Hey podcasters, if you’re looking for extra storage for your audio and video files, you may be in need of an external SSD.
SSDs, or Solid State Drives, are small sized data storage devices. They are portable, compact, solid with storage capacities ranging from 100 GB to anywhere up to 2 TB.
We are going to look at the best external SSDs for storing audio and video around and available this year.
Last update on 2023-11-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Table of Contents
What Is An External SSD?
An external SSD is a small, thin, normally rectangular piece of technology. It enables you to externally store files away from where they are originally made and stored.
SSD storage can range from 100 GB all the way up to 2 TB. 2 TB can hold thousands of audio and video files.
They are secure and straightforward. An SSD is created to be inserted into any computer or mobile device. They have access to and go on to store data.
Best External SSD Reviews
Best External SSD Overall – SanDisk Professional 2TB G-DRIVE SSD
- Ultra-rugged durability with IP67 water/dust resistance, up to 3M1 drop, and 2000lb crush resistance
- Pro-grade transfer speeds up to 1050MB/s Read and 1000MB/s Write (1 MB/s = 1 million bytes per second. Based on internal testing; performance may vary depending upon host device, usage conditions, drive capacity, and other factors.)
- Sustained performance with a cooling aluminum core
Last update on 2023-11-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Key Features And Overview
2 TB
A 2 TB storage capacity means you can store a higher number of audio and video files.
It also means you could store a greater amount of larger files.
2 TB capacity is ideal for big projects and keeping all the data together in one place. This is a big bonus for someone recording and needing to store lots of audio files.
G-Drive
On top of the 2 TB storage, you also get access to G-Drive storage.
This is, as expected, password protected and completely secure. So, all your data is protected, and only you dictate access and retrieval.
Ultra-Rugged
This little SSD boasts ultra-ruggedness. It is made from strong material, and built with travelling in mind.
You can store this little device with peace of mind that it won’t break.
It can be dropped (not advised) from 3 meters and withstand minimal if no damage at all to its integrity. It can also be stood on by the average human or animal and stay intact.
Portable
You can get a specific SSD case, carry it in your purse or wallet, pop it in a laptop bag. Whatever you decide, the small stature of the San-Disk SSD make it fully portable.
1050 MB Read 1000 MB write
These are fast speeds, that guarantee that you won’t be waiting hours and hours for data transfers to take place and complete.
Thankfully, large files can be encrypted and transferred with next to no effort and time.
Aluminum Core
The SSD is made with an aluminum core.
This is a good thing because aluminum provides natural cooling technology, therefore keeping the device protected from extreme temperature and heat exposure.
Compatible with Mac and Windows
If you work across a range of operating systems, this is the SSD for you. It is fully compliant with both Mac and Windows operating systems and can switch fluently between either or.
Pros
- 5 Year Warranty: You’re covered under the warranty’s terms and conditions for up to five years from the date of purchase.
- Water and Dust Resistant: The material is water and dust resistant, making it more durable should accidental water exposure occur, and easier to maintain generally.
Cons
- Laptop Use: Designed with laptop compatibility in mind, it might not perform as fast with a desktop machine.
With all of these great features, it’s easy to see why the San-Disk has been named our best external SSD overall.
Best Compact External SSD – Samsung Portable 1TB
- PORTABLE STORAGE: The light, pocket-sized Portable SSD T7 delivers fast speeds with easy and reliable data storage for transferring large files, including crucial business documents, games, or movies
- TRANSFER IN A FLASH: Transfer massive files within seconds with the incredible speed of USB 3.2 Gen 2; Embedded PCIe NVMe technology delivers blazing fast sequential read/write speeds of up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s*, respectively, making the T7 2x as fast as the previous T5 model**
- BUILT STRONG AND SECURE: Unlike HDDs, the Portable SSD T7 has no moving parts so it's more resistant to shock; Plus, its solid aluminum unibody construction adds further protection, keeping your data safe from falls of up to 6 ft*** and is backed by a 3-year limited warranty****
Last update on 2023-11-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Key Features And Overview
Shock Resistant
With any piece of important technology, it’s a bonus to know it won’t break easily. The Samsung SSD is built and designed with a shock resistant blueprint.
It is made with an aluminum body and casing, which also provides extra protection against extreme temperatures.
It will take a lot of effort and rough handling to actually break this SSD. Samsung claims you could even drop it from heights of six meters up and cause minimal, if any, damage at all.
With something so small and therefore easy to slip through your fingers, or out of your hand by accident, this is a real selling point.
1 TB
1 TB overall storage capacity means you can hold thousands of audio files with no effect on the running speed.
Portable
You would expect a lightness to such a small SSD, and you’d be correct. Samsung have made a portable, lightweight, steady SSD with a huge capacity.
USB 3.2 & USB 2.0
You can connect this SSD up easily with USB 3.2 and USB 2.0 leads. It is worth mentioning that unless using the specific USB cables recommended by the manufacturer, your run speeds and overall function may suffer.
Heat Controlled
Samsung has used advanced technology, ePCM and Dynamic Thermal Guard, to make sure that the SSD is protected from overheating.
Often, devices running at a high capacity, such as these SSDs, can suffer from overheating as they transfer data at high speeds over a prolonged period. This SSD does not suffer owing to the technological advances it is built with.
Compatible
Compatible across a range of operating systems, including MAC, Windows, and Android. So not only can you use it on your PC, and laptop, you can also use mobile devices as well such as phones, tablets, etc.
Pros
- Fast: 1000 MB writing speed and 1050 MB reading speed. Top range, and very fast.
- Password Protected Content: With the option to password protects your device, you get an extra layer of security for your data.
Cons
- Specific Configurations: This SSD is fast, strong, and has a great storage capacity.
However, you have to make sure you’re using all the specific connections and most recent operating system technology in order to facilitate optimum function.
Best Rugged SSD – LaCie Rugged SSD 1 TB
- Sprint through projects with a 1TB portable SSD drive that harnesses Seagate FireCuda NVMe speeds of up to 1050MB/s for 4K footage
- Tackle any terrain with extreme IP67-rated water resistance as well as dust, three-meter drop, and two-ton car crush resistance
- Protect files from unauthorized access with Seagate secure Self-Encrypting technology, work on IPAD, Mac and Windows computers
Last update on 2023-11-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Key Features And Overview
1 TB
1 TB overall storage capacity.
USB-C USB 3.2
You can connect to the SSD with USB-C and USB 3.2.
These are specific USB connection type leads for fast connections. In order to get the most efficiency out of the SSD, it’s vital to use the specific USB as stated by the manufacturer. Anything else will, without a doubt, decrease function noticeably.
1050 MB
This is a consistent speed across all of our demonstrated SSDs. Reading and writing high speeds are important when dealing with high volumes of audio and or video files that you need to turn around, and have quick access to.
Tough Stuff
This SSD is made to be water resistant, dust resistant, and even crash resistant. It can withstand a lot of external pressures without any wear and tear signs.
Pros
- Free Month Trial: A nice little freebie here, one whole month gratis membership to Adobe Creative Cloud.
- Seagate Secure: Extra security programming that provides more safety for your data and files. It offers a boosted encryption and can be password protected.
Cons
- Smaller Platofrm Scope: O
Buyer’s Guide
How Does An External SSD Work?
Here is a step-by-step guide on how SSDs function.
SSDs use flash memory. This is a fast type of data encryption and storage that is quickly retrievable.
The file, whatever it may be whether it’s audio, video, document etc., finds a home on your SSD.
When you need to access the file, you simply insert the SSD into your chosen device and click on your file.
Then, the SSD will transfer the data components of the file to your chosen platform, as RAM.
The file will then be temporarily available on your platform for as long as the SSD is plugged in and working.
Key Things To Look For In An SSD
Compatibility
What you need to look for in terms of compatibility varies between the different types of SSD and the different types of computer. There are three different types of SSD formats, and not all computers will support every type.
Do your research and check compatibility before you buy your SSD in order to avoid a non-functional combination.
Storage Capacity
As we know, SSDs have a range of storage capacity across the different models.
Only you will know your own personal storage needs. If you require an SSD that’s capable of storing large amounts of files, whether they’re audio or video, you will need a bigger storage measurement, such as a TB.
Brand Name
With SSDs, it’s probably better to buy a branded name product, where possible. Brand name products, such as Samsung and San-Disk, are well-known and reliable.
It’s a shame to say, but unfortunately, unbranded SSD cards are often known to not deliver on their promises.
That means you may think you’ve found a really good bargain, but when it comes to actually using the SSD card non-branded, it will more than likely be slow, unreliable, have less storage than it boasts, and break more easily.
What Is The Difference Between SSD And HDD?
SSDs have quickly become the go-to storage device over HDD. Not that HDDs have been left completely in the past, of course. People still use them.
SSDs have proven to be sturdier and more reliable generally than traditional HDDs.
HDDs are a computer based storage drive. They use RAM to store data, such as audio and video files.
The main and fundamental difference between SSD and HDD is that SSD uses flash memory and HDD uses magnetic storage.
SSDs Are Harder To Break
There are no parts that move in the internal mechanism of an SSD. Unlike HDD which has multiple and moving parts aplenty.
Therefore, the SSD is less likely to break, as it is solid. HDD can be easily scratched, chipped, and even smashed.
Chances are, unless you stomp on your SSD or hit it with a big hammer, it won’t come to too much harm with a little travel wear and tear.
SSDs Can Store Larger Amounts Of Data
HDDs can typically store around up to 1 TB at the top, top end. SSDs can hit 2 TB easily.
SSDs Are Smaller, And Easier To Travel With
SSDs can fit in a pocket, a purse, a bag, or a wallet with no problem at all. HDDs are more fragile than this, and you would probably need a case or similar in order to carry the HDD around.
SSDs Have Better Speed And Overall Performance Than HDD
SSDs have proven to function typically around twice the speed of HDDs. This includes the saving of data and of the relaying of said data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do Podcasters Need SSDs?
The simple reason is that, podcasters record a lot of different audio and sometimes video. They require a reliable and fast storage device to store and gain access to all of their different recorded data.
How Much Storage Is Needed For An SSD?
Generally speaking, SSDs need to be upwards of 500 GB. There is little to no point going under that, and truth be told, you will be hard pressed to find a reliable SSD that delivers a lower storage capacity than 500 GB.
