How much space you need depends on what you’ll be using your drive for and how many files you intend to store on it. Most external SSDs have from 128 GB to 2 TB of storage space. While bumps and extreme temperatures don’t affect SSDs, they still have small parts capable of failing and rendering the drive useless, but all in all, SSDs are more reliable and longer lasting than HDDs. SSD: SSDs can reach speeds of 500 MBps or higher, which can be extremely useful if you intend to play video games or edit videos on your computer. HDDs have moving parts, making them more susceptible to damage than SSDs. How fast the data can be transferred depends on the speed of the spinning disk, typically maxing out at 200 MBps.

HDD: An HDD uses a spinning disk to read and write data. Hard disk drives, or HDDs, are the traditional form of data storage and offer the same amount of storage as SSDs for a lower price. The first question you should ask yourself is whether a solid-state drive is the right fit for your needs. When shopping for an external SSD, you should have an idea of how much space you need, how often you will use the drive, and whether you’ll take your drive on the go. Larger external SSDs not only offer more space but can also read and write faster.

Toward that end, we’ve compiled this shopping guide, complete with some of our favorites, to help you. Even though data storage is cheaper than ever, you should still carefully consider your needs when purchasing an external solid-state drive for your computer. For storing data while adventuring and enduring the elements, some external SSDs are fully waterproof and drop-proof.Īll external solid-state drives may function in a similar way, but models vary in design, intended use, and transfer speeds. If you need a drive that travels well, there are external SSDs designed to be as slim and lightweight as possible. Some external SSDs are better suited to backing up files, while others are better for everyday accessing of files. The lack of mechanical moving parts in a solid-state drive allows it to quickly transfer data and reduces the chance of data loss. Buying guide for best external solid-state drivesĪn external solid-state drive (SSD) provides a reliable and easy-to-use way to store your data and access it quickly.

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