The Seagate Backup Plus Slim is a compact portable hard drive, not an SSD. It is available in 1TB and 2TB capacities, connects over USB Type-A, and supports Windows, macOS, and Chromebook systems—with some setup caveats. A 2019 review measured sequential transfer speeds around 120–125 MB/s, but those historical results are not a guarantee for every current listing or computer. Whether it is a sensible buy depends on the price and warranty for the exact model you find, plus whether hard-drive speeds suit your needs.
What the Backup Plus Slim is—and what it is not
Seagate describes the Backup Plus Slim as a USB-powered portable external hard drive with 1TB and 2TB capacity options. It includes downloadable Toolkit software for backup and folder mirroring. Because it is a hard drive rather than a portable SSD, its historical benchmark results are far below what buyers typically seek from an SSD, though they can suit everyday file storage and backups.
The 2021 Seagate AMER datasheet lists the black 1TB model as STHN1000400 and the black 2TB model as STHN2000400. It gives dimensions of 114.8 × 78 × 11.7 mm and a weight of 0.126 kg for the listed product. An 18-inch USB 3.0 cable and Quick Start Guide are included. These identifiers and included items are specific to that regional document; check the model number and package details for the market and listing you are considering. Seagate AMER datasheet (2021)
1TB or 2TB: which capacity makes sense?
Choose based on how much space you need and the current price of the exact listing. No current prices were verified, so there is no evidence-based value winner between the capacities.
The Tool Desk
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- 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.
| Capacity | Black AMER model number (2021 datasheet) | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| 1TB | STHN1000400 | Smaller file collections or a backup set that fits comfortably within the available space. |
| 2TB | STHN2000400 | Larger collections, or more room for growth without changing drives as soon. |
Usable space will be lower than the advertised capacity: Seagate notes that formatting and other functions use some capacity, and that operating systems can report capacity differently because they may use a different measurement standard. The AMER datasheet lists a two-year limited warranty for its listed US models; do not assume the same warranty or terms apply to a different region, revision, seller, or used product.
Connection and computer compatibility
The drive connects using USB Type-A. Seagate says it is compatible with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0; when connected to a USB 2.0 host, it operates at USB 2.0 transfer speeds. Confirm your computer has a compatible port or that you have an appropriate adapter before buying. The datasheet lists an 18-inch cable in the box.
Rank #2
- Store and access 2TB of photos and files on the go with Backup Plus Slim, a portable external hard drive
- This portable hard drive features a minimalist metal enclosure, and is a stylish USB drive
- Simply plug this portable hard drive into a Windows or Mac computer via the included USB 3.0 cable to back up files with a single click or schedule automatic daily, weekly, or monthly backups; Reformatting may be required for use with Time Machine
- Take advantage of a complimentary 2 month membership to the Adobe Creative Cloud Photography Plan for access to awesome photo and video editing apps
- Enjoy long term peace of mind with the included 2 year limited warranty
Seagate lists compatibility with most Windows, macOS, and Chrome OS systems. Compatibility is not the same as being ready for every backup workflow: Seagate warns that using the drive with Time Machine may require reformatting. Formatting changes the drive’s file system and can erase existing contents, so check the intended setup and protect any files already stored on it before proceeding. Seagate Backup Plus Slim product page
What performance did the review measure?
StorageReview’s April 16, 2019 review tested the 1TB/2TB Backup Plus Slim on a current-generation MacBook Air and a Lenovo ThinkStation 920. In its BlackMagic test, the drive recorded 119.5 MB/s read and 119.5 MB/s write. In a 2MB sequential Windows test, it measured 125.09 MB/s read and 125.34 MB/s write. Those are results from that review’s setup and product generation—not a current guarantee, minimum speed, or controlled comparison with today’s alternatives.
Rank #3
- Store and access 2TB of photos and files on the go, with Seagate Backup Plus Slim, an external hard drive for Mac and Windows
- This portable external hard drive features a minimalist brushed metal enclosure, and is a stylish USB drive
- Simply plug this external hard drive for Mac and Windows into a computer via the included USB 3.0 cable to back up files with a single click or schedule automatic daily, weekly, or monthly backups; Reformatting may be required for use with Time Machine
- Edit, manage, and share photos with a 1 year complimentary subscription to Mylio Create and a 2 month membership to Adobe Creative Cloud Photography Plan
- Enjoy long term peace of mind with the included 2 year limited warranty
The same review reported 40.12 IOPS read and about 50.05 IOPS write in its 2MB random-transfer test, and 115.46 IOPS read and 308.99 IOPS write in its 4K test. These historical test-specific figures help illustrate that transfer behavior varies by workload; they do not establish performance for every current SKU or system. StorageReview’s 2019 review
Is it reliable, and is it worth buying?
The available product specifications and benchmark review do not establish a long-term failure rate or a controlled reliability record. A two-year limited warranty is a coverage term, not a reliability measurement. There is no basis here to call the drive failure-proof or to estimate how often it fails.
Rank #4
- 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.
It can be a reasonable option if you want portable hard-drive storage, your files fit the chosen capacity, your computer has a suitable connection, and the live listing’s price and warranty make sense. Before checkout, verify the capacity, model/SKU, condition, seller, regional warranty, and any applicable service terms. Seagate’s datasheet notes that Rescue Data Recovery Services are not available in all countries and that compatibility can depend on hardware and operating system. The 2019 review’s launch-era prices—about $55 for 1TB and $70 for 2TB—are historical and should not be used as current price guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If the drive does not appear in File Explorer
A missing drive does not by itself mean the data is lost. Protect files you need before trying steps that could change the disk. Seagate’s support page provides links to the user manual, SeaTools diagnostics, Toolkit guidance, USB troubleshooting, and Chromebook compatibility help. Seagate Backup Plus Slim support
Recommended Free Tools
Best Value
- 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.
- Check that the cable is firmly connected and try a compatible USB port. If using an adapter or hub, test a direct connection when possible.
- Consult Seagate’s USB troubleshooting guidance and user manual for model-appropriate checks.
- Use SeaTools diagnostics as directed by Seagate if you need to assess the drive.
- Do not format the drive or initialize it merely to make it appear if it contains files you need. Formatting can erase data; seek data-recovery guidance before destructive steps.
Verdict
The Backup Plus Slim is a small, bus-powered hard drive with broad stated OS compatibility, included USB cable, and two capacity choices. Its strongest evidence-backed performance reference is a 2019 test, not a current speed promise, and the available sources do not settle long-term reliability or today’s value. Buy only after checking that the exact regional model, connection, capacity, price, and warranty fit your needs.
Quick Recap
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.
