Running out of storage space? Check out these external storage devices

SDs are faster and more compact than most HDDs (Image credit: Pixabay/tonywuphotography)

Modern storage devices are not just fast, but they are also on the compact side, which makes them easy to carry around. With many laptops still offering just 256 GB of internal storage on base models, it might make sense to buy an external storage device that can cater to all your digital storage needs.

SSD vs HDD: Size matters

Modern storage devices can be classified into two major categories — flash-based or solid-state drive (SSD) and optical drive-based or hard disk drive (HDD) storage devices. A flash-based storage device will be lighter and more compact when compared to an optical-drive-based device. However, an SSD will cost a lot more than an HDD.

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There are also several subcategories within HDD and SSD. HDDs can be primarily classified based on their drive size and rotation speed. Most external HDDs feature a 2.5-inch drive with a typical rotational speed of 5,400 RPM, and there are also select HDDs that offer a higher speed.

SATA vs PCIe: Speed matters

Similarly, even in SSDs, there are SATA-based SSDs, and then there are NVMe-based SSDs, which are much faster and are also on the expensive side. Within NVMe SSDs, there are different classes, a PCIe Gen 5 is currently the flagship technology that has the best possible read and write speed.

Here are a few more things to keep in mind while buying an external storage device:

Depending on your computer, look for a storage device with a specific input/output port. Most modern SSD-based storage devices will come with a USB-C I/O port, which enables the storage device to be used with multiple devices such as laptops, MacBooks, iPads, tablets, and even smartphones.

Look for the sequential read and write speed, this is an important parameter to consider while buying a storage device, especially if you want to device to transfer large files more frequently. Similarly, if you are looking for a storage device that will be used to back up your personal data, a simple HDD should do the job, so try to get one that offers more storage.

Next, look for a reputed brand and try to get a storage device with an extended warranty, so if something goes wrong in the long run, you will be able to get it fixed via the official channel. If you are someone who wants to store a lot of confidential data, you can also look for a storage device with a biometric locking capability, possibly with fingerprint encryption.

Based on these parameters, here are some of the best storage devices that one can consider in 2024:

Seagate Expansion 2TB External HDD

One of the most affordable HDDs (Express Photo)

If you are looking for an external storage device that’s affordable and offers plenty of storage space, check out the Seagate Expansion 2TB External HDD, which is currently selling for Rs 6,981. Despite its affordable price tag, the drive offers USB 3.0 data transfer speed, and it also comes with a complimentary data recovery service that is valid for three years. The drive is compatible with both Windows and macOS, and it comes with a USB-A output port, but you will need a USB-C adapter to use this device with most modern MacBooks.

Sandisk Extreme Portable 2TB

Compact and fast storage device (Express Photo)

If you are looking for an SSD with fast data transfer speeds that can also be used with smartphones, the Sandisk Extreme Portable 2TB is the right choice. The SSD currently costs Rs 16,599 and it comes with a five-year warranty. What makes this even special is the fact that the device is IP65 water and dust-resistant and it can also sustain drops with up to 3 metres. This SSD has read and write speeds of up to 1050MB/s.

Western Digital 4TB My Passport Portable Hard Disk Drive

This drive offers a lot of storage (Express Photo)

Those looking for even more storage space can consider the Western Digital My Passport Portable Hard Disk Drive, which comes with 4 TB of storage space. Priced at Rs 10,499, this storage device is perfect for those who like to back up all their digital content on a single device. And just like the Seagate Expansion, it is also compatible with both Windows and macOS.

SanDisk Professional 4TB G-Drive

A rugged hard drive (Express Photo)

While most external HDDs offer a dated USB-A output, the SanDisk Professional 4TB G-Drive, priced at Rs 15,499 comes with a USB-C port and offers a higher data transfer speed of up to 135MB/s, which is more than most HDDs. This is also a rugged storage device with an IP54 rating and is also 1000lb crush-resistant. Despite being a USB-C drive, it can only be used with computers, as it draws higher power which phones will not be able to deliver.

Samsung T7 Touch

A SSD with biometric security (Express Photo)

This 1TB SSD-based storage device from Samsung comes with an integrated fingerprint sensor, making it one of the most secure external storage devices in the market. It currently retails for Rs 10,999 and offers 1 TB of storage, and there is also a 2 TB model, priced at a slightly higher price. With built-in AES 256-bit encryption and biometric authentication, this drive can easily secure your files and can be used with laptops, Macs, Android devices, and iPads.