What is the best external hard drive to use?

by gpwebmedia
July 11 , 2024

There are currently many models of external hard drives on the market, varying in capacity, features, and price, making it difficult to decide which one is suitable for your needs. This article will provide some useful information to help you make an informed choice.

What is an external hard drive?

An external hard drive is a type of specialized storage device used to store data outside of your computer. It has a compact design, making it easy to carry with you wherever you go. This useful accessory increases flexibility for data backup for office workers, business people, students, and more.

There are basically two types of hard drives on the market today: HDD and SSD external hard drives, where:

HDD (Hard Disk Drive) is a traditional type with multiple aluminum disks stacked on top of each other. It offers stable read and write speeds (not as fast as SSDs), large capacities up to 4 TB, and is more affordable.
SSD (Solid State Drive) features a solid design, faster read and write speeds, typically smaller capacities compared to HDDs, and higher prices.

best external hard drive

An external hard drive provides many practical benefits by expanding your computer's storage space, allowing you to save more information and simplify file storage and sharing without keeping them on your laptop. Additionally, it helps back up data to prevent accidental deletion or data loss due to computer errors, offering high data security and portability, making it convenient for business trips, travel, and work.

Criteria for choosing an external hard drive

Usage Needs: Buy an external hard drive when you need more storage space, data backup, frequent travel, or enjoy collecting many movies and music.
Capacity: 500 GB is sufficient for basic needs.
Type of Hard Drive: Choose an HDD for large storage capacity and lower cost. Opt for an SSD if you need fast access speeds and don't require large capacity.
Security: Most modern hard drives come with data protection features like password access, so you can securely store your information.
Connection Method: Choose an external hard drive that connects to devices via common formats like USB 3.0, USB 2.0, USB Type-C, etc.
Design & Material: A 1.8-inch hard drive is lightweight, 2.5-inch is the most popular, and 3.5-inch is suitable for high data needs. Look for hard drives with durable plastic or metal casings that are impact-resistant.
Durability: Consider the product's durability to avoid accidental damage that could result in data loss. SSDs usually have better shock resistance than HDDs.
Brand: Choose reputable brands to ensure product quality such as Seagate, Western Digital, Samsung, etc.
Price: Prices range from $80 to $100 depending on the model and capacity.

Things to keep in mind when choosing an external hard drive

Even if the hard drive has shock resistance, avoid heavy impacts to ensure longevity.

When connecting the external hard drive to another device, use the cable provided by the manufacturer and plug it into the compatible port for easy and stable connection.

It's best to connect the external hard drive when the device is starting up to avoid shocks that can damage the hard drive and cause data loss.

Do not abruptly disconnect the external hard drive; use the "Safely remove hardware" option before unplugging to better protect your data.

If the hard drive malfunctions, don't attempt to repair it yourself if you're not a professional. Bring it to a service center to ensure it is repaired correctly according to the manufacturer's warranty policy.

The best external hard drive brands today

The most trusted external hard drive brands today include Samsung, Western Digital, Seagate, Transcend (a subsidiary of Western Digital), Adata, and Seagate. These brands are experienced in the storage industry and offer good warranty policies for their devices.

best external hard drive brands

Among these, Samsung leads in technology, especially with their chips and circuit boards, providing external hard drives with superior speed and storage capacity. For HDDs, Western Digital and Seagate are top choices due to their reasonable prices, high durability, and additional tools.