External Storage Guide: Find the Right Match for Your Data

Running out of space on your laptop, tired of slow file transfers, or looking for a secure place for your digital archive? The world of external storage is vast, and it can be tough to figure out what you really need. From a simple USB stick for documents to a lightning-fast external SSD for large video files, the right solution depends on your use case.

This guide will help you make an informed decision. We'll cover the key specifications and highlight some popular choices, so you can find the external storage that's right for you.

Key Considerations Before You Buy

Before making a choice, it's important to consider three key factors: capacity, speed, and connection type.

1. Storage Capacity: How Much Space Do You Need?

The required capacity depends entirely on what you plan to store.

• Up to 128 GB: Sufficient for documents, presentations, and a limited number of photos. Ideal for school or office work.
• 256 GB to 512 GB: A good middle ground for those who regularly carry photos, music, and smaller video files.
• 1 TB and up: Essential for professionals working with large files (like 4K video), gamers looking to expand their game library, or for creating a full backup of your computer.

2. Type and Speed: USB Stick or External SSD?

Speed determines how quickly you can read (open) and write (save) files. Here, the difference between a traditional USB stick and an external SSD is crucial.

• USB stick: Compact, affordable, and perfect for quickly exchanging smaller files. Speeds are typically lower than those of an SSD.
• External SSD (Solid State Drive): Offers significantly higher speeds for rapid data transfer. A portable SSD is the standard for editing video, playing games from an external drive, or moving large folders.

3. Connection: USB-A or USB-C?

Check which ports your devices have.

• USB-A: The classic, rectangular USB port found on most older laptops and computers.
• USB-C: The newer, smaller, and reversible port. It's standard on modern laptops (including MacBooks), tablets, and smartphones. For the highest speeds, a USB-C storage device is often the best choice.

Recommended External Storage Options

Based on specifications and use cases, we've selected three distinct options.

Kingston DataTraveler SE9 G3 64GB

Why It Stands Out The Kingston DataTraveler SE9 G3 is a classic with a modern twist. Its all-metal casing is not only stylish but also durable. It's designed for reliability and daily use, with a capless design so there's nothing to lose.

Advantages

• Robust Casing: The metal construction can withstand rough handling.
• Good Performance: With read speeds up to 220 MB/s and write speeds up to 100 MB/s, it's fast for a USB 3.2 Gen 1 stick.
• Portable: Thanks to its compact size and keyring loop, you can always have it with you.

Who Is It For? Ideal for students and office workers who need a reliable USB stick for carrying and sharing documents, presentations, and other relatively small files.

View the Kingston DataTraveler 64GB

Samsung USB Flash Drive 512GB (Type-C)

Why It Stands Out This flash drive from Samsung combines the capacity of a small SSD with the form factor of a USB stick. It's specifically designed for USB-C storage, allowing it to work seamlessly with the latest generation of laptops, tablets, and smartphones.

Advantages

• High Speed: A read speed of up to 400 MB/s makes transferring large photo collections or movies a quick job.
• Large Capacity: With 512 GB, you have enough space for thousands of photos, hours of video, or a substantial music library.
• Protection: According to Samsung, its "5-proof technology" offers protection against water, shocks, magnets, temperature, and X-rays.

Who Is It For? Perfect for users of a MacBook, ultrabook, or Android device with a USB-C port. An excellent choice for anyone who wants to have a lot of data available on the go without carrying a separate cable.

View the Samsung USB Flash Drive 512GB

Samsung T7 Shield 1TB Portable SSD

Why It Stands Out The Samsung T7 Shield is a powerhouse in the world of external storage. This portable SSD is not only extremely fast but also built to withstand tough conditions. Its rubberised exterior provides grip and protection.

Advantages

• Exceptional Speed: With read and write speeds of up to 1,050 MB/s and 1,000 MB/s respectively, you can move gigabytes of data in seconds.
• Rugged Design: The drive has an IP65 rating for dust and water resistance and is designed to survive a 3-meter drop.
• Broad Compatibility: Works with PCs, Macs, Android devices, and game consoles. Both a USB-C to C and a USB-C to A cable are included.

Who Is It For? The T7 Shield is the go-to choice for content creators, photographers, video editors, and gamers. It's also a highly reliable and fast solution for anyone who wants to create a secure backup of important files.

View the Samsung T7 Shield 1TB

Looking for Other Options?

The world of external storage is diverse. For example, are you looking for a model that you can connect directly to your smartphone without an adapter? Check out our full range for more specialised solutions.

Discover more in our USB OTG flash drive category

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between a USB stick and an external SSD?

A USB stick is optimised for portability and exchanging smaller files. An external SSD is built for speed and performance, making it much more suitable for working with large files, running applications, or storing game libraries.

Can I use an external SSD for my PlayStation or Xbox?

Yes, a fast portable SSD like the Samsung T7 Shield is very suitable for game consoles. You can play PS4 or Xbox One games directly from it. For PS5 and Xbox Series X/S games, you can archive them on the SSD to free up space on the internal drive and quickly transfer them back when you want to play.

How much storage space do I need for backups?

For a full system backup, it's recommended to choose an external drive with at least the same capacity as your computer's internal drive. For regularly backing up only your most important files (documents, photos), 256 GB to 512 GB is often sufficient.