2 best usb external backups

USB external backups are a crucial aspect of data storage and computer accessories, particularly when it comes to ensuring the safety and accessibility of your important digital files. Here is what you should know about them:

Purpose: USB external backups, often utilizing External Solid State Drives (SSDs) or Hard Disk Drives (HDDs), are designed to provide an additional layer of data security by creating duplicates of your important files, documents, photos, videos, and other digital assets. These backups help protect against data loss due to hardware failures, accidental deletion, or other unforeseen events.
Portability: External drives are typically compact and portable, making them easy to transport and connect to various devices.They can be connected to laptops, desktops, or even some smart TVs and gaming consoles via USB ports.
Storage Capacity: External backup drives come in a range of storage capacities, from a few gigabytes to several terabytes. The choice of capacity depends on your specific needs and the amount of data you want to back up.
Data Transfer Speed: External SSDs, in particular, offer faster data transfer speeds compared to traditional HDDs. This makes them a preferred choice for those who require quick access to their data or perform regular backups.
Backup Software: Many external backup drives come with pre-installed backup software or offer compatible software for data management. This software often allows you to schedule automated backups, select specific folders or files to back up, and manage the backup process efficiently.
Data Security: To enhance data security, some external drives offer hardware encryption or password protection. This ensures that even if the drive is lost or stolen, your data remains inaccessible to unauthorized users.
Compatibility: USB external backup drives are generally compatible with various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. Most modern systems recognize these drives without the need for additional drivers or software installations.
Longevity: The lifespan of an external backup drive largely depends on the type of drive (SSD or HDD) and how it is used. SSDs tend to be more durable due to their lack of moving parts, but both types of drives can last for several years with proper care.
Backup Strategies: It's essential to have a well-defined backup strategy, which may include regular full backups, incremental backups, or a combination of both. This strategy ensures that you can recover your data efficiently in case of data loss.
Price: The cost of USB external backup drives varies based on factors such as capacity, speed, and brand. SSDs tend to be more expensive per gigabyte compared to HDDs, but the price difference has been decreasing over time.

In summary, USB external backups using SSDs or HDDs are valuable tools for safeguarding your digital data. They offer portability, various storage capacities, data transfer speed options, and data security features to suit different needs. Developing a reliable backup routine and choosing the right drive for your requirements are essential steps in maintaining the integrity and accessibility of your data.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best usb external backups on the market

Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive Portable HDD – USB 3.0 for PC, Mac, PS4, & Xbox - 1-Year Rescue Service (STGX2000400)

Seagate

Based on 96 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Easily store and access 2TB of content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a great laptop hard drive. Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this compact external hard drive makes backup a snap. Just drag and drop To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition—no software required—and enjoy plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable.

Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
Enjoy long-term peace of mind with the included one-year limited warranty and 1 year rescue data recovery services

Product features

Always Spacious. Always Easy.

Back up yesterday’s memories and today’s documents, even on the go. Seagate Portable makes it possible thanks to the plug-and-play simplicity of USB 3.0 and drag-and-drop functionality.

What's Included

Seagate Portable, 18-inch (45.72cm) USB 3.0 cable, Quick start guide

SAMSUNG T5 Portable SSD 1TB - Up to 540MB/s - USB 3.1 External Solid State Drive, Black (MU-PA1T0B/AM)

SAMSUNG

Based on 7 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Samsung T5 Portable SSD has the latest in Samsung V-NAND flash memory technology. Its portable design, blazing fast transfer speeds of up to 540 MB/s, shock resistance, and secure encryption make it the best portable SSD on the market.

Superfast read write speeds: SSD with V-NAND offers ultra-fast data transfer speeds of up to 540MB/s (up to 4.9x faster than external HDDs); Ideal for transferring large-sized data including 4K videos, high-resolution photos, games and more
Compact and portable design: Top to bottom shock resistant metal design fits in the palm of your hand and easily slides in your pocket or purse to take work and entertainment on the go
Secure encryption: Optional password protection and AES 256-bit hardware encryption keeps your personal and private data more secure
Seamless connectivity: Includes USB type C to C and USB type C to A cables to connect to PCs, Macs, smartphones and other devices
Warranty and compatibility: 3-year limited warranty; Requires Windows 7, Mac OS X 10.9 (Mavericks), Android 4.4 (KitKat), or higher; Older versions of the Windows, Mac and Android operating systems may not be supported

User questions & answers

Question:	I just bought i want to use with an imac and a pc should i plug it in when i get it to imac first and if i do can i drag pc files to it after
Answer:	I would do a clean format of it on the imac first, you can choose exFAT (it will work on both PC and mac) or you can choose Mac OS Extended (HFS+) which is more stable than exFAT, but you will need software on your PC to read/write to the drive. If the PC is your main machine I would just choose exFAT.
Question:	How long is the usb cable
Answer:	Measured at 16 inches.
Question:	Should the cable go in smoothly, or does it kind of snap in and need some pull to come out? Just got mine and wondering if that is normal
Answer:	The first one I got the cable did not fit well and Samsung replaced the drive. The second one has been fine
Question:	If i use this drive on my 2012 imac with usb 3.0, will the transfer speeds be less than 540mb/s
Answer:	Your iMac has USB 3.0 which is also known as USB 3.1 Gen 1. That has about half the theoretical maximum transfer rate of USB 3.1 Gen 2, which is the interface used by this drive. On the upside, it is still fully compatible with USB 3.0/3.1 Gen 1 and while the transfer rate you’ll experience will be lower than if you had a computer with Gen 2 USB, it really isn’t that much slower in actual use. If you’re moving from any spinning platter drive to an SSD regardless of the interface you were using with the platter drive, you will see a HUGE performance improvement using this external SSD drive.

Product features

The World in your Pocket

Get your entertainment, coursework, or games anywhere, on any device. Feel the freedom of huge storage and speedy transfers to laptops, smartphones, game consoles and more. The latest T5 easily slides in your pocket or purse, with multiple color options that complement your sense of style.

Fast Transfer Speeds

With Samsung V-NAND flash memory and a USB 3.1 Gen 2 interface, the T5 provides transfer speeds of up to 540 MB/s*, that’s up to 4.9x faster than external HDDs**. Transfers and backups of large-sized data including 4K videos and high-resolution photos will be much quicker and faster.

*Performance may vary depending on host configuration. Must support USB 3.1 Gen 2 and the UASP mode must be enabled.

**Based on internal test results compared to a Samsung external HDD 500GB.

Solid Inside and Out

The T5 has no moving parts and a sturdy metal body, so it can handle drops of up to 2 meters*. The optional password protection with AES 256-bit hardware encryption keeps your personal and private data more secure*.

*The internal free fall shock test was conducted under controlled conditions.

Management Software

Manage your data easily with new intuitive software for PCs and Macs* that makes it simple to set the password and get the latest firmware updates. You can also download the mobile app for Android smartphones and tablets.**

*Software requires Windows 7, Mac OS X 10.9 (Mavericks), Android 4.4 (KitKat), or higher. Older versions of the Windows, Mac and Android operating systems may not be supported.

**Firmware update requires PC or Mac connection. Android app available on Google Play.