When it comes to choosing between an external hard drive and a portable hard drive, there are a few key differences to consider. Both options provide additional storage space and allow you to back up your files and data. However, external and portable drives have different features that may make one better suited for your needs than the other.
Quick Answers
Here are quick answers to some common questions about external and portable hard drives:
- External hard drives are designed to stay outside of your computer and are not very portable.
- Portable hard drives are compact and lightweight so you can transport your data anywhere.
- External hard drives typically offer more storage capacity for less money per terabyte.
- Portable hard drives draw power over USB so they don’t need a separate power connection.
- External hard drives have faster data transfer speeds but portable hard drives have caught up in speed.
- Both options help protect your data from computer crashes or accidental deletion.
Storage Capacity
One of the biggest differences between these two types of hard drives is storage capacity. External hard drives are available in capacities starting from around 2TB up to 10TB for desktop models. Standard portable hard drives tend to range from 500GB to 2TB.
This makes external hard drives better suited for storing large volumes of data such as your entire photo, video and music collections. Portable drives work well for smaller backups plus keeping key files on hand when you’re traveling or commuting.
Cost Per Terabyte
Along with larger storage potential, external hard drives offer more value in terms of cost per terabyte. The chart below compares current prices for popular 1TB portable and 4TB external hard drive models from Seagate and Western Digital:
| Model | Storage | Price | Price Per TB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seagate Backup Plus Slim 1TB | 1TB | $54.99 | $54.99 |
| WD My Passport 1TB | 1TB | $59.99 | $59.99 |
| Seagate Backup Plus Hub 4TB | 4TB | $94.99 | $23.75 |
| WD My Book 4TB | 4TB | $89.99 | $22.50 |
As you can see, the larger 4TB external hard drives offer much better value at around $23 per TB compared to $55+ per TB for the 1TB portable models. This cost savings allows you to get more storage for your money with an external hard drive.
Convenience and Portability
Portable hard drives are designed for easy transport and on-the-go use. They are compact and lightweight, weighing usually less than 10 ounces. This makes them easy to slip into a bag or even a coat pocket.
In contrast, external hard drives typically weigh over a pound and need to be plugged into a power outlet to operate. Most models include a power adapter and USB cable. While you can move an external drive between locations, they are intended to mostly stay put on your desk and are not very portable.
Using Hard Drives On The Go
If you frequently travel for work, school or pleasure, a portable hard drive is very convenient. You don’t have to lug around a power adapter. The drive gets all the power it needs from the USB port when you plug it into your laptop.
Portable drives work well for on-the-go tasks like transferring files between computers and locations. Options like the rugged SanDisk Extreme allow you to backup photos and videos from your camera without a computer.
External hard drives are a poor choice for using with multiple computers and traveling. They can be moved from one desk to another but are not intended for frequent transport.
Data Transfer Speed
External hard drives used to have a clear advantage in data transfer speeds. Their larger size allows for drives with high revolutions per minute (RPMs) and faster interfaces like eSATA.
However, portable hard drives have been catching up. Many models now use a Solid State Drive (SSD) for storage. SSDs have no moving parts and fast data access times. This improves durability as well as allowing for speeds competitive with external HDDs.
Matching Your Needs
When it comes to speed, consider how you will use your hard drive. If you just need occasional extra storage or backups, a standard portable model will likely have enough data transfer speed.
Power users with large files like videos can benefit from the faster speeds of an external SSD. For example, the Samsung T5 offers transfer rates up to 540 MB/s compared to typical speeds below 200 MB/s for many portable HDDs.
Make sure your drive has at least a USB 3.0 connection to achieve the fastest speeds possible. Paying more for Thunderbolt support only makes sense if your computer also has a Thunderbolt port.
Durability
Hard drives inevitably fail eventually. All those moving parts are delicate. Both portables and externals can have durability issues from shock, vibration and exposure to elements like moisture.
Overall, portable hard drives are more rugged. They are designed for travel and have extra protections like rubber bumpers. Models like the ADATA HD710 are IP68 rated for dust and water resistance.
Externals situated on your desk are less at risk but still have potential points of failure. Cheaper models may feel flimsy and plasticky.
Helpful Features
Look for drives marketed as rugged or resistant if durability is important to you. These often exceed military standards for shock and vibration. Silicon, rubber or TPU coatings help too.
Externals like the Western Digital My Book Duo give you RAID support. This allows automatic data backup to a second hard drive inside to prevent data loss if one drive fails.
Software that encrypts your data also provides protection in case you lose your hard drive. Secure your data from prying eyes. Services like password protection and IP blocking restrict access.
Backup and Software Features
Both portable and external drives typically include software for features like:
- Scheduling automatic backups
- Restoring previous file versions
- Cloning drives for easy transitions to a new computer
- Encrypting and password protecting data
- Downloading updated software features
This backup software may have limitations compared to more advanced third-party solutions. For example, file versioning history may be limited to 30 days.
External hard drives, especially models aimed at backups for business, often include more robust software. Look for offerings tailored to your specific needs, like imaging solutions for easy disaster recovery.
OS Compatibility
Most external and portable hard drives can be used interchangeably between Mac and Windows. Drives formatted as exFAT or FAT32 allow this cross-platform flexibility.
However, sometimes backup software is platform-specific. Make sure external drive software supports your operating system before purchasing.
Drives with hardware encryption usually require reformatting to switch between OS types. This can mean data loss, so select the proper format the first time if you use both Mac and Windows machines.
Security
Both portable and external hard drives are easy targets for physical theft given their size and portability. Keep your drive tucked safely away when not needed. Encryption is also vital to prevent data theft.
Because portable drives are designed for travel, they face higher risks like airport security checks. Accidental drops and spills can also occur. This makes having password protection and backups even more important.
Externals kept at home or the office still merit security precautions. Fire, floods and power surges threaten drives. Encryption helps protect data if a device is damaged or stolen.
Encryption Options
Look for 256-bit AES hardware encryption to securely block unauthorized access. Software encryption tends to have more performance impact.
Some portable models like the Apricorn Aegis Padlock integrate encryption right in the device’s hardware controller. There is no software required, just a PIN code to unlock the drive.
Software options like BitLocker for Windows are built into modern operating systems. Third-party encryption tools like VeraCrypt are also widely available.
Conclusion
When choosing between an external or portable hard drive, think about your specific needs:
- External drives offer more storage for less money but aren’t very portable.
- Portable drives are compact and convenient for use with multiple computers and locations.
- Look for durability, encryption and backup features to protect your data.
- Make sure the drive is compatible with your OS and has enough speed for your tasks.
In the end, both external and portable drives serve the same functions – giving you more data storage and backup options. Pick the factors most important for your personal or business use. Either can be a valuable addition to your computer setup.
