External drives are portable storage devices that connect to a computer or other devices via USB, Thunderbolt, or other interfaces. They are used to store data, such as documents, photos, and videos, providing additional space beyond a computer's internal storage. External drives come in various types, including hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives (SSDs), each offering different speeds and capacities. These drives are popular for backing up important files and transferring data between devices. They can also be used for expanding storage on devices like gaming consoles and laptops. Many external drives are compact and lightweight, making them easy to carry and use on the go.