What You need to Look for in an External SSD. A Practical Guide for Gamers, Creators and Everyday Users
Digital content is expanding rapidly — from 4K video files to a growing game library and an extensive collection of archived photos — external SSDs aren't just for convenience. They are tools of necessity. Options on the market are plentiful; however, choosing the right one can be a challenging task. If you’re in the process of shopping for an external SSD, follow this shopping guide, and hopefully your search for the ideal drive will be successful.
The Interface is the Gateway to Speed
The Interface is the determining factor for how fast your SSD can communicate with your devices. Look for the following :
The USB 3.2 Gen 2 offers speeds of up to 10Gbps — ideal for most users. Thunderbolt 3/4 is ideal for Apple Mac users and professionals who need Ultra-fast transfer speeds of up to 40 Gbps. USB-C has become the modern standard, so you need to make sure the device supports it.
Keep in mind that Thunderbolt drives are backward compatible with USB-C; however, data transfer speeds will decrease if the port isn't Thunderbolt-enabled.
The Speed Factor: NVMe vs SATA
Specification numbers should not always factor into your decision-making when shopping for external SSDs, especially if your intent and purposes are for it to be a primary tool for workflow tasks. Whether you plan to video edit directly from the drive or back up terabytes of data, how the drive performs is crucial.
Regarding usage and speed, there is a contrast between the storage drive types. SATA drives have an average read/write speed of 500 MB/s, while NVMe has speeds ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 MB/s or more. You'll find these particular SSD external drives primarily used for video editing, gaming, and storing large files. If you're working with high-res media or want a future-proof setup, consider external NVMe drives.
The Capacity should match your Needs.
You don't need to overpay for an external SSD if you don't plan on using every bit of storage space, or underpay and regret it later. For the casual user, 500GB-1TB is sufficient for storing light media files and documents. If your daily tasks involve video or audio editing, or if you're an avid gamer, 2 TB - 4 TB of storage space is ideal. For more serious media projects, consider 8TB or more, which caters to the needs of enterprising professionals. Understanding your storage needs will help you make a more informed decision without overspending.
The Durable Drive Made for Travel
If you plan to bring your SSD with you on daily travels, prioritize durability for protection against drops and bumps. A high level of shock resistance is essential to keep the external SSD safe. Look for drives with an IP67 rating or higher, ensuring they are resistant to dust and water. Your preference should be for an aluminum casing with an outer structure because it dissipates heat more effectively than plastic. An aluminum casing also gives a more premium feel to the SSD.
Security for Data Safekeeping
If you plan on storing sensitive files, then encryption is a must. Like most drives today, be it internal or external, AES-256-bit is the gold standard. Some drives include software for access control.
Size, Weight, and Cable Management Matters
Today's SSDs are not only more compact but also tiny powerhouses. The SK Hynix Bettle X31 drive comes to mind. It is literally smaller than the palm of a human hand.
Here is a list of recommended external SSDs
For the everyday backup, that's reliable and affordable: Crucial X9 Pro
-Creative tasks, Thunderbolt rugged that's pro grade: LaCie Rugged SSD Pro 5.
-What’s best for gaming? Lexar SL600 Blaze: High speed with a bit of flair.
-For the travelers, SK Hynix 1. Bettle X31 is ultra-portable with a USB-C port.
-The innovative backup features, Synology BeeDeive.
My Final Thoughts
When choosing external SSDs, keep in mind that specs should not be the primary focus; instead, it's all about how the drive fits into your workflow. Whether you're a gamer on the go or someone who wants reliable backups, the right external SSD will make storing files easier.
