When it comes to choosing between a solid state drive (SSD) or hard disk drive (HDD) for external storage, there are a few key factors to consider. SSDs tend to be faster, more durable, and more portable than HDDs. However, HDDs have larger storage capacities and are typically cheaper per gigabyte. The best option depends on your specific needs and budget.
Speed
One of the biggest advantages SSDs have over HDDs is speed. SSDs use flash memory rather than spinning platters, allowing for much faster data transfer speeds. This is especially noticeable when opening files, launching programs, copying files, and multitasking.
Most external SSDs connect via USB 3.0 or USB-C and provide read/write speeds of at least 400-500 MB/s. Some high-end models boast speeds up to 2,000 MB/s. In comparison, external HDDs max out around 150 MB/s over USB 3.0.
So if you frequently work with large files like videos, photos, or games, an SSD will save you time waiting for transfers to complete. The faster speeds are also ideal for running programs and files directly from the external drive.
Durability
Being solid state with no moving parts, SSDs are much more durable and shock-resistant than HDDs. Dropping an SSD is far less likely to cause damage or data loss compared to an HDD.
SSDs have no platters, read/write heads, or other fragile components. They are better equipped to withstand bumps, vibrations, movement, pressure, dust, moisture and extreme temperatures. This makes them ideal for travel and on-the-go use.
HDDs rely on delicate mechanical parts that are prone to wear and tear over time. The platters and read/write heads within an HDD can easily be knocked out of alignment, resulting in irreparable damage. Portable external HDDs do incorporate some shock-absorbing features, but they are still no match for the durability of SSDs.
Storage Capacity
HDDs are available in much higher capacities than SSDs. External HDDs go up to 16TB for desktop models and 5TB for portable drives. On the SSD side, portable external drives only go up to 8TB and desktop models max out around 16TB.
Additionally, HDDs offer a better price per gigabyte at about $0.03 to $0.05 per gigabyte depending on the size. External SSDs cost around $0.20 to $0.40 per gigabyte. So you can get a lot more storage for your money by going with an HDD.
If you need copious amounts of external storage for things like backups, media libraries, or professional projects, an HDD allows you to maximize your capacity. A 1TB external SSD currently costs around $100 to $200, while a 1TB HDD costs between $40 and $60. The storage gap between the two only widens as capacities increase.
Portability
External SSDs are smaller, lighter and more compact than external HDDs. Even portable HDDs cannot match the ultra slim, mini sizes that SSDs are available in. For example, the Samsung T5 SSD is only about 3 inches long and 2 inches wide, comparable to a small smartphone. And it weighs less than two ounces.
Carrying around a portable SSD drive feels like you are barely adding any weight to your bag or pocket. Most external HDDs weigh at least 6 to 8 ounces and have a larger footprint despite being designed for portability. If travel light is your priority, an SSD is the way to go.
Availability
External HDDs come in a wider variety of sizes from different manufacturers compared to SSDs. At electronics stores or online retailers like Amazon, you will find dozens of desktop and portable HDD options from Seagate, Western Digital, Toshiba, LaCie and others. They range from 1TB to 5TB for portable drives and up to 16TB for desktop external drives.
The selection of external SSDs is considerably smaller. Samsung and SanDisk make some of the most popular models like the T5, T7, and Extreme Portable SSDs. Storage capacities typically top out at 2TB for portable SSD drives and 8TB for desktop external SSDs.
If you need something with very specific storage amounts, dimensions, connectivity ports, or features, an HDD will be easier to find in stock and available to ship.
Compatibility
External HDDs and SSDs both use the same USB, Thunderbolt, or other cable interfaces to connect to PCs and other devices. This makes them interchangeable for hardware compatibility. They can connect to laptops, desktops, gaming consoles, smart TVs, and more.
When it comes to software compatibility, SSDs function the same as HDDs in that they can store and access data without additional software or drivers. Operating systems like Windows, Mac OS, Linux, etc. will recognize an external SSD just like an HDD.
The main difference on the software side is that SSDs require computers with SSD-optimized operating systems to take full advantage of their speed. Older computers with HDD-focused operating systems can still use external SSDs but won’t see the full speed benefits.
Security
When it comes to safely storing sensitive data, SSDs have a clear security advantage. Because recovering data from a flash cell requires advanced techniques, it is extremely difficult for an unauthorized person to access your deleted files stored on an SSD. The flash storage simply reset to zeroes when deleted.
With HDDs, recovering deleted files is much easier using data recovery software because the physical magnetic imprint of the data remains on the platters. The discs need to be completely overwritten multiple times to fully erase files rather than just resetting their entry in the file table.
If encrypting your data before storing it, both SSDs and HDDs will provide adequate protection. But unencrypted, SSDs make it impossible for someone to restore your deleted information. So if security is important, lean towards an SSD.
Reliability
Reliability depends on the specific make and model, but SSDs tend to last longer than HDDs on average. The lack of moving parts makes SSDs less susceptible to wear and tear over time. Drives using high-quality flash memory can withstand hundreds of terabytes written.
Enterprise-class SSDs designed for data centers are rated for full-capacity writes per day for 5 years or more. Standard consumer external SSDs last around 3-5 years with normal everyday use.
Portable HDDs tend to last 3-4 years on the high end before risking failure. Usage habits play a big role in lifespan for both SSDs and HDDs. Drops, shocks, vibrations, excessive heat, and fragmentation can shorten the usable life of either drive.
Both SSDs and HDDs can suddenly fail at any time regardless of age. So the key for reliability is regularly backing up your data to a second drive or cloud storage.
Noise
A benefit SSDs provide is completely silent operation with no moving parts generating noise. HDDs contain spinning platter discs that hum while reading and writing data. The sound isn’t overly distracting, but is noticeable in quiet environments.
SSDs run cool and quiet without any clicks, spins or whirs. This allows you to focus without audible distractions when working in a library or coffee shop. Silent operation also makes SSDs better suited for audio recording studios.
Heat
SSDs run significantly cooler than HDDs, which helps improve longevity and performance. Without constantly spinning platters and moving heads, less heat is generated. SSD temperatures typically stay under 70°F during most workloads.
In contrast, HDDs can reach 100°F+ if inadequate airflow in the enclosure. Excessive heat can cause HDDs to throttle performance or even fail over time. Proper ventilation and cooling keep HDDs from overheating.
If operating in hot environments or cramped enclosures, SSDs hold up better against thermal extremes that accelerate wear on HDDs.
Fragmentation
When files are written and deleted over time, HDDs become fragmented. Bits of data get scattered across different sectors rather than stored contiguously. This requires read/write heads to seek across different areas of disk platters.
Defragmenting optimizes an HDD by consolidating fragmented files. But the process must be repeated as new fragmentation occurs. Fragmentation does not affect SSD performance or require defragmenting thanks to direct access of flash memory cells.
Upgradeability
Most external hard drives are not designed to be user upgradeable. But certain external HDDs do allow users to swap out the internal drive for a higher capacity model. This lets you expand storage without replacing the whole enclosure.
External SSD enclosures are sealed with no internal access, making DIY drive upgrades impossible. Instead, you’d need to copy data over to a brand new higher capacity SSD.
Power Consumption
SSDs are more power efficient than HDDs, consuming up to 80% less energy during operation and extending laptop battery life. HDDs need to spin constantly whenever powered on, using about 2-3 watts or more. SSD power use ranges from 0.1 to 2 watts.
Better energy efficiency yields cost savings over the lifespan of the drive. If relying on bus or battery power regularly, an SSD helps conserve energy.
Conclusion
SSDs outperform HDDs in many ways – speed, durability, portability, security, reliability, noise, heat, and power efficiency. However, HDDs still have the advantage when it comes to storage capacity and price per gigabyte. Here is a quick comparison summary:
| Factor | SSD | HDD |
| Speed | Faster | Slower |
| Durability | More durable | Less durable |
| Capacity | Lower capacity | Higher capacity |
| Cost | More expensive per GB | Less expensive per GB |
| Portability | More portable | Less portable |
| Availability | Fewer models available | More models available |
| Security | More secure when deleting files | Less secure when deleting files |
| Reliability | Typically more reliable | Typically less reliable |
| Noise | Silent | Audible spinning |
| Heat | Runs cooler | Runs hotter |
| Fragmentation | Not affected by fragmentation | Requires periodic defragmenting |
| Power Efficiency | More efficient | Less efficient |
If your top priority is transfer speed, durability, and portability, choosing an SSD will get you those benefits. But if you need tons of external storage capacity on a budget, an HDD still can’t be beat.
For most users, a good compromise is to go with a portable external SSD for your most-used files where speed matters. Then pair it with a higher capacity desktop external HDD to store your full media libraries, archives, backups, and other files accessed less regularly. Using both drive technologies together gives you the ideal blend of speed, capacity, affordability and portability.
