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You can use an external hard drive as personal cloud storage, but the drive cannot provide remote access on its own. Connect it to an internet-connected computer or a compatible NAS, keep that host available, and configure a way for your other devices to reach the shared files.
What you need for remote access
A personal cloud setup has three parts: the external drive holding your files, a host that shares them, and a remote-access method for your other devices. The host may be a computer you already own or a NAS (network-attached storage device). The host and the drive need to be available when you want to reach the files; if the host is off or disconnected, the drive is unavailable too.
This is different from a commercial cloud service: your files remain on equipment at home, so access depends on that equipment and your home internet connection.
Choose a host: computer or NAS
| Consideration | Computer hosting the drive | NAS hosting the drive |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware | May use a computer you already own; no dedicated storage hardware is necessarily required. | Requires a NAS. Some models accept external USB drives, but support varies by model. |
| Availability | The computer must remain on, connected, and able to share files. | The NAS must remain on and connected. |
| Remote setup | Install and configure a remote-access method on the host and the devices that need access. | Use a remote-access method supported by the NAS and your intended file-sharing workflow. |
| Ways to access files | Depends on the sharing and remote-access configuration. | May include a browser or app; mounting a network share is a separate capability that must be confirmed. |
| Price and performance comparison | Not stated in the cited documentation. | Not stated in the cited documentation. |
Use a computer you already own
Connect the drive to a computer that can stay on and online, then share the folder using the computer’s file-sharing feature. Tailscale’s documented workflow is to install its client on the file-hosting computer and on the devices that need access, then use the same tailnet to reach file shares remotely. See Tailscale’s remote-access guide for its current instructions. The setup avoids dedicated storage hardware, but it depends on the computer being available.
#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.
Use a compatible NAS
A NAS is dedicated network-storage hardware. Some NAS models support external USB drives, but compatibility is model-specific: check the manual for the supported drive type, filesystem, and capacity before connecting or buying a drive. For example, the Western Digital My Cloud EX2 Ultra manual describes connecting a USB hard drive for additional storage and backup, and accessing it through Windows Explorer or Mac Finder. That documentation applies to that model, not to NAS devices generally. Tailscale also documents remote access to NAS devices and file shares, including Synology, in its Synology integration guide.
Set up remote access from a computer
- Choose the host. Select a computer that can remain powered on and connected to the internet while you need access to the drive.
- Connect the drive and share its folder. Use your operating system’s file-sharing feature to make the folders you want available on the host network.
- Configure remote access. Follow the instructions for your chosen method on the host and on each device that needs access. For the documented Tailscale approach, install the client on those devices and connect them to the same tailnet; see Tailscale’s guide.
- Test from another device. Confirm that you can reach and open a shared file remotely. If you need a mounted network drive rather than browser or app access, verify that your remote-access method supports the required protocol and client workflow.
Check NAS compatibility and access method
- Confirm external-drive support. Consult the manual for the exact NAS model and check the supported USB drive type, filesystem, and capacity.
- Connect and share the drive. Follow the model’s setup instructions and make the files available through its supported file-sharing service.
- Choose how you will reach the files. Check whether you need a browser, a mobile or desktop app, or a mounted network share, and confirm that the NAS and remote-access method support that workflow.
- Configure remote access on your devices. Follow the NAS and remote-access provider’s current instructions. For Synology, Tailscale documents NAS access in its integration guide.
App access is not the same as a mounted network drive
A service may let you browse files in a browser or app without letting you mount the NAS as a drive in your computer’s file manager. Synology says QuickConnect supports DSM applications and services such as 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. See Synology’s QuickConnect support article, last updated October 9, 2025. If a mounted share is important, check that the remote-access option supports the protocol and workflow you need; app or browser access alone does not establish SMB support.
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.
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- 【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 consider before relying on it
- Host availability: A computer-hosted drive is inaccessible when the computer is off, disconnected, or unable to share files. A NAS also has to stay powered and online.
- Drive compatibility: External USB support is not universal across NAS models. Verify the specific drive’s type, filesystem, and capacity against the NAS manual.
- Access workflow: Decide whether you need file access in an app or browser, or a mounted network share, and confirm the method supports that exact use.
- Security claims: Tailscale describes its connections as encrypted and peer-to-peer, allowing devices to reach services without exposing them to the internet. That is the vendor’s description, not an independent security test; see its remote-access documentation.
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.
