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You can access files on an external hard drive from elsewhere by keeping it connected to an internet-connected computer or compatible NAS and configuring remote access through that host. The drive cannot provide cloud access on its own: the host must stay available, and your remote-access method must support the way you want to use the files.
Choose how the drive will be hosted
Your external drive needs a device that can read it and share its files over the network. The two practical routes are an existing computer or a compatible NAS. The cited documentation does not establish comparative prices or performance, so choose based on whether you already have a suitable host and how you want to access files.
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| Host | Availability requirement | Remote-access considerations | External-drive compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer | The computer must remain on, connected, and able to share the drive. | Share the folder, then configure remote access on the computer and the devices that need it. Tailscale documents a same-tailnet approach for reaching file shares remotely (Tailscale remote-access documentation). | The computer must support the drive and its filesystem; the cited remote-access documentation does not specify universal compatibility. |
| NAS | The NAS must remain on and connected. | Check whether its remote-access feature supports the workflow you need. Browser or app access may not provide a mounted network drive. | USB-drive support is model-specific. The WD My Cloud EX2 Ultra manual describes connecting a USB hard drive for extra storage and backup; do not assume all NAS models support every drive. |
Set up a computer-hosted drive
- Connect the drive. Attach it to a computer that can stay on and online when you need remote access. Confirm that the computer can open the drive and the folders you intend to share.
- Share the required folder locally. Use your operating system’s file-sharing feature and grant access only to the accounts and folders that need it. The exact menus vary by operating system and version.
- Install and configure remote access. Tailscale’s documented workflow is to install its client on the file-hosting computer and on each device that needs access, then place those devices in the same tailnet. Follow its current instructions for reaching a file share (Tailscale remote-access documentation).
- Connect from a remote device. Use the file-sharing method supported by your host and client. Test access from outside your home network, and confirm that you can open, edit, and save files as intended.
This approach can make use of hardware you already own, but it is not an independent cloud service: the drive depends on the host computer, home power, and an internet connection.
Set up a NAS-hosted drive
- Verify the exact NAS model first. Read the manufacturer’s manual for external USB-drive support, including supported drive types, filesystems, and capacity. The WD My Cloud EX2 Ultra documentation, for example, describes attaching a USB hard drive and accessing it through Windows Explorer or Mac Finder; that is evidence for that model, not all NAS devices (WD My Cloud EX2 Ultra manual).
- Connect and configure the drive. Follow the NAS manufacturer’s instructions to attach the drive and make its folders available. Avoid formatting or repurposing a drive until you understand what data, if any, the process will erase.
- Choose a remote-access workflow. Tailscale documents remote access to NAS devices and file shares, including Synology systems (Tailscale remote-access documentation; Tailscale Synology integration). Follow the current instructions for your NAS and client devices.
- Test the access you actually need. Check from a remote network whether the NAS’s browser or app interface is sufficient, or whether you require a mounted file share.
Check whether you need an app or a mounted drive
Remote access is not one universal experience. A service may let you browse and manage files in a browser or app without letting you mount the NAS as a normal network drive in your computer’s file browser.
#1 Best Overall
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Synology says QuickConnect supports selected DSM applications and services, including File Station and Synology Drive, but does not support mapping a NAS as a Windows network drive or accessing it through Mac Finder via SMB. That support article was updated October 9, 2025; confirm current documentation for your DSM version before relying on it (Synology QuickConnect support). If you need an SMB-mounted share, verify that the chosen remote-access method supports SMB and your client workflow rather than assuming app access is equivalent.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- [Upgraded Version] - This external hard drive features a mirrored logo stripe combined with a striped anti-slip design, and the rounded corners of the casing make it easier to grip. The stripes also have a heat dissipation function, ensuring stable and fast data transfer.
- 【Ultra-thin and quiet】 - The motherboard adopts JMicron 578 noise-free solution, giving you a quiet working environment. Lightweight and portable size designed to fit in your pocket for easy portability.
- 【Ultra-Fast Data Transfers】 - Pairing this external hard drive with JMicron 578 solution USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 interfaces enables blazing-fast data transfer. It boasts theoretical read speeds of up to 125MB/s and write speeds of up to 103MB/s.
- 【Plug and Play】 - With no software to install, just plug it in and the drive is ready to use.The hard disk chip is wrapped with an aluminum anti-interference layer to increase heat dissipation and protect data.
- 【What You Get】 - 1 x Portable Hard Drive, 1 x USB 3.0 Cable, 1 x User Manual, Gift-type shell packaging ,Three-year manufacturer's warranty and free technical support services.
Rank #4
- Easily store and access 4TB of content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Rank #3
- Easily store and access 1TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop. Reformatting may be required for Mac
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Rank #2
- Easily store and access 5TB of content on the go with the Seagate portable drive, a USB external hard Drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
What to expect from a home-hosted setup
- Availability follows the host. A computer-hosted drive is reachable only while that computer is running and connected. A NAS is a dedicated host, but it also needs power and internet access.
- Remote access depends on the connection. Files remain at home, so accessing them depends on the home internet connection as well as the remote device’s connection. The cited sources provide no transfer-rate guarantees.
- Support varies by device and feature. USB compatibility and supported remote workflows depend on the NAS model and software. Check the manufacturer’s current documentation for the exact configuration.
- “Cloud storage” is a convenient description, not a change in where the files live. A home-hosted drive is still local storage shared remotely; it does not operate independently of your host.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
