Seagate One Touch, 1TB, Password Activated Hardware encryption, Portable External Hard Drive, PC, Notebook & Mac, USB 3.0, Black (STKY1000400)
Want the best price and purchase timing?
Our AI advisor analyzes real-time pricing across all channels to find you the best deal.
AI Verdict
This 1TB USB 3.0 mechanical hard drive is for basic file storage and backups across Windows, Mac, and Chromebook systems.
This 1TB mechanical hard drive with USB 3.0 is a situational fit for basic, infrequent backups and expanding storage on older systems. Its HDD nature means slower transfer speeds, making it less suitable for active work with large files.
If you need faster data transfers or more robust performance for active projects, look for an external solid-state drive (SSD) with a USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface.
Regret Score™
High RiskLower is better — measures purchase-regret risk from real buyer complaints, review credibility, and product maturity
Issues discovered after purchase
Critically weak dimension
Amazon rating vs actual quality
Chance this product isn't for you
Pros
- 1TB capacity for file storage.
- USB 3.0 connectivity for broad compatibility with older systems.
- Password-activated hardware encryption for data security.
- Works with Windows, Mac, and Chromebook laptops.
- Includes Rescue Data Recovery Services for data loss protection.
- Minimalist brushed metal enclosure for aesthetic.
Cons
- Mechanical hard disk drive (HDD) results in slower transfer speeds compared to SSDs.
- Requires a separate adapter for USB-C computers.
- Reformatting may be necessary for Time Machine backups.
- Seagate Toolkit software for encryption and backups can be cumbersome for users.
- Trial subscriptions (Mylio Photos, Dropbox Backup) are not permanent features.
- Some users report the drive gets extremely hot during use.
Dimension Scores
As a mechanical hard drive with USB 3.0, reported user speeds average around 25MB/s, which is significantly slower than modern external SSDs.
While it includes Rescue Data Recovery Services, some users have reported concerns about overheating and short lifespans, which are common risks for mechanical drives.
1TB is an entry-level capacity for external storage, suitable for basic document and photo backups but quickly filled by larger media files.
It offers broad compatibility with Windows, Mac, and Chromebook systems via USB 3.0, though it requires an adapter for USB-C ports.
Best For
- Backing up documents and photos from multiple operating systems (Windows, Mac, Chromebook).
- Expanding storage for older laptops or desktops with USB-A ports.
- Users prioritizing lower cost for archival storage over transfer speed.
- Storing files that are accessed infrequently.
Not Recommended For
- Fast transfer of large video files or extensive media libraries.
- Primary storage for demanding applications or virtual machines.
- Users requiring native USB-C connectivity without adapters.
Watch Out For
- Slow transfer speeds, with users reporting averages around 25MB/s and fluctuations to under 10MB/s for 20GB transfers.
- Mandatory registration with Seagate is required to use the encryption feature, demanding personal information.
- The Seagate Toolkit software for password protection and backups is described as cumbersome and confusing by users.
- Some users experienced issues setting up a password reset key, raising concerns about data access if the password is forgotten.
- Reports of the drive getting extremely hot during use, raising concerns about its longevity.
- Limited compatibility with Linux systems, which can be a dealbreaker for some users.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B094R1T4GS |
| Brand | Seagate |
| Color | HDD |
| Series | STKY1000400 |
| Hard Drive | 1 TB Mechanical Hard Disk |
| Item Weight | 5.2 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Seagate Technology |
| Processor Brand | apple |
| Special Feature | Portable |
| Flash Memory Size | 1 TB |
| Hardware Platform | Mac, PC |
| Installation Type | External Hard Drive |
| Item model number | STKY1000400 |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Product Dimensions | 4.52 x 3.07 x 0.46 inches |
| Hard Disk Interface | USB 3.0 |
| Computer Memory Type | DIMM |
| Hard Drive Interface | USB 3.0 |
| Hard Disk Description | Mechanical Hard Disk |
| Hard Disk Form Factor | 2.5 Inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 4.52 x 3.07 x 0.46 inches |
| Connectivity Technology | USB |
| Digital Storage Capacity | 1 TB |
| Hard Drive Rotational Speed | 7200 |
| Standing screen display size | 7 Inches |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
What Buyers Say
A recurring theme in user feedback is the frustration with the drive's actual transfer speeds, often falling well below expectations for a USB 3.0 device, with some users reporting speeds as low as 10MB/s for large transfers. The required software for password protection also frequently causes issues, with reports of it being cumbersome and even unreliable for setting up password reset keys.
“Dude, I bought this for backups and it's SO slow, like 25MB/s, sometimes even less when I'm moving a bunch of photos, and the password software is a pain, almost couldn't set up a reset key, kinda regretting it.”
Common Praise
- User friendly and has compact design.
- Easy to use right out of the box.
- Smooth functioning.
- Password protection facility.
Common Complaints
- Slow transfer speeds, with averages around 25MB/s and fluctuations below 10MB/s for large files.
- Seagate Toolkit software is cumbersome and confusing for password protection.
- Difficulty setting up a password reset key, creating a risk if the password is forgotten.
- Drive gets extremely hot during use, raising concerns about longevity.
- Mandatory registration with Seagate for encryption, requiring personal information.
- Limited compatibility with Linux systems.
Ownership Tips
- The actual transfer speeds are noticeably slower than expected, especially for mixed file types, making large backups a test of patience.
- The brushed metal enclosure, while looking minimalist, doesn't prevent the drive from heating up during extended use.
- The included USB cable is standard, but you'll definitely need to budget for a USB-C adapter if your main computer is newer.
- The 'one-click backup' feature through the software isn't as seamless as advertised due to software quirks and mandatory registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this drive work with USB-C ports?
No, it connects via USB 3.0. You'll need to purchase a separate adapter for use with USB-C computers.
Is reformatting required for Mac Time Machine?
Yes, reformatting may be required for use with Time Machine.
How fast are the data transfers?
As a mechanical hard drive, speeds are limited. Users have reported average transfer speeds around 25MB/s, sometimes dropping below 10MB/s for large files.
Is the encryption feature easy to use?
Users have found the required Seagate Toolkit software for password protection to be cumbersome and confusing, with some experiencing issues setting up password reset keys.
What operating systems is this drive compatible with?
It works with Windows, Mac, and Chromebook laptops.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at external storage, you need to think about what you're actually storing and how often you'll access it. The main difference is between HDDs (like this one) and SSDs. HDDs are cheaper per gigabyte and good for bulk storage you don't touch often. SSDs are way faster and more durable, but cost more.
Capacity
This tells you how much data you can store, like how many books fit on a shelf. 1TB is enough for thousands of documents and photos, but large video files will fill it up fast.
Interface (USB 3.0)
This is how the drive connects to your computer and determines its maximum speed, like the number of lanes on a highway. USB 3.0 is faster than older USB 2.0 but slower than newer USB-C standards.
Drive Type (Mechanical Hard Disk)
This describes the internal technology. Mechanical drives have spinning platters and read/write heads, making them slower and more susceptible to physical shock than solid-state drives (SSDs) which have no moving parts.
Alternatives
If you need significantly faster transfer speeds for large files or more durability, look for an external solid-state drive (SSD) with a USB 3.2 Gen 2 or Thunderbolt interface.
You Might Also Like
Seagate IronWolf Pro SATA III 3.5" Internal NAS Hard Drive, 2-Pack - 8TB
$300-$599A 2-pack of 8TB 7200 RPM CMR internal hard drives with 256MB cache, built for 24/7 multi-bay NAS environments.
QNAP TS-453E-8G-US 4 Bay High-Performance Desktop NAS with Intel Celeron Quad-core Processor, 8 GB DDR4 RAM and Dual 2.5GbE (2.5G/1G/100M) Network Connectivity (Diskless)
$600+A 4-bay diskless NAS with an Intel Celeron J6412, 8GB DDR4 RAM, dual 2.5GbE, and M.2 NVMe slots for businesses needing long-term support.
Seagate Exos 28TB Internal Hard Drive HDD - 3.5 in CMR SATA 6Gb/s, 7200 RPM, 512MB Cache, 2.5M MTBF - ST28000NM000C (Renewed)
$300-$599This 28TB, 7200 RPM, 3.5-inch CMR SATA 6Gb/s renewed hard drive is for serious data hoarders needing massive capacity at a lower price point.
1TB G-Drive ArmorATD Rugged, Durable Portable External HDD, Up to 130MB/s, USB-C (5Gbps), USB 3.2 Gen 1 – SDPHE1G-001T
$50-$99A 1TB mechanical hard drive with a 130MB/s read speed and USB-C (5Gbps) connectivity, built for users needing rugged, portable storage for school or creative projects.