External SSDs (solid state drives) have become a popular portable storage option in recent years. Their lightning fast speeds, durability, light weight and compact size make them an appealing choice over traditional external hard disk drives (HDDs). But are the advantages of external SSDs worth the higher cost per gigabyte? Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons.
Speed
One of the biggest advantages of external SSDs over HDDs is their much faster data transfer speeds. SSDs have no moving parts and use flash memory, allowing data to be accessed almost instantly. An external SSD connected via a USB 3.0 port can reach read/write speeds of over 400 MB/s. In comparison, external HDDs max out at around 100-150 MB/s.
This means you can transfer multi-gigabyte files and folders in seconds rather than minutes with an SSD. Boot up and loading times for programs and games stored on the external SSD are also hugely improved.
Durability
Being solid state with no moving parts means external SSDs are much more durable and resistant to damage from drops, shocks, vibrations and extreme temperatures. An SSD has no internal head to crash or sensitive platters to scratch. While external HDDs have some durability measures like ramp loading technology, they are still mechanical drives prone to failure over time.
The durable nature of SSDs makes them great for carrying around in backpacks or luggage without worry. HDDs require more careful handling to avoid damage.
Size and weight
External SSDs are much smaller and lighter than portable HDDs. For example, a 500GB Samsung T5 SSD measures just 2.91 x 2.26 x 0.41 inches and weighs 1.80z. A comparable 500GB Toshiba Canvio Basics portable HDD measures 4.3 x 3.1 x 0.55 inches and weighs 8.11oz.
This compact and lightweight footprint means an SSD will easily slip into a pocket or pouch. HDDs require a bit more space and are heavier to carry around all day.
| Drive | Physical Size | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| 500GB Samsung T5 SSD | 2.91 x 2.26 x 0.41 inches | 1.80z |
| 500GB Toshiba Canvio Basics HDD | 4.3 x 3.1 x 0.55 inches | 8.11oz |
Storage capacity
The maximum storage capacity for external HDDs is greater than SSDs currently. HDDs are available in sizes up to 5TB for standard portable drives and 10TB for desktop models. External SSDs max out at around 2TB currently.
However, SSD capacities are constantly improving. For most users, a 500GB to 1TB SSD will provide ample portable storage. The only downside is the cost per gigabyte remains high for SSDs compared to HDDs.
Reliability
External SSDs are generally more reliable than HDDs. SSDs have no moving parts to break and a rugged, non-mechanical design. Most portable external SSDs can withstand extreme shocks, vibrations and drops that would damage an HDD.
SSDs are not prone to mechanical failures like head crashes or motor issues. They are also unaffected by magnetic fields. The NAND flash memory in SSDs slowly loses capacity over time as cells wear out from repeated erase/write cycles. But modern SSDs are designed to last many years under normal use.
Portable external HDDs have some anti-shock measures but are still mechanical drives with moving read/write heads and spinning platters. This makes them more susceptible to damage from drops, shakes, magnetic fields, extreme temperatures, head crashes and motor failure over time.
Security
External SSDs offer the security of fast and easy full drive encryption. Many SSDs from major brands like Samsung and SanDisk come with AES 256-bit hardware encryption built-in. This allows you to encrypt and password protect the entire drive.
Portable HDDs do not have full disk encryption capabilities. You would have to separately encrypt specific folders or files only. Full drive encryption is vital to protect sensitive data if your external storage device gets lost or stolen.
Compatibility
External SSDs are highly compatible with different OS platforms and devices. They use the USB interface for universal plug and play. Modern SSDs come with both USB Type A and Type C connectors for use with nearly any computer.
Portable HDD compatibility is also very broad thanks to USB connectivity. However, SSDs require no external power source, so you can just plug them into tablets, phones and other mobile devices with the USB-C port. HDDs may need external power from another USB port or AC socket in some cases.
Noise and heat
External SSDs produce no noise or excess heat as they have no moving parts and require minimal power to operate. This allows them to run cool and silent.
In contrast, portable HDDs do generate a low hum and vibration from the spinning platters and moving heads. They also run slightly warmer and require more power. If you plan to use your external storage device in quiet environments like a library, the noise from an HDD could be distracting.
Price
There is no contest when it comes to price. External HDDs are substantially cheaper per gigabyte compared to SSDs. A 1TB portable HDD costs around $50 while a 1TB SSD from Samsung or WD costs around $150.
However, the price gap between HDDs and SSDs is narrowing over time. With every technology advancement, SSD prices drop further. And manufacturers are steadily increasing SSD capacities. So the pricing factor is becoming less of an issue now for many users who value the performance and reliability of SSDs over HDDs.
SSD vs HDD Price Comparison
| Drive Type | Capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| WD Elements Portable HDD | 1TB | $46.99 |
| Samsung T5 Portable SSD | 1TB | $129.99 |
Verdict: Are external SSDs worth it?
So are the benefits of speed, durability, size and reliability worth the higher cost per gigabyte for an external SSD? It depends on your needs.
For users that simply need expanded storage space for non-critical documents, media files and backups, an external HDD is likely the better choice. The cheaper cost and higher capacities of HDDs make sense as long as you handle them carefully.
But for professionals, business users and anyone who relies heavily on external storage, SSDs are worth the premium. The extreme speed, ruggedness, security and performance of SSDs are compelling. With SSD prices dropping and capacities increasing, they make sense for power users who need external storage they can rely on when working remotely or traveling.
In summary, typical home and office users are fine saving money with external HDDs for basic storage needs. But mobile professionals and technology enthusiasts will find the advantages of SSDs well worth the higher price for premium portable storage.
Conclusion
External SSDs are worth the higher cost for their unmatched speed, durability, reliability and performance. While external HDDs are cheaper per gigabyte, SSD prices are dropping while capacities increase. For professionals and power users who rely on external storage, SSDs provide compelling benefits over traditional HDDs.