Having a reliable backup solution is critical for protecting your important files and data. As laptops and mobile devices become increasingly common, portable external SSDs have emerged as a convenient way to backup and transport data on the go. In this article, I discuss the benefits of using an external SSD for backup and review some of the top options currently available.
Why Use an External SSD for Backup?
External SSDs offer several key advantages over traditional external hard drives:
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Faster transfer speeds – SSDs have much faster data transfer rates, allowing for quicker backup and retrieval of large files and folders. Many external SSDs now leverage USB 3.2 Gen 2 and USB-C connectivity for transfer speeds up to 10Gbps.
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Compact and lightweight – External SSDs weigh less and are much smaller than external HDDs, making them easy to slip into a bag or pocket when traveling. The smaller size also makes them easier to store.
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Ruggedness and durability – Without any internal moving parts, external SSDs are less prone to damage or failure from drops and bumps. This makes them ideal for on-the-go use. Many new external SSDs also boast IP67 or higher water and dust resistance ratings.
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Power efficiency – External SSDs are able to operate at lower power levels than external HDDs. This gives them better battery life when used with laptops.
For these reasons, an external SSD can be an excellent solution for frequent travelers who need to backup or transport lots of data securely and quickly. The faster speeds also make SSDs better suited for transferring large files like photos, videos, or games.
Best External SSDs for Backup and Portability
Here are some of the top external SSDs I recommend for backup and on-the-go use:
Samsung T7 Touch
The Samsung T7 Touch combines fast transfer speeds, fingerprint encryption, and an excellent 3-year warranty in a sleek and compact package.
- Sequential read/write speeds up to 1,050/1,000MB/s
- Drops up to 6 feet; IP65 dust and water resistance
- Fingerprint sensor for biometric security
- Available in 500GB to 2TB capacities
- Compact size of 3.4 x 2.2 x 0.3 inches
For data security and performance, the T7 Touch is hard to beat. The integrated fingerprint sensor helps prevent unauthorized access if the drive is lost or stolen. It’s also available in stylish red and black color options.
Sandisk Extreme Pro Portable SSD
The SanDisk Extreme Pro Portable SSD lives up to its name with some of the fastest speeds you can get in a pocket-sized external SSD.
- Up to 2,000MB/sec sequential read/write
- Ruggedized design with IP55 rating
- Available with up to 4TB capacity
- Compact at 3.79 x 1.95 x 0.39 inches
- Shock and vibration resistant
With its durable silicone shell and high-speeds, it’s an excellent choice for backing up high-resolution photos and videos on the go. The SanDisk dashboard software also offers handy features like encryption and backup scheduling.
LaCie Rugged SSD Pro
The LaCie Rugged SSD Pro is designed to withstand extreme conditions while providing fast Thunderbolt 3 speeds.
- Up to 2,800MB/sec read and 2,300MB/sec write speeds
- Withstands drops up to 3 meters; crush resistant up to 1 ton
- IP67 rated for 30 minutes of water protection at 1 meter depth
- Available in 1TB and 2TB
- Rugged rubber sleeve for shock absorption
For ultimate durability, the LaCie SSD Pro is a great pick. Thanks to its Thunderbolt 3 interface, it offers blazing fast transfer speeds. The durable rubber sleeve and internal protective bumper provide military-grade shock resistance, making this a reliable backup drive for the most extreme environments.
Key Factors When Selecting an External SSD
To summarize, here are some of the key factors I recommend considering when choosing an external SSD for backups and travel:
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Sequential read/write speeds – Faster is better; look for speeds of at least 500MB/sec.
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Connection interfaces – USB 3.2 Gen2, USB-C, and Thunderbolt 3 provide the fastest transfer rates.
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Size and design – Look for a compact and lightweight drive if portability is important. Rugged, shockproof designs are best for travel.
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Security features – Fingerprint sensors and encryption add an extra layer of data protection.
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Warranty length – A 3 year warranty is ideal for reliability and longevity.
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Price per GB – Calculate the cost per GB to find good value; aim for less than 30 cents per GB.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can select the best portable external SSD to suit your specific backup, transport, and security needs. Fast, compact, and rugged, a high-quality external SSD is an excellent investment to ensure your important files are always protected.
