tool for freeing up your computer’s primary drive to keep it running fast and smooth. Whether you’re a student archiving research papers, a creative professional managing large media files, a gamer expanding your console’s library, or simply someone wanting to safeguard cherished memories, an external hard drive provides the space and security you need. The main benefits are clear: massive storage capacity at a low cost-per-gigabyte, easy portability, and simple plug-and-play operation.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the common constraints of limited internal storage and the need for a portable backup solution. This includes laptop users, console gamers (PS4, PS5, Xbox), photographers, and anyone who needs to physically transport large files between computers. However, a traditional mechanical hard disk drive (HDD) like this might not be suitable for those who require lightning-fast transfer speeds for intensive, real-time tasks like 4K video editing directly from the drive. For those users, a more expensive external Solid State Drive (SSD) would be a better, albeit pricier, alternative. Similarly, users needing a network-accessible storage solution for multiple devices might look towards a Network Attached Storage (NAS) system.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Portability: The physical size and weight of an external drive are paramount if you plan to carry it with you. Look for slim profiles (like the 11.5mm of the HV620S) and low weight (under 200g is excellent for portability). A drive that can slip into a pocket or laptop bag without a noticeable bulge is far more likely to be used regularly.
• Capacity & Performance: Capacity is the first thing most people look at, but performance is just as important. For an HDD, the connectivity (USB 3.0/3.1/3.2 Gen 1 is the standard) dictates the maximum theoretical speed. The drive’s internal rotational speed (RPM), typically 5400 or 7200, also plays a role. A 1TB drive is a great starting point for general backups and media storage.
• Materials & Durability: Most portable drives use a plastic enclosure to keep them light, but some incorporate metal for better heat dissipation and a more premium feel. Look for smart design features that add durability, such as raised edges to prevent surface scratching or rubberized casings for shock absorption, though the latter is less common in slim, budget-oriented models.
• Ease of Use & Compatibility: A great external drive should be “plug and play,” requiring no special software to be recognized by your computer. Check for compatibility with your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux). While most drives work across platforms, some may require a simple reformat for Mac use, a straightforward process that takes only a few minutes.

Keeping these factors in mind, the ADATA HV620S 1TB External Hard Drive stands out in several areas, particularly in its design and value proposition. You can explore its detailed specifications and features here.

While the ADATA HV620S 1TB External Hard Drive is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Sleek, Slim, and Ready to Go

Unboxing the ADATA HV620S 1TB External Hard Drive reveals a product that punches well above its weight class in terms of aesthetics. The first thing that struck us was just how incredibly thin it is. At a mere 11.5mm, it feels more like a premium smartphone than a traditional mechanical hard drive. The glossy, mirror-like finish on the main surface is elegant and eye-catching, giving it a sophisticated look that doesn’t scream “boring tech peripheral.” ADATA has included a thoughtful design touch: a slightly raised plastic lip around the edge. This clever feature prevents the glossy surface from making direct contact with a table, protecting it from the fine scratches that plague other high-gloss devices. In hand, its 152-gram weight is barely noticeable, confirming its status as a truly portable device. There’s no assembly required; it’s a simple, self-contained unit. Included in the box is the drive itself and a short USB 3.2 Gen 1 cable. The bright blue LED indicator is another nice touch, providing clear visual feedback when the drive is powered on and actively reading or writing data.

A Deep Dive into the ADATA HV620S 1TB External Hard Drive’s Performance

A portable hard drive’s true worth is measured not just by its looks, but by how it performs day-in and day-out. We put the ADATA HV620S 1TB External Hard Drive through a series of real-world tests, from large file transfers and system backups to expanding console storage, to see if its performance lives up to its polished exterior.

Design and Portability: The Ultra-Slim Advantage

The single most compelling feature of the ADATA HV620S is its form factor. In a world of bulky tech, its svelte 11.5mm profile is a breath of fresh air. We found it incredibly easy to slip into a laptop sleeve, a backpack’s side pocket, or even the back pocket of a pair of jeans. Weighing only 152 grams, it adds negligible weight to your everyday carry. This extreme portability is a game-changer; you’re more likely to have your backup drive with you when you need it if it isn’t a burden to carry. This was confirmed by numerous users who praised its comfort and pocket-friendly nature.

The design isn’t just about being thin. The high-gloss, reflective surface looks fantastic straight out of the box, lending it a premium feel that belies its budget-friendly price. We were initially concerned that this finish would be a scratch magnet, but ADATA’s inclusion of a raised lip around the enclosure is a genuinely clever piece of industrial design. When placed on a desk, the lip lifts the glossy surface a fraction of a millimeter, preventing the scuffs and scratches that can quickly mar such finishes. It’s a small detail, but it shows a focus on longevity. The only downside to this beautiful finish is its affinity for fingerprints, which it collects with enthusiasm. A quick wipe with a microfiber cloth restores its shine, but it’s something to be aware of. The bright blue LED indicator is perfectly implemented—it’s bright enough to be seen at a glance but not so bright as to be distracting in a dark room, providing clear, intuitive status updates during data transfers.

Real-World Performance and Transfer Speeds

Underneath its slim exterior, the ADATA HV620S 1TB External Hard Drive is a 2.5-inch, 5400 RPM mechanical hard drive. Connected via USB 3.2 Gen 1 (which is functionally identical to USB 3.0), its performance is exactly what we’d expect from a quality drive in this category. While ADATA lists a read speed of up to 90 MB/s, our real-world tests showed sustained transfer speeds that hovered comfortably in the 85-110 MB/s range for large, sequential files like movies or disk images. When transferring a folder with thousands of smaller files (documents, photos), speeds understandably fluctuated, which is typical for any mechanical drive. For its primary intended uses—backing up documents, storing a photo library, or archiving media—this speed is more than adequate. A 10GB movie file transferred to the drive in just under two minutes, a perfectly respectable time.

We found this performance to be a strong selling point, especially considering the price. Many users corroborated this, noting that the read/write speeds were noticeably better than other drives they’d used in the same price bracket. It’s not going to compete with an SSD, but it’s not meant to. Where it truly shines is in providing a massive amount of storage for a very low cost, with performance that doesn’t feel sluggish for everyday tasks. Its versatility also came to the forefront during our testing. We connected it to a PlayStation 4, and it was formatted and ready to store games in minutes. We saw similar success using it with an Xbox Series S for storing last-gen titles and emulators, a use case highlighted by several happy customers. The drive remained cool and was virtually silent during all our tests, a testament to its efficient, low-power design.

Setup, Compatibility, and Usability

Out of the box, the ADATA HV620S comes pre-formatted for Windows, making it a true “plug and play” device for the vast majority of users. On our Windows 10 and 11 test machines, the drive was recognized instantly, appearing in File Explorer within seconds of being plugged in. There were no drivers to install or software to configure. This seamless experience is a huge plus for non-technical users who just want a storage solution that works without any fuss. Several user reviews specifically praised this simplicity, contrasting it with other brands that sometimes require a PC restart to be recognized properly.

For Mac users, the process is nearly as simple, though it requires one extra step. As one helpful user pointed out, you need to use the built-in “Disk Utility” application on macOS to reformat the drive. This process is straightforward, well-documented online, and takes only a minute or two. Once reformatted to APFS or Mac OS Extended, the drive works perfectly with Mac systems, allowing you to add, delete, and modify files without issue. This minor hurdle is common to almost all external drives and shouldn’t deter Mac users in the slightest.

The primary usability complaint we encountered, both in our own testing and across numerous user reviews, is the length of the supplied USB cable. It is undeniably short. While this is fine for a laptop user with side-mounted USB ports, it can be extremely awkward for desktop users whose ports are on the back of a tower. You may find the drive dangling precariously unless you place it directly on top of your PC case. We would strongly recommend considering the purchase of a longer, third-party USB 3.0 A-to-Micro-B cable if you have a desktop setup; it’s a small additional cost that dramatically improves convenience.

Capacity, Value, and Longevity

The ADATA HV620S 1TB External Hard Drive represents a fantastic value proposition. It delivers a terabyte of storage in an elegant, ultra-portable package at a price that is hard to beat. However, one of the most common points of confusion for new buyers of any hard drive is the issue of advertised versus actual capacity. Like many international users noted, when you plug in this 1TB drive, your operating system will report its capacity as approximately 931GB. This is not a defect. It’s due to the difference in how manufacturers market storage (in decimal gigabytes, where 1TB = 1,000,000,000,000 bytes) and how operating systems calculate it (in binary gigabytes, where 1GB = 1,073,741,824 bytes). This discrepancy is universal across all storage devices, and 931GB is the correct usable space for a 1TB drive. Once you understand this, the value is clear.

In terms of longevity, the drive feels well-built despite its light weight. The 2-year manufacturer warranty provides a solid safety net and peace of mind. We were particularly encouraged by a user who updated their review after a year of consistent use, reporting that the drive was still working perfectly and that they had even purchased a second one. This kind of real-world, long-term feedback is invaluable and speaks to the product’s reliability as a daily workhorse. For anyone who needs to quickly and affordably expand their storage for backups, media, or games, the combination of price, performance, and portability makes this drive an exceptional choice. If you’re looking for a dependable and affordable storage expansion, you can find the best offer on the ADATA HV620S here.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, the sentiment for the ADATA HV620S 1TB External Hard Drive is overwhelmingly positive, with users consistently highlighting its “value for money.” Many, like one reviewer, state that its “read/write speeds are better than other drives in this price range,” a finding that mirrored our own testing. The “sleek and simple design” is another point of frequent praise, with people appreciating its attractive look and how “very comfortable to carry in pocket” it is. Gamers on a budget also found a reliable companion in this drive, with reports of it working “excellent for Playstation 4” and being “MUUITO RÁPIDO!” (very fast) for storing Xbox Series S games and emulators.

However, the feedback isn’t without its critiques, which are just as consistent. The most common complaint, which we wholeheartedly agree with, is that “the length of the cable is too short.” This was a recurring theme and a point of frustration for those with desktop computers. Another frequently mentioned point, often framed as a heads-up rather than a serious complaint, is the usable storage capacity being 931GB instead of the full 1TB advertised. As one user sensibly put it, “Even so, for the price paid it was worth it.”

How Does the ADATA HV620S 1TB Compare to the Alternatives?

While the ADATA HV620S is a superb all-rounder, your specific needs might be better met by a different type of drive. Here’s how it stacks up against three distinct competitors.

1. Transcend 2TB StoreJet 25M3P Rugged External Hard Drive

The Transcend StoreJet 25M3P is built for a completely different purpose: survival. While the ADATA drive prioritizes slimness and style, the Transcend focuses on rugged durability. It features a three-stage shock protection system that meets U.S. military drop-test standards. This makes it the ideal choice for field workers, frequent travelers, or anyone who is particularly tough on their gear. It also offers double the capacity at 2TB and includes a convenient one-touch auto-backup button. If your primary concern is protecting your data from physical drops and impacts, and you don’t mind a much thicker and heavier design, the Transcend is the superior option.

2. WD 24TB My Book External HDD

The WD My Book exists at the opposite end of the portability spectrum. This is a desktop hard drive, meaning it requires its own power adapter and is designed to sit permanently on your desk. Its key advantage is colossal capacity—at 24TB, it can store vast archives of data, making it perfect for videographers, data hoarders, or as a central backup hub for an entire household’s computers. It also comes with robust software for password protection and hardware encryption. If you need an enormous amount of stationary storage and portability is not a factor, the WD My Book is the logical choice, offering a low cost-per-terabyte for mass archiving.

3. Seagate Game Drive for PS5 2TB External HDD

The Seagate Game Drive is a specialized product aimed squarely at console gamers. Officially licensed for PlayStation, it’s designed to work seamlessly with both PS4 and PS5 (for storing PS4 games). It offers 2TB of space, which is a significant upgrade for serious gamers looking to keep more of their library installed. While the ADATA drive also works with consoles, the Seagate Game Drive offers peace of mind with its official branding, console-matching aesthetics with a blue LED, and firmware optimized for gaming. If your sole purpose for buying an external drive is to expand your PlayStation’s storage, the Seagate is a tailor-made solution worth the extra investment.

Final Verdict: An Unbeatable Blend of Style, Portability, and Value

After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the ADATA HV620S 1TB External Hard Drive is a standout product in the crowded portable storage market. It successfully delivers on its promise of providing a huge amount of storage in a package that is almost impossibly thin and light. Its performance is brisk and reliable for everyday backup, media storage, and even light gaming duties. While the glossy finish is a fingerprint magnet and the short cable is a genuine annoyance, these are minor flaws in an otherwise stellar device.

We recommend the ADATA HV620S 1TB to students, home users, and professionals who need a dependable, affordable, and highly portable way to carry their digital life with them. It strikes a near-perfect balance between aesthetics, performance, and price. For those who need a simple, no-fuss solution to their storage woes that just works, this drive is one of the best values available today. If you’ve decided the ADATA HV620S 1TB External Hard Drive is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.