Choosing Between Storage Options: Dis drive or Flash Drive?
In the digital age, safeguarding valuable data is paramount. Here's a round-up of the top-rated external hard drives for data backup, based on recent expert tests and reviews from reputable sources such as "Which?" and Stiftung Warentest.
For those in need of a fast, portable SSD, the Samsung T7 Portable SSD stands out. Praised for its speed, durability, and versatile compatibility, it boasts read speeds of up to 1,050 MB/s and USB 3.2 Gen 2 compatibility. Its rugged and compact design, along with multiple interface cables included, make it an ideal choice for on-the-go backup needs [1][4].
For those seeking reliable, high-capacity single-drive HDDs, the Seagate Backup Plus Slim offers excellent value. With USB 3.0 connectivity, a minimalist metal enclosure, and up to 5TB capacity, it provides an excellent balance of price, speed, and capacity for general backup needs. It is favored for everyday backups and media storage, and has received high ratings from user communities and trusted review sites [1][5].
For professional or RAID backup solutions, the LaCie 2big RAID and Western Digital My Book Duo provide robust RAID configurations with large capacities and strong performance. The LaCie 2big RAID offers enterprise-grade dual-drive setup, RAID 0/1 support, and up to 48TB capacity, making it ideal for demanding workflows. The Western Digital My Book Duo, with dual WD Red drives, RAID 0/1 presets, a built-in USB 3.0 hub, hot-swappable drives, and up to 40TB storage, is recommended for heavy-duty home use with RAID capabilities [3].
It's essential to plan when the next backup is due or set up a recurring appointment in the calendar. HDD hard drives are still about three times faster than sticks when saving data, with an average speed of 90 MB/s. The Samsung USB Type-C Flash Drive was the best USB stick in the test, priced at 19 euros, while the Sandisk Ultra Dual Drive Go USB Type A & C was the second-best, priced at 17 euros. The Toshiba Canvio Basics Portable Hard Drive was the best HDD hard drive in the test, priced at 59 euros, and the Western Digital Elements Portable External Hard Drive was the second-best, priced at 70 euros [2].
Remember, there are two types of external storage: solid-state drives (SSD) and classic HDD hard drives. For a basic backup on a computer, one can copy all files to be backed up and save them via the insert command on an external data carrier. A cloud storage service can be an option for the copy stored in a different location. SSD hard drives store data 16 times faster than USB sticks, on average saving data at 512 megabytes per second (MB/s) [2].
There are numerous third-party programs that automate the backup process, such as the free, open-source software Duplicati. The Crucial X9 Portable External SSD was the second-best SSD hard drive, priced at 88 euros [2].
The BSI provides step-by-step guides for data backup programs integrated into various operating systems on its website. The "3-2-1 rule" for data backup suggests having the original data, two copies, on two different storage media, and one copy stored in a different location. It's advisable to inform oneself about the security functions and data protection regulations of cloud storage providers before using them [3].
All tested external storage media, including SSD and HDD hard drives and USB sticks, passed durability tests that included water submersion and multiple drops [2]. The Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) advises setting up a personal backup strategy based on the individual's needs and the amount of data to be backed up [3].
[1] https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/storage-drives/best-portable-hard-drives [2] https://www.stiftung-warentest.org/en/test-reports/external-hard-drives/ [3] https://www.bsi.bund.de/EN/Topics/Security-guidelines/Data-protection/Data-backup/data-backup_node.html [4] https://www.techradar.com/reviews/samsung-t7-portable-ssd [5] https://www.techradar.com/reviews/seagate-backup-plus-slim-portable-drive
For those interested in merging technology and convenience, the Samsung T7 Portable SSD is a premium gadget to consider. Its fast read speeds and compact design make it perfect for syncing files on the go [1][4].
If you're looking for a reliable storage solution that doesn't break the bank, the Seagate Backup Plus Slim is a top-rated external hard drive that offers impressive capacity at a competitive price [1][5]. This device is a great choice for those who value technology but prioritize affordability.
