External SSDs

An external SSD (Solid State Drive) is a portable storage device that uses flash memory to store data. External SSDs are also known as portable SSDs and offer fast data transfer speeds and durability, making them ideal for tasks requiring quick access to files. External SSDs are often used for backups, media storage, and running applications on-the-go.

For more information, read our article: What is a portable SSD?

An external SSD is ideal for anyone in need of fast and portable storage for tasks like video editing, gaming, or running software. An external SSD offers speed and durability make it suitable for professionals, gamers, and users who frequently transfer large files. However, if you're looking for more speed an NVMe may be best for you. Alternatively, SATA SSDs are considered to be the best for general use where speed is less critical, balancing performance with affordability and compatibility. 

For more information on how to choose the right external SSD, read our article on choosing an external SSD for a laptop.

External SSDs offer faster data transfer speed, increased durability due to no moving parts, and general better performance for tasks like booting up systems or running applications.  There are advantages and disadvantages to each type of drive, and deciding on which type is right for you comes down to how you use your computer. Our guide to HDD vs. SSD shows you how each type of storage drive works and what it means for you.

Consider your storage needs, including the size of files you'll be working with and how much space your system requires. For photos, at an average file size of 5MB, a 1TB SSD holds about 200,000 images. For video, an hour of 4K footage could take up anywhere from 42GB to over 740GB. Our most popular capacities for external SSDs are the 2TB and 4TB. 

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